WE CARE ABOUT FOOTBALL No. 152 | October 2015 In this issue

Official publication of the Safety and security Union of European Football Associations meeting in Warsaw 4 The annual UEFA-EU Safety and Security Conference is an opportunity for everyone involved to share experiences and Chief editor: put their heads together to try to improve safety and security Emmanuel Deconche in football across Europe. Sportsfile Produced by: GraphicTouch CH-1110 Morges Coach education get-together Printing: in 5 Artgraphic Cavin SA CH-1422 Grandson Coach education and technical directors from UEFA’s 54 member associations gathered in from Editorial deadline: 22 to 24 September to discuss ‘building for the future’. 7 October 2015 Sportsfile

The views expressed in signed articles are not necessarily the official views of UEFA. Executive Committee meeting in 7 The reproduction of articles published in UEFA·direct The Executive Committee met in St Julians to discuss, among other is authorised, provided the things, the two-day Top Executive Programme strategy meeting of source is indicated. presidents and general secretaries that had just taken place on the

Maltese island. The Executive Committee also decided to donate Aquilina D. €2m through the UEFA Foundation for Children to ease the plight of child migrants.

Distribution of club

competition revenue 8 Images

The revenue from the 2014/15 Champions League and Europa Getty

League has been divided up among the participating clubs, with via Europe’s other top-division clubs receiving solidarity payments UEFA to invest in youth development.

Cover: have qualified for a final News from member associations 15 round for the first time in their history. Here, Birkir Sævarsson technician (in blue) in action in Iceland’s 1-0 No. 59 | October 2015 Supplement edItorIaL win against the Netherlands buILdIng For the Future

I thought it was a touch that AFC Ajax, when the club was putting a name to the youth football facilities they built alongside the Amsterdam ArenA, decided on De Toekomst (meaning ‘the future’). () in Amsterdam Youth development is, without a shadow of a doubt, key to the future of the game. The main actors in Coach education takes centre stage in issue 59 of that arena are obviously the players themselves. But successful youth development work can only be built on the foundations of top-quality education delivered by highly qualified coaches – and that, in turn, hinges on 3 September. on the professional, leadership and policy-making qualities of the coach educators. That is why ‘building • for the future’ was chosen as the slogan and core element of the UEFA Coach Education Workshop UEFA technician, which looks back on the workshop held staged in Bratislava, in conjunction with the Slovak Football Association, towards the end of September. This was the 11th event of its kind and it had special significance in that it gave us a great opportunity to present coach education and technical directors from all 54 UEFA member associations with the results of Sportsfile an independent assessment of the newly published A practical in Bratislava and features an interview with Lars Lagerbäck. UEFA Coaching Convention. A summary of the to raise standards of coach education can be coaching session findings was presented by Julian North and David realistically linked to the quality of coach educators. at the Slovak FA’s Photo : AFP Photos / Getty Images Piggott, the leaders of a far-reaching research project Positive feedback from pilot courses in Turkey and national centre conducted by Leeds Beckett University in the north- Romania means that UEFA is ready to travel further east of England. It was good to hear them talk about along that road – as we are with pilot courses aimed “strong evidence of improvements in coach education” at helping female coaches get UEFA B licences. prompted by the UEFA Coaching Convention. But we There is also room for progress in further education refused to be distracted by the pats on the back. for coaches – or continual professional development Instead, we used the event in Bratislava to consult as it is called in the business world. We can look for our member associations about how to further ways of fine-tuning further-education courses and improve the convention and, if appro priate, offer catering for specialist areas. The new convention tailor-made support and assistance according to stresses the value of reality-based learning and this is scenarios encountered in individual associations. another area where we can clarify definitions and We have already highlighted certain areas where help national associations find the best pathways we feel more work could be done with a view to towards efficient implementation of the concept. implementing the new convention in the best In Bratislava, we dedicated significant portions of possible way. Tutoring the tutors is one of them. Not the theoretical and practical sessions to youth devel- many member associations have specific education opment work and to experience gathered during the programmes for tutors, and ambitions of continuing pilot phase of UEFA’s academy project. This high- lighted the importance of preparing coaches to perform their roles in this vital area – and raised some fundamental questions. For example, is it right to In thIs Issue assume that the holder of a UEFA Pro licence is necessarily the best coach to work with groups of 14 or 15-year-olds? This is where UEFA’s Elite Youth A IntervIew – Lars Lagerbäck 2-5 licence has parti cular relevance and provides a great platform on which we can continue to build for the FoLLow-up and Feedback 6-7 future. l YouthFuL enthusIasm 8-9 UEFA Chief Technical Officer the sLovak mornIng 10-11

the rear-vIew mIrror 12 UEFA • technician | 10.15 | 1

2 | UEFA •direct | 10.15 Editorial UEFA

Financial fair play reinforced for the future

When the UEFA Executive Committee approved The updated regulations include a reduction the financial fair play concept at its meeting in in the maximum aggregate break-even deficit or Nyon on 21 September 2009, it intended that acceptable deviation from €45m to €30m, an new regulations would improve not only financial easier determination of related parties, persons fairness in European competitions, but also the and entities, and a more stringent implementation long-term stability of European club football. of overdue payables criteria. However, football needs to remain an attractive investment propo­ The results to date show how important that sition, especially in relation to clubs undergoing decision has been. Losses across European club a business restructuring. The introduction of the football are down by two-thirds since the intro­ voluntary agreements will further allow clubs to duction of financial fair play, overdue payables develop a long-term business plan under the are down by over 90%, and in a marketplace conditions set by the UEFA Club Financial Control where the revenues of top-tier clubs have Body and its monitoring process. doubled since 2002, revenue growth is now ahead of salary growth for the first time, Overall, financial fair play rules have been according to the figures for 2014 (5.8% compa­ strengthened and the reach of club monitoring red with 3%). Additionally, with European clubs expanded, and the new voluntary agreements now generating the highest-ever combined mean clubs will be subject to club monitoring operating profits, there has been a reduction and must submit break-even data earlier and in net debts within the sport, matched by more often than previously. substantial investments in youth development and infrastructure. Thus, financial fair play has Given its huge impact in improving business put European club football on a more stable transparency and efficiency in only five years, a footing, and the regulations governing the reinforced financial fair play regimen will ensure principles are now part of every club’s decision- that European club football can build a more making process. sustainable operating model for the future.

Equally, the regulatory framework needs to keep pace with developments in the football sector. Thanks to a thorough consultation process involving UEFA member associations, clubs and leagues, the new UEFA Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations provide a platform for both an expansion and the strengthening of UEFA General Secretary the financial fair play process for the future.

UEFA •direct | 10.15 | 3 Security

SEEKING STADIUM AND SECURITY SOLUTIONS

The UEFA-EU Stadium and Security Conference has become a significant item on UEFA’s annual agenda. The most recent such gathering, held in Warsaw from 9 to 11 September, gave European football stadium and security experts an ideal opportunity to set the course for the future.

“It is the only event which brings together of the Heysel disaster in 1985, Michael van Praag police, clubs and national associations from expressed UEFA’s full support of the convention across Europe,” UEFA vice-president and Stadium and its objectives. “No longer is violence and and Security Committee chairman Michael van disorder the only issue,” he said. “The key Praag told the 300 conference delegates. “It is message is the need to deliver an integrated also a forum for discussing contemporary issues approach to the three key pillars of safety, affecting stadiums and security in the organisa­ security and service.” tion of football matches in UEFA’s competitions.” In a passionate address, Michael van Praag Exclusion and travel restriction measures called for concerted efforts by those working UEFA told stakeholders in Warsaw about its in football, governments, police and public stadium and security visions and policies for the authorities to reduce violence in and around future – tough exclusion and travel restriction stadiums. “I would ask all of you to make your measures on known troublemakers; training for own commitment to implementing the vision stewards, stadium managers, police and safety officers; and constant assistance and guidance to European football national associations. “I am determined to ensure that UEFA will contribute to a sustainable improvement in stadium and security in European football,” said Michael van Praag. “Our strategy will also strongly support exclusion of those who actively­ contribute to the negative aspects of behaviour, which turn positive fans away from our matches. “We will encourage the use of wide-ranging measures which prevent known-risk supporters from travelling abroad. The current absence of wide- ranging measures in this area is a major contributory factor to the prob­ ­ lems we face. We will encourage governments to empower police by providing them with the legal frame­ work enabling them to implement effective exclusion strategies.” Delegates also heard about crisis Sportsfile management at UEFA competition The 300 participants at matches, and how UEFA venue teams the Warsaw conference for improvement shared by UEFA and its pan- and the European body’s match command centre followed the various European partners,” he requested. “Ask your­ in Nyon respond to stadium incidents. Another discussions and selves what you can do to make a difference.” risk situation highlighted at the conference was presentations with close interest UEFA and the football family, he said, had the potential use of drones by people with to stay vigilant in the face of fans’ negative intentions that may be non-malicious, malicious behaviour. “I have to remind clubs and national (to make a protest) or hostile (to cause injury or associations of their wider responsibilities,” he damage). A special workshop examined preven­ said. “[They] must understand that their respon­ tion and direct response measures which could sibilities extend to everyone who travels across be considered. Europe in their colours. I strongly encourage “It seems to become somewhat of a cliché enhanced dialogue between clubs, national every year to mention how unique in its nature associations and their governments.” our annual conference is,” Michael van Praag As a new European Convention on Spectator concluded, delivering a positive verdict on the Violence comes into force, three decades on deliberations in Warsaw. “I make no apology for from the first convention launched in the wake highlighting [its] value once again.” l

4 | UEFA •direct | 10.15 Coach Education Workshop

COACHES BUILD FOR THE FUTURE IN BRATISLAVA

“There is no shortcut to any place that is worth going.” Thus began the keynote speech delivered at the 11th UEFA Coach Education Workshop by Lars Lagerbäck, co-coach of Iceland’s national team. That quote neatly encapsulated many of the themes of the event, which took place in Bratislava from 22 to 24 September. Sportsfile

