Cochabamba (Bolivia), Mar 31 (IANS): World football chief Gianni Infantino arrived here.

The FIFA president, accompanied by South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) head Alejandro Dominguez, was welcomed by Cochabamba Governor Ivan Canelas, Cochabamba municipality mayor Cercado Jose Maria Leyes, along with departmental and local delegates on Wednesday, reports Xinhua news agency.

Infantino said he felt happy to be in Bolivia. "It is a great pleasure for me to be here with my Bolivian friends. I feel at home."

Former World Cup players also arrived with Infantino and Dominguez. Brazil's Cafu, Spain's Fernando Hierro and Argentina's Martin Palermo are among the former players who will participate in a friendly match against Bolivian President Evo Morales on Thursday morning in local club Aurora's sports complex.

Conmebol president Dominguez said Infantino's visit is the beginning of a new era in football's world leadership.

"We are filled with joy and pride that through Conmebol we are able to approach a new leadership style in South American football accompanied by the FIFA president," said Dominguez, who added he was happy to visit Bolivia.

Bolivia is the third stop in Infantino's South American tour which seeks to restore the international organisation's image. The FIFA president, who was appointed in February, will stay in the South American country for two days and his trip will include meeting with local football authorities and president Evo Morales.

The FIFA president's tour began in Paraguay on Monday and after Bolivia, he will head to Colombia on Thursday.