Monday, 27th October 2008. In the late morning, Manger Square filled up with journalists. Around 10.30, the procession of cars of the police and the Palestinian Authority government representatives arrived in front of the Basilica of the Nativity. Everybody’s interest was focused on a figure with the “kefia”, the headdress in the Palestinian colours, draped around his shoulders. Another President has arrived in Bethlehem!, but this time it was not a Head of State but the President of the FIFA, the International Federation of Association Football. Joseph Blatter, on a private visit to the Holy Land for the first time, entered the sanctuary of the Nativity. With other members of the delegation, accompanied by the representatives of the three communities of the Status quo, he visited the basilica and the Grotto of the Nativity, St. Catherine’s Church and the grottoes belonging to the Franciscans. As he left the church, a young Palestinian presented a football to the FIFA President, asking him for an autograph. At the end of the short visit, all the delegation went into the parlour of the Franciscan convent where the guests were offered coffee.
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