On October 1st, the Mayor of Tallinn Mihhail Kõlvart met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino who was on his visit to Tallinn. At the meeting in the Town Hall, they discussed the co-operation relations between the City of Tallinn and the Estonian Football Association, and the development of football infrastructure in Tallinn.

According to Mihhail Kõlvart, football is one of the most popular sports in Tallinn, played by a total of almost 5,000 people. "Therefore, we consider it very important that as the population and demand grow, the infrastructure will follow. The city maintains a constant dialogue with the Estonian Football Association in offering and developing sports facilities: new training opportunities are created for young players and the existing football infrastructure is developed. There are already several excellent football halls in Tallinn, and more are being created. For example, a new football arena is currently being planned to Lasnamäe at Punane 69. ”

Kõlvart added that although the Estonian national team has not reached the major tournaments, we are very much involved in watching football here. "For several years now, the city has created opportunities to watch decisive football matches together in the urban space, which has proven to be very successful among the local audience. Football is sometimes bigger than sports, it can also have a social dimension and play an important role in integration," said the Mayor.

At the press conference following the meeting, Gianni Infantino recognised the good work of the Estonian Football Association in popularizing football. "I am very happy to visit Estonia and Tallinn, especially for upcoming the 100th anniversary of the Estonian Football Association. There is excellent work being done here to grow a new generation of football, develop infrastructure and create training opportunities. This is purposeful work, the impact and scope of which should be highlighted as a good example to the whole world, "said Infantino.

The President of FIFA last visited Estonia in 2018, when the UEFA Super Cup final took place here.