The Fifa President Sepp Blatter will travel to New Zealand this month for the Fifa under 17 women's football World Cup.
Head of football's governing body FIFA for the past 10 years, Blatter was judged this month by BusinessWeek Magazine as globally the most influential person in sports, beating the likes of David Beckham and Roger Federer.
His presence at the tournament, to be held in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch from October 28 to November 16, is a huge coup according to President of the Local Organising Committee and Chairman of New Zealand Football Frank van Hattum.
Blatter's career with FIFA has spanned 33 years beginning in 1975 as Technical Director and progressing on to General Secretary in 1981 and CEO from 1990.
FIFA is the most recognised sporting organisation in the world. It currently has 208 member associations which is 30 more than the United Nations and 3 more than the International Olympic Committee - of which Blatter is also a member.
