Monday, March 17 2008

FIFA Vice President Jack Warner has issued a letter of commendation to Lord Triesman, the newly elected Chairman of the English FA.

Lord Triesman was elevated last week and Warner was informed of the latest development via a letter from Brian Barwick, Chief Executive Officer of the FA.

In response, Warner stated: “On behalf of the Executive and Members of CONCACAF, and on my own behalf, I hereby offer my congratulations to Lord Triesman on his appointment as Chairman of the Football Association.

“His extensive experience and passion for the game of football will no doubt be of tremendous asset to The FA. The FA and CONCACAF have always enjoyed an excellent and mutually rewarding relationship over the years and I am confident that this relationship will continue and also flourish under the chairmanship of Lord Triesman.

“Please extend our congratulations to Lord Triesman, even as I look forward to conveying these sentiments in person in the very near future.”

Prior to joining The FA, Lord Triesman was a British Government minister. During this period, he served within the Foreign and Commonwealth Office as the Minister responsible for UK relationships with Africa, the Americas, the Commonwealth and the Caribbean.

Barwick added that in departing from The FA at the end of his second term as chairman, Geoff Thompson becomes a Senior Vice President of The Football Association. He will continue to represent English football in his capacity as FIFA and UEFA Vice President.

Warner was also present at the FIFA Executive Committee meeting in Zurich on Friday in which several decisions were taken.

The FIFA Executive Committee, chaired by President Sepp Blatter, upheld the decision taken in Tokyo, Japan in December 2007 regarding football at high altitude.

They also applauded the improvement in relations with the major clubs following meetings earlier this year and welcomed FIFA’s positive financial results for 2007.