The locals on Boulevard de Grenelle could not remember anything like it, and for the football fans among them Thursday 11 January 2007 will live long in the memory. The French Football Federation have just set up shop at No87 and, to celebrate the grand opening, stars and dignitaries of the European game descended on the new headquarters in Paris's 15th arrondissement. After 40 years at their old home on Avenue d'Iena, the FFF decided it was time to move on.

The evening kicked off at 6.30pm with a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony led by France's Minister for Youth, Sports and Associations, Jean-Francois Lamour, and after the former Olympic fencing champion did the honours it was time to take a look inside. Built in the 1940s, the FFF's new centre of operations is a delight for art deco enthusiasts, and at the head of the cortege were the local federation's own president Jean-Pierre Escalettes,  FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter  and UEFA president Lennart Johansson, along with FFF Vice-President Michel Platini.

Inside the brand new auditorium, the procession was greeted by members of the FFF's Federal Council, presidents of the local leagues and districts, and above all by representatives from 42 of UEFA's 51 other member states. Only Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Israel, Austria, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Russia and Belarus were unable to take part in the festivities - a sign of France's standing in the continental game that was not lost on Escalettes. "It gives the whole of France pride to see you all here," he explained at the start of his speech. "It is the best present you could give us and we are very moved by it. I would also like to extend thanks to the presidents of FIFA and UEFA for making the journey here in person."

Seizing the occasion, President Escalettes then reminded everyone of the work still to be completed in the sport around the world, and in France in particular. He continued: "The major challenges that lie ahead concern the development of the social and cultural aspects of football, overcoming violence and promoting respect for others, especially referees."

As Johansson underlined a little later, it was turning out to be, "a day to remember for one of the pioneer nations of European football." French officials were not the only ones to be touched by the importance of the occasion, though, as President Blatter made abundantly clear in his own statement. "I feel privileged this evening," he said. "I would like to address my sincerest compliments and gratitude to France for what it has done for football. Thank you in particular for having been our birthplace by hosting the inauguration of FIFA in 1904, and for gifting us with the presidencies of  Robert Guerin  (1904-1906) and, of course,  Jules Rimet  (1921-1954), the creator of the FIFA World Cup. Today it stands as the number one event in world sport."
 
Unsurprisingly, the current state of the game dominated everyone's messages after congratulations had been handed out, and Blatter took time to remind everyone that, "football's strength comes from its basic elements: education, discipline and respect. We must never forget the power our sport has in society." Likewise, Jean-Francois Lamour spoke of how football has become, "a major social force," in recent years. 

"It's time for us to make our wishes," concluded the Minister. "Mine is that this location can contribute to increasing the development of a discipline whose greatness shines and colours the whole universe of French sport. May the future bring further memorable victories and even more moments of joy for all those who are engaged in competition."

With that, the assembled crowd split up into small groups to explore the FFF's state-of-the-art offices and facilities. Almost all the representatives from around Europe then parted with smiles, clearly impressed by a building that perfectly matches President Escalettes's vision of what a federation should be: "modern, dynamic and professional."