Newly-elected Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (FABD) President Haji Feisal bin Haji Eusoff Patail recently met with International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) President Gianni Infantino at the FIFA Club World Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The FIFA President was scheduled to roll out his ‘Football Unites the World’ four-year strategy detail during the FIFA Football Summit 2023, attended by representatives of FIFA’s 211-member associations on December 21 in Jeddah.
Haji Feisal engaged in a discussion with the FIFA President on the state of Brunei football, including proposed strategies to move forward. This will then be discussed among FABD’s Executive Commitee (Exco) members and will then be cascaded down to the Brunei football community.
He said, “I will always keep everyone informed. We shall have no secrets. It was an incredible opportunity to discuss our goals and strategies to advance the sport within our nation.”
He also said the opportunity to capture the moment with the FIFA president and Saudi Arabian Football Federation President Yasser Al Misehal was remarkable.
“I was especially inspired by the article in INSIDE FIFA: ‘Saudi Arabia stages first-ever nationwide women’s (football) league’,” he said adding that FABD has much to learn from Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Infantino congratulated Haji Feisal on his recent appointment and the election of female members to the FABD Exco for the first time, which is a significant step aligning with FIFA vision to having more female representation in leadership roles.
Infantino also acknowledged Haji Feisal’s energy and vision to improve Brunei football and assured FIFA will support the country to realise their dream.
The Brunei football President also welcome Yasser’s invitation to return to Saudi Arabia for further discussions on resolving the challenges faced by women’s football today.
“The focus is on finding solutions rather than perpetuating old issues which aligns perfectly with our women’s football aspirations. We should perhaps move forward with the times.
“My team and I will conduct comprehensive research and assessments alongside government agencies to find a solution that works for both parties. I am grateful for their suggestions and deeply appreciate FIFA’s steadfast support of our football association. This solidarity has been instrumental in all our efforts to date,” he said.
Haji Feisal added he is eager to work with Exco team members and other stakeholders, especially the government to drive Brunei football forward.
“I trust that this way – friendly discussions to seek acceptable and workable solutions – is the way forward for Brunei Football. Together, we aim to be contributors to positive changes, ensuring that we are part of the solution and not part of the problem. I look forward to that meeting with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, in the near future”, Haji Feisal said.
“I will always keep everyone posted on the latest developments in Brunei football. Whether it is international, local football, futsal and beach football from grassroots to youth to clubs or the national team, you are all important to me. I would like to reiterate that my team and I will dedicate our days ahead to leading Brunei football forward.”
The FABD president was on an umrah trip in the holy city of Madinah when he was contacted by FIFA Director to attend the summit in Jeddah.
After the summit, Haji Feisal continued to perform the religious duty. – James Kon
