UEFA President thanks Armenia and Turkey
Monday, September 8, 2008
Article summary
The FIFA World Cup qualifier between Armenia and Turkey in Yerevan sent out a great message of hope, with football bringing people closer together in a match played in a spirit praised by UEFA President Michel Platini.
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Historical context
What made this fixture somewhat exceptional, however, was the historical context of the game. One has to imagine two countries with a common border, who ignore each other and who have not had any relations for 90 years – certainly a unique case in world terms.
Exemplary spirit
UEFA President Michel Platini underlined the importance of the occasion, saying: "Football is our world. Consequently, it is not our intention to analyse the reasons for this state of affairs. However, it must be emphasised today that football has, once again, brought people closer together. A president of Turkey has visited Armenia for the first time. The Turkish national anthem was played and respected in Yerevan. There was great emotion on both sides, and my representatives in Yerevan tell me that the match was played in an exemplary spirit.
Extraordinary example
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the two associations and the players. They have provided an extraordinary example of the power of sport's spirit, and have sent out a considerable message of hope in a region which has a great need of such messages."
