UEFAdirect-76-Fichier•E 14.7.200814:31Page1 No 5876 – FévrierAugust 20072008 champions ofEurope Spain crowned dates Club competition 2008/09 UEFA dates Club competition 2008/09 UEFA champions ofEurope Spain crowned 8.08 15 03 15 03 UEFAdirect-76-Fichier•E 14.7.2008 14:31 Page 2

Message Photos: UEFA-pjwoods.ch of the president A reward and an incentive

Years spent putting the finishing touches on the organisation of the event, right down to the tiniest detail, followed by a period of less than a month, so intense that it is gone before you realise it. Already, it is time to look back and analyse. Let us leave the technicians to identify the tactical trends, the economists to assess the financial impact, the statisticians to describe the matches and tournament in figures, and everyone to draw their own personal conclusions from EURO 2008. The limited space available in this editorial is hardly sufficient for such exercises, but it does enable me to thank everyone – starting with the Austrian and Swiss host associations – who helped to make this tournament such a great success. For that is the main conclusion: EURO 2008 was a magnificent success at every level and the call for respect was well and truly answered. The competition’s slogan IN THIS ISSUE promised emotions and it certainly did not fail to deliver: plenty of surprises, games turned on their heads in the last few minutes, penalty shoot-outs, tears of joy and Spain win EURO 2008 03 despair among the supporters and, above all, a festive atmosphere in the stadiums, fan zones and cities. In short, a whole series of impressions, images and anecdotes Youth training in Kiev 08 to be remembered and whet the appetite for football’s next major tournament. And a priceless reward for all the hours spent in meeting rooms and on football Meeting of presidents pitches, preparing for the tournament and all that went with it. and general secretaries Such a successful tournament leaves no doubt that football is a fantastic in Vienna 12 sport and that the passions it generates are simply phenomenal. Is there any Document for the EU 13 better incentive than this for us who are charged with overseeing its development and wellbeing? 2008/09 UEFA In conclusion, I would like to congratulate Spain, brilliant European club competition dates 15 champions, and all the players and coaches who helped to give European football such a positive image: attacking play, a sporting, dignified attitude in victory News from member as well as defeat, matches which were compelling often right to the final whistle. associations 16 In essence, a true festival of football!

COVER Michel Platini UEFA President Cesc Fàbregas and Iker Casillas show off the new European Championship trophy: it is 44 years since Spain’s only other European Championship victory. Photo: Silz /AFP/Getty Images

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SINCE BEATING THE USSR TO BECOME EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS IN 1964, Spanish once again confirmed their superiority and rightly booked their place SPAIN HAD FAILED TO WIN A SINGLE TITLE AT SENIOR LEVEL, DESPITE THEIR in the final. OBVIOUS POTENTIAL. BUT NOTHING GOES ON FOREVER AND THE SPANIARDS Germany: EMERGED FROM THE WILDERNESS ON SUNDAY 29 JUNE, WHEN THEY DEFEATED fighting spirit not enough GERMANY IN THE FINAL OF EURO 2008. The final itself remained in the balance right until the final whistle, since This fully deserved victory group winners to survive the quarter- Fernando Torres was the only player stands in stark contrast with the disap- final stage. The Spaniards set the tone to find the net. Nevertheless, Spain pointing performances of several major right from the outset with a convincing were clearly the better side, in terms of nations, including World Cup 4-1 win against Russia. They then both organisation and individual tech- holders Italy, and France. Not for- disposed of Sweden – admittedly nique. Despite their legendary fighting getting the inglorious exit of the with much more difficulty – before spirit, Germany were left licking their previous edition’s shock winners, beating Greece in order to finish wounds. The qualities that had enabled Greece. top of group D with maximum them to reach the final were not enough points. Facing Italy in the quarter- at this stage of the competition. Joachim Unanimously acknowledged as finals, Luis Aragonés’ team wavered Löw can nonetheless take pride in his the best team at EURO 2008, Spain slightly before winning on penalties, team’s performance, since they showed finished the tournament with an impec- their first competitive victory against the plenty of spirit, despite losing to Croatia cable record of results. Not only did Italians for 88 years! In the semi-finals, in the group phase. A few weaknesses they remain unbeaten throughout the Russia had vowed to take revenge for which had been evident at various stages competition, but they were also the only their defeat in the group stage, but the of the tournament, particularly defen-

