Northern Ireland v San Marino Official Match Programme

A MESSAGE FROM THE FIFA PRESIDENT GIANNI INFANTINO

Getty Images/FIFA

Dear Friends, It is no easy task to combine tradition and innovation; to preserve history and identity while adapting to changing times. This redevelopment of the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park is an inspiring example of how to marry the two. 8LMW TPEGI I\YHIW JSSXFEPP LMWXSV] 7MRGI XLI ƤVWX QEXGL [EW TPE]IH EX XLMW KVSYRH MR Windsor Park has become the quintessential football venue in Northern Ireland. It was here that the national team celebrated qualifying for memorable international XSYVREQIRXW ũ XLI *-*% ;SVPH 'YTW MR ERH ERH )963 [LIVI XLI] TIVJSVQIH WS [IPP SJ GSYVWI XLI UYEPMƤGEXMSR JSV XLI ;SVPH 'YT [EW GIPIFVEXIH EX Wembley). With this project the Irish Football Association is both safeguarding its historical legacy ERH VIWLETMRK MXW JSSXFEPP LSQI MR E [E] XLEX ƤXW XLI GSYRXV]ŭW RIIHW Windsor Park has been transformed into a compact, world class stadium that also LSYWIW XLI SJƤGIW SJ XLI EWWSGMEXMSR 0MRƤIPH *' ERH XLI 2SVXLIVR -VIPERH *SSXFEPP League. It is a smart and sustainable solution, and I am honoured to be here in Belfast to see this project come to life. -X MW ZIV] EYWTMGMSYW XLEX XLMW VISTIRMRK GSMRGMHIW [MXL 2SVXLIVR -VIPERHŭW ƤVWX WXITW towards realising its dream of appearing at a FIFA World Cup once more. The path to Russia 2018 is long and arduous but the whole country should be proud to embark on this journey in such a beautiful new home. Congratulations Northern Ireland. May the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park be the stage for unforgettable matches and moments for many years to come.

Enjoy the game! Gianni Infantino *-*% 4VIWMHIRX

4

www.irishfa.com