May 28, 2015 – Former President of Federation of International Football (FIFA), Mr. Joao Havelange, has congratulated former Abia State Director of Sports, Mr. Ejikeme Ikwunze popularly called Mr. Football for publishing a book “World Cup, (1930-2010) A Statistical Summary”.
In a congratulatory letter sent to Mr Football, Havelange, who held sway as the FIFA helmsman between 1974 and 1998, described the book as incisive ad interesting pointing out that the author did a good job.
The 99-year-old Brazilian Football administrator commended the former Abia State Director of Sports for having the courage to embark on the project despite obvious difficulties and for chronicling his own contributions towards the growth of world football in the book insisting that those kind words will remain with him forever.
“I thank you for your beautiful words when I was at the Presidency of FIFA and be sure that I will keep them forever. From the bottom of my heart, thank you very much”, the immediate past FIFA President told Mr. Football who is now the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sports.
In his reaction, the Umuawa-Alaocha-born Ejikeme Ikwunze said he was surprised at Joao Havelange’s response to his book, pointing out that it would motivate him to more action.