Having just qualified for UEFA EURO 2016 lishing the foundations for strong education in Lars Lagerbäck at – the first final in Iceland’s history – football. Elite youth player development was the 11th UEFA Coach this was a very apt time for the Jira Panel member discussed, and ideas were exchanged during Education Workshop to be addressing coaches, coach educators and practical sessions at the national training centre technical directors from UEFA’s 54 member in Senec, while participants from , FYR associations. The former and Nigeria Macedonia and reported on the progress head coach said that the status of the teams he of their respective pilot academy projects. had coached had helped him to hone his skills Changes to the UEFA Coaching Convention and value coach education. were outlined, and research into its implemen­ “It’s a good way to learn your trade,” Lagerbäck­ tation was presented by UEFA’s educational said. “There isn’t the same level of individual partners at Leeds Beckett University. The integra­ ­ skill, technique and speed, and we don’t have tion of tailored training for female coaches – the same financial resources as some of the pegged to UEFA-sponsored development tourna­- other teams, so we maybe have to use our heads ments – was promoted, and the host association a little more than others because we can’t take explained its approach to nurturing the next anything for granted.” generation of Slovak coaches. The sessions were opened by UEFA Executive Youth as the key to success Committee member Giancarlo Abete, who The agenda for the three-day workshop, chaired a meeting of the UEFA Development and which was organised in cooperation with the Technical Assistance Committee on the eve of Slovak Football Association, focused on estab­ the workshop. l

UEFA honours coach educators With the theme of the workshop being ‘building for the manager, who was narrowly pipped to the English future’, UEFA took time to recognise the achievements domestic title by Wilkinson in 1991/92 – the last time an of four football technicians whose work has paved the English coach won the league. way for the sport’s sustained development. The great and the good of the German game also Howard Wilkinson, Erich Rutemöller, Andreas Morisbak came together to pay tribute to Erich Rutemöller for and Jozef Vengloš were given commemorative plaques his impact on the sport. Like Wilkinson, he has recently acknowledging their years of service to the game. retired from UEFA’s Jira Panel, and he was visibly They have participated in a emotional on hearing the praise bestowed upon him by whole range of UEFA panels, former German national team coach and the committees and projects, current head coach, Joachim Löw. mentoring and training coaches Jozef Vengloš, a former member of UEFA’s Development and coach educators alike. and Technical Assistance Committee, was also honoured UEFA coaching ambassador Sir in Bratislava. His role in ’s European led the tributes Football Championship victory in 1976 was chronicled in to Howard Wilkinson in a his video tribute. That video, along with the other three, moving video message that was can now be found on UEFA.org. played to the hall of delegates Andreas Morisbak, a former assistant coach of the in Bratislava. “Howard, you Norwegian national team, made up the quartet. As part must be really proud of what of his lifelong devotion to the development of the sport, you’ve achieved, because your Morisbak has helped to drive the inclusion of ‘fitness for contribution to football has football’ in the UEFA Study Group Scheme, and it was Sportsfile been outstanding,” said the at one such seminar in that his moving tribute was Andreas Morisbak former Manchester United FC filmed.l

UEFA •direct | 10.15 | 5 Miscellaneous

MEETING WITH EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT

On 10 September the UEFA President, , met Jean-Claude Juncker, his counterpart at the European Commission, in Brussels.

Following the signing of a cooperation agreement between UEFA and the European Commission in October 2014, this meeting was further proof of the strong ties between the European Union and European football’s governing body. Michel Platini took the opportunity to raise a number of major issues – both current and future – affecting the game, including the prohibition of third-party ownership of players, the positive impact of financial fair play and the development of players at local level. UEFA EURO 2020 was also discussed, along with its role in helping to promote some of the EU’s most important social, educational and cultural values. Speaking after the meeting, Michel Platini said: “I am pleased that the president of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, and I share so much common ground. He took the matters discussed very seriously, and we look forward to working together to strengthen European football, both on and off the pitch.” The meeting coincided with the first-ever European Week of Sport, a European Commission initiative aimed at promoting European Commission physical activity and sport across Europe. l Michel Platini and Jean-Claude Juncker

Maxi-pitch donated by UEFA 2015 UEFA Grassroots

As part of the European Week of Sport, UEFA has donated Awards a maxi-pitch to the district of Anderlecht in Brussels. As its name suggests, this type of pitch is larger than a mini-pitch. It As part of its Grassroots Week, which took place in is two-thirds the size of a standard pitch and is specially the second week of September, UEFA announced the winners of its 2015 Grassroots Awards. designed for urban areas. In recent years UEFA has also donated maxi-pitches to the cities hosting the finals of the The award for best grassroots leader went to Martynas UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League. Karpavičius from Lithuania for his voluntary work In honour of that first European Week of Sport, the first- as a coach. He runs after-school coaching sessions and ever UEFA Grassroots Week was timed to coincide with the organises more than 20 football events a year for initiative. Until now, UEFA has organised a single day of events people between the ages of 3 and 75. celebrating grassroots football – UEFA Grassroots Day – shortly The award for the best grassroots club went to Merthyr before the Champions League final. l Town in , which succeeds in combining sporting excellence with community spirit. It provides training for coaches, stresses the importance of enjoying the game and organises small-sided matches, ensuring that

URBSFA as many people as possible have access to the sport. With a pitch that is accessible around the clock, the club enables football to be used as a means of tackling social problems in the town centre. The award for the best grassroots project went to of the for its My First Goal project, which encourages children to join amateur clubs. This initiative involves a whole range of events aimed at introducing girls and boys to football. More than 11,000 children have taken part in such events in the last year, of whom 9,000 have since registered with a club – a year-on-year increase of 32%. l The maxi-pitch inaugurated in Brussels

6 | UEFA •direct | 10.15 Executive Committee

HELPING THE PLIGHT OF CHILD MIGRANTS

A donation to help child migrants and the naming of a new chief investigator of the Club Financial Control Body were among the items on the agenda for the UEFA Executive Committee meeting held in St Julians, Malta, on 17 September. The Mediterranean island was also the setting for the latest European football strategy meeting between UEFA and its 54 member associations on 15 and 16 September.

UEFA is fully committed to playing its part in Congress in 2016 for a decision on the fede­ ensuring that football is a force for social good, ration’s admission. and reacted to the current movement of mass On the competition front, amendments were migration by approving a €2 million donation to approved to regulations relating to European the recently launched UEFA Foundation for play-off matches for the 2016 Women’s Olympic Children. “We hope these funds will be able to Football Tournament in Rio. Four teams – the make a valuable contribution to initiatives aimed Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland – at helping the living conditions of child migrants will contest play-off matches in a mini-tourna­ in Europe and beyond,” said the UEFA President, ment in the Netherlands between 2 and 9 March Michel Platini. 2016 to determine the last European participant. In other business, the committee appointed the former Belgian prime minister Yves Leterme as chief inves­ tigator of the two-chamber Club Financial Control Body (CFCB), which monitors compliance with the UEFA Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations. Mr Leterme succeeds another Belgian, the late Jean-Luc Dehaene, and he will take the helm of the CFCB’s investigatory chamber. Mr Leterme serves as secretary general of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assist­­ ance (IDEA), and was deputy general secretary of the Organi­sation for Economic Cooperation and Develop­- ment (OECD). He was Belgian prime minister on two occasions, in 2008 and again from 2009 to 2011, and served as minister of foreign affairs UEFA in 2009. “With Mr Leterme, UEFA has cer­tainly found a capable man – a lawyer, an The winning team will qualify for the women’s economist, a man of expe­rience; a man who Olympic tournament alongside the other two knows and loves football­ as well,” said the UEFA European represen­tatives, and Germany, General Secretary, Gianni Infantino. Umberto who qualified via the Women’s World Cup Lago (Italy) has been appointed deputy chief played last summer in Canada. investigator. The Executive Committee next convenes in on 11 December, the day before the EURO Special representative for football 2016 draw in the French capital. in Crimea A packed week of activity in Malta had begun Another appointment made in Malta sees with UEFA inviting senior officials from all of its UEFA Executive Committee member František member associations for another of a series of Laurinec (Slovakia) officially take up the role of regular meetings, at which football issues are UEFA special representative for football in discussed as part of a continual consultation Crimea. He will work in close cooperation with process in which the associations are fully the local association to ensure the development involved. “I think that over the years,” Gianni of football in the region. Infantino reflected, “we have managed to create The request of the Football Federation of a very positive climate, where everyone is Kosovo for UEFA membership was also on the included in the decision-making and everyone agenda, with the Executive Committee deciding has their say, large or small, east or west. All to put the request to the next UEFA Ordinary voices are heard.” l

UEFA •direct | 10.15 | 7 UEFA Champions League

DISTRIBUTIONS TO PARTICIPATING CLUBS

The 32 clubs that took part in the 2014/15 UEFA Champions League group stage shared almost €988m in payments from UEFA, some €36m more than the

previous season. Images Getty via UEFA

Teams Play-off Participation Performance Market pool Round Quarter- Semi- Final Total (¤) bonus bonus of 16 finals finals Group A Malmö FF 2,100,000 8,600,000 1,000,000 7,405,000 19,105,000 Olympiacos FC 8,600,000 3,000,000 14,653,000 26,253,000 Club Atlético de Madrid 8,600,000 4,500,000 23,223,000 3,500,000 3,900,000 43,723,000 Juventus Football Club 8,600,000 3,500,000 58,200,000 3,500,000 3,900,000 4,900,000 6,500,000 89,100,000 Group B FC 1893 8,600,000 2,500,000 3,255,000 3,500,000 17,855,000 Liverpool FC 8,600,000 2,000,000 22,997,000 33,597,000 PFC Ludogorets 1945 2,100,000 8,600,000 1,500,000 2,435,000 14,635,000 Real Madrid CF 8,600,000 6,000,000 25,645,000 3,500,000 3,900,000 4,900,000 52,545,000 Group C Football Club Zenit 2,100,000 8,600,000 2,500,000 5,929,000 19,129,000 AS Monaco FC 8,600,000 4,000,000 32,395,000 3,500,000 3,900,000 52,395,000 Bayer 04 Leverkusen 2,100,000 8,600,000 3,500,000 10,922,000 3,500,000 28,622,000 SL Benfica 8,600,000 2,000,000 3,947,000 14,547,000 Group D Arsenal FC 2,100,000 8,600,000 4,500,000 17,681,000 3,500,000 36,381,000 Galatasaray A.Ş. 8,600,000 500,000 9,494,000 18,594,000 RSC Anderlecht 8,600,000 2,500,000 4,529,000 15,629,000 Borussia Dortmund 8,600,000 4,500,000 16,897,000 3,500,000 33,497,000 Group E Manchester City FC 8,600,000 3,000,000 30,752,000 3,500,000 45,852,000 AS Roma 8,600,000 2,000,000 35,318,000 45,918,000 PFC CSKA Moskva 8,600,000 2,000,000 7,613,000 18,213,000 FC Bayern München 8,600,000 5,000,000 23,965,000 3,500,000 3,900,000 4,900,000 49,865,000 Group F Paris Saint-Germain 8,600,000 4,500,000 35,657,000 3,500,000 3,900,000 56,157,000 FC Barcelona 8,600,000 5,000,000 24,627,000 3,500,000 3,900,000 4,900,000 10,500,000 61,027,000 APOEL FC 2,100,000 8,600,000 500,000 2,508,000 13,708,000 AFC Ajax 8,600,000 2,000,000 11,679,000 22,279,000 Group G Sporting Clube de 8,600,000 2,500,000 3,418,000 14,518,000 Chelsea FC 8,600,000 5,000,000 22,130,000 3,500,000 39,230,000 FC Schalke 04 8,600,000 3,000,000 13,816,000 3,500,000 28,916,000 NK Maribor 2,100,000 8,600,000 1,500,000 1,575,000 13,775,000 Group H FC Shakhtar Donetsk 8,600,000 3,500,000 4,446,000 3,500,000 20,046,000 FC Porto 2,100,000 8,600,000 5,000,000 4,263,000 3,500,000 3,900,000 27,363,000 FC BATE Borisov 2,100,000 8,600,000 1,000,000 1,265,000 12,965,000 Athletic Club 2,100,000 8,600,000 2,500,000 10,261,000 23,461,000 Clubs eliminated in UCL play-off 21,000,000 21,000,000

