WE CARE ABOUT FOOTBALL No. 128 | May 2013 In this issue

Official publication of the Kairat Almaty win the UEFA Futsal Cup 4 Union des associations européennes de football By winning the UEFA Futsal Cup final in Tbilisi, Kairat Almaty become the first Kazakh club to have their name engraved on a UEFA trophy.

Chief editor: Sportsfile André Vieli Produced by: Atema Communication SA, Sweden gets set for the UEFA Women’s CH-1196 Gland EURO 2013 6 Printing: Artgraphic Cavin SA, With just a couple of months to go before the Women’s CH-1422 Grandson EURO kicks off, the Swedish hosts have gone the extra mile

to ensure that the tournament gives a further boost to the Sportsfile Editorial deadline: development of women’s football. 6 May 2013

The views expressed in signed articles are not necessarily the official views of UEFA. HatTrick awards 8 The reproduction of articles To reward national associations’ development efforts, UEFA has published in UEFA·direct is authorised, provided the conferred HatTrick awards on the best projects in different categories. source is indicated. IFA

UEFA Regions’ Cup final round heads to the Venice region 11 The final round of the UEFA Regions’ Cup is taking place in Venetia, where the local team will be trying to repeat their success of 1999. Sportsfile

News from UEFA member associations 16

grassroots newsletter

No. 14 | May 2013

EditoriAl With this issue rEwArding hArd work

From 8 to 12 April, the UEFA Grassroots Workshop was held at Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo. It was the tenth event of its kind, and the first which I had the privi- lege to “lead” on behalf of UEFA. The venue was perfect. On the first afternoon, it • was somehow symbolic to see a full range of grass- The 14th edition of the UEFA grassroots newsletter looks back roots activities for girls and boys on the pitch which is usually associated with Norway’s cup finals and national team matches. It symbolised how the base of the football pyramid should be brought as close to the peak as possible. This was brought home to me Cover: by the attitude of the participants. The workshop was UEFA at the UEFA grassroots workshop that took place in Oslo in April. held during the week when the return legs in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League were being played. The four matches involved teams from only five of the 53 UEFA member associations who attended the event in Oslo. But everybody wanted to watch the games, feel part of the action and admire By winning the UEFA Futsal Cup, the playing and coaching skills at the top end of Euro- pean club football. Even though they were men and women whose jobs focus on the base of the pyramid, they were keen to see what is going on at the top.

I believe that it is equally important for those engaged UEFA at the top of the professional tree not to lose sight of Kairat Almaty defied the odds their origins at grassroots level. The common denom- as human beings. And that was one of the other inator is our passion for the game of football. messages to emerge strongly from the workshop in That’s why, for me, it was a great privilege take the Oslo – the importance of saying thank you. stage, on the third morning, alongside former Liver- Offering “fun football” opportunities to men, pool FC and Norway star Stig Inge Bjørnebye and women, boys, girls, the socially underprivileged or three-time UEFA Champions League winner with those with impaired abilities is a task which is usually to become the first-ever Kazakh Real Madrid CF Fernando Hierro. The presenter about the passion, the enthusiasm and the incredible pointed out that we jointly totalled 239 appearances work ethic of the men and women who make vital for our national teams. But we all recalled that, when contributions as volunteers. In many national associa- we were grassroots players, we had dreams of reach- tions, there is not a volunteer culture to match that of ing the top, but had no idea that we were going to our Nordic hosts. So that is something that, as we winners of a UEFA competition make it. We also thought back with gratitude to the work together to nurture grassroots football through- coaches who helped to shape us as footballers and out Europe, we need to develop. Some national associations – including major nations like Germany – hold annual award ceremo- in this issUE nies to thank volunteers for their efforts. UEFA has been at the forefront in this respect and is encourag- and, to boot, winners of UEFA grAssroots dAy – ing all national associations to follow suit. For the first chAptEr FoUr 2-3 time, our annual grassroots awards were presented during the workshop in Oslo and, to highlight the Big EvEnt = importance we give them, a footballing legend, grAssroots opportUnity 4-5 Gianni Rivera, was on stage to present them. It was good to reward hard work. And it was good the first-ever UEFA final round thE intEgrAtion gAmE 6-7 to demonstrate that hard work at grassroots level is extremely rewarding. l grAssroots clUBs Ioan Lupescu or clUBs with grAssroots 8-9 UEFA Chief Technical Officer to take place in Georgia. stArgAzing 10-11 thE 2013 UEFA grAssroots dAy AwArds 12 UEFA • grassroots newsletter | 05.13 | 1 Photo: Sportsfile

2 | UEFA •direct | 05.13 Editorial UEFA FOOTBALL STANDS UNITED AGAINST RACISM

Though football may be regarded as the most sanctions, with bans of at least ten matches being competitive team sport, one aspect of football imposed for racist offences. where we strive to speak with a united voice is Additionally, if supporters engage in racist through our actions in addressing racist behav- behaviour, there will be a partial stadium closure iour in our stadiums. for a first offence and a full stadium closure plus € There are two actions necessary in tackling a fine of 50,000 for a second offence, should racist behaviour at football matches. The first they fail to heed the first warning. UEFA also action is via awareness campaigns and the edu- encourages state authorities to ban supporters cation programmes which are being run across from attending matches if they are found guilty the continent. This is the first way to kick racism of engaging in racist behaviour. out of football. Referees have been reminded that the UEFA The second action, which attracts more com- Executive Committee already approved guide- mentary from the media, is via disciplinary sanc- lines back in 2009, empowering them to stop, tions. It is one thing to say that there is a “zero suspend, or even abandon matches via a three- tolerance” policy towards racism, but you have step process aimed at tackling racism head-on. to act, and you have to act by having sanctions This is important also from a sporting standpoint, that have a deterrent effect. as the abandonment of a match will automati- European football has been taking this matter cally open a disciplinary procedure and the match seriously, by ensuring there is a deterrent effect. may then be declared forfeit. The last meeting of the Professional Football This is clear. This is serious. But this is also Strategy Council (PFSC) in Sofia on 27 March, known to (and supported by) everyone. One case involving representatives of Europe’s national of racism in European football is one too many, associations (UEFA), clubs (ECA), leagues (EPFL) and European football stands united against it. and players (FIFPro Division Europe), unanimously adopted a resolution aimed at combating racism and discrimination in football. This resolution was ratified by the UEFA Exec- utive Committee at its subsequent meeting in Sofia, where it was also proposed that UEFA’s disciplinary regulations for the 2013/14 season be revised, and that these revisions – to be rati- Gianni Infantino fied by the UEFA Executive Committee in London UEFA General Secretary on 22/23 May – form the basis of a resolution that will be presented to UEFA’s 53 member associations at the UEFA Congress the following day. The proposed resolution – European football united against racism – will include stiffer sanc- tions and penalties against clubs, players and officials convicted of any racist offence. Players and officials can expect to face more stringent

UEFA •direct | 05.13 | 3 4 Kairat Almatywouldmakehistorybybecoming clubfrom thefirst Kazakhstanto liftaUEFA trophy. ment ofaUEFA competition to bestagedinGeorgia.Few wouldhavepredicted, however,that knewthatthe2012/13UEFAEverybody Futsal tourna- final Cupwouldmake historyasthefirst KAIRAT THEKAZAKKINGS UEFA Futsal Cup |UEFA Kairat Almatycelebrate winning Kazakhstan’s • first UEFA title direct |05.13 the Catalansastheywere beaten5-4. scissor kicknothingmore thanconsolationfor Fernandão’s spectacularlast-minuteoverhead with Fumasacompletingahat-trick,making the break. But they then scored three times, team tooka3-2advantage30secondsafter had seemedunlikelytowhenMarc Carmona’s tradition. Despitegoing1-0and2-1ahead,they decade –andKairatunexpectedlyextendedthat team hadsuccessfullydefendedthetitlefora in theGeorgiancapitalTbilision26April.Butno before apassionatecrowd atthePalaceofSport they tookonthe2012winners,FCBarcelona, theirdebutinthefinal pions SLBenficatoearn nating Italy’s Luparense C/5andthe2010cham- enormouscreditgian clubhadearned byelimi- silver medallistsMFKDinamoMoskva.TheGeor- ment hosts,IberiaStarTbilisi,againstthe2012 pointed towitnessa5-2defeatforthetourna- Radical changesforIberiaStar Earlier intheday, 7,200fanshadbeendisap- handed themtheunderdog labelas in thesemi-finals.Historytherefore sions buthadinvariablybeenbeaten onfourprevioustournament occa- Kairat had qualified for the final

Brazilian ratherthanColombian,thefactthat guished opponentsbysurprise.Althoughheis tactical innovationwhichcaughttheirdistin- Kairat’s successhadagreat dealtodowitha strike anoddchord inthefive-a-sidegame.But Barcelona.” they outplayedus,justashaddoneagainst were greatinplayingfiveagainstfourand I thinkthatwewerenotreadyforthem.They “We didn’texpectKairattobeinthefinaland forwardinternational Ciriloadmittedafterwards: ily duringthe2012finalinLleida.But,asRussian side which had made FC Barcelona sweatmight- Kairat were underdogs againsttheMFKDinamo red-letter dayintheannalsofsportKazakhstan. which allowsSunday28April2013tobecomea the firstandlastgoalsina4-1victory. FC Barcelona, forwhomSergioLozanoscored home team was beatenforthebronze medalby and half the squadbarely six weeks earlier. The club hadprovoked thedeparture ofthecoach pected, asamajorshake-upattheGeorgian four. Buttheoutcomewasnottotallyunex- Tactical innovation The reference to“fiveagainstfour”might This wasthecurtain-raiserforagrandfinale

