Blatter celebrates birthday in Egypt

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THE ARRIVAL of FIFA President Joseph Blatter in Egypt on Sunday was a bash of an affair. Accompanied by Asian Football Confederation President Mohamed bin Hammam, the two gentlemen were greeted at the airport by hordes of fans, and a procession not unlike that of Egyptian matrimony, complete with folkloric singers, dancers, and a charged atmosphere of emotion and excitement.

Invited by Minister of Youth Alieddin Hilal, the visit included a meeting with President Hosni Mubarak, and a reception attended by Egypt's minister of tourism, Mamdouh El-Beltagui, and Minister of Health Awad Tageddin.

At the reception -- which Egypt used as an opportunity to celebrate Blatter's birthday -- the ministers spoke of Egypt's commitment to the bid, and the wish and dream of 70 million people to host the World Cup.

The FIFA president had insisted that media representatives not be present at the reception.

"I have nothing to say about the bid and make no comment," he shared. "Because even if I do, it's of no use. The decision is taken by the 24-man FIFA committee -- they are the ones who decide. And what's important to remember," he emphasised, "is that it's not a matter of one country winning, but of the African continent. It is Africa that has won."