F.I.F.A. Conference 2009

With an $85 million budget the Bahamas is the smallest nation to host F.I.F.A (Federation of International Football Association). Mr. Anton D.J. Sealy is the first Bahamian to be appointed to a FIFA committee. FIFA has 208 member associations, 16 more than the United Nations and three more than the International Olympic Committee. These two hundred and eight (208) member countries will be represented by three delegates from each country here in Nassau. The 624 delegates will be staying at The Cove in Atlantis, and will be protected by the Defense Force Officers who will be working 24-hour shifts. Some of the entertainment will be provided by the Royal Bahamas Police Force and a local Junkanoo band. Shakira will be performing at the opening ceremony and local Bahamian children will bear the flags of each delegate country. One of the main topics of discussion will be the 6 + 5 rule, which basically states that a club team must start a match with at least six nationals of the country in which the club is domiciled. This event will certainly shine the spotlight on The Bahamas and furnish opportunities in the midst of the current economic downturn.