Sportsfile

Leonardo de Melo Vieira Leite is known as “Higuita” speaks volumes about the degree of panache which he applies to the art of goalkeep- ing. Although more than competent between the posts, his penchant is to advance into oppo- sition territory to support attacks as an additional outfielder. Hence the Dinamo players’ impres- sion that they were being outnumbered. Higuita’s role turned out to be a tactical mas- terstroke by Ricardo Cámara Sobral, alias Cacau, who had joined Kairat as head coach from Czech club Era-Pack Chrudim as recently as February. “When I arrived,” he commented, “morale was very low, so I talked to the influential players like Betão and Euler. I could say that Joan and Higuita were the key players in getting us to the final, but the really important thing was the col- lective effort.” Cacau understated his own contribution, but did admit: “I didn’t expect to win, but I had stud- ied Barcelona for a month. I saw all their matches Sportsfile and analysed them like nobody. I noticed they Barcelona, last year’s were in sometimes in trouble when they defended, But, as the Kairat captain Dinmukhambet winners, finished in third so the key was Higuita when we attacked – and Suleimenov admitted”: “When we were leading place, at the expense of Iberia Star Tbilisi our hard work when we had to defend.” 4-1, I think we lost concentration a bit. This resulted in Higuita’s mistake.” The keeper’s lapse Great intensity was to allow Cirilo to charge down a clearance The 5,120 fans who went to the Palace of and, with almost five minutes on the clock, it set Sport for the first final to be played in Georgia up a stirring finish which the crowd and the TV were witnesses to a first half of great intensity in audience relished. Emotions moved up a gear which, as Dinamo’s Spanish coach Tino Pérez when Tatú struck a low shot into the net through (who went into the final with ambitions to a crowd of players with just over three minutes become the first coach to win it three times) to play. With Tino Pérez throwing on the flying remarked: “Kairat broke up the game with the goalkeeper, Dinamo went into onslaught mode five against four and we were unable to resolve while Kairat, regaining a quantum of compo- the situation. We were very nervous.” sure, tried to deliver the knockout blow by It took 10 minutes and 45 seconds to break counter­punching. Kazakh hearts were in mouths the deadlock. Alexandre Moraes, subsequently when Cirilo’s shot struck the post with just selected as man of the match, broke down the 13 seconds remaining. “We were desperate not Kairat left and, when he neared the byline, to concede,” said Suleimenov, “and in the end Dinamo keeper Alexey Popov advanced towards we succeeded.” him and positioned himself on one knee to cover After the siren had declaimed the 4-3 victory, the goal – only to suffer the misfortune of the a jubilant Cacau commented: “The squad wanted shot bouncing off the knee, between his legs to be champions. To do that, you need to have and into the net. Kairat patently began to believe joy, desire and unity.” Kairat Almaty put all three that the “luck of the champions” was on their of those qualities into the celebration of a victory side. which made history for Kazakhstan. l Sergey Sergeev seemed to have dealt a psy- chological blow for the favourites by hitting a long, low shot into the Kazakh net just 68 sec- onds before the break. But Kairat demonstrated that they possessed the mettle of champions by REsults taking the game by the scruff of the neck in the 26 April second half. After only 2’23, Leo set up Leo Semi-finals Santana, who beat Popov at the near post to put Iberia Star Tbilisi – MFK Dinamo 2-5 them 2-1 up. Exactly six minutes later, a shot by Kairat Almaty – FC Barcelona 5-4 Moraes was turned into the net by Fumasa who, with four goals to his credit, emerged as the 28 April tournament’s top scorer. With just over seven minutes to play and with Dinamo deploying Tatú Third-place play-off as flying goalkeeper, Higuita grabbed possession Iberia Star Tbilisi – FC Barcelona 1-4 and put his name on the scoresheet with a long Final punt into the unguarded Russian net. At 4-1, it MFK Dinamo – Kairat Almaty 3-4 looked like game over.

UEFA •direct | 05.13 | 5 on aconcept thatfocusesonwomen'sfootballdevelopment,aconcept called“WinningGround”. On 4October 2010,Swedenwasappointedto hosttheWomen's EURO 2013.Thebidwasbased 6 Winnng ground for women’sfootball UEFA Women's EURO 2013 |UEFA Ullevi stadiumwillhost Gothenburg’s Gamla Group Amatches • direct |05.13 local population. football supportersaswell touristsandthe ting upfanzoneswithalotof activitiestoattract city centre. Therefore, thehostcitieswillbeset- one beingthefootballstadium, theother The planistohavetwoarenas ineachhostcity, andnotjustonmatchdays. whole tournament inthecitiesduring light thetournament To create theseextravalues,theaimistohigh- add valuetothesportoutsidepitchaswell. be “only“25footballmatches,butthatitwill directorsays tournament GöranHavik. public andcommercialmediapartners,” as well as increasedinterestfromthe general and contributetopositivesportingdevelopment ground’ locally, nationallyandinternationally More than25footballmatches The objectiveoftheeventisthatitshallnot tion isthatwomen'sfootballwill‘win we workonthetournament.Theambi- wedowhen toapplyeverything try a newboost. will give the developmentof the sport cessful andwell-arrangedtournament Ground” meansthatasuc- “Winning Groundissomethingwe “Winning Havik. vour andatmospheretotheevent,”saysGöran ful and they really contributed some extra fla- was that the fan zones were extremely success- Championship whichSwedenhostedin2009 Group C,consistsoftheteamsEngland,Spain, Iceland andtheNetherlands.Thethird group, favourites, Germany, willplayagainstNorway, will beplayedinVaxjo andKalmar, where thebig along withDenmark,FinlandandItaly. Group B where hostnationSwedenwillplaytheirgames will beplayedinGothenburgandHalmstad, between 10 and28July in sevencities. Group A Russia andFrance,willbeplayedinNorrkoping Seven hostcities the 2013season. Linkoping wasready formatches forthestartof inaugurated last September, and the arena in newly renovated. VäxjöArena, for instance,was national stadium,FriendsArena. match wasplayedthere inNovember2012) host thefinalatnewlybuilt(theopening and Linkoping.Theseventhhostcity, Solna,will “The experiencefromtheEuropeanUnder-21 The UEFA Women’s EURO2013willbeplayed The otherstadiumsare alsonewly builtor

SvFF

“The Women's EURO 2013 has played an cessful. More than 1,000 people have so far important part in the decisions about the con- applied to participate as volunteers. And the struction and the renovation of the stadiums. In great start to ticket sales also shows great dedi- Linkoping, where there is no major football tra- cation. At the end of April, with two and half dition on the men's side, they built a stadium months still to go before kick-off, 65,000 tickets that will primarily be used by the city’s women's had been sold to individuals in 17 countries. team, Linköping FC. The arena in Linkoping will be “The start of the ticket sales has exceeded all absolutely perfect for the Women's EURO 2013 expectations! In the first four hours we sold over and the decision to build the stadium is a sign 20,000 tickets which is something that we that the importance of women's football has couldn’t have dreamed of, and the fact that we grown a lot,” says Havik. have sold tickets to 17 nations is also something that is amazing. So far in the history of women´s The Sweden 2013 T-shirt football, there has not been a great tradition of To increase awareness and interest in the travelling supporters, but we hope that the tournament, the local organising committee has Women's EURO 2013 will contribute to a break- used a very simple, but extremely effective tool: through on that front. For example, the Norwe- a T-shirt! gian Football Association is planning to set up a The Sweden 2013 T-shirt has been an incred- Camp Norway in Kalmar to take care of all the ible success when it comes to communication and Norwegian supporters that are expected to promotion of the tournament, mostly because it come. This is a clear sign that we really are “Win- has been seen in the media during the ongoing ning Ground” and that the championship this preparations. Since she was appointed to lead summer will give women's football a boost in the Swedish team in September 2012, national the right direction,” says Havik. coach Pia Sundhage has been wearing her Swe- den 2013 T-shirt almost every time she has Big media interest appeared in the media. In Sweden, the preparation work for the tour- Other famous footballers, such as Pelé, Lionel nament has received a lot of media attention Messi, Fredrik Ljungberg and Philip Lahm, have and there is much talk about the tournament in also either received or signed a Sweden 2013 the country. T-shirt. TV4, which has the TV rights for Sweden, is What is more, the T-shirt has also been on a planning huge coverage, including live coverage journey around the world! People have been of the press conference when the Swedish squad encouraged to take photos of themselves wear- for the tournament is announced. TV4 and ing the T-shirt and posing in front of a landmark TV4Sport will furthermore broadcast all 25 matches somewhere in the world, thus committing them- of the tournament live. selves as ambassadors for the tournament and for Eurosport will be the host broadcaster of the women’s football. So far, the T-shirt has visited tournament and TV rights holders also include nearly 70 countries. A world map with all the ARD/ZDF (Germany), BBC (England) and M6/W9 photos of these ambassadors can be found on (France). the LOC website: http://www.sweden2013.com/ The tournament will therefore get a lot of attention all over Europe this summer. l Creating local enthusiasm – Tobias Frejfors a key to success Historically, most of the tickets to a women’s Pelé shows off championship have been sold on the local mar- the Sweden 2013 T-shirt ket, and it has therefore been a major focus to involve the host cities in ticketing sales as much as possible. “The seven host cities are doing a fantastic job when it comes to making the local popula- tion feel a lot of enthusiasm for the Women´s EURO. We know that most of the tickets will be bought by local inhabitants in the host cities where the games will be played. The work on a local level is therefore a key to success and nec- essary for a successful championship. We have been working closely with the seven cities, and their dedication and work has been absolutely incredible,” says Havik. To make a lot of people – the general public as well as football players of all ages – feel com- mitted and keen to be involved one way or the other in the event has been part of the Winning Ground concept. So far, it has proven to be suc- SvFF

UEFA •direct | 05.13 | 7 HatTrick awards

Excellence recognised

Since 2003, the HatTrick programme has reinvested over €1 billion of European Football Championship revenue back into the development of football, supporting the 53 UEFA member associations to upgrade infrastructure, launch local community and social projects, and expand grassroots and women’s football, for example.

This year, the UEFA HatTrick awards have been of the game, addressing a wide range of topics introduced to officially recognise the remarkable such as grassroots, technical development and work undertaken by the UEFA member associa- social responsibilty. The project is complemented tions in the field of development. There are five by a mobile museum of football which docu- award categories, focusing on investment, social ments and tells the story of Italian football. responsibility, grassroots, women’s football and The city of Modena officially launched the special projects. Each member association is project in conjunction with the UEFA EURO 2012 entitled to enter one venture from each of the qualifying match between Italy and Estonia in five areas, and each project June 2011. The university of Modena organised should meet the criteria, a conference entitled “Football and society: over including­ medium to long- one century of history and passion”. There was a term legacy, impact on grassroots festival attended by 400 children and football’s growth in the the museum welcomed up to 3,000 visitors. To country, and impact on spe- date, three host cities have successfully imple- cific social target groups. mented the project with excellent results. The Applications are not limited long-term investment aims to establish a sound to projects funded by the legacy for the Italian Football Federation and the UEFA HatTrick programme; national game that it cherishes. independent entries are also welcome but must fall Best Social Project under the relevant catego- Royal Netherlands Football Association ries. Expanding the scope (KNVB) – Football For Everyone of eligible projects in this “Football For Everyone” demonstrates a mod- way has produced a more ern approach to society and specifically addresses comprehensive overview of the issue of homosexuality in football. The pro- the development work being ject consists of 11 values but, in essence, they all carried out across Europe. stand for the elimination of discrimination and Allan Hansen, member the acceptance of homosexuality in the game. of the UEFA Executive Com- The programme works closely with players, mittee and chairman of the trainers, coaches and referees, as well as youth UEFA HatTrick Committee, and professional football organisations, to pro- says: “The projects submit- mote a better understanding of homosexuality ted in the different catego- and its inclusion in our everyday lives. Work- FIGC ries of the HatTrick awards shops have also been offered in this respect and, have enabled us to witness at the Dutch FA (KNVB), this issue is formally first-hand the creativity and efficiency of the included regularly on meeting agendas. A confi- UEFA member associations, as all were innova- dential adviser has been appointed in all six dis- tive and have demonstrated tangible results.” trict offices of the KNVB as well as at the associa- The winners of the 2013 inaugural UEFA Hat- tion’s headquarters in Zeist to support amateur Trick awards are: and professional football clubs to help homosex- ual people find their rightful place in the world Best Investment Project of football. An extensive communications cam- Italian Football Federation (FIGC) – paign is also being aired on Dutch television and Città Azzurra del Calcio has very quickly spread across YouTube, Facebook The “Azzurri Football City” project is based and Twitter. on promoting the values, history and culture of Italian football through a series of educational Best Grassroots Project and sporting events held nationwide. The events Football Federation of Armenia (FFA) – are organised in liaison with host cities, support- Schools of Sport and Peace ing not only the Italian national teams but also Running from April to November 2012, the welcoming the players and fans of visiting teams. “Schools of Sport and Peace” focused on youth This travelling football roadshow unites schools, development, encouraging, through football, a communities and municipalities in a celebration healthy lifestyle and the exchange of interper-

8 | UEFA •direct | 05.13 Women’s football has benefited from the SCORE IFA project in Northern Ireland sonal, cultural and sporting values. The project there are 50% more B and 25% more A-licensed targeted the remote villages of Saravan, Gndevaz coaches in operation. SCORE has elevated the and Gorayk, addressing confidence-building for profile of women’s football in Northern Ireland children of different backgrounds and social and, more importantly, empowered the clubs groups, including children with disabilities. In to take ownership of player recruitment and the total, three events were hosted by the FFA, as education and deployment of their own coaches. well as a summer camp, and approximately 140 children between the ages of 9 and 14 benefited Best Special Project from the experience. It is vital to provide grass- Football Association of the Czech roots football – especially in rural areas, where Republic (FAČR) – Administration access to sport is not always easy. Now the chil- of Members and Players dren in these villages can play football on a regu- This is a unique category rewarding innova- lar basis, supported by local coaches and better tion in areas of development that are perceived resources. as less common. The FAČR launched an internal IT system that has completely overhauled its Best Women’s Football Project membership and player database and, at the Irish Football Association (IFA) – SCORE same time, greatly improved the distribution of Launched in 2011, this pilot project was financial resources to its member clubs, districts aimed at assisting clubs to establish contacts and regional authorities. with their local schools through the provision of This new tool has upgraded the level of a SCORE coach. The clubs nominated suitable administration and greatly simplifed the tasks of candidates for coach education, selecting enthu- the FAČR secretariat, which is now working with siastic and motivated individuals who could act real data that can define membership status and as ambassadors within their local area. Each affiliation to a certain club, district or region. Not SCORE coach received a financial contribution only has this new system facilitated work within towards the cost of the coach education course the association and its daily cooperation with and, on completion, provided 12 coaching ses- public and state authorities, but it has also sions at their local primary and secondary schools, changed the way football is managed across the as well as at junior clubs. nation, creating a fairer and more effective distri- As a direct result of this project, an impressive bution of funds and resources. A membership 3,338 girls have been introduced to football and card benefit programme has also been created. l

UEFA •direct | 05.13 | 9 Grassroots workshop in Oslo

Nurturing the grassroots

The Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo may be identified with Norway’s high-profile national team matches but, from 8 to 12 April, the focus switched to the broad base of the European footballing pyramid as it became the venue for the 10th UEFA Grassroots Workshop.

All 53 UEFA member associations were repre- to live his childhood when “people had nothing sented in Oslo, where the aims of the workshop and there were no barriers to self-organised were to move forward together, to promote street football”. His comments highlighted the interactive participation, and to get new ideas need to recreate street football environments and visions about how to nurture grassroots in modern society – a theme echoed by Yngve football in the future. Hallén, president of the Norwegian national association, which hosted the event in magnifi- Three awards cent fashion. “We have to look to the future UEFA’s annual grassroots awards were pre- together,” he said, “not only to breed top pro- sented at the workshop, with Italian legend fessionals but also to create meaningful lifestyles Gianni Rivera, a member of the UEFA Grassroots and contribute to communities.” Football Panel, performing the honours. A record 29 national associations had proposed candi- Working together dates – which had left the UEFA jury with some UEFA’s grassroots ambassador, Per Ravn Omdal, tough decisions. In Oslo, the best leader award also welcomed the participants to his home ter- was presented to Fikret Kadioglu, whose volun- ritory – and addressed them with his trademark teer work has offered fun football to 50% of the passion for the grassroots game. “We have boys and girls in a remote area of Turkey. thousands of people dealing with the profes- sional players,” he said, “but there are millions of other players whose needs cannot be ignored. We have to ask ourselves whether we are fulfilling our obligations to parents and to society by shaping human beings into good citizens.” The Norwegians are acclaimed as frontrunners in the grassroots game – but the core theme of the workshop was how UEFA’s member associations can best work together to bring the “tail-enders” up to speed in terms of nur-

UEFA turing grassroots football and making it available to Participants at all and sundry. Case histo- Ullevaal stadion Margit Bajankiné then stepped on stage to ries were presented by participants who, alpha- receive the best project award on behalf of the betically, ranged from Azerbaijan to Wales and, children’s homes project, which is providing foot- geographically, from Iceland to Oceania – one of ball for youngsters in care homes and orphanages four other confederations represented. Martin in Hungary. The best club accolade actually went Roberts, senior sport for development consult- to four Dutch clubs, with Lydia Zwier-Kentie receiv- ant for the Australian government, along with ing the award of behalf of SV Wilp, SC Klaren­ Franck Castillo, the Oceania Football Confedera- beek, SC Cupa and VV Voorst who, realising that tion’s head of social responsibility, outlined the they did not have enough players to form girls’ “Just Play” project aimed at promoting healthy teams, decided to cast aside rivalries and pool lifestyles. their human resources in order to offer football to The workshop in Oslo was an outstanding players who would otherwise miss out. success – and more about it can be found in the Rivera, born in 1943, had previously raised UEFA•grassroots newsletter, which is enclosed eyebrows by claiming that he was “fortunate” with this issue of UEFA•direct. l

10 | UEFA •direct | 05.13 UEFA Regions’ Cup

Can Veneto repeat their victory of 1999?

UEFA competitions for amateur teams can be traced back to 1965. But the UEFA Amateur Cup was hamstrung by blurred definitions of “amateurism” and was left to gather dust after only ten national associations had entered teams for the 1978 edition.

With many issues clarified, the concept of an interna- tional amateur competition was revived in 1996 and the inaugural UEFA Regions’ Cup was concluded in 1999, after teams from 32 member associations had com- peted for places in the eight-team final tournament. The first final, played in the Italian region of Veneto, had a sting in the tail, with a goal by Michele de Toni in the 29th minute of extra time giving the home team a dramatic 3-2 victory over a side from the Madrid region. The glance in the rear-view mirror assumes extra relevance because, 14 years later, the final tournament returns to Veneto and, once again, the home team is hoping to produce some déjà vu images by lifting the trophy for a second time.

