Football has the power to transform: Jack Warner

FIFA VP Jack Warner with Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos

“I promise you Jack Warner that Colombia will host the best U-20 World Cup of all time.”

That was the public promise made by Colombia President Juan Manuel Santos to FIFA Vice President Jack Warner Wednesday night at the Official Draw Ceremony of the FIFA U-20 Men’s World Cup in Cartagena, Colombia.

Warner, who is the chairman of FIFA’s Youth Committee, was highly praised during Wednesday’s ceremony for his belief in the power of football and the power of second chances.

During his address President Santos thanked the Warner and the rest of the FIFA Executive for their ability to see fact and not be swayed by perception.

“Mr. Vice President, I want to thank you and FIFA for giving us, for giving Colombia the opportunity to show the world how much we have changed," Santos said.

"I know that the image of our country throughout the world has been a negative one, but things are progressing. Over the last 7 years our government has been able to dramatically reduce the crime rate in this country. We have been able to reduce kidnapping and we are winning the war against the drug cartels,” he added.

The President said Columbia is still battling to deal with the world’s negative perceptions, noting that although this perception is no longer based on statistics, the country has to find a way to show the world that it has changed.

Santos said the World Cup is a golden opportunity to showcase the country to the world. The president concluded by stating emphatically that Colombia has the strength and desire to host the best World Cup ever.

In his address, Warner described his experiences in the Latin American nation as enlightening. He was exuberant in his remarks, saying that he has learned much about the country over the past two years.

“There is so much beauty and life in this country; I feel safe; I feel the passion of your people; I feel the change that you have achieved.

"Football is a universal sport and through it we must foster social change and improvement. Ten years ago you gave up your right to host the World Cup. Now you have a chance to show the world the new Colombia”, Warner said.

He added, “Your government has achieved the unimaginable and has given the people hope. It is through this attitude and through the collaborative efforts of your government and the Football Federation that I know that Colombia will succeed. As Chairman of the FIFA Youth Committee I will say it here tonight …The doors of Colombia are open and the world is invited.”

The FIFA U-20 Men’s World Cup is the second largest tournament hosted by the world’s governing body of football. The competition is held every two years. Colombia was granted the rights for the World Cup in 2008.