Japan's ambassador in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hideo Yamazaki and Japan national team's ex-captain Tsuneyasu Miyamoto met today with FFBIH representatives Jasmin Bakovic, Ivica Osim and Denijal Piric.

The meeting was held in hotel Evropa in Sarajevo, where two parties talked about project regarding restoration of the sports center in Mostar, which is funded by Japan's government and supported by FFBIH itself.

The goal of this project is to renovate sports center Kantarevac in Mostar, which will serve as a football academy's headquarters, an institution for promoting football, education and tolerance among the young people.

FFBIH representatives thanked the Japan's government, embassy and people for going forward with this project in Bosnia and Herzegovina. General secretary Jasmin Bakovic: "FFBIH is ready to support these kind of projects and we're glad to be recognized as partners. We give our full support to this project, and we're ready to do everything necessary to make it happen."

Ambassador Hideo Yamazaki pointed out that Japan's government funded many projects in Bosnia in the past, and: "The time has come for us to invest in sports because it connects young people. Our government allocated 226.505 € for this project. We'll need help in managing new football academy, we have many ideas and hope for a good cooperation in the future.

Japan national team's ex-captain Tsuneyasu Miyamoto shared some of his ideas for work and academy promotions: "I'm glad I was given chance to meet mr. Osim who supports the project. We are going to need FFBIH's help, but we are looking forward to cooperation and promotion."

Ivica Osim shared his impressions on this cooperation: "We could exchange players, coaches and experiences. Miyamoto is well known football players, he may find it interesting to stay here for a while and work with our people, and vice versa, our coaches could teach Japanese players."

Director Piric added at the end of this meeting: "We are very mindful of our children, they are the future of this country. Technical department will take part in all activities aimed at connecting young people in Bosnia and Japan."

After the meeting, the embassy representatives departed for Mostar in order to sign the agreement between embassy of Japan and the city of Mostar. The ceremony is scheduled for 11:00 hours in city hall in Mostar.