Mr. Blatter made special mention of the fact that he was particularly impressed by Mr. Orbán’s statement that ‘fair play is a strength, not a weakness’.

The FIFA president also wished the Prime Minister success, particularly in his efforts to develop the game in Hungary. He added that the Hungarian national team is now higher in the world rankings than it has been in decades, and therefore its future looks bright. He expressed his hope that the national side will once again compete at the highest level.

In his speech at the Budapest Congress Centre, the Prime Minister said that there is a strong link between sport and politics, and that they can do much to help each other – but in certain circumstances politics can harm sport. Referring to the possibility of a boycott by some countries of the European Championship being jointly organised by Poland and Ukraine this summer, he said that the spirit of football must not be harmed.

‘Sport is made to unify people, not to divide them. Football teaches us everything [...] We are trying to build a country where fair play is a strength, not a weakness in Hungary, like in football,’ said Mr. Orbán.

Budapest played host to the FIFA Congress on 24-25 May. This was the third time it had performed this role, having done so in 1909 and 1930.

Source: kormany.hu