Talks held on "6+5" with European Parliament President and Belgian Prime Minister

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, accompanied by UEFA President Michel Platini, met the President of the European Parliament, Hans-Gert Pöttering, in Brussels on Thursday to discuss the objectives of "6+5".

At this working meeting, all parties agreed that factual discussions on the subject of "6+5" would be continued at a later date.

The meeting at the European Parliament was held only days after the FIFA Congress adopted a resolution which, among others, requested the Presidents of FIFA and UEFA to explore all possible means within the limits of European law to ensure that the "6+5" objectives can be carried out accordingly and as laid down by the FIFA Congress.

"6+5" is a football objective stating that each club must field at least six players eligible to play for the national team of the country of the club. FIFA firmly believes that "6+5" will, among others, help maintain the harmony and balance between national team football and club football, as well as safeguard the education and training of young players. FIFA is also of the opinion that "6+5" will help maintain the competitiveness of club competitions.

In a second meeting in Brussels on Thursday, the FIFA and UEFA Presidents met Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme as well as the President of the Belgian football association, Francois De Keersmaecker, who were both supportive of the "6+5" objectives. In addition, the Belgian delegation underlined their country's interest in presenting a joint bid with the Netherlands to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup.