Blatter believes Turkey will make a good host

ANKARA

FIFA President Sepp Blatter (L) visits Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara. AA photo

FIFA President Sepp Blatter said he is confident that Turkey will put on a good organization as the host of next month’s FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey.

The head of the world football’s governing body met Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on May 7, six weeks before the start of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Turkey 2013.

“This is FIFA’s first competition in Turkey and we have very high expectations, but we are confident it will be a great event,” Blatter said. “I encouraged the Prime Minister that Turkey uses the FIFA U-20 World Cup as an international showcase for Istanbul’s bid for the 2020 Olympic Games.”

The meeting in Ankara saw the pair primarily focus on FIFA’s major youth competition, but other topics such as Istanbul’s bid for the 2020 Olympic Games and football development in the country were also discussed, a statement on the FIFA website said.

“[The Prime Minister] highlighted that Turkey is very happy to welcome 23 teams from all over the world,” he said. “Their aim is to be an excellent host which is great to hear. We trust Turkey will do everything which needs to be done to fill the stadiums. He is aware and will support the TFF and the International Olympic Committee. This is very important for FIFA as only full stadiums give the tournament the atmosphere it deserves.”