Total for 32 clubs 42,000,000 275,200,000 96,000,000 492,900,000 56,000,000 31,200,000 19,600,000 17,000,000 1,029,900,000

Allocated to the European Club Association in accordance with its memorandum of understanding with UEFA 3,525,000

Total (€) 1,033,425,000

8 | UEFA •direct | 10.15 Furthermore, the clubs involved in the play- according to the proportional value of the offs – which saw the ten winners go through to national TV market allocated to each individual the UEFA Champions League group stage, with club, among other factors. the other ten joining the UEFA Europa League Winners FC Barcelona received just over group stage – shared €42m. This meant that €61m – over €24m coming from the market total participation payments reached almost pool and nearly €28m from performance bonuses, €1.03bn, with an additional €3.5m allocated to including €10.5m for capturing European club the European Club Association (ECA) in accor­d­ football’s blue-riband trophy. ance with its memorandum of understanding The figures in the table on the facing page with UEFA, which brought the total distribution do not include solidarity payments to any of from last season’s competition up to more than the clubs participating in the qualifying rounds, €1.033bn. nor do they include any additional solidarity Each club was entitled to a minimum payment payments made to leagues for clubs’ youth for taking part in the competition. In addition, development projects. every group stage win or draw resulted in In addition, the winners of the 2014 UEFA performance bonuses. The clubs also received Super Cup, Real Madrid CF, received €3m, bonuses for each knockout round reached. while the runners-up Sevilla FC were paid Monies from the market pool were divided €2.2m. l Images Getty via UEFA

UEFA •direct | 10.15 | 9 UEFA Europa League

MORE REVENUE DISTRIBUTIONS

Nearly €240m in payments from UEFA have been shared by the 56 clubs that took part in the UEFA Europa League in the 2014/15 season.

The revenue generated through the centralised marketing of the 2014/15 UEFA Europa League, plus an add- itional contribution from the UEFA Champions League clubs, has been redistributed among the 48 clubs that participated in the competition’s group stage, as well as the eight clubs that joined the UEFA Europa League after finishing in third place in their respect­­ ive UEFA Champions League groups. The 2014/15 winners, Spanish club Sevilla FC – who clinched the trophy for the second successive season – received a total of just over €19m for their successful campaign. This comprised via Getty Images UEFA over €9.8m from the market pool and €9.3m in participation and performance bonuses, that participated in the qualifying rounds – including €5m for winning the final. Semi-finalists including those that went on to compete in the SSC Napoli received the second-largest amount, group stage. Nor do they include any additional over €12.2m. solidarity payments made to leagues for clubs’ The figures in the table on the facing page do youth development projects or any other not include any solidarity payments to the clubs payments made to clubs. l Getty Images

10 | UEFA •direct | 10.15 Participation Performance Market pool Round Round Quarter- Semi- Final Total (¤) bonus bonus of 32 of 16 finals finals Group A FC Zürich 1,300,000 500,000 737,176 2,537,176 Vfl Borussia Mönchengladbach 1,300,000 1,300,000 4,771,370 200,000 7,571,370 Villarreal CF 1,300,000 1,000,000 4,093,776 200,000 350,000 6,943,776 Apollon Limassol FC 1,300,000 200,000 678,281 2,178,281 Group B HJK Helsinki 1,300,000 400,000 423,162 2,123,162 Club Brugge KV 1,300,000 1,300,000 1,015,748 200,000 350,000 450,000 4,615,748 Torino FC 1,300,000 1,000,000 3,736,331 200,000 350,000 6,586,331 F.C. København 1,300,000 300,000 930,855 2,530,855 Group C Asteras Tripolis FC 1,300,000 500,000 1,075,992 2,875,992 FK Partizan 1,300,000 200,000 734,722 2,234,722 Tottenham Hotspur FC 1,300,000 1,000,000 3,563,475 200,000 6,063,475 Beşiktaş JK 1,300,000 1,300,000 4,699,717 200,000 350,000 7,849,717 Group D FC Astra 1,300,000 300,000 1,107,529 2,707,529 FC Salzburg 1,300,000 1,500,000 902,333 200,000 3,902,333 Celtic FC 1,300,000 800,000 1,122,507 200,000 3,422,507 GNK Dinamo 1,300,000 400,000 463,334 2,163,334 Group E FC Dinamo Moskva 1,300,000 1,600,000 3,461,064 200,000 350,000 6,911,064 PSV Eindhoven 1,300,000 800,000 1,837,348 200,000 4,137,348 Estoril Praia 1,300,000 400,000 1,015,453 2,715,453 Panathinaikos FC 1,300,000 200,000 1,527,931 3,027,931 Group F AS Saint-Étienne 1,300,000 500,000 2,637,614 4,437,614 FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk 1,300,000 700,000 1,362,202 200,000 350,000 450,000 1,000,000 2,500,000 7,862,202 F.C. Internazionale Milano 1,300,000 1,300,000 3,736,331 200,000 350,000 6,886,331 FK Qarabağ 1,300,000 500,000 482,344 2,282,344 Group G 1,300,000 1,200,000 1,837,348 200,000 4,537,348 R. Standard de Liège 1,300,000 300,000 639,098 2,239,098 HNK Rijeka 1,300,000 500,000 505,831 2,305,831 Sevilla FC 1,300,000 1,000,000 9,844,232 200,000 350,000 450,000 1,000,000 5,000,000 19,144,232 Group H Vfl Wolfsburg 1,300,000 900,000 7,303,164 200,000 350,000 450,000 10,503,164 LOSC 1,300,000 400,000 2,637,614 4,337,614 FC Krasnodar 1,300,000 500,000 2,735,621 4,535,621 Everton 1,300,000 1,200,000 4,489,757 200,000 350,000 7,539,757 Group I AC Sparta Praha 1,300,000 700,000 650,929 2,650,929 BSC Young Boys 1,300,000 1,000,000 699,560 200,000 3,199,560 ŠK Slovan Bratislava 1,300,000 432,564 1,732,564 SSC Napoli 1,300,000 1,300,000 7,659,161 200,000 350,000 450,000 1,000,000 12,259,161 Group J FC Dynamo Kyiv 1,300,000 1,400,000 1,106,775 200,000 350,000 450,000 4,806,775 FC Steaua Bucureşti 1,300,000 500,000 852,759 2,652,759 Aalborg BK 1,300,000 800,000 1,435,787 200,000 3,735,787 Rio Ave FC 1,300,000 300,000 1,015,453 2,615,453 Group K EA Guingamp 1,300,000 900,000 5,327,963 200,000 7,727,963 PAOK FC 1,300,000 500,000 1,075,992 2,875,992 FC Dinamo Minsk 1,300,000 300,000 439,077 2,039,077 ACF Fiorentina 1,300,000 1,300,000 5,923,385 200,000 350,000 450,000 1,000,000 10,523,385 Group L KSC Lokeren OV 1,300,000 700,000 804,388 2,804,388 FC Metalist Kharkiv 1,300,000 669,617 1,969,617 Trabzonspor A.Ş. 1,300,000 900,000 3,758,755 200,000 6,158,755 Legia Warszawa SA 1,300,000 1,400,000 2,184,578 200,000 5,084,578 Clubs from the UEFA Champions League Athletic Club 351,484 200,000 551,484 Sporting Clube de Portugal 187,329 200,000 387,329 AFC Ajax 554,330 200,000 350,000 1,104,330 AS Roma 749,625 200,000 350,000 1,299,625 RSC Anderlecht 68,939 200,000 268,939 Football Club Zenit 1,530,702 200,000 350,000 450,000 2,530,702 Liverpool FC 286,349 200,000 486,349 Olympiacos FC 375,239 200,000 575,239

Total (E) 62,400,000 36,000,000 114,250,000 6,400,000 5,600,000 3,600,000 4,000,000 7,500,000 239,750,000

UEFA •direct | 10.15 | 11 Solidarity payments

€ Payments to national associations OVER 85M FOR represented in the group stage YOUTH DEVELOPMENT 2014/15 season Play-offs Total R R R