37 participants The qualifying rounds, involving teams from 37 national associations, suggested that they will not have it easy. Nor will the reporters, for that matter, who will Aquilina

have to polish up their pronunciation of D. names like Yugoiztochen – the Bulgarian regional team which, after securing a A qualifying match place in the finals with two wins, took their eye paign. Belarusian side FC Isloch won their three between Olimp Moscow (in yellow) and the off the ball and lost their third game 5-0. “It’s qualifiers by narrow margins, with coach Vitali amateur team from a very young team,” reflected coach Krassimir Zhukouski attributing success to “sheer hard Gozo (Malta) Manolov, “and they will learn from the experi- work”. Qarachala became the second team from ence.” Azerbaijan to qualify after an added-time goal One of the other rocky but successful rides to defeated Belgrade in a tense final fixture. Veneto was enjoyed by the Eastern Region team Five goals by striker Imre Dolokos allowed him from Northern Ireland, who crept through the to emerge as joint top scorer in the qualifiers and preliminary round as the better of the two group help Hungarian team Keleti Régió to reach the runners-up and then secured their trip to Italy finals, while Moscow side Olimp provided three thanks to their head-to-head performance of the top six scorers (headed by midfielder against a team from the island of Jersey. It allows Sergei Orlov with five) as they scored 14 goals their coach, Harry McConkey, to enjoy a second and conceded none. final tournament, having taken the team to the The Veneto team came through with an iden- 2007 finals in Bulgaria and travelling home with tical goal tally, with their 14 goals shared by the UEFA fair play award in his baggage. eight different players. “I selected a lot of attack- ers,” commented the team’s head coach, Fabrizio Hard work Toniutto, “and it paid off.” Toniutto believed that The other six contenders displayed their his squad was strong enough for him to rotate strength by winning all their matches. Iberia has players during the qualifying round – and this provided three of the previous seven winners could be an asset when Veneto try to rewind to and, this time, the only representative is a Selecció 1999 in the final tournament between 22 and Catalana who needed an added-time winner 29 June, in which the finalists will be required to against the Ardennes to kick-start their cam- play four games in eight days. l

UEFA •direct | 05.13 | 11 European Women’s Under-17 Championship

Last edition in Nyon

The European Women’s Under-17 Championship final tournament will be staged across the street from UEFA’s headquarters at Stade de Colovray for what will be the final edition in Nyon from 25 to 28 June.

In November, UEFA’s newest youth finalists – Belgium, Poland and Sweden – are all competition will leave home to expand newcomers at this level. from four teams to eight, with the Powered by captain Valentine Hannecart’s first final tournament in this new for- presence in midfield, Joëlle Piron’s Belgium squad mat to be staged in England, from 26 finished top of a group featuring Germany and November to 8 December this year. For the UEFA Denmark to book their trip to Nyon. “Reaching administration, it will be sad to see the women’s the finals is a huge achievement given the oppo- Under-17 competition go, but as UEFA bids to nents we had,” said Piron. “We now have to go further develop women’s football and give more into the final tournament with the ambition of national associations the opportunity to stage reaching the final.” final tournaments, the time is right. Iceland will Her side will take on Poland in the first semi- stage the 2015 edition, then Belarus will get the final at 12.00 CET on Tuesday 25 June. Mid- honour in 2016. fielder Ewa Pajor is being touted as the Polish Lionel Messi, and coach Zbigniew Witkowski Three newcomers knows his side have a nation – as well as the Pol- In the meantime, the 2013 final tournament ish Football Federation (PZPN) – behind them, in June will be something to celebrate, with the having received presidential approval after con- rest of the world getting the chance to get a firming their place in the final tournament. glimpse of the action when the third-place play- “After the final whistle, the president of the off and final are screened live on Eurosport on PZPN, Zbigniew Boniek, called and the girls sang 28 June. our winning song for him down the phone,” he This season’s lineup is an unusual one, a testa- recalled. ment, perhaps, to the increased standard of Spain meet Sweden at 14.30 CET on the competition at this level since the first edition in same day, and coach Jorge Vilda says his side will 2007/08. Three-time winners – and holders – have a special motivation. “With Germany on With Germany missing Germany have missed out on the last four for three titles and ourselves on two, that spices from the lineup, who will win the UEFA women’s the first time, and while 2010 and 2011 winners things up,” he said. “It would be really nice to U17 trophy this year? Spain are back for more, the other three semi- catch them.” If they are to do that, they must first get past Yvonne Ekroth’s Sweden squad, who have big dreams of their own. ”Our ambition is to make it to the final,” she said. ”This team has great char- acter and does not rely on any one player.”

Schools invited All of this drama will be played out in front of some passionate crowds at Stade de Colovray in Nyon, with the UEFA administration taking the opportunity to work alongside the regional foot- ball associations of Vaud and Geneva, the Swiss Football Association and the town of Nyon to encourage schoolchildren to watch the games. Schools in the cantons of Vaud, Geneva, Neu- chatel, Fribourg and Valais have been invited to experience an unforgettable day in Nyon, watch- ing the matches and enjoying a number of excit- ing activities, including skills sessions with Swiss women’s national team players, quizzes, music, and a visit to UEFA’s House of European Football, with a chance to take photographs with UEFA trophies. It promises to be an unforgettable experience for all concerned – players and fans – and a fit- ting way to say farewell to the competition. Just Sportsfile six editions old and all grown up now. l

12 | UEFA •direct | 05.13 European Under-21 Championship

FOUR CITIES PREPARE TO HOST THE FINAL TOURNAMENT

The Israel Football Association is set to stage the final tournament of a UEFA competition for the second time – and is relishing the challenge of staging the biggest football event in the country’s history.

The first test of the Israelis’ organisa- tional skills dates back to the turn of the century, when the IFA hosted the final tournament of the European Under-16 Championship, as it was then known. For the record, the tournament was won by a Portuguese team featuring Raul Meireles and Hugo Viana, for whom a brace of goals by winger Ricardo Quaresma gave them a 2-1 extra-time victory over the Czech Republic in the final played in Tel Aviv on 14 May 2000. Just over 13 years later, Israel is hosting a star-stud- ded European Under-21 Championship in a final tournament to be played at four venues from 5 to 18 June.

High local hopes Curiously, the opening match involves the two teams who could legitimately be labelled underdogs on the basis that they are the only two never to have won the competition in the past (assuming that we agree to pass over to Sportsfile Russia the two titles won by the USSR). Local hopes will be high when Israel – in the finals for Former Israel internatio- the second time, having taken part in 2007 – Aviv-Yafo (14,400); and will round off the group nals Eli Ohana (left) and take on a Norwegian team who have not reached stage against England at the Teddy Stadium Avi Nimni, ambassadors for the U21 final round the final tournament since it was expanded from (30,400) in Jerusalem, where the final will be four to eight contestants in 1998. On that occa- played. The fourth venue is the 11,500-capacity sion, the Nordic team went home from Romania Ha Moshava Stadium in Petah Tikva, where three with bronze medals and, 15 years on, they group games and a semi-final will be played. offered a show of strength by beating France 5-3 The magnitude of the event can be measured to clinch their place in Israel. by the fact that TV pictures will be Group A also involves Italy, who broadcast to 140 countries and have taken pole position by win- by the enthusiasm of the eight ning the title five times, and an Sportsfile tournament sponsors, who are English team which, even though organising a wide range of activi- the second of two titles dates ties in the host cities. The Israeli back to 1984, have been in the public has responded strongly to last four final tournaments. the work done by former interna- The fixture list for the other tional stars Avi Nimni and Eli half of the draw could offer excuses for dust to Ohana as ambassadors for the final tournament, be blown off clichés about “groups of death”. along with the players in Israel’s current Under- The Russian team faces the daunting task of 21 squad. The Israel Football Association has competing against Spain (the defending champi- also been working hard to make sure that the ons), Germany (winners in 2009) and the Nether­ event has a long-term legacy in terms of attract- lands (gold medallists in 2006 and 2007). ing families to the stadiums and highlighting the ethnic mix of the squad to transmit crucial social Biggest fixture messages about the importance of coexistence Bearing in mind the big countries and big – aspects of the history-making tournament names on show, ticket sales have hit the ground which are further outlined in the UEFA•grassroots running. The home team will open its campaign newsletter which accompanies this issue. The at the 13,800-capacity stadium in Netanya; will 2013 European Under-21 Championship finals then take on Italy at the Bloomfield Stadium in Tel represent Israel’s biggest fixture. l

UEFA •direct | 05.13 | 13 Competitions eight berths in Canada at stake

The draw for the European qualifying round of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015 was made in Nyon on 16 April.

The draw concerned 48 teams, including the four winners Group 1: Germany, Russia, Republic of Ireland, Slovakia, of the preliminary round (Albania, Faroe Islands, Malta and Slovenia, Croatia Montenegro) and produced the following seven groups: Group 2: Italy, Spain, Czech Republic, Romania, Estonia, FYR Macedonia Group 3: Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland, Serbia, Israel, Malta Group 4: Sweden, Scotland, Poland, Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Faroe Islands Group 5: Norway, Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, Greece, Albania Group 6: England, Ukraine, Belarus, Wales, Turkey, Montenegro Group 7: France, Finland, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan. The qualifying matches will be played over two legs between September 2013 and September 2014. The seven group win- ners qualify directly for the final round, while the four best Getty Images group runners-up will contest a play-off round in October and UEFA Executive Committee member Karen Espelund and UEFA November 2014 to decide which other European team will be General Secretary Gianni Infantino make the draw heading to Canada for the final round in 2015. l

EURO 2012 finalists in Brazil

The reigning world champions, Spain, and the UEFA from each group going through to the semi-finals, which will EURO 2012 runners-up, Italy, are in strong posi- be played in Belo Horizonte and Fortaleza on 26 and 27 June tions to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. respectively. Preceded by the match for third place, which will take place They will therefore be able to make the most of the FIFA in Salvador, the final will be held at the Maracana stadium in Confederations Cup that Brazil is organising from 15 to Rio de Janeiro. 30 June as a dress rehearsal for next year’s World Cup finals. It will be the ninth edition of this competition, which Europe The draw made in Sao Paulo on 1 December put Europe’s has won three times to date, thanks to Denmark in 1995 and two representatives one each into the two groups, as follows: France in 2001 and 2003. Spain are taking part as world champions and Italy are rep- Group A: Brazil, Japan, Mexico, Italy resenting Europe as UEFA EURO 2012 finalists. Apart from Group B: Spain, Uruguay, Tahiti, Nigeria Brazil, hosts of the 2014 World Cup, all the other teams com- The opening match on 15 June pits Brazil against Japan. peting in the Confederations Cup are the champions of their The group matches conclude on 23 June, with the top two respective confederations. l

Turkey prepares to welcome the world’s best youth players

Another FIFA tournament is taking place in June: The group matches will be played from 21 to 28 June in the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Istanbul, Kayseri, Trabzon, Rize, Gaziantep, Antalya and Bursa. The six group winners and runners-up, along with the four best third-placed teams, go through to the round The Turkish Football Federation has the honour of organ- of 16, to be played on 2 and 3 July. The quarter-finals will ising this 24-team tournament, which includes seven Euro- be on 6 and 7 July, the semi-finals on 10 July, and on 13 pean participants: Spain, Greece, England, France, Croatia July, after the match for third place, the new Under-20 and Portugal – who all qualified via last year’s European world champions will be crowned at the Ali Sami Yen Under-19 Championship final round in Estonia, won by Arena. Spain – and Turkey. The title is currently held by Brazil. l

14 | UEFA •direct | 05.13 Miscellaneous

FIRST WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT COURSE

In April, 18 young women referees and assistants from as many UEFA member associations took part in the inaugural women’s development course.

