Top > What's up around the Prime Minister > December, 2005

President of the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Pays a Courtesy Call on Prime Minister Thursday, December 15, 2005 JAPANESE Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi received a courtesy call from Mr. Joseph S. Blatter, the President of the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Mr. Saburo Kawabuchi, the Captain of the Japan Football Association, and others at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. At the beginning of the meeting, Prime Minister Koizumi was presented with the FIFA President's medal by President Blatter. Taking the shining, golden medal in hand after exclaiming, "This is a real gold medal?" Prime Minister Koizumi expressed his gratitude to President Blatter. Prime Minister Koizumi was then handed the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany match ball, which he and President Blatter held in hand while taking a commemorative photograph after the two had signed the ball. During the meeting, Prime Minister Koizumi stated his wish for Japan to win the 2006 World Cup, but also noted the challenging situation faced by Japan due to its having been placed in the same league as Brazil, who won the last World Cup tournament. President Blatter expressed his appreciation for Prime Minister Koizumi inviting him and the delegation to the Prime Minister's Official Residence despite Prime Minister Koizumi's busy schedule.