FIFA president visits Algeria

Algiers, May 1 (IANS) FIFA president Joseph Sepp Blatter has arrived in Algeria for a two-day visit at the invitation of Algerian Football Federation (FAF) chief Mohamed Raouraoua.

Blatter, accompanied by president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Cameroonian Issa Hayatou, was received on his arrival at the Algiers International Airport Houari Boumediene by Minister of Youth and Sport Hachemi Djiar.

"This is my second visit to Algiers as president of FIFA, but I have already made several trips in the past in this beautiful country. Going back is very important to me when I have the opportunity to attend the final (Cup of Algeria) and to inaugurate the new headquarters of the FAF," Blatter was quoted as saying by Xinhua.

Blatter was also received by President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, and held talks at the residence of Djenane El Mithak, in upper Algiers, in the presence of Djar.

He is due to conduct a visit to the Sport Technical Centre and then will inaugurate new headquarters of FAF in the city.

Blatter should attend the Cup final scheduled for Tuesday between CR Belouizdad and ES Setif. It is the second time that Blatter visits the North African nation, after 2002 when he was campaigning for the post of FIFA president.