The course was held as part of the UEFA Centre of Refereeing Excellence (CORE) programme, which gives guidance to match officials in the crucial early stages of their careers. CORE aims to raise refereeing standards within UEFA’s member associations, and the young women referees came away from their course with a wealth of advice and new knowledge that will stand them in good stead for future assignments at domestic and international level. “The referees are younger ones who are showing potential for the future, and others who have received good observer reports, and who we would like to see operating more intensely,“ said David Elleray, UEFA Referees Committee member and CORE senior course leader. “They have done well,“ Elleray said of the referees. “They've found it demanding and challenging both physically and intellectually. There has been a lot of UEFA practical work, and [while here] they have taken The participants in the recent CORE course charge of matches in Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands.” The CORE course also encourages the referees to keep on League final referees, UEFA Referees Committee member improving. “I think they found the level of expectation at Dagmar Damkova (Czech Republic) and Jenny Palmqvist (Swe- CORE stronger – the professional approach, the discipline, the den) were also on hand in Nyon to pass on invaluable experi- routine,“ Elleray explained. Recent UEFA Women’s Champions ence to the young referees. l

SEMINAR FOR INTEGRITY OFFICERS DELEGATES’ WORKSHOP IN NYON UEFA's determination to protect football from match-fixing was underlined at the European Potential UEFA match delegates attended a governing body's inaugural regional integrity training workshop at the House of European officers’ seminar in Skopje. Football in Nyon on 24/25 April.

Altogether, 64 UEFA candidates from 41 national Integrity officers from the national associations of Albania, associations gathered for the starting point of what they Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, the Former Yugoslav Republic of hope will be a new career as a UEFA match delegate. Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia and Slovenia joined Discussions focused on all aspects of match organisa- UEFA in the capital of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Mace- tion which have an impact on UEFA delegates’ activities donia to look at how the campaign against match-fixing was – topics included the role and attitude expected, coop- progressing. eration with other UEFA match officers and referees, as Following a UEFA Executive Committee decision two years well as stadium, medical, disciplinary and security mat- ago, UEFA introduced integrity officers, who are liaison officers ters. between the football authorities and state law enforcement The new UEFA delegate candidates will have to suc- agencies in relation to suspected match-fixing. The integrity cessfully complete two on-site training missions in UEFA officers exchange information and experience with the UEFA competitions before being confirmed as UEFA match administration, monitor disciplinary proceedings and coordi- delegates. If the 64 new delegates are all confirmed, a nate relevant action. pool of 294 UEFA match delegates in total will be avail- During the seminar, several of the national associations in able for assignments in UEFA competitions for the next attendance highlighted their highly valued work against match- two seasons. l fixing. l

UEFA •direct | 05.13 | 15 member associations

Albania Azerbaijan www.fshf.org www.affa.az

More women in football Baku hosts UEFA event Women’s football is now a reality in The Association of Football Federations Albania. In only three years of national of Azerbaijan (AFFA) was given the honour competitions (championship and cup), of hosting a UEFA Study Group Scheme the number of Albanian women football- seminar on women’s football from 9 to ers grew to such an extent that there 11 April in Baku. Given the sound way in were enough of them to form local teams which women’s football in Azerbaijan is as well as two national teams, a senior developing, this initiative was an exception- national team and an Under-19 team. FSHF ally good opportunity to share with visiting In just five friendly matches, a handful Posters have been put up in schools to participants the know-how of the country of competition matches and some training encourage girls to take up football in supporting and popularising women’s sessions, the senior women’s national team football. succeeded in qualifying for the qualifying The international seminar was attended group stage for the FIFA Women’s World the whole of 2013. After having started in by male and female coaches and association Cup in Canada in 2015 by finishing second Tirana, the project will now continue in the delegates from Bosnia and Herzegovina, in their preliminary round mini-tournament. other main cities of Albania. The campaign Lithuania and Montenegro, as well as Working on women’s football in Albania consists in placing posters in schools, members of the host association. Delivering is now one of the priorities of the Albanian stadiums and other environments. It has the opening speech, the AFFA general Football Association (FSHF). Along with the also been delivered through women’s maga- secretary, Elkhan Mammadov, emphasised great job of creating new teams, and zines, the official football magazine of the the importance of football development in especially youth teams, a great job has also Albanian FA, and through a billboard placed the region and spoke of the efforts and been done on encouraging schoolgirls to outside the Albanian national stadium. interest paid to women’s football in take up football. Some TV sports programmes have featured Azerbaijan. The FIFA U-17 Women’s World “I play football, and you?” is the slogan women’s football development and one of Cup organised last year in Azerbaijan was of the campaign initiated by the marketing the most followed afternoon programmes used as an example throughout the seminar department of the FSHF with the aim had women’s football development as its as the longest and broadest international of involving as many girls as possible in main discussion topic one day. women’s football competition to held in the football. This project will continue during l Tritan Kokona region in accordance with international standards.

Andorra www.faf.ad AFFA Francesc Vila memorial In previous years, Spanish clubs such tournament and new coaches’ as RCD Espanyol, Valencia CF and Club committee Atlético Osasuna dominated the results on the pitch, but the real success story was At the end of May, the Andorran Football the fun, fair play and enthusiasm shown by Federation (FAF) is holding the 14th edition all of the youngsters involved in the event. of the traditional international youth The FAF believes this is a great opportunity football tournament in memory of Francesc to promote its grassroots football with the Vila, who was the first FAF president. participation of a team in each category. Under-9 and Under-11 teams from This tournament of little football stars some of the biggest clubs in Europe will will take place over two days at the Aixovall A session on women’s football in Baku be involved in the seven-a-side event. This and Ordino sports camps. In all, 52 games year, the FAF is delighted to welcome will be played in the qualification stages on The event was effective in terms of sharing Japanese team Yokohama F. Marinos for the opening day, with a further 16 for the common values and future goals on the the first time. final classifications on the second day. Aside development of football through discussions from the winning teams, individual prizes and country presentations by each delega- are also presented to the best tion. Different projects aimed at improving players and goalkeepers in both the technical side of women’s football, of the age categories. grassroots football and girls’ leagues, In other news, the first FAF women’s education and active participation coaches’ committee was set up in in society, as well as the PR and promotional April, chaired by Montse Sánchez. issues of women’s football – which are no The committee’s main duties are less important – were among the main topics to govern, administer and represent discussed during the seminar. the body; to report to and to submit Apart from indoor discussions and questions concerning its members to presentations, the three-day seminar was the FAF; to propose coach develop- augmented by site visits to stadiums across ment and refresher courses; and to Baku and a practical part involving a report on coach licence applications. demonstration of training tactics by Patricia The committee attends to how Gonzalez, head coach of the Azerbaijan coaching operates in Andorra and women’s Under-19 national team, observa- takes care of the coaches’ interests. tion of football lessons at secondary

FAF l Sílvia Casals schools, and attendance of the Under-15 girls’ league young scorer awards ceremony. A tournament that has become an institution l Ayan Aghayeva

16 | UEFA •direct | 05.13 Belarus www.bff.by FPF

Belarusian Premier League there were other ways to get matches All top-division matches in Belarus can live on the internet broadcast. Today, the internet is an now be broadcast live on the internet extremely powerful mass medium. The The 2013/14 season has just started BFF purchased all the equipment necessary on the first four matchdays have been in Belarus and now fans across the entire to bring this idea to life and signed an successfully broadcast on the internet, with country and anyone else who is interested agreement for technical support with one over 100,000 link-ups each matchday. in our national championship can watch all of the most popular Belarusian websites, Of course, the image quality and the work matches live on the internet. Unfortunately, www.tut.by. After distributing cameras, of the cameramen and commentators can Belarusian TV companies do not have the computers and other accessories to the still be improved on, but, nevertheless, most resources to televise all the games every 12 clubs of the top division and explaining of the fans throughout the country are weekend (at present, the Belarusian all the technical details, the project was grateful for this initiative. national TV company broadcasts one top on course for success. l Alexander Aleinik game from every matchday). Having The joint efforts of the Football Federation considered the situation, the Football of Belarus and the top division clubs, along Federation of Belarus (BFF) took a different with the technical support of www.tut.by, approach to the matter. appear to have been enough to provide Croatia www.hns-cff.hr After it had become clear that endless spectators in our country with the opportu- negotiations with TV companies would not nity to watch any Belarusian Premier League produce any results, the BFF realised that game live on the internet. So far, 24 games Rewards for Šimunić, Pletikosa and Srna It is not often that a football association Bosnia and Herzegovina gets the opportunity to recognise a player www.nfsbih.ba for making 100 national team appearances. So it was a truly special occasion for the Domestic U17s win Josip saved the decisive penalty in the final match. Croatian Football Federation (HNS) to celebrate Katalinski Skija memorial In other news, the Bosnia and Herzego- that achievement for three players at once. tournament vina women’s Under-19 team played two Josip Šimunić, Stipe Pletikosa and Darijo games at the Bare stadium in Čitluk against Srna all played their 100th game for Croatia The Under-17 team of Bosnia and their counterparts from Turkey. Both teams against South Korea in London, joining Darijo Herzegovina won the 6 April Josip Katalinski were able to celebrate 1-0 wins. Šimić as the only members of that exclusive Skija memorial tournament in remembrance On the boys’ side, the Under-17 and club. Prior to the home match against Serbia of the football legend of Bosnia and Under-19 national teams each played two in March, the three new “centenarians” were Herzegovina and the former Yugoslavia. matches against their counterparts from the presented with gifts from the HNS – framed

