Havelange and Blatter: for almost a quarter of a century, the Brazilian and the Swiss have been united in the service of football. Together, they have made football a global sport, financed pitches and tournaments all over the world and made FIFA a multi-
The most powerful duo in sport has rubbed shoulders with the most important figures from the world of politics: every country on the globe wants to host FIFA events, especially the highly prestigious FIFA World Cup. Here, Blatter and Havelange are welcome
Listening and understanding. Blatter, during his time as FIFA General Secretary (1981-1998), was involved in the organisation of five consecutive FIFA World Cups. His first World Cup in his current capacity of President was Korea/Japan 2002™.
Explaining, convincing. In his 30 years at FIFA, Blatter has used his oratory and debating skills to develop the game at global level.
Facing the press, who are as hungry as ever for comments. The President of FIFA (since 1998) always submits to this ritual without complaint. One of his recurring themes is the social role of football, of which "the remit is not restricted to the field of
The President in the company of Kofi Annan, the United Nations General Secretary, and Pele, in 1999, at UN headquarters in New York. The two bodies had just agreed on a "programme of cooperation for the promotion of common objectives and values." One of P
Another eminent figure paid a visit to FIFA and its President in October 2003. Nelson Mandela, Nobel Peace Prize winner, former South African President and unconditional supporter of the organisation of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in his country.
With Michel Platini, who has supported him from the early days. Here they are attending the launch of a Goal project in Azerbaidjan. A cornerstone of President Blatter's programme in 1998, the Goal Programme saw the light of day in 1999. Its aim is to sup
The FIFA President played the game himself in an amateur Swiss league. He was "a pacy and effective striker," apparently. He retains from those days a love of good honest football and a natural affinity with the players, "who we must respect and protect m
Close to all the players and, of course, to the biggest stars, in this case Ronaldo (l.), Zinedine Zidane (2nd l.) and Thierry Henry (r.) at the FIFA World Player Gala 2003.
At the FIFA Women's World Cup USA 1999. "The future of football is female," reiterates the man who launched women's football's showcase event in China in 1991 and has persuaded the IOC to agree to include a 12-team women's tournament at the 2008 Olympics
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