Arthur Mikvabiya: one of the most important rules of the Championship - sport is out of politics!

Prime Minister of Abkhazia Artur Mikvabiya and President of ConIFA Per Anders Blind responded to journalists' questions at the press center of World Football Cup ConIFA 2016.

 Sukhum. June 5. Apsnypress. Irena Dzhopua. Opening the meeting, the head of the Government of Abkhazia Artur Mikvabiya noted that passing Championship is a great event for Abkhazia and, first of all, because the country loves and appreciates football, the country has a long football tradition.
 
 "Championship provides an opportunity for people all over the world to know our country better. One of the most important rules of the Championship - sport is out of politics! I want to thank ConIFA guide that offered to host the tournament in Abkhazia ", - said Mikvabiya. According to him, the championship takes place in sporting, friendly atmosphere, "players were punished with red cards and removal from the field for the entire tournament only four times. Games were held in an uncompromising struggle. However, most of the teams showed respect for each other and for the sport".

Prime Minister stressed the importance of the event to enhance the international status of the Republic: "The people who came to Abkhazia, saw that we want peace and seek peace", - said Mikvabiya.
 
 Prime Minister of Abkhazia informed about the financial component of the tournament, "the championship was financed from three sources. The state funds, the sponsor companies, and raised from ticket sales and advertising. The final results have not yet summed. But, according to preliminary data, the championship cost us more than 25 million rubles. This amount includes accommodation of the participants, the provision of information. There were imported special equipment so matches could be broadcast to the whole world. As for the repair of infrastructure, roads, these activities have already been planned. But, of course, the Championship has served an additional impetus to the reconstruction of stadiums, both in Sukhum and Gagra ", - said prime minister.
 
 For his part, the FIFA agent Sergey Azizov said that the issue of the entry of Abkhazia into FIFA "is not far off", and asked if the Abkhazian government willing to further develop the sports infrastructure of the country. "The FIFA has its own standards, which must comply with the stadiums and infrastructure of participating countries. Do you have some sort of plan of the budget for the construction of all necessary in Abkhazia? ", - asked Azizov.
 
 Thus Arthur Mikvabiya noted that the cost of the development of social infrastructure, including 40% of the national budget - sports facilities. "Of course, we understand that there are strict FIFA standards and requirements. I think that we will cope with the task, and people will understand and support us", - said Mikvabiya.
 
 In addition, when asked by journalists whether ConIFA President believes that one day this will surpass the FIFA Confederation, Blind said: "It is not so important to be larger than the number of members of the organization. Much more significant, to be better. The main thing is that all our members have an opportunity to develop". As an example of opportunities that get members of ConIFA, he brought the idea of ​​making Abkhazia the mistress of the tournament. "I see here a great number of foreign journalists who came from around the world. Many people ask me what this tournament means for Abkhazia? Yesterday I watched the semi-final, in which played the Abkhaz team, and saw a great number of children ran out on the field after the victory of the national team. I was amazed when I saw so many happy and proud children's faces. They felt that their team has the opportunity to become world champions. If people have faith, then borders just erase", - said Blind.
 
 Talking about future sport plans of the republic, Prime Minister Artur Mikvabiya also noted that after the end of the competition, it is planned to send a request to FIFA to join the association. "Football Federation of Abkhazia raised the question whether they would be supported by the government in joining the FIFA? We replied that we would support. And after the championship will appeal to FIFA, so that they are considering taking our republic. Moreover, there are already precedents when countries not UN members entered FIFA. Kosovo and Gibraltar. Championship showed that we are ready to receive any team, at any level", - said Mikvabiya.
 
Prime Minister also commented on the promotion of the national team of Abkhazia, which has successfully proved itself in the Championship. According to him, this topic has been discussed by the Government and, of course, the team and coaches will receive a reward. However, he stressed that the initiative came from the government, neither coaches nor the players themselves have not put this question, pointing out that to adequately represent Abkhazia at the international level is a great pride for them!