AFFA In the final match, played at the Grbavica Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in shirts with the number 100 on the back and stadium, the host Under-17 team proved three cities: Srebrenik, Modriča and Gradačac. paintings depicting them in action for the better than their peers from Montenegro. The Under-17s drew 0-0 and won 2-1, Croatian national team. Montenegro took the lead in the eighth while the Under-19s won 1-0 and drew 0-0. minute with a goal from Marko Burzanovica. In the refereeing sector, the UEFA Adnan Osmanovic then equalised for Executive Committee, at its meeting on Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 21st minute. 28 March in Sofia, decided – based on the By the end of the game, the score had not recommendations of the UEFA Referees changed, leaving the match to be decided Committee – to admit the Football in a penalty shoot-out, in which the hosts Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina to

came off better, converting 12 penalties the UEFA Convention on Referee Education HNS-CFF against the opposition’s 11. and Organisation. In the match for third place, the young- In recent years, in cooperation with A shirt with the number 100 for the three Croatian international “centenarians” sters from the Former Yugoslav Republic our assigned adviser for the UEFA Referee of Macedonia beat the Sarajevo City and Convention, Alan Snoddy, a number of “It is not easy to enter this club. We are East Sarajevo selection 2-1. In the semi- reforms have been made to our refereeing really proud of you,“ said the HNS president, finals, meanwhile, Bosnia and Herzegovina structures, and being admitted to the UEFA Davor Šuker, congratulating Šimunić, Pletikosa first beat the Former Yugoslav Republic convention is therefore considered a great and Srna on their achievement. Šimunić of Macedonia 4-1 at the Otoka stadium, success for the federation. explained what this number means to him while, at the Hrasnica stadium, Montenegro By being admitted to the convention, the and his two teammates: “It is beautiful to conquered the Sarajevo City and East Football Federation of Bosnia and Herzego- play for Croatia; it always was and always Sarajevo selection 1-0. vina will receive €500,000 for the develop- will be. This is a great honour for us and we The Bosnia and Herzegovina player Ismail ment of refereeing structures, as well as are delighted with this recognition.“ Duraković was selected as the player incentive payments (towards education, Before the match, the three players whose play is the most reminiscent of Josip training, talents and mentors programmes, received special gifts from UEFA and a Katalinski, while the team’s goalkeeper, Emir instructors, equipment, etc.) over the next standing ovation from Croatian fans at Cutahija, was singled out for having made four years. the Maksimir stadium. the best move of the tournament when he l Fuad Krvavac There were other reasons for celebration as well – after wins against Serbia and Wales, Croatia moved into fourth place in the FIFA rankings for April, while also being the only national association with teams in The tournament both the European Under-17 Championship participants after and FIFA U-20 World Cup, assuring Croatian the trophy presen- football of a bright future. tation ceremony l Tomislav Pacak F. Krvavac F.

UEFA •direct | 05.13 | 17 Member associations

Denmark www.dbu.dk

Danish FA working surveys. In this to improve the complete second part of the matchday experience study, the respond- ents were asked to Inspired by the English FA, the Danish evaluate which parts Football Association (DBU) has initiated a of the journey study into fans’ experiences at national needed improve- team matches. By undertaking this study, ment the most and the DBU aims to develop the matchday what kind of experience, thereby boosting ticket sales. improvements were The study consists of several online desirable. For questionnaires that are being distributed via validation purposes, email. The first questionnaire was devel- they were also oped with inspiration from and with the asked some of the help of the English FA and was distributed questions from the to email addresses that were collected from first questionnaire in Sportsfile fans buying tickets online. In this question- a different manner. The Danish FA wants to improve fans’ matchday experience naire, respondents were asked, among The DBU will other things, to review their customer continue the study for coming home improve the Danish FA’s competitive journey on 13 points ranging from buying fixtures and results will be evaluated and position with regard to UEFA Champions their ticket to leaving the stadium. analysed continuously. Based on the results, League matches, concerts and other similar A second questionnaire was then sent to the DBU expects to improve fans’ matchday events, and eventually help increase ticket respondents who in the first questionnaire experience in general, thereby attracting a sales for less attractive home matches. had agreed to participate in follow-up broader target group to matches, which will l Søren Gjelstrup Jessen

England www.thefa.com

Celebrating the father clubs and administrators to change of modern English football the way they thought about the game. Images In 2013, the year of The FA’s 150th England manager Roy Hodgson was anniversary, the profession of coaching joined by luminaries from across English Getty is well established and there is no doubt football including Sir Bobby Charlton to via that the roots of the current FA coaching FA celebrate the man known as the “father pathway come as a direct consequence of modern English football”. The of Sir Walter’s revolutionary attitude A pioneer of his day, Sir Walter Winter- A bust in honour of Sir Walter Winterbottom, towards the introduction of coaches and bottom was honoured with a special bust the father of modern English football teachers of the game. in his honour at The FA’s national football The FA employs more than 150 full-time centre, St George’s Park. the concept of coaches and teachers of coaches and coach educators and licenses a The first-ever England manager, between football to The FA. It was a radical proposi- further 500 coach educators to specifically 1946 and 1962, Sir Walter guided England tion and one that required much endeavour develop better coaches and, in turn, players. to four FIFA World Cups but was most to overcome the resistance of those who More than 40,000 coaches are qualified highly regarded for his work to develop the opposed the idea. on an annual basis at different levels, and in wider English game. In the end, though, Sir Walter’s tireless excess of 1,500 coaches are working within Sir Walter, who died aged 88 in 2002 and determination helped haul English football the professional game. would have been 100 this year, introduced into the modern era, encouraging players, l Greg Demetriou

France www.fff.fr

Clairefontaine medical centre 17 April, attended by Noël Le Graët, gets FIFA seal of approval president of the French Football Federation, and Dr Michel D’Hooghe, chairman The medical centre of the Fernand- ­ of the FIFA Medical Committee. Sastre national technical centre (CTNFS) Placing as much importance on the at Clairefontaine has been awarded the quality of diagnosis as on treatment, prestigious status of FIFA Medical Centre aftercare, psychological support and dietary of Excellence by the FIFA Medical Commit- needs, the FIFA Medical Centre Of Excel- tee. This seal of quality, which is subject to lence seal of approval earns a medical a strict selection process, rewards the best centre special prestige and renown. FFF medical centres in the world for their At present, just 33 centres in the world – Left to right: Prof. Pierre Rochcongar, French Football expertise in taking care of elite athletes. Clairefontaine included – benefit from this Federation doctor, Noël le Graët, FFF president, and A ceremony to present the medical centre well-deserved recognition. Dr Michel D’Hooghe, chairman of the FIFA and UEFA with its certificate was held at the CTNFS on l Matthieu Brelle-Andrade Medical Committees

18 | UEFA •direct | 05.13 Germany www.dfb.de

Uwe Seeler football park opens in Malente Uwe Seeler “All credit is truly due for what has been created here in Malente. Brilliant!“ No air always did us good. If we’re going richer compliment could have been paid to pull off the World Cup, we obviously by the president of the German FA (DFB), need some of the spirit of Malente.” Wolfgang Niersbach, at the inauguration At the inauguration ceremony, the of the Uwe Seeler football park. Apart president of the Schleswig-Holstein football from the “boss” of German football, some association, Hans-Ludwig Meyer, thanked Images 200 guests, including, of course, Uwe everyone who had supported the Malente

Seeler himself, were present at the former Getty modernisation project, especially the federal sports school in Malente to celebrate its state of Schleswig-Holstein, as well as the official reopening. in 1990, for example. It is therefore no DFB and the north German football The DFB president naturally took the wonder that the man after whom the association. “Only thanks to the support opportunity to recall the days when the football park is named, Uwe Seeler, of our partners are we able to proudly (West) German national team prepared honorary captain of the German national state today that we kept to the budget,” there for major tournaments, as they did team, wryly made a strong pitch for the he said. before their World Cup victory in Italy newly opened sports facility: “The Malente l Stephan Brause

Israel Liechtenstein www.football.org.il www.lfv.li

Sales of Under-21 tickets Before partaking of their gourmet lunch, Top of the class launched at gala event provided by chef Aviv Moshe, the tourna- ment manager, Ronen Hershko, gave the For almost ten years, Liechtenstein has To herald the start of ticket sales for the guests a detailed presentation covering the had a sports school which offers perfor- European Under-21 Championship final hosting of the matches, associated events mance-minded young athletes the opportu- round, ambassadors of the seven countries and the wide range of activities being nity to prepare specifically for a career in that will be represented at the tournament organised by the local organising committee elite sport and to apply their high-achieve- attended a luncheon at the Messa restau- in advance of the tournament. ment ambitions to both their sports rant, where the special tournament ball Now that ticket sales have started, tens activities and their school work. was also presented. of thousands of fans have already ensured The event was hosted by the chairman their places at the final round, and the pace of the Israel Football Association, Avraham of ticket sales is increasing from day to day. Luzon, and the foreign ministry’s deputy The association has set itself the goal of director-general for Europe, Rafi Shutz. filling the stadiums for all the games and, to During the luncheon, Mr Luzon and this end, has initiated cooperation with the Mr Shutz outlined the preparations under local authorities that are hosting games. way in Israel to publicise the event, both Among those attending the ticket locally and internationally, as the tourna- launch luncheon were the ambassadors ment will be broadcast to 140 countries of Germany (Andreas Michaelis), Italy around the world. The publicity is also (Francesco Maria Talo), the Netherlands intended to attract to the tournament (Caspar Veldkamp), Norway (H. E. Svein sports-loving tourists, talent scouts, families Sevje) and Russia (Sergey Yakoviev), and the of the players, dignitaries from the world deputy ambassador from the British of football and citizens of the participating Embassy, Rob Dixon. countries who currently reside in Israel. l Michal Grundland LFV