Italy 13,854,585 152,630 14,007,215 Revenue from the UEFA Champions League also England 13,605,114 152,630 13,757,744 benefits top division clubs that do not take part Spain 11,582,612 152,630 11,735,242 France 9,934,317 152,630 10,086,947 in the competition. Just over €85m of the UEFA Germany 9,087,895 152,630 9,240,525 Champions League revenue for the 2014/15 season Greece 2,098,235 2,098,235 Russia 1,781,940 152,630 1,934,570 is being redistributed to these clubs for use in youth Netherlands 1,652,750 1,652,750 development or local community programmes. Turkey 1,336,455 152,630 1,489,085 Portugal 1,185,881 152,630 1,338,511 Sweden 1,006,796 152,630 1,159,426 Belgium 570,000 152,630 722,630 The €85m is made available for The amounts distributed vary Bulgaria 570,000 152,630 722,630 distribution via the professional depending on the value of the Belarus 570,000 152,630 722,630 leagues or the national asso­cia­ domestic TV markets of the UEFA Cyprus 570,000 152,630 722,630 tions. member associations. Slovenia 570,000 152,630 722,630 Switzerland 570,000 570,000 The associations are divided An additional payment (€2.9m Ukraine 570,000 570,000 into two categories for the pur­ in total) will be made to the 19 pose of these payments: national associations that were TOTAL 71,116,580 2,136,820 73,253,400 l associations with participants in represented in the play-offs. the 2014/15 UEFA Champions In principle, the money should be League group stage (€71.1m); shared equally between all the top Payments to national associations l associations without partici­ division clubs concerned in each not represented in the group stage pants in the 2014/15 UEFA league or association. However, as 2014/15 season Play-offs Total Champions League group stage this money is intended for youth R R R (€11m); development or local community Denmark 437,143 152,630 589,773 The first category comprises 18 projects, each club must have a Scotland 397,926 152,630 550,556 national associations, who will youth development programme Romania 348,489 152,630 501,119 each receive a minimum of that complies with the requirements Norway 480,252 480,252 €570,000, the same amount as stipulated in the national club licens-­ Austria 309,203 152,630 461,833 last year. The second category ing manual accredited by UEFA. Slovakia 282,893 152,630 435,523 comprises the 36 other national Any exception to this rule is Poland 409,330 409,330 associations, who will each receive subject to the approval of UEFA, to Republic of 314,697 314,697 a minimum of €280,000, which whom the leagues/associations must 308,821 308,821 Serbia 307,952 307,952 again is the same amount as last provide detailed information on the Czech Republic 300,512 300,512 year. payments made. l Croatia 299,121 299,121 Israel 299,121 299,121 Bosnia and Herzegovina 289,526 289,526 Finland 289,144 289,144 Malta 287,927 287,927 286,953 286,953 Kazakhstan 286,724 286,724 Iceland 286,466 286,466 FYR Macedonia 283,685 283,685 Azerbaijan 283,477 283,477 Montenegro 282,795 282,795 Lithuania 282,781 282,781 Georgia 282,663 282,663 Latvia 280,695 280,695 Moldova 280,487 280,487 Armenia 280,452 280,452 Luxembourg 280,417 280,417 Estonia 280,348 280,348 Andorra 280,000 280,000 Faroe Islands 280,000 280,000 280,000 280,000 Liechtenstein 280,000 280,000 Northern Ireland 280,000 280,000 280,000 280,000 Wales 280,000 280,000 Sportsfile TOTAL 11,000,000 763,150 11,763,150 Youth development is the primary objective of solidarity payments

12 | UEFA •direct | 10.15 Social responsibility

UEFA’s sustainability aims: EURO 2016 and beyond

From stadiums to supporters, from suppliers to partners, and not forgetting UEFA staff, everyone can contribute to sustainable development.

Not long ago sustainable development was is also improving the residents’ quality of life, by seen as useful. It is now seen as essential. From improving air quality and providing training and politics to industry to sport, now is the time job opportunities. It already constitutes a model for action, and UEFA is committed to putting that can be reproduced by other island territories. concrete measures in place. It is UEFA’s ambition to use EURO 2016 as a pilot and to accumulate A priority for UEFA experience and expertise regarding the man- UEFA’s action in this area did not start with a­gement of its social, economic and environmental EURO 2016. Since 2007 it has been working impacts. The ultimate aim is to reproduce good with Climate Friendly to measure and offset the practices at other pan-European football events. emissions from its employees’ flights, at a cost of up to €200,000 per year. As UEFA’s total Innovative solutions for EURO 2016 In the meantime, UEFA’s goal is to limit the impact EURO 2016 has on the environment and obtain ISO 2012-1 certification. Other sports com­­- petitions, such as the London 2012 Olympics and the French Open, have obtained this. In order to do the same, UEFA has defined four social and four environmental priority topics: access for all, health (tobacco-free tournament), diversity (anti-discrimination), fan culture (fan embassies), public transport and mobility, waste management, energy and water consumption, and sourcing of products and services. To achieve its aim, UEFA is relying on close collaboration with all its stakeholders: the football family, suppliers, the media, sponsors, the French authorities, the ten host cities, football and sustainable development­ partners, volunteers. An audit will be conducted after the tournament to measure the results.

Eco-calculator for spectators UEFA As well as encouraging EURO 2016 spectators to use public transport, UEFA is providing an An eco-calculator eco-calculator for them to use. This online tool, emissions have increased – due to the increase in that everyone can use developed in partnership with Climate Friendly, a the operational demands of its various compe­ company that specialises in sustainable devel­ titions – more-effective and easier-to-use video­ opment, enables supporters to estimate the conferencing solutions have been developed to environmental impact of their journeys to reduce staff travel. UEFA employees have also the stadiums. However spectators plan to travel, been encouraged to adopt responsible habits, the eco-calculator measures the greenhouse gas and a guide has been produced to educate emis­sions that each journey will generate in employees about sustainable development and terms of the equivalent number of footballs full provide them with tips on how to save time, of carbon dioxide! Supporters can then make a reduce costs and improve their well-being. better choice for travelling to the tournament and/or choose to offset their emissions. 2015/16, a pivotal season The 2015 Paris Climate Conference, which is Wind project in New Caledonia being held from 30 November to 11 December, The money raised through offsetting will be will come to a close the day before the EURO invested in the Prony and Kafeate wind project, 2016 draw, so the draw will take place just as which aims to produce renewable energy in New sustainable development is receiving worldwide Caledonia, a French territory in the Pacific Ocean. attention. UEFA is therefore counting on foot­ The wind project is reducing the islands’ ball’s ability to inspire constructive behaviour and dependency on fossil fuels. And not only that: it spread good practices. l

UEFA •direct | 10.15 | 13 Research Grant Programme

Risks versus benefits: Youth Football Players should not be encouraged to take creatine

UEFA has been supporting football-related academic research projects through its Research Grant Programme since 2010. To give you a taste of the interesting work undertaken, UEFA•direct is showcasing a selection of research projects funded by the programme. This month, Dr Pascale Kippelen presents her study about the use of creatine in youth football.

respiratory health risks associated with the use of creatine in youth football players. Fifteen Under-18 and seven Under-21 elite male football players were recruited from nearby Watford FC Academy. For eight weeks half were given the standard dose of a creatine supplement and half received a placebo. All players followed their usual training routine during the testing period. After the eight weeks, there was no difference between the two groups in terms of gains in muscle mass or lower-body strength. No improve­ ­- ­ments in work rate and distance covered during game play, intermittent exercise per­formance or repeated sprint ability were noted in those who received the creatine supplement. Further, the UEFA airways of the players who received the supple­ After nine months ment became slightly more ‘twitchy’ (prone of work, each project Creatine is the most effective ergogenic food to bronchospasm) and inflamed, especially­ in financed by the supplement currently available to athletes to players sensitive to aeroallergens. These results programme is presented rapidly build muscle mass and enhance capacity therefore challenge the view that creatine is an to the jury for high-intensity exercise. As such, creatine is effective and safe ergogenic aid for youth widely used by both professional and amateur football players. football players. While creatine can certainly increase physical fitness, it is unclear to what Undiagnosed asthma extent its effects can be transferred to game Strikingly, during the course of their study, the performance. researchers identified five players with asthma: As a nutritional supplement, creatine is one player with uncontrolled asthma, and four considered safe and ethical. However, animal whose asthma had previously been undiagnosed. studies have highlighted the potential for This high prevalence of asthma (nearly 20%) is creatine to increase allergic asthma. Asthma is more than double the estimate for the British the most common chronic medical condition in population (8-9%), but not dissimilar to that elite sport, with 1 in 12 Olympic athletes suffering reported in British Olympic athletes (21%). The from the condition. Whether creatine consump­ increased risk of asthma in elite sport is generally tion increases the risk of elite football players attributed to high ventilatory demand during developing asthma is unknown. periods of vigorous exercise, in conjunction with In the autumn of 2014, researchers from increased exposure of the airways to allergens Brunel University London conducted a study and/or pollutants. The alarming rate of undi­ag­ to evaluate the performance benefits and nosed asthma in the study population highlights the need for better asthma education and screening programmes in football academies. Dr Pascale Kippelen is a senior lecturer in Standardised lung function and bronchial pro­vo­ exercise and respiratory physiology at Brunel cation tests should routinely be used to ensure University London. Her research work primarily that youth players achieve their sporting potential focuses on exercise-induced asthma in athletes. while remaining in good health. Dr Kippelen has a wide range of experience in screening athletes for asthma. She has been Conclusion an independent scientific consultant to the Until further work has been done to clarify International Olympic Committee and UK Anti- the role of creatine supplements in asthma Doping, advising on the use of inhaled beta2- development, caution should prevail and youth UEFA agonists for elite athletes with asthma. l players should not be encouraged to use creatine supplements. l

14 | UEFA •direct | 10.15 member associations

Austria www.oefb.at

Austrian national team humanitarian disaster encourages respect for refugees and to give the refugees and asylum The Austrian national team made their views seekers hope for the on the topical issue of refugees very clear future. when they came together at the beginning of The national team September. Before their final training session in would like to set an preparation for the EURO 2016 qualifier against example and, with Moldova in , the whole team unfurled all our strength, we a Respect Refugees banner. As team captain, urge everyone to spoke on behalf of the squad show the necessary at the press conference after training: “We level of understanding national team players have been touched by and solidarity towards the current refugee crisis. We even have a few these people, who GEPA pictures.com GEPA players with a migrant background in our team, urgently need our and some of our parents came to Austria as The Austrian national team’s message is clear help at this time.” refugees. Before the match We would therefore like to unanimously traumatic experiences and unimaginable between Austria and Moldova kicked off, a express our support for every person’s right to suffering, and is now seeking refuge here. minute’s silence was held and the fans were a dignified life and, above all, our sympathy for A massive effort is required to provide these shown a video of the national team’s show of everyone who has been forced, by war and people with dignified living conditions, to solidarity, filmed the previous day, on the persecution, to flee from their homes, endured search together for solutions to this stadium’s big screens. l Carmen Redl

