Wednesday, May 7, 2008

DPM a mover and shaker



In other spheres aside from politics, Malaysians do stamp an indelible mark on the global stage.

Let's celebrate Datuk Paul Mony Samuel's inclusion in the World Soccer's Top 100 movers and shakers. He's known as DPM in AFC.

In a special feature in the magazine's May edition, World Soccer editor Gavin Hamilton and renowned critic Keir Radnedge profile the most influential people in the world game, the decision-makers, power-brokers and iconic personalities whose actions influence the way we watch the game and how it is played.

Datuk Paul (picture courtesy of AFC) is at No 43. The citation reads - Succeeded Datuk Peter Velappan as general secretary of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in 2007. Now a key figure in the implementation of FIFA's development programmes in Asia.

Lord Seb Coe, whom I had the privilege of meeting in the flesh during the Athens Olympics four years ago, is at No 44, while Chelsea CEO, Peter Kenyon, is at No 41.

One of France's most influential figures, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas, is at No 45.

Only six Asians made it to the list. Besides Datuk Paul, they are Japan FA president Saburo Kawabuchi (71st), Thailand FA general secretary and FIFA executive committee member Worawi Makudi (35th), Japan FA senior vice-president Junji Ogura, FIFA vice-president Dr Chung Mong-joon of South Korea fondly known as MJ (13th), and of course AFC president Mohamed bin Hammam (third).

Guess who's on top of the list? Sepp Blatter lah!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Now you tell me. What Mony has done to deserve the honour. You and I know that his friends and cronies (some are from the NST sports desk) gain when he was the head honcho. You and I also know Blatter is the No 1 wheeler dealer in world football. Enough said.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.