Nation’s glory

Manama : Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, who put up a tough competition in the FIFA presidential election, has honoured Bahrain and the entire Arab world, said Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

Bahraini candidate Shaikh Salman came second in the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) presidential election in Zurich, which was won by 45-year-old Gianni Infantino from Switzerland.

HRH Premier stressed that despite not winning the elections, Shaikh Salman had proven to the entire world the capability of the Kingdom of Bahrain to lead the world towards further development, especially in sports fields.

Meanwhile, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and President of Bahrain Olympic Committee said that Shaikh Salman had done exceptional efforts in promoting Bahrain in international sports arenas, especially in the FIFA presidency elections. 

HH Shaikh Nasser said: “We really wished for Shaikh Salman to win the FIFA presidency elections race as we believe that the candidacy programme he presented was the best. It was based on the highest standards of credibility and integrity set by the international organisation.” 

“The points that his programme included focused on developing international football, achieving its aspirations and reinstating confidence in it.  

“He promoted the Kingdom in international media and before the entire world. He drew international attention towards the various achievements of the Kingdom in all fields, mainly sports,” he explained.

Earlier in Zurich addressing the extraordinary meeting of FIFA Congress, Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa underlined his comprehensive vision to bring about the needed quality change to the FIFA by restoring prestige to the federation and implementing a comprehensive development scheme.

He stressed the need for a rethink and not a revolution to solve FIFA problems without undermining its major achievements.