Azerbaijan Bosnia and Herzegovina www.affa.az www.nfsbih.ba

Women’s Under-19s finish top Celebrating they lost twice to Kazakhstan in the play-offs, of their qualifying group UEFA Grassroots Day first in Zenica (5-0) and then in Almaty (4-0). The senior women’s team also had a tough time The Azerbaijan women’s Under-19 team won In Bosnia and Herzegovina’s two Group B as they embarked on their qualifying campaign all their matches in their European championship European Qualifiers in September, the Dragons for Women’s EURO 2017, although it is qualifying mini-tournament in Flintshire in Wales lost to Belgium in Brussels (3-1), but three days still early days. Samira Hurem’s side lost 6-0 and, as group winners, earned a place in the later got the better of Andorra at home in to Belgium in Louvain. Also in Group 7 are elite round. In the mini-tournament, they beat Zenica (3-0). England, Estonia and Serbia. The women’s the host team 4-1, Belgium 3-0, and, in their The Bosnia and Herzegovina Under-21s, Under-19s hosted their European Group 2 last match, Croatia 2-1. meanwhile, played their second match in the qualifying mini-tournament at the stadiums 2015–17 European Under-21 Championship of Gradski and Etno Selo Stanisići in Bijeljina. Group 9 qualifiers. After losing away to Norway Nikola Nikić’s players finished in third place in June (2-0), Darko Nestorović’s side were after beating the Faroe Islands 1-0 but losing beaten by Kazakhstan (2-1) at Olympic Asim to France (2-0) and the Czech Republic (5-0), Ferhatović Hase Stadion in Sarajevo. In both of whom have qualified for the elite preparation for their European Under-19 round. Championship qualifying mini-tournament in Alongside all the match action, UEFA Azerbaijan in November, the Under-19s played Grassroots Day was celebrated at the Bosnia two friendly matches against FYR Macedonia and Herzegovina Football Federation’s national in Skopje. They won the first 5-2, but went training centre in Zenica. The event was opened on to lose the second 4-1. Sakib Malkočević’s by the association’s general secretary, Jasmin Under-17s played two friendly matches against Baković. “Today we are joining all UEFA member their Serbian peers in Stara Pazova, winning the associations in marking Grassroots Day, giving AFFA first 2-0 and losing the second 4-0. a large number of talented boys and girls the The Women’s U19 team are ready for the elite round The national futsal team’s hopes of qualifying opportunity to socialise and make new friends. of their European championship for the Futsal EURO 2016 were dashed when I believe everyone will go home happy after a day full of beautiful emotions Speaking after the mini-tournament, and experiences,” Mr Baković midfielder Aysun Aliyeva said: “The group said as he welcomed the round was very important for us. Although participants. the matches were very hard, we were able to The event programme represent our country in a fitting way. We got included football for all, i.e. maximum points from our three matches and regardless of gender, race, finished the group in top position. We are so religion and nationality, and glad to have qualified for the elite round. We the event was attended by will do our best to make our country proud boys and girls from schools again when the elite round takes place next and football clubs all over the April. In this qualifying round, the match country. against Belgium was the most memorable. They l Fuad Krvavac were very strong opponents. That’s why it was such a hard match. But we still won by a big score. I didn’t expect us to win all our matches. But we got off to a successful start, which boosted our confidence. The result speaks for Bosnia and Herzegovina lost both itself. A hard test awaits us in the elite round, their matches against Kazakhstan but I am confident we can make it.” in the qualifying play-offs for the F. Krvavac F. l Firuz Abdulla European Futsal Championship

UEFA •direct | 10.15 | 15 16 girls betweentheagesof5and14tookpart. Tartu, Tallinn, andKuressaare. Parnu Over500 football clubs,organisedthefestivalinRakvere, Association (EJL),incollaborationwithlocal and citiesacross Estonia.TheEstonianFootball Goals girls’footballfestivalwasheldintowns inclusion initiativestoimplementingtechnology. groups efficientlyviaarangeofmethods,from these willhelpusensureweservice this survey a crosssectionofdiversecommunitiesand The grassrootsfootballaudienceconsistsof achieved throughlisteningaswellacting. the keyobjectiveswehaveset.Thiswillbe adaptable toensurethatweareablemeet four-year strategyhasbeendesignedtobe those thatitimpactsupondirectly. Ournew it isvitalweensurethatarelisteningto grassroots footballand,aswemoveforward, “We areonthecuspofarealrevolutionwithin of thoseinvolvedinthenationalgame. fullest picture yetoftheexperiences andviews grassroots footballworkforce, andwillgivethe volunteers thatformthe400,000-strong coaches andreferees, aswellthestaff and undertaken. survey ofgrassroots footballithasever World CupinRussia. Čačić, whosecontractrunsuntilthe2018 for anewcoach,theHNShired 62-year-old ways withKovač.Afteratwo-weeksearch Football Federation(HNS)decidedtopart the executivecommitteeofCroatian away matchesagainstAzerbaijanandNorway, Croatia gainedonlyonepointduringtheir the European QualifiersinSeptember. After terminated afterdisappointingresults during succeeding NikoKovač,whosecontractwas head coachoftheCroatian nationalteam, Survey ofgrassroots football over asheadcoach Ante Čačićtakes Member associations over 500participants Live Your Goalsattracts For thethird yearinarow, theFIFA LiveYour The FA’s chiefexecutive,MartinGlenn,said: Contributions are beingsoughtfrom players, The FA haslaunchedthemostcomprehensive Ante Čačićhasbeenappointedasthenew |UEFA www.thefa.com England www.hns-cff.hr Croatia www.jalgpall.ee Estonia • direct |10.15

EJL Anne Rei,generalsecretary oftheEJL. and girlsarefullyacceptedinfootball,” explained game. Italsosendsaclearsignalthat women and makethemfeelcomfortableplaying the encourage girlsandwomentoembrace football means ‘Girlsareinthegame’.It’s meantto country. It’s called‘Tüdrukudonmängus’,which visual identityforthewomen’s gameinthe promotional work,wehavecreatedanew women. Besidesorganisingfestivalsandgeneral emphasis onintroducingfootballtogirlsand attended theothereventsacross thecountry. Other nationalteamplayersandcoaches talked abouttheirownfootballexperiences. team, whoshowedthegirlssomeexercises and and MaryEarpsfrom theEnglandnational and England.Theywere joinedbyKaren Bardsley European qualifyingmatchesagainstSerbia attended theeventinTallinn betweentheir Federation anditspresident,DavorŠuker, for president, DavorŠuker. we haveselectedthebestoption,”saidHNS HNS hasalwaysmadegooddecisions.Ibelieve players. We relyonCroatianbrains,andthe coached manyofourcurrentnationalteam with MariborintheEuropaLeague,andhehas with DinamointheChampionsLeagueand post. Heisanexperiencedcoach,heworked group this stageberth.“AnteČačićdeserves 2012 andsecured themaChampionsLeague domestic doublewithGNKDinamoZagreb in Under-21 sidefrom 1994to1998.Hewonthe clubs andwasanassistantcoachforCroatia’s coaches intothegame. a drivetogetmore highlyqualified grassroots groups intotheprofession. There willalsobe and ethnicminoritybackgrounds andLGBT more womenandpeoplefrom different racial through clubmentoringprogrammes. supporting coachingacross grassroots football of countycoachestaskedwithimproving and grassroots coachingandthere willbeanetwork £4mperyearwillbeinvestedin government, targets.” sample groupwillhelpusrefineourgoalsand disability football,feedbackfromsuchalarge played anactivepart intheeventTartu National teamcaptain KethyÕunpuu “In recentyearstheEJLhasputalotof Many oftheEstonianwomen’s nationalteam “I wouldliketothanktheCroatianFootball Čačić hasmanagednumerous Croatian The extensionofcoachbursarieswillget Thanks tomatchedfundingbythe

Getty Images and growthin participation in boys’andgirls’ on theincreases And, aswebuild Martin Glenn l Mediaoffice l Tony Snow proves popular Football Fitnessproject to achievethat,withallmyheart,”saidČ to reachEURO2016inFrance,andI’lldomybest and thenationalteam’s goalsareclear. We have support oftheproject. equipment, trainingplansandotherservicesin Fitness project around theFaroe Islands. women ofallages–takingpartintheFootball an estimated600to700people–menand Dr Mohrinhisscientificstudies.There are involved. project toseewhateffect traininghasonthose continue todosoatvariouspointsinthe the peopletakingpartinproject andwill a coupleofassistants,hehasbeentesting a centralfigure intheproject. Alongwith a highlyregarded Faroese physiologist,is proving tobeahugesuccess.DrMagniMohr, part intheFootballFitnessproject, whichis established groups ofmenandwomen taking fitness andjusthavefun. non-competitive basistoimprove theirgeneral to getpeopleofallagesplayfootballona very successfulwithasimilarproject. Theaimis where theDanishFootballAssociationhasbeen Football Fitness.Theideacamefrom Denmark, Association (FSF)startedaproject called Croatia’s nationalpride.Mymotivationishuge, generation isextremelytalented.Theyare team ismuchmorethanfootball,andthis their trust.Iamhonoured:theCroatiannational Football Fitnessisparticularlypopularamong women

Faroese FA The FSFisproviding theclubswith The results ofthetestswillbeusedby Clubs intheFaroe Islandshavelocally Earlier thisyear, theFaroe IslandsFootball www.football.fo Faroe Islands

l Tomislav Pacak

l Drago Sopta / HNS Terji Nielsen Ante Čačić a č i ć . France www.fff.fr

Les Bleus supporters’ club will increase further, shows that French once again. Excitement across the country welcomes 20,000th member supporters are fully behind the national team should therefore reach fever pitch by the time the event kicks off next The official supporters’ club of the French summer. national team, created by the French Football l Laura Goutry Federation (FFF) in May 2014 on the occasion of the World Cup in Brazil, passed the milestone of 20,000 members at the start of September. The club’s members receive numerous benefits: a dedicated stand with discounted tickets, the chance to attend national team training sessions and priority access to EURO 2016 tickets. They can also gain entry to the Casas Bleues fan zones before and after matches. Over 500 of them travelled to Lisbon for the match between France and Portugal on 4 September. With less than a year to go before EURO A healthy turnout 2016 in France, this figure, which the FFF hopes FFF for Les Bleus

Germany www.dfb.de

‘Lap of honour’ a great success The response has been very positive. In short, villages have taken part. I think it also shows we are more than satisfied,” said Helmut very clearly how much the DFB values amateur After almost 8,000km and 63 stops at Sandrock on the last day of the lap of honour. football.” amateur clubs all over Germany, the unique lap Herman Korfmacher, long-standing DFB l Stephan Brause of honour with the 2014 World Cup Winner’s vice-president for Trophy, organised by the German Football amateur football and Association (DFB), came to an end on 23 August. president of the More than 120,000 visitors had their photo Westphalian football taken with the trophy in the two event trucks and athletics and relived the excitement of the final in Rio. association, was also As the lap of honour reached its final stop at delighted with the SuS Kaiserau 1920, World Cup winner Benedikt trophy tour through Höwedes and the DFB’s general secretary, Germany: “This Helmut Sandrock, handed the trophy to the initiative has left a German Football Museum, which will open in great impression. Dortmund on 25 October. Entire towns and “After the success in Brazil, we thought about how our amateur clubs at grassroots level could share in the celebrations. That’s when the idea of the lap of honour was suggested. Over the past three months, we have seen the clubs Images organise some wonderful and imaginative The World Cup Getty events. We have had some fantastic moments. tour was a massive hit

