FIFA Sepp Blatter is among those who have paid tribute to the late Nelson Mandela, describing Mandela greeting at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa as 'one of the most moving moments I have ever experienced.'
Blatter said 'He and I shared an unwavering belief in the extraordinary power of football to unite people in peace and friendship, and to teach basic social and educational values as a school of life.'
'When he was honoured and cheered by the crowd at Johannesburg's Soccer City stadium on 11 July 2010, it was as a man of the people, a man of their hearts, and it was one of the most moving moments I have ever experienced. For him, the World Cup in South Africa truly was 'a dream come true.'
He announced that the flags of the 209 member associations of FIFA will be flown at half-mast today and there will also be a minute's silence at the next round of international matches as a mark of respect to the late Mandela.
'Nelson Mandela will stay in our hearts forever. The memories of his remarkable fight against oppression, his incredible charisma and his positive values will live on in us and with us.'