A school where talented young athletes can combine their sporting and academic education

Right from the start, ever since the school opened in 2004, the Liechtenstein Football Association has been sending talented young footballers there, with consistently good results. Israel FA president For the new school year, beginning in Avraham Luzon August, the association will again make with the ambassa- full use of its assigned quota of students dors of the coun- and enrol ten of its players. As a result, from tries whose teams the coming school year, no fewer than are taking part in the European U21 34 Liechtenstein footballers will be complet- final round ing top-level sporting and school education at the Liechtenstein sports school. IFA l Anton Banzer

UEFA •direct | 05.13 | 19 Member associations

Malta www.mfa.com.mt

A welcome initiative The stadium and its surroundings offered a spectacle of colour and emotions, The recent Malta v Italy World Cup especially through a fan park which qualifier was a tie that the Maltese had long provided entertainment a few hours before been looking forward to. The strong social the match. and sporting links between the two The fan park activity, organised by the countries, resulting from their geographical Malta FA marketing department with the and historical affinity, made for a special support of the Malta national teams’ main Aquilina occasion as the lads in red confronted sponsors, FXDD and CISK, was held next to D. the Azzurri on home soil. the stadium. The initiative, the first of its The fan park proved a huge attraction A full capacity crowd of just under kind, was a welcome success both for the 20,000 thronged to Ta’ Qali national promotional aspect of the game as well as in There is no doubt that, in future, a fan stadium to watch the local boys put on terms of merchandising and entertainment. park before a big match such as Malta a disciplined performance which limited The atmosphere and swinging fun in v Italy is bound to add to the popularity of their far higher quoted opponents to the well-designed venue contributed to a the game on this small football-mad a 2-0 victory, a result similar to that remarkable pre-match occasion which drew Mediterranean island. of the first leg in Italy last September. praise from every quarter in Malta. l Alex Vella

Moldova www.fmf.md

Women’s Under-17 The development tournaments – several in both matches, both times in a penalty development tournament of which have been taking place in various shoot-out. In the last match, Slovakia beat countries this spring – are real learning Belarus with goals scored by Tamara For the second year in a row, the Football experiences for the players, not just in Koflanovicova and Ludmila Matavkova. Association of Moldova (FMF) has hosted an fine-tuning their skills through practice and All the girls participating in this interna- international development tournament with guidance, but also in allowing them to tional development tournament demon- the support of UEFA’s HatTrick assistance appreciate an international and highly strated technical skill, determination and programme. competitive environment. fair play. Each of them could be proud of “Entrusting the FMF for a second year their performance in representing their with the organisation and staging of such countries. The awards ceremony was a tournament shows the high level of attended by Ion Testimitanu, vice-president appreciation and encouragement of UEFA. of the FA of Moldova, who presented the We believe that this is thanks to the good participants with their well-earned conditions that are provided at the national trophies. teams’ technical centre in Vadul lui Voda, “This is a great tournament to develop built with the support and goodwill of women's football by offering national UEFA by means of the UEFA HatTrick women’s Under-17 teams a chance to programme,” said the FMF president, foster their skills in competitive interna- Pavel Cebanu. tional matches. I was pleased by the level FMF Under-17 girls’ teams from Belarus, of organisation and the atmosphere at the Moldovan FA vice-president Ion Testimitanu presents Slovakia and Moldova produced a fine stadium,” said UEFA technical observer the trophy to the captain of the Moldovan U19s, tournament at the national teams’ training Beatrice von Siebenthal. Carolina Tabur centre. Moldova finally emerged victorious l Press office

Northern Ireland www.irishfa.com

Focus on healthy eating clubs across Northern Ireland. In addition, and mental health the association will be running a training programme on first aid and the use of The Irish FA recently announced a number defibrillators. of exciting programmes funded by the The Irish FA’s head of marketing and Department of Culture Arts and Leisure communications, Geoff Wilson, said: (DCAL) which will help to tackle social “This is an exciting and groundbreaking deprivation across Northern Ireland. programme for us. We will be in schools, IFA One element of the programme focuses clubs and talking to coaches regarding Launch of the programme to fight on using football to communicate key healthy eating and mental health issues, social deprivation messages on healthy eating and mental and it is hoped that this major education well-being. The three-year programme will and knowledge-sharing programme will The programme aims to deliver sporting involve a number of football coaching have a major effect on our community.” interventions which can: programmes in primary schools across the This project has been made possible • promote equality province, containing a healthy eating thanks to the generous support of the NI • tackle poverty element, and providing nutritional advice Executive and the Department of Culture, • tackle social exclusion, and for coaches during our coaching courses Arts and Leisure through the “Promoting • provide opportunities to realise wider and a seminar programme which will focus Equality, Tackling Poverty and Social socio-economic returns. on healthy eating and mental health for our Exclusion through Sport” programme. l Sueann Harrison

20 | UEFA •direct | 05.13 Portugal Romania www.fpf.pt www.frf.ro

Referee academy opens UEFA development tournament The Portuguese Football Federation is For the first time, the Romanian Football pleased to announce the launch of a new Federation (FRF) has hosted a UEFA referee academy to ensure that young development tournament. From 8 to 16 referees are provided with coaching and April, the Under-16 girls’ and boys’ national support to further their careers, and also teams of Moldova, Serbia, Slovakia and to set the foundations for anybody wanting Romania competed on one of the artificial to progress and achieve excellence in their FPF pitches at the FRF’s national football centre refereeing. Portuguese FA president Fernando Gomes in Buftea, in a special environment created The academy was officially presented on (right) in conversation with Vitor Pereira, not only by the overall facilities but also by 13 April and operates under the leadership chairman of the national referee council the excellent sunny weather that prevailed. of the chairman of the referee council, Vítor The FRF is devoting special attention Pereira. Designed for football, beach soccer referee recruitment process with technical to youth football development and to and futsal referees and observers, the and mentoring programmes and seminars. grassroots football, as expressed by the academy fully respects the UEFA Convention Fernando Gomes, president of the federation’s president, Mircea Sandu, who on Referee Education and Organisation. Portuguese Football Federation, stressed the attended some of the matches: “Such It comprises more focused instructional importance of the academy and highlighted tournaments are more than welcome programmes, new learning modules and the federation’s efforts “to raise the because they are dedicated to youngsters more on-the-field work. There will be three standards among referees and observers” in who are at the first age level to compete in levels of coaching: beginners, advanced and the country. He believes the academy “will official competitions at European and world elite. The number of learning and training encourage all those involved in the sector to level. Now, at this age, coaches work with hours will double and triple in some cases. aim towards higher objectives in the years the youngsters in order to model and develop their technical and tactical skills, An elite referee, for instance, will complete to come”. Portuguese football is thus but also their character. Already now we a total of 860 hours. embarking on a new era in which it will can spot, generally speaking, who will Apart from coaching referees and continue to grow on an even bigger scale. become a top player and also who will be a observers, the academy will support the l Matilde Dias player on whom we will be able to count from a character point of view. I am happy that women’s football is becoming more Republic of Ireland and more important and, honestly speak- www.fai.ie ing, I love attending matches played by youngsters. I am also confident that the tournament hosted by our centre was a Ruud Dokter appointed high and underage international programme, success and that all our guests returned performance director coach education and player development. home with fond memories and having This will include the emerging talent gained experience, something which can The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) programme as well as the academy at the only have benefits for them in the future.” has confirmed the appointment of Ruud FAI’s headquarters in Abbotstown, where All those present unanimously agreed that Dokter as its new high performance director the first phase of the programme is the tournament reached its objectives. Most following an extensive worldwide recruit- currently being developed. of the 12 matches played showed a very ment process. Speaking about his appointment, Dokter good level and, above all, a very good said: “I am really looking forward to taking disciplinary record. Serbia won the girls’ up the role of high performance director competition (two victories without any goals with the FAI. I will be getting involved in conceded and a goalless draw against Irish football at an exciting time for the Romania which they won in the shoot-out), game here, with the emergence of many while the Romanian boys won two matches promising young players and solid perfor- after regular time (2-0 against Serbia and 4-1 mances at underage international level. My against Slovakia) and drew the third (0-0 first priority will be to cultivate relationships against Moldova) but won in the shoot-out. with those people who invest so much time At the end of the day, the rankings do in nurturing young Irish talent, provide a not matter because it was an unofficial

Images good sense of direction and influence every- tournament. This was conveyed very well by one to work together. Ireland has a fine Romanian playing legend Miodrag Belod- Getty footballing tradition and I want to build on edici, the ambassador of the tournament, A new role for Ruud Dokter that, using my experience to optimise the who said: “We need at least two or three development of the coming generation of such tournaments each year for these Dutchman Dokter, 57, has wide-ranging elite players.“ youngsters. A competition like this is more international experience, most recently with Welcoming the announcement, John than appreciated. It’s a fantastic opportunity the KNVB, the Dutch Football Association, Delaney, FAI chief executive, added: “Ruud and a must at such an age”. where he has fulfilled a large variety of will be working closely with all of the l Paul Zaharia senior coaching positions at men’s U21, affiliates involved in Irish football, with an The tournament was an all-round success U18, U17, U16 and U15 levels, as well as emphasis on coaching and the development with the senior women’s team. of our elite player pathway. His experience Dokter has built up a wealth of experi- will be a great addition to the association ence in delivering the world famous Dutch and we look forward to having him on board.“

model of player development. Dokter fills the vacancy left by the FA He will commence his role with Irish departure of previous incumbent Wim football on 1 August and is tasked with Koevermans, who has gone to work for the overseeing the non-senior international Indian FA. Romanian men’s programme, the women’s senior l Stephen Finn Profir, N.