Gibraltar www.gibraltarfa.com

Grassroots Day 2015 Following this there was another exhibition pursue their footballing careers to elite level if match between the Gibraltar national not even further, to achieve full international The Gibraltar FA’s annual Grassroots Day took Under-19s and the Under-17s. Again no honours. place on 19 September at Victoria Stadium. importance was given to the result but both Gibraltar’s national team head coach, Jeff Grassroots football is one of the fundamental teams got an excellent training workout and, Wood, and physio, Iain Latin, were also on parts of the overall footballing pyramid and above all, were able to put on a demonstration hand all day to offer advice and guidance to encompasses all forms of non-elite football. The of what youngsters with an interest in taking anyone who asked. day started off with various small-sided games up the game can aspire to should they wish to l Steven Gonzalez for youngsters, all of whom were guided by Gibraltar FA coaches and volunteers who were on hand to offer their support to all who wanted to take part. They also got the chance to try out skills equipment and coaching aids that were set up and demonstrated. Throughout the day there were also exhibition matches, starting off with a Gibraltar women’s select team taking on the Gibraltar national Special Olympics team. With results not Victoria Stadium provided being important given the ethos of the day, the perfect backdrop for these teams put on a great display, taking the Gibraltar’s Grassroots Day GFA opportunity to develop their 11-a-side skills. celebrations

UEFA •direct | 10.15 | 17 Member associations

Israel www.football.org.il

Scholarships for Shlomo Sherf and the IFA general youth footballers secretary, Rotem Kamer. The Stelmach Scholarships Every year, the Israel Football Association Foundation was established on (IFA) awards youth footballers with scholarships the initiative and with the hard for outstanding achievements on and off the work of Nahum Stelmach’s wife, pitch. They are known as Stelmach scholarships, Nira, and their children as one in memory of late Israel international Nahum of the most splendid and Stelmach. appropriate ways of keeping his At this year’s ceremony, championship shields memory alive. IFA were presented to teams, fair play trophies The IFA general secretary said: were awarded to male and female footballers, “It is with great pride that the Rotem Kamer, Nira Stelmach and one of the players awarded and 29 Stelmach scholarships were awarded to Israel Football Association plays a scholarship promising boys and girls. a part in this and we thank all The ceremony was attended by members those who assist in running the programme. recipients of the Stelmach scholarships and of the Stelmach family, the founder of the The IFA regards the preservation of the heritage I am convinced that in the future you will also Stelmach Scholarships Foundation, Meir Shamir, [Nahum Stelmach] left us as an important find a way to achieve a combination between the chairman of the IFA youth committee, platform for the future of Israeli football and the head, the ball and the net.” Moshe Damayo, former national team coach for our society as a whole. I am proud of all the l Michal Grundland

Italy www.figc.it

Support for Médecins Sans The FIGC has supported several other Frontières, Save the Children campaigns over the years. “We at the FIGC and ActionAid consider social responsibility one of our main tasks,” the president, Carlo Tavecchio, said. Throughout September and October, the “We do all we can to help solve humanitarian Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has been emergencies. As an educational institution, the supporting fundraising campaigns launched FIGC has the desire and a duty to step forward by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Save the and give consistent support. This is a historic Children and ActionAid to assist with the period and we are ready to play our part.” humanitarian emergencies in Sub-Saharan As well as supporting NGO campaigns, the Africa and the Mediterranean. From 21 FIGC organises its own social responsibility projects September to 4 October, the FIGC helped raise to promote integration, including Progetto Rete (goals project), which was set up by the FIGC’s funds for MSF’s Milioni di Passi (millions FIGC of steps) campaign to improve women’s health youth and schools department in cooperation in the North Kivu province of the Democratic Progetto Rete participants with the national agency for refugees (protection Republic of Congo. system for asylum seekers and refugees, or The FIGC then used Azurri games to support Cibo per Tutti (food for all) campaign, then SPRAR for short). Through this project, the FIGC ActionAid and Save the Children. It raised funds used the Italy v Norway game on 13 October to assists with football activities for young refugees for Ethiopia and India during the Azerbaijan v collect money for Save the Children’s EveryOne organised at 24 regional centres across the Italy match on 10 October as part of ActionAid’s campaign to reduce infant mortality. country. l Diego Antenozio

Latvia www.lff.lv

On matchday the children got the chance to children from small regional clubs has a Children from small Latvian experience the feeling of being a national team significant effect on their lives and could serve towns get the chance to escort player not only by going out onto the field, but as an impulse for them to one day become national team players onto also by visiting the dressing room, meeting the national team players themselves. the pitch Latvian national team players after the game l Toms Ārmanis and receiving gifts On 6 September the Latvian Football from the LFF. Federation (LFF) used the EURO 2016 qualifying Although match at home against the Czech Republic as initiatives similar an opportunity for children from small regional to this are towns to visit the capital and escort the players common in the of both teams onto the field at Skonto Stadium. football world, The LFF chose 22 of its regional football clubs the LFF would who have a relatively small number of children like to emphasise and gave them each an opportunity to choose that giving such one of their players to participate in the project. a chance to Some of the kids only learnt that they would be going to Riga and escorting players onto the field when an LFF film crew visited them in their schools. When they were told in front of their classmates and parents some of them could not hide their emotions and surprise, and their parents were evidently filled with a sense of pride. The lucky children LFF

18 | UEFA •direct | 10.15 Liechtenstein Malta www.lfv.li www.mfa.com.mt

Nicolas Hasler crowned Quaderer, at the EURO 2016 qualifier between Huge moment for Malta’s Liechtenstein’s footballer Liechtenstein and Russia on 8 September. Michael Mifsud of the year Meanwhile, 28-year old Yves Oehri who, like many other national team players, is not Malta’s ace scorer, Michael Mifsud, grabbed National team player Nicolas Hasler is a professional footballer, but an amateur, has the headlines in his country’s recent EURO 2016 Liechtenstein’s footballer of the year for 2015. won the new LFV prize for his exemplary qualifier against Azerbaijan. He hit a stunning The 24-year-old FC Vaduz midfielder was attitude to the sport. Showing outstanding 40th goal for his country in his team’s 2-2 draw, chosen by expert panels and a public vote. It commitment, he successfully combines playing a remarkable tally which only a few of the is the first time the son of the late footballing amateur football at the highest level with the world’s current greatest scorers can boast of legend Rainer Hasler has won the senior player demands of a full-time job. Since only a few at international level. award, having twice been named Liechtenstein’s footballers in Liechtenstein make it into the That goal was greeted with overwhelming young player of the year. He received his prize professional game, the path trodden with such embraces from his team-mates and acknow­ from Liechtenstein’s sports minister, Marlies great ambition by Yves Oehri is an example to ledgement from his fellow countrymen present Amann-Marxer, and the president of the all amateur players in the small principality. at the Ta’ Qali national stadium as the striker’s Liechtenstein Football Association (LFV), Hugo l Anton Banzer finger language immediately spelled out the monumental achievement in numbers. It was surely a huge moment for Mifsud in his 112th appearance for Malta. That milestone is even more astonishing for a player whose country’s goals do not come in bagfuls, given the none too rich pedigree Malta has in international football and the fact that the Mediterranean island nearly always faces much stronger teams. Although not a high-profile player in global rankings, the Maltese goalscorer has certainly earned a niche for himself in terms of his striking ability on the international stage. Mifsud has played in top European leagues in Germany, where he played for 1. FC Kaiserslautern, and in Norway, when he was Nicolas Hasler with with Lillestrøm SK. He also played in England Marlies Amann-Marxer with significant success, as well as in Australia. LFV and Hugo Quaderer

Luxembourg www.football.lu

Supporting youth football 6,250 balls were donated – 10 for each of the in clubs 625 youth teams represented. The clubs were able to choose between size 3, 4 and 5 balls, In recent years, the Luxembourg Football depending on the age categories of their Federation (FLF) has been actively supporting various teams. It was the sixth time in six years youth football in clubs through a number of that the FLF had given out free balls or other Captain Michael targeted projects, either providing financial equipment to its clubs for their youth activities. Mifsud after assistance or donating equipment. Its aim is to Aware of the crucial role occupied by fair scoring his 40th Aquilina

give children and young people in Luxembourg play in youth football, the FLF also organised D. goal for the access to new and appropriate training a separate fair play competition for youth national team materials so they can play football in the best players aged between 12 and 19 for the first possible conditions. time last season. The prizes will be presented Before his last overseas venture down under, On Friday 28 August, representatives of all to the winners in the next few weeks. the player returned to his country, where he 90 clubs involved in youth football in Luxembourg The purpose of all these activities is to played for Qormi FC and Valletta FC. Currently, were presented with footballs for their youth support youth football in Luxembourg, so that he is back with his home town team, Sliema teams at a ceremony held at the FLF’s head­ children and young people can continue to Wanderers, the side he started his career with. quarters in Mondercange. An impressive enjoy playing the game at grassroots level. The player’s overseas’ club career is best l Joël Wolff remembered for his brace when his team Coventry City beat Manchester United 2-0 at in the League Cup in September 2007. The influential Italian sports newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport then called him ‘Il Messi di Malta’. Voted sportsman of the year in Malta in 2001 and 2003, Mifsud scored his first international goal against Iceland in a World Cup qualifier in 2001. Since then he has kept on churning out goals for his country, once scoring five in Malta’s home friendly 7-1 win against Liechtenstein in 2008. The diminutive 1.65m-tall Mifsud has rightly been considered to be the hottest property in his country’s football for well over a decade. Certainly, his achievements over the years both Just some of the for his clubs and national team speak volumes. FLF 6,250 footballs donated l Alex Vella

