Saturday 03 May 2008, 17:54

Steffi Jones meets Chilean President

During a reception at La Moneda palace in Santiago, Chile, on Friday, FIFA Women's World Cup 2011 Organising Committee President Steffi Jones had the honour of meeting Chilean President Michelle Bachelet. The former player and the president discussed the development of the women's game in general, and specifically the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Chile this November.

"I feel honoured at receiving an invitation from the Chilean president. She was extremely interested in the World Cup 2011 in Germany. I'm very impressed with the commitment to women's football throughout Chile. It would be a pleasure to welcome President Bachelet and the Chile women's team to Germany in 2011," commented Jones, presenting the state president with a Germany replica shirt featuring the name "Bachelet" and the number "2011".

The OC President's itinerary for her stay in Chile until 5 May takes in Santiago and Temuco, venues for a range of events in the build-up to the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup from 19 November until 7 December 2008. Jones will join representatives of the Chilean FA and the Chilean government to open a national U-15 tournament.

Jones will also participate in a workshop with Chile women's national team coach Marta Tejedor and former Italy international Carolina Morace. Earlier in her stay, Jones presented Chilean footballing legend Elias Figueroa with a replica jersey on behalf of Franz Beckenbauer, and conducted a training session for disadvantaged girls in the Host City of Temuco.