UWW

(Salzburg, AUSTRIA) – One of the greatest football players in history has once again offered his support to wrestling.

Franz Beckenbauer, one of only three men to win a FIFA World Cup as a player (1974) and a manager (1990), met yesterday with FILA President Nenad Lalovic to discuss the growth of international wrestling and lend his support to the organization.

Beckenbauer, better known by his nickname “Der Kaiser” was one of the international wrestling body’s most ardent supporters during the campaign to Save Olympic Wrestling. In November FILA awarded Beckenbauer its Golden Necklace in recognition of his efforts. The award is FILA’s highest honor.

Though FILA President Nenad Lalovic was not able to make the original November meeting due to injuries he sustained in a car accident, Beckenbauer insisted on meeting Lalovic and invited him to Salzburg for dinner. The leaders discussed the future of wrestling and what it would take to keep improving the visibility of the sport.

Mr. Lalovic also expressed his gratitude for his support and invited Beckenbauer to attend September’s FILA World Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

“Franz Beckenbauer is a legend in sport and a true gentleman,” said Mr. Lalovic. “We will never forget his support he exhibited towards wrestling in the most sensitive of times. He immediately reached out when he learned about the decision of the IOC. That was special. “

Mr. Lalovic’s visit to Salzburg was also the first by a FILA President on more than 60 years. The Austrian Wrestling Federation, represented by president Thomas Reichenauer and vice president Anton Marchl, offered their support for Mr. Lalovic and his attempts to modernize the sport of wrestling, and gave the leader a personal tour of a training facility in Wals-Salzburg. Manfred Werner, president of the German Wrestling Federation and good friend of Beckenbauer, was also in attendance.

“Having the passionate support of one of the greatest athletes of all times motivated a lot of people around the world,” said Mr. Lalovic of Der Kaiser’s support. “FILA recognizes Mr. Beckenbauer as a true friend of wrestling. We are very proud to have his support.”