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Switzerland (in red) beat Portugal but still failed to reach the quarter-finals. Franklin/Bongarts/Getty Images

sively, cost them victory in the final, when the brilliant Fernando Torres eluded the German defence twice, first hitting the post with a header and then scoring the winning goal. He fully merited a memo- rable kiss from the Queen of Spain at the trophy presentation. The Germans simply could not find a way past a solid Spanish defence and the superb Iker Casillas. For Spain, the crucial depart- ment was the midfield, where Xavi, supported by team-mates who comple- coach, who had been the target of mented each other very well, was criticism for a long time, particularly deservedly named player of the tourna- when he decided to leave Raul at ment thanks to his tenacity and passing home, this triumph must be particularly ability. Even though he missed the final, satisfying. Even at 70 “Zapatones” David Villa can console himself with the showed that he still had something to title of the competition’s top scorer with offer. His efficient playing system, four goals. His absence in the which was hard to break down, attracted final was inconsequential, nothing but praise. Even the decision to proving that Luis Aragonés bring in the genial Cesc Fàbregas as a had a highly talented squad luxury replacement was a total success. with a number of excel- Finally, and this is something that may

lent players in reserve. not have been given sufficient Getty Images For the Spanish recognition, Spain has reaped Thierry Henry tackled by Giorgio Chiellini: neither France nor Italy could reproduce their the rewards for its tremen- 2006 World Cup performances at EURO 2008. dous efforts to train young players. Its numerous penalty to keep his side in the competi- world and tion. They then beat France rather un- European convincingly, defeating opponents who youth titles were reduced to ten men early on, be- were bound to lead to success at senior fore losing to Spain on penalties. The level sooner or later. absence of Pirlo, a cornerstone of the team, in their final match certainly did Italy, France, Portugal not help the Italians, whose midfield, and the Netherlands: playing under the shadow of a certain bitter disappointment Francesco Totti, failed to reach the Italy’s elimination by the future expected standards. In attack, Luca Toni’s champions in the quarter-finals was tireless running was too often unre- a major disappointment not just in warded. The World Cup already seems Italy itself. The Italians’ problems had a distant memory. begun in their opening match, when The same could be said for they were heavily defeated by a France, whose defensive solidity was Xavi, an often decisive element in the Spanish midfield. dazzling Dutch side. Unable to get the supposed to be their strength at this better of Romania in their second tournament. However, they were only match, the “squadra azzura” came very able to secure a single point against close to going out Romania before collapsing against the altogether Netherlands and Italy. The limitations of when Buf- an ageing back line were well and truly fon saved exposed. Meanwhile, in the attacking Mutu’s department, France also had to deal Action Images / John Sibley

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Germany (Miroslav Klose, 11) struggled against Austria but then found the means to go all the way to the final.

Turkey v Croatia in the quarter-finals:

a last-minute goal Getty Images by Semih Senturk (9) took the game into the tournament ten days before the impressively. However, in the quarter- extra time followed by penalty kicks, final. The sense of anguish was huge in finals, the “Oranje” fell to pieces, falling from which Turkey Portugal, where there had been high to the thrusts of a Russian team which came out on top. hopes for the team that was undoubt- had rediscovered its best form following edly the nation’s best since the era of the return of Zenit St. Petersburg’s the legendary Eusebio. impish forward, Andrei Arshavin. It also all ended in tears for the Getty Images Dutch, who some thought were des- Russia and Turkey: with inadequacies that were certainly tined for the title after surprise packages not helped by the early exit of Franck a highly convincing However, having established Ribéry, their most exciting and creative opening win over themselves as credible pretenders to the player, during the match against Italy. Italy. Marco van throne, the Russians failed to measure With one goal scored and six conceded Basten’s men cer- up in the semi-final against Spain. They in three matches, Raymond Domenech tainly strolled can nevertheless be pleased with their can hardly blame mis- through the group best performance for many years and fortune for his team’s phase very consider their tournament a success. poor results. The same is true of a Turkey side which Following a was urged on with a rare degree of wonderful opening win success by Fatih Terim, notably resulting against Turkey, Portugal made sure of in late wins in two of