ACTUALITE |
20.05.2004
Milla appeals to Fifa
Cameroon`s Roger Milla has caused a stir at Fifa`s centennial celebration by asking for the Indomitable Lions` World Cup sanction to be lifted.
Cameroon have had six points deducted from their 2006 World Cup and African Cup of Nations qualifying campaign for wearing their controversial one-piece kit in Tunisia.
Milla was speaking as he collected a special Fifa merit award on behalf of African football.
"I hope the sanction will be lifted," said Milla.
Fifa president Sepp Blatter refused to condemn Milla`s comments.
"Mr Milla had a diplomatic message to convey," Blatter replied obliquely.
According to Fifa`s press release, Africa received the award for the continent`s contribution to the world game.
"Although no African nation has yet won the Fifa World Cup, African football has achieved so much," the release said.
"Players from this continent have played themselves into the hearts of football fans around the world for many decades.
"African football reflects the African mentality - enthusiastic, excitable, atmospheric, cordial, likeable and modest.
"Millions of African footballers play outside of their homeland and thrill their clubs and fans with their ability and their character.
"Countless clubs, including numerous big names, have benefited from the totalling class of Africa.
"Football is by far the most popular sport on the continent.
"It is for these reasons and many others that the Fifa executive committee resolved not only to rotate the World Cup around the continents, but that the honour should fall to Africa to host the 2010 event."
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Hits: 1 | Source:BBC | |
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