UEFA •direct | 05.13 | 21 Member associations

Switzerland Dr Roland Grossen, www.football.ch chairman of the Swiss FA’s medical committee

Swiss doctors take be prepared because there is always a risk SFV a refresher course of it happening,” says the chairman of the Swiss FA’s medical committee, Roland therefore, it is important to practise it in The Swiss Football Association does Grossen, who is also doctor to the senior order to be ready to act in an emergency,” not leave anything to chance. Its medical national team. “Therefore, it is enormously he says. committee takes the same approach, being important that our doctors and physiothera- Antoinette Anthamatten, physiotherapist fully aware of the importance of its tasks. pists are trained in resuscitation procedures to the senior national team, is also full of On this precept, it recently organised one and that we can offer the best possible praise for the course. “The course has of its biennial resuscitation courses for the quality,” he adds. changed a lot in recent years. Now it is very doctors and physiotherapists of all the Swiss Daniel Meli, doctor to the Under-17 hands on, which helps us enormously and national teams. national team, agrees. “Resuscitation is gives us the confidence to be able to do “Although we hope we will never an extremely exceptional situation which, the right thing when it really matters”. encounter such a situation, we have to luckily, you very rarely encounter. But, l Pierre Benoit

Turkey www.tff.org

FIFA U-20 World Cup The tournament mascot previously competed in the FIFA U-20 World trophy tour starts poses with the trophy Cup, as well as a variety of photo opportu- nities for the public. Presented by Halkbank, one of the time, is open to visitors in all The full schedule for the FIFA U-20 World national sponsors of the FIFA U-20 host cities from 12.00 to Cup Turkey 2013 trophy tour is as follows: World Cup Turkey 2013, which runs 22.00 during the subsequent 20/21 April – Kayseri; 27/28 April – Antalya; from 21 June to 13 July, the tourna- weekend tours. 4/5 May – Gaziantep; 11/12 May – Trabzon; ment’s trophy tour started in April in A giant version of the official 18/19 May – Rize; 25/26 May – Bursa; the city of Kayseri, where the opening match ball, the adidas Cafusa, 1/2 June – İstanbul.

match will be held, with the participa- TFF is being placed in the host l Aydın Güvenir tion of the chairman of the local cities’ main squares and on organising committee, Servet Yardımcı. public view from the start of these Meanwhile, the well-known Turkish rock trophy tour activities until the beginning Wales band GECE, who recorded the tournament’s of the tournament. www.faw.org.uk official song Yıldızlar Buradan Yükseliyor In addition, football fans are able to (Stars are rising here) gave a concert in the purchase match tickets from the mobile event area. ticket offices set up at the venues. UEFA President opens Over the course of the next seven On top of the official programme of development centre weekends, the tour will be taking in each activities, a PlayStation corner and touch- The UEFA President, Michel Platini, recent- of the tournament’s seven host cities, which screen quiz, as well as a variety of shooting ly visited Newport in Wales to officially open are Antalya, Bursa, Gaziantep, İstanbul, and football games (including Kick-Point) the national football development centre. Kayseri, Rize and Trabzon. are providing entertainment to the fans in On a beautiful spring day in South Wales, The truck containing the newly designed the event area in each city where the trophy he was joined for this task by the Wales First FIFA U-20 World Cup trophy, which will be truck pulls up. There is also a giant TV Minister, Carwyn Jones, alongside invited presented to this year’s winners for the first screen showing clips of stars that have guests, including the president of the Football Association of Wales, Trefor Lloyd Hughes, Wales manager, Chris Coleman, Ukraine and former internationals Neville Southall www.ffu.org.ua and Ian Rush. Facilities at the venue comprise three pitches – two premium-grade grass pitches Shevchenko starts his coach and one third-generation artificial pitch – education and a state-of-the-art headquarters building Andriy Shevchenko providing changing rooms, a training

On 1 April, the first session in the latest FFU wants to follow in the recovery zone and an administrative base. A licence coach education programme got footsteps of his master, The facility will be known as Dragon Park. under way at the coach education centre Valeriy Lobanovsky l Ceri Stennett of the Football Federation of Ukraine. This year’s participants include former professional players who meet the course me was Valeriy Lobanovsky. It was a great requirements – among them, Andriy honour for me to play and work under Shevchenko, retired Ukrainian footballer, the leadership of this great coach. For the the third-highest goalscorer in UEFA moment, I am not thinking about where Champions League history and winner I will work in the future. What is most of the Ballon d’Or in 2004. important for me is to get all the necessary “First of all I am Ukrainian, a pupil knowledge.“ The course consists of five of Ukrainian football,” Shevchenko says. sessions – three theoretical and two “I grew up as a football player here, practical in clubs. The theoretical side and this is where I want to do my coach includes presentations by visiting lecturers education. I have worked with many not only in football science but also in FAW famous coaches and I can say with medicine, psychology and physiology. Michel Platini and the First Minister of Wales, confidence that the greatest influence on l Yuriy Maznychenko Carwyn Jones, unveil a commemorative plaque

22 | UEFA •direct | 05.13 Birthdays, calendar, notices

BIRTHDAYS

Dušan Savić (Serbia, 1 June) Ante Kulušić (Croatia, 22 June) Ekaterina Fedyshina (Russia, 1 June) Zvi Rosen (Israel, 23 June) Ivaylo Ivkov (Bulgaria, 3 June) Vladimir Antonov (Moldova, 23 June) NOTICES Georg Pangl (Austria, 23 June) Radek Lobo (Czech Republic, 3 June) l On 23 March, Karl-Erik Nilsson Klara Bjartmarz (Iceland, 3 June) Jean-Jacques Schonckert (Luxembourg, was re-elected president of the John Ward (Republic of Ireland, 4 June) 24 June) Swedish FA. Yauheni Tratsiuk (Belarus, 4 June) Renatus Temmink (Netherlands, 24 June) Jean-Samuel Leuba (Switzerland, 4 June) Christian Schmölzer (Austria, 25 June) l Since 23 April, Timo Huttunen Ludovico Micallef (Malta, 5 June) Foppe de Haan (Netherlands, 26 June) has been acting general secretary Jaap Uilenberg (Netherlands, 5 June) ✰✰✰ 70th Leon Straessle (Switzerland, 6 June) Barry W. Bright (England, 27 June) of the Finnish FA. Michael Joseph Hyland (Republic Eyjolfur Olafsson (Iceland, 27 June) of Ireland, 6 June) ✰✰✰ 60th l Interested UEFA member Theo Zwanziger (Germany, 6 June) José Venancio Lopez Hierro (Spain, 27 June) associations have until 12 Septem- Lars-Åke Bjørck (Sweden, 7 June) Mehmet Levent Kızıl (Turkey, 27 June) ber to return the official UEFA Michel Sablon (Belgium, 7 June) Wim Koevermans (Belgium, 28 June) EURO 2020 bid application form Sándor Berzi (Hungary, 7 June) Ivan Borissov Lekov (Bulgaria, 29 June) to the UEFA administration. Onofre Costa (Portugal, 7 June) Wolfgang Sowa (Austria, 29 June) The list of candidates will be ✰✰✰ 40th Peter J. van Zunderd (Netherlands, 30 June) announced by UEFA on 20 Johannes Scholtz (Netherlands, 8 June) September and the bid agree- Bryan Drew (England, 8 June) ments sent to them. The bid Jesper Møller Christensen dossiers have to reach UEFA by (Denmark, 9 June) ✰✰✰ 50th Forthcoming 25 April 2014, and the UEFA Antoine Portelli (Malta, 9 June) Executive Committee will name Petri Antero Jakonen (Finland, 9 June) events the 13 host cities in September Jonathan Ford (Wales, 9 June) Meetings of the same year. Hans Bangerter (Switzerland, 10 June) Leonardo Grosso (Italy, 11 June) 14 June, in Kaunas, Lithuania ✰✰✰ 70th European Under-19 Championship: Kyros Georgiou (Cyprus, 11 June) draw for the 2012/13 final round Thórir Hakonarson (Iceland, 11 June) 24 June, in Nyon MATCH AGENTS Alain Courtois (Belgium, 12 June) UEFA Champions League and UEFA Jørn West Larsen (Denmark, 12 June) Europa League: draws for the 2013/14 In April, a UEFA match agent’s Roland Coquard (France, 13 June) first and second qualifying rounds licence was awarded to: Targo Kaldoja (Estonia, 13 June) Rodrigo Simonin 27 June, in Nyon Galina Doneva (Bulgaria, 14 June) Golden Boot Sports ✰✰✰ UEFA Women’s Champions League: 50th 279A Cavendish Road Nuno Castro (Portugal, 14 June) draw for the 2013/14 qualifying round Women’s Football Committee Balham Viacheslav Koloskov (Russia, 15 June) London SW12 0PH Miguel Galán Torres (Spain, 15 June) UK Meir Liber (Israel, 17 June) Competitions +44 7914 33 12 53 Michael Joseph Maessen (Netherlands, [email protected] 17 June) 5-18 June, in Israel European Under-21 Championship Matthias Voigt (Liechtenstein, 17 June) final round Stephen Thomas (England, 17 June) Anne Rei (Estonia, 17 June) 15-30 June, in Brazil Philippe Piat (France, 18 June) FIFA Confederations Cup Hannelore Ratzeburg (Germany, 18 June) Ivan Novak (Croatia, 18 June) 21 June-13 July, in Turkey Eduard Prodani (Albania, 18 June) FIFA U-20 World Cup ✰✰✰ 50th 22-29 June, in the Venice region of Italy Elkhan Mammadov (Azerbaijan, 18 June) UEFA Regions’ Cup final round Michel Platini (France, 21 June) Peter Peters (Germany, 21 June) 25-28 June, in Nyon Zoran Cvrk (Croatia, 21 June) European Women’s Under-17 Keith Stuart Hackett (England, 22 June) Championship final round

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