YEREVAN, AUGUST 3, NOYAN TAPAN. Being a member of the FIFA and UEFA Executive Committee, occupying a number of repsonsible posts in programs of those structures, Michel Platini has a great contribution in the world, including in Armenia, in the affair of development of football. RA Prime Minister Andranik Margarian stated about it on July 3, receiving Michel Platini, the Deputy President of the Football Federation of France, a member of the FIFA and UEFA Executive Committee. He mentioned that Michel Platini greatly contributed to implementation of all usefull initiatives for the Armenian football. As Noyan Tapan was informed by the RA Government's Information and Public Relations Department, the RA Prime Minister attached importance to the delegation's visit especially in this period of time when Armenia is with great lustre preparing for the Days of Armenia in France. Touching upon implementation of programs on development of football and investments, A.Margarian especially mentioned the FIFA "Goal" program, UEFA "Hat Trick," also the "Small Fields" programs, implementation of which is being carried out by the Football Federation of Armenia at a great speed and has arosen considerable enthusiasm and interest in all marzes and communities of Armenia. Those, according to A.Margarian, are important as much as they are the first voluminous works after worsening of the state of sporting infrastructures during the last years: more than 15 similar fields have already been opened, and thier number will reach 40. The RA Prime Minister considered welcoming making of such decisions by the FIFA and UEFA which help the progress of football just in developing countries as football states has no such problems any longer. M.Platini mentioned that being in Armenia for the first time, he is too impressed by the Armenians' attitude towards football. "Yesterday we saw when opening the small fields how much energy and love exist in children towards football, and with what diligence they go in for that sport. It is promising," M.Platini said, mentioning in his speech a number of football players of the Armenian origin as well, having had their contribution in development of the French football. At the end of the meeting, at which Jean-Louis Valentin, the Deputy Director General of the Football Federation of France, and FFA President Ruben Hayrapetian participated as well, a readiness was bilaterally expressed, within borders of possibility, to assist development of the Armenian football from now on as well.

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