UEFA •direct | 10.15 | 19 Member associations

Moldova www.fmf.md

Football festival “Sweden has always supported this kind FMF of project. It is very important to engage in A lot of smiling faces To coincide with Moldova’s Women’s EURO something when you are young, and football is 2017 qualifying group match against Sweden, the optimal way to do that. I’m especially happy and Svetlana Patraș of OFFS Moldova were Open Fun Football Schools (OFFS) Moldova and to see girls playing football. It’s very important responsible for the smooth running of the event. the Football Association of Moldova (FMF) to continue this,” Mr Huitfeldt said. OFFS was introduced to Moldova by the organised a football festival at the CSCT “These football festivals are very good for the Cross Cultures Project Association in 2006 to Buiucani stadium for 48 boys and girls from development of football in Moldova, especially help the country following the military conflict Ratus, Nimoreni and Chisinau. Special guests women’s football. It was nice to see so many of 1992 between the Transnistrian region and Henrik Huitfeldt, head of development girls playing,” said Mrs Guma. Moldova, using the power of football to prove cooperation at the Swedish embassy in The youngsters enjoyed playing football, that unity is possible among people from all Chisinau, and Mihaela Guma and Alexandra but also got to see Moldovan police officers regions of the country, irrespective of religion, Bocancea from the Moldovan women’s national working with police dogs through the special politics, race, sexual orientation and national team presented gifts to the children. Sport - School - Police programme. Iurie Conusevici background. l Press Office

Republic of Ireland www.fai.ie

Strategic development plan UEFA Women’s Champions League in 2011 for women’s football launched and 2014. What is more, the number of female players at all levels in Ireland has doubled in The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) recent years. launched its strategic development plan for The five main pillars of the FAI strategic women’s football at Tallaght Stadium ahead development plan are grassroots, education, of the national team’s Women’s EURO 2017 FAI high performance, promotion and marketing, qualifying match against Finland. Numerous and organisation and infrastructure. A guests were present, including the FAI chief Left to right: Niamh O’Donoghue, Emily Shaw (UEFA), cornerstone of the grassroots section will John Delaney, Una May, Tom Dennigan and Emma executive, John Delaney, the chairwoman of the involve recruiting more volunteers and Martin (FAI) Women’s Football Association of Ireland (WFAI), developing programmes such as the ‘Soccer Niamh O’Donoghue, the Irish Sports Council’s While the night may not have ended with the Sisters’ and ‘Future Football’ programmes, which director of participation and ethics, Una May, result the Irish wanted, there is no doubt that help clubs develop their players and coaches. and Tom Dennigan, general manager of women’s football in Ireland continues to make The education of female coaches is another Continental Tyres Ireland, who are the sponsors great progress. The FAI strategic development top priority, while under the organisation and of women’s football in Ireland. plan for women’s football should ensure that infrastructure pillar, one of the planned The fixture attracted an excellent attendance the great strides forward made in recent years developments is to replace the WFAI council of 2,905, but unfortunately for Sue Ronan’s will continue apace. with a new FAI women’s committee to oversee side, the otherwise memorable evening did Since the launch of the FAI women’s national the activities and development of women’s not earn them three points, which went instead league in 2011 the senior sector of the game football in Ireland. to an efficient Finnish team, who won the has made real progress, as borne out by Irish The strategic development plan covers the match 2-0. clubs progressing past the group stages of the period from 2015 to 2018. l Stephen Finn

Romania www.frf.ro

Selection, education involving two top teams did not exceed ten. Under-19 and Under-17 group are promoted to and competition A way of ensuring high-quality competition for the corresponding elite league. top youth clubs therefore had to be found. But that’s not all: in each group, the first These are the three vital pillars of the This is why ‘elite leagues’ have been created eight qualify for the Under-17 or Under-19 philosophy adopted by the Romanian Football for Under-19 and Under-17 youth teams. At an ‘Elite’ Romanian Cup. In each group the team Federation (FRF) with regard to youth football. FRF general meeting, the clubs were reluctant in first place plays the team in eighth place, Each of these pillars must be improved and to accept a change to the competition format the team in second place plays the team in strengthened, because one of the reasons for because travel costs would increase. In seventh place, and so on. There are then the lack of results at youth level in the last response, the FRF decided to invest more than semi-finals and finals within each group and decade is the way clubs and even the FRF €200,000 per year to cover all the clubs’ travel the winners play each other in the Under-17 approached youth football. The youth sector is expenses. The top three teams in each of the or Under-19 final. crucial for the FRF. In light of its importance, eight groups in the 2014/15 Under-19 and The winners of the cup finals also play the two centres of excellence (in Targu Mures and Under-17 championships were eligible for the clubs who win the Under-19 and Under-17 Timisoara) have been set up and another six will new competitions, making a total of 24 teams championships in the Under-17 or Under-19 be established in the next few years. These in each. The 24 teams in each championship ‘Elite’ Romanian Super Cup, another new youth centres give the players high-quality education were split into 2 groups of 12, one for the east competition. and training, both on and off the pitch. and one for the west. In practice, each team In addition, the 15-year-old players from the Until now, matches in the regular season of now has 22 matches at the highest level each two newly created centres of excellence play in both the Under-19 and Under-17 national season. At the end of the regular season the the Under-17 elite league (so they play against championships were organised in 8 groups of top two teams in each group qualify for the players one year older than them), but they 14 teams, with each group created according to semi-finals, then the winners go on to the final. cannot be promoted or relegated. geographical criteria. Under this system, in the The winner of the Under-19 championship will In this way, the FRF hopes that in a few years regular season each team played 26 matches, then go on to represent Romania in the UEFA it will have much better results at international but a top team might only play 5/6 matches Youth League. The bottom three teams in level and will be able to send many highly against top competition. There were semi-finals each group are relegated to the national skilled players to the Under-21 and senior – in the form of mini- – and finals, championship, a sort of second league. It is national teams. but still the number of matches per season played in six groups and the winners of each l Paul Zaharia

20 | UEFA •direct | 10.15 general meetingoftheRussian resulted Mutko,Russia’s inVitaly sportsminister, agenda, andcontinuedwithelectionswhich procedural issues,includingapproving the (RFS) tookplaceinMoscow. Popluhár, whodiedon6March 2011,would the localcommunity. providing grassroots footballopportunitiesto who spendcountlesshoursoftheirfree time and volunteersacross thesixScottish FA regions and celebratethededicatedgrassroots clubs Awards. YFC walkedawaywiththenight’s mainPeople’s Glasgow andAlexWatters ofGardoch United Football Club,ColinandMargaret ofPort Vize winners of2015.CalumMacLeodCarloway to celebratetheMcDonald’s Grassroots Award gathered atHampdenParkon17September 80 inSeptember Popluhár wouldhaveturned of 2015 Grassroots award winners new RFSpresident Vitaly Mutkoelected by ŠKSlovanBratislava,aclubthathadalready team andthenwiththeAtwohourslater. uncommon toseehimplayingwiththeyouth senior nationalteamatjust16anditwasnot Slovakia,Popluhárplayedforthe in western ber 2015.Atalentedboyfrom Bernolákovo have celebratedhis80thbirthdayon12Septem­ Jan Popluhár The meetingstartedwithorganisationaland The Slovakfootballerofthecentury, Ján Now intheir13thyear, theawards recognise The crèmedelaofScottishFootball On Wednesday 2September, anextraordinary in1954hewassigned After atournament www.scottishfa.co.uk Scotland www.rfs.ru Russia www.futbalsfz.sk Slovakia

Football Union

SFZ -

agreement wassignedwiththeminingand played 63matcheswiththeseniornationalteam. significance toScotland.Oneofthemostvital and girls’clubsmeantotheseguystheir family lives.Iknowhowmuchtheboys’clubs coaches whosacrificedtheirworkand playing intheboys’clubs.Ihaddedicated through theprocessmyselfasayoungkid, unbelievably importanttothegame.Iwent coaches foryoungplayers:“Thesepeopleare McLeish, whospokeoftheimportance joined byformerScotlandmanagerAlex support toourgrassroots heroes andhewas McGhee wasattheceremony toshowhis Scotland. excellent workbeingdoneatgrassroots levelin tears andcheers–allofwhichshowcasedthe the CzechoslovakCupthree times. Cup,helifted 1968/69 European CupWinners’ Lyonnais before theclub’s triumphinthe during his14yearsthere andleftfor Olympique Although hefailedtowinatitlewithSlovan made anameforitselfinCzechoslovakia. RFS ExecutiveCommittee. Igor Lebedevbeingelectedasamemberofthe being electedasthenewRFSpresident and known astheJánPopluhárAward since2010. Slovak footballeroftheyearaward hasbeen contribution tofootballdevelopment, andthe UEFA Congress on22March 2011forhis received an EmeraldOrder, inmemoriam,atthe him theWorld FairPlayAward in1967.Healso well-documented infootballhistoryandearned match betweenCzechoslovakiaandBrazilis latter wasinjured inthe1962World Cupgroup chivalry. Hisgesture towards Peléwhenthe world overforhisspiritofsportsmanshipand shown justoneyellowcard! Heisfamousthe once sentoff byareferee andrecalled being 19 yearsasaprofessional playerhewasnever based SKSlovan-HütteldorferAC. at theageof44,whenplayingforVienna- footballer inCzechoslovakia1965andretired players. Hewonthefirst-everaward forbest farewell matchalongsideotherworld-class invited byStanleyMatthewstotakepartinhis Association’s centenaryandtwoyearslaterwas England incelebrationofTheFootball medal attheEuropean Championship in1960. abronzeCup final,althoughhealsoearned The heightofhiscareer wasthe1962 World The followingday, 3September, asponsorship Scotland nationalteamassistantMark It wasanightthathadeverything–laughs, Popluhár received 18capsatyouth leveland Popluhár wasatruegentlemanoffootball.In teamthatplayed He wasontheinternational

RFS Vitaly Mutko l PeterSurin

national footballteam. of theRFSandofficialpartnerRussian Nickel becomestheofficialmetallurgicalpartner new RFSpresident. Undertheagreement, Norilsk CEO, AlexanderAlaev, inthepresence ofthe and publicrelations, LarisaZelkova,andtheRFS Nickel vice-president andheadofsocialpolicy Moscow. Theagreement wassignedbytheNorilsk ceremony intheArena Khimkipress centre in metallurgical companyNorilskNickelduringa Scotland’s winners 2015GrassrootsAward against anybodyintheworld.” believe inourselvesandwecanplay like toseeushavingamentalitywherewe wall beforeweshowourtrueselves.Iwould and oftenneedtohaveourbacksagainstthe nation, wesometimesdon’tbelieveinourselves self-empowering. IfwelookatScotlandasa and givingkidsconfidence.Allthesethingsare things inthemoderngameisencouragement celebrated bythefansoftheirlocalclubs. the newlycrowned championshavebeen also beentoseveralAllsvenskanvenues,where with theUEFA trophies. TheU21silverware has the opportunitytotakepictures ofthemselves women’s andU21),supportershavebeengiven Sweden’s recent homequalifiers(men’s, supporters aspossible.Hence,ateachof prolong thefeelingandshare itwithasmany the SwedishFootballAssociationwantedto 20,000+ crowd andtelevisedlivenationwide. organised incentralStockholmfront ofa escorted byfighterjetsandareception homecoming wasspectacular, withtheirflight of thenationasneverbefore. TheUnder-21s’ month later. in thefinaloftheirEuropean championship a the women’s Under-19 teamovercoming Spain Under-21 Championshipandcontinuedwith with SwedentriumphingintheEuropean summer ofunprecedented success. Itstarted UEFA trophies ontour SvFF National prideinthetrophies isevidentand The twosuccessfulteamscaptured thehearts Swedish supportershavehadabreathtaking Scottish FA Sweden www.svenskfotboll.se

