Mr. Gianni Infantino, the President of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) paid a visit to JFA House and the JAPAN FOOTBALL MUSEUM with the FIFA Deputy Secretary General, Mr. Zvonimir Boban on Friday 16 December.

President Infantino, who came to Japan for the FIFA Club World Cup 2016, visited JFA House for the first time after several previous trips to Japan. He encouraged the JFA staff as he arrived at the venue: ‘I’m touched to be here, at the heart of Japanese football. Japanese football stands in one of the most important positions not only in Asia but also in the world. So, let’s work hard with pride, and enjoy your work.’ JFA President TASHIMA Kohzo gave him a jersey of Japan National Team as a gift, while shaking hands together in a friendly atmosphere.

They have also visited the JAPAN FOOTBALL MUSEUM, and President Infantino commented: ‘It was very good. I felt the passion of JFA for football from the great number of items displayed at the museum. I had the chance to know how JFA values their football history.’

Comment of Mr. Zvonimir Boban, FIFA Deputy Secretary General

I paid a visit to the JAPAN FOOTBALL MUSEUM and found out that they are not running it just for profit, but for expressing their passion for football and respect for players. I also work for FIFA with pride, trying to find the real value of football. I’d like to express my appreciation to the Japanese people.