PM Meles receives top football award

(20/02/2007)

Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has been given the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) Gold Order of Merit award. The Prime Minister was given the organisation’s highest award in Addis Ababa on Monday by CAF President Issa Hayatou, in recognition of his services to African football.

In his acceptance speech, Prime Minister Meles thanked CAF President Hayatou for the award and the great progress made in African football.

“Football is playing a great role here and in the continent.  I will do everything at my disposal to support and encourage the game in Ethiopia,” he said, although he regretted that his country was not making better progress in the game.

The ceremony was part of CAF’s 50th anniversary celebrations during which awards were given to the head of states of the founding countries of CAF, Egypt, Ethiopia, South Africa and Sudan.

Hayatou also paid tribute to his predecessor, the late President of CAF, Ethiopia’s Yidnekatchew Tessema, before lauding the African Union for its role in initiating the “International Year of African Football”.

Founded in 1957, CAF currently has 53 member countries, and organises various competitions including the African Nations Cup, the African Champions League and Confederation Cup. 

ENDS