UEFA

• direct |10.15 l l ThomasSaleteg IgorVladimirov silverware with l DavidChilds Sharing the supporters

21

Member associations

Switzerland www.football.ch

Former internationals meet Swiss national team in a quiz. for their annual get-together As they continued their journey through the Seeland At the invitation of the Swiss Football region, they visited the new Association’s president, Peter Gilliéron, and sports venues that had recently general secretary, Alex Miescher, former opened in Biel/Bienne. For members of the Swiss national team gathered the ex-footballers, of course, for their traditional annual get-together. FC Biel-Bienne’s Tissot Arena Young former internationals were joined was a particular highlight, but by players from previous generations, such the EHC Biel/Bienne arena and as Heinz Schneiter, who played at the 1962 the six curling rinks also created World Cup in Chile and captained the Swiss plenty of interest. SFV national team at the 1966 World Cup in Before being driven back to England. They met up at Berne railway station, Another enjoyable outing Berne, the players were treated where the day kicked off with coffee and to a delicious evening meal. croissants. a vineyard high above the shores of Lake Their animated conversations continued well In blazing sunshine, the coach that normally Biel/Bienne. into the night, so there is no doubt that they transports the current Swiss national team While enjoying the wine and the equally will find plenty to talk about when they meet through the area then took the participants splendid view over the lake, those present were again next year. to Alfermee, where they tasted fine wines at able to show off their knowledge about the l Pierre Benoit

Turkey Wales www.tff.org www.faw.org.uk

Turkish amputee team Integrity Tour enters champions of Europe second season In the 2015 European amputee football Following last season’s very successful cup competition, staged in Poland on 12 and Football Association of Wales (FAW) Integrity 13 September, Turkey’s national amputee Tour, as part of which all 12 Welsh Premier football team, supported by the Turkish Football League clubs received a workshop on the Federation and under the authority of the dangers of match-fixing in Wales, the education Turkish disabled sports federation, beat the host programme has now entered its second season. nation 2-1 to become the champions of Europe. Clubs participating in Welsh Football League In the group stages, Turkey beat Ireland 5-0 Division One and the Cymru Alliance League and defeated Italy 9-1 to secure a place in the (both of which are at level two of the Welsh TFF semi-finals, where they beat Spain 3-0. domestic pyramid structure) will receive l Aydın Güvenir The European champions workshops from the FAW in partnership with integrity experts Sportradar throughout the 2015/16 season. Ukraine www.ffu.org.ua

New partnership to further video archives of different age-team matches, the development of Ukrainian as well as to technical and tactical statistical football data on players for assessing potential new recruits. On 24 September, the Football Federation The deputy chairman of the FFU national of Ukraine (FFU) signed a deal with one of the teams committee, Semen Altman, sees the leading match-analysis and statistical soccer benefits: “Little things don’t happen in football; data companies in the world, WyScout. all aspects are important. So giving coaches the FFU experts analysed the European and world possibility to get technical and tactical data on markets before choosing a company which has each player boosts the chances of achieving worked successfully for many years with top good results.” The programme FAW clubs in England, France, Germany, Italy and Explaining how WyScout can help Ukrainian logo Spain, to name but a handful. From now on, all football, Matteo Campodonico, who developed Ukrainian national teams will have access to the the platform, says: “Our product is in demand Steven Jones, FAW integrity manager, said: in more than 80 countries all over the “The FAW remains as committed as ever to the world. We cooperate with such famous fight against match-fixing in Wales. Our clubs as Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern, integrity workshops at the Welsh Premier Dortmund, Arsenal and others. We will League clubs proved extremely successful and help the development of football in I’m pleased to say that it doesn’t end there, Ukraine through the implementation of as we are now visiting all 32 clubs at level two exclusive technologies and innovations.” of the Welsh football pyramid. We continue l Yuri Maznychenko to work closely with our integrity partners at Sportradar to ensure that we educate as many of our key stakeholders as possible.” Club officials, match officials and FAW staff have already attended the educational Kubanov workshops as part of the association’s Representatives of the FFU commitment to the fight against match-fixing. Pavlo and WyScout joining forces l Rob Dowling

22 | UEFA •direct | 10.15 Birthdays, calendar, notices birthdays Marc Batta (France, 1 Nov.) Petr Fousek (Czech Republic, 19 Nov.) Andrey Medintsev (Bulgaria, 28 Nov.) György Szilagyi (Hungary, 2 Nov.) Jean-Louis Piette (France, 20 Nov.) Tomaž Ranc (Slovenia, 28 Nov.) Francesco Bianchi (Switzerland, 2 Nov.) Paul-Heinz Lenhart (Germany, 22 Nov.) Marko Ilešič (Slovenia, 29 Nov.) Gianluca D’Aloja (Italy, 2 Nov.) Jyrki Filppu (Finland, 22 Nov.) Alojzije Šupraha (Croatia, 29 Nov.) Amir Navon (Israel, 2 Nov.) Emilia Wnuk (Poland, 22 Nov.) Wolfgang Niersbach (Germany, 30 Nov.) Łukasz Wachowski (Poland, 2 Nov.) Mamuka Kvaratskhelia (Georgia, Georgios Vourvachis (Greece, 3 Nov.) 22 Nov.) 50th Andrea Ferretti (Italy, 4 Nov.) Izabella Łukomska-Pyżalska (Poland, notices Lars Richt (Sweden, 4 Nov.) 22 Nov.) l David Griffiths was elected as Luís Figo (Portugal, 4 Nov.) Teun Jacobs (Netherlands, 22 Nov.) president of the Football Association Lennart Johansson (Sweden, 5 Nov.) Nikolai Pisarev (Russia, 23 Nov.) of Wales on 26 August, replacing Fernand Meese (Belgium, 5 Nov.) George Koumas (Cyprus, 24 Nov.) Trefor Lloyd Hughes. Georgi Popov (Bulgaria, 5 Nov.) Zbigniew Przesmycki (Poland, 26 Nov.) l Vitaly Mutko was elected as Mircea-Mihaiu Pascu (Romania, 6 Nov.) Borislav Popov (Bulgaria, 26 Nov.) 60th president of the on 2 September, replacing Styrbjörn Oskarsson (Finland, 26 Nov.) Nadezhda Ulyanovskaya (Russia, 6 Nov.) acting president Nikita Simonyan. Peter Gardiner (Scotland, 7 Nov.) Marcos Del Cuadro (Switzerland, 26 Nov.) l Levan Kobiashvili was elected as Vladimir Badura (Slovakia, 7 Nov.) Miroslav Pelta (Czech Republic, 27 Nov.) president of the Georgian Football Sergio Di Cesare (Italy, 8 Nov.) Marios N. Lefkaritis (Cyprus, 28 Nov.) Federation on 3 October, replacing Haris Loizides (Cyprus, 8 Nov.) Ante Vučemilović Šimunović (Croatia, Domenti Sichinava. Gjergji Bitri (Malta, 8 Nov.) 28 Nov.) Michele Uva (Italy, 8 Nov.) Aurel Mihail Ionescu (Romania, 8 Nov.) Rudolf Zavrl (Slovenia, 9 Nov.) Jorge Pérez Arias (Spain, 9 Nov.) Forthcoming events Willi Hink (Germany, 9 Nov.) Theodore Giannikos (Greece, 9 Nov.) Meetings Competitions Thomas Hollerer (Austria, 9 Nov.) 5 November, Nyon 3/4 November Isabel Hochstöger (Austria, 9 Nov.) HatTrick Committee UEFA Champions League: Marc Van Geersom (Belgium, 10 Nov.) group matches (matchday 4) Muharrem Zihni Aksoy (Turkey, 11 Nov.) 6 November, Nyon Mehmet Murat Ilgaz (Turkey, 11 Nov.) Fair Play and Social Responsibility 5 November Uno Tutk (Estonia, 11 Nov.) Committee UEFA Europa League: group matches (matchday 4) Milan Spirkoski (FYR Macedonia, 12 Nov.) 9 November, Nyon Howard Wilkinson (England, 13 Nov.) Legal Committee 10–15 November Stefan Hans (Germany, 14 Nov.) Players’ Status, Transfer and Agents UEFA Futsal Cup: elite round Maciej Stanczuk (Poland, 14 Nov.) and Match Agents Committee 11/12 November Peter Fröjdfeldt (Sweden, 14 Nov.) UEFA Women’s Champions League: 10 November, Nyon Samira Huren (Bosnia & Herzegovina, round of 16 (first legs) Stadium and Security Committee 14 Nov.) National Team Competitions Committee Jean Lemmer (Luxembourg, 15 Nov.) 12–17 November UEFA EURO 2016: play-off matches Otto Demuth (Austria, 16 Nov.) 90th 13 November, Nyon Wolf-Günter Wiesel (Germany, 16 Nov.) European Women’s U19 and U17 18/19 November Championships: draws for the 2016/17 Susan Ann Hough (England, 16 Nov.) UEFA Women’s Champions League: qualifying rounds and for the 2015/16 round of 16 (return legs) Radenko Mijatović (Slovenia, 16 Nov.) elite rounds Ján Fašung (Slovakia, 17 Nov.) 24/25 November Per Svärd (Sweden, 18 Nov.) 50th 26 November, Nyon UEFA Champions League: Stanisław Piłkowski (Poland, 18 Nov.) Finance Committee group matches (matchday 5) Knarik Abelyan (Armenia, 18 Nov.) 40th 27 November, Nyon 26 November Jacques Liénard (France, 19 Nov.) UEFA Women’s Champions League: UEFA Europa League: Horst R. Schmidt (Germany, 19 Nov.) draws for the quarter- and semi-finals group matches (matchday 5)

UEFA •direct | 10.15 | 23