Meridian focus turns to Turkey

Europe are the reigning champions after the four nations representing UEFA at the 2003 edition amassed more points than the four countries playing on behalf of the African confederation. In the Meridian Cup, each European team plays each of the African sides once with points from wins and draws added to a continental tally.

U17 finals
For the 2005 Meridian Cup, UEFA’s representatives will be the hosts Turkey along with the three top-ranked teams from the UEFA European Under-17 Championship, being played from 4-16 May in France. The four nations representing the African confederation will be known later in the year.

Valuable experience
The real goal of the competition is to promote friendship between the confederations and to give young players a valuable experience. Not only in terms of appreciating different playing styles but also by raising their awareness of other cultures and peoples. Among those players involved in the 2003 Meridian Cup were Spain’s Juanfran and France’s Jimmy Briand, who have just made the first-team breakthrough at Real Madrid CF and Stade Rennais FC respectively.

Gala glamour
Another highlight of the biennial event is a gala match which last year brought together AFC Ajax of the Netherlands and Al-Ahly of Egypt. The fixture was used to promote the International Committee of the Red Cross and their ‘Children in War’ campaign. It is not yet know who will play the gala match in 2005 but it is sure to attract plenty of attention again.

Proud history
The Meridian Cup takes place every two years and alternates between Europe and Africa.The first four editions were staged in Lisbon, Portugal (1997), Cape Town, South Africa (1999), Bari, Italy (2001) and Cairo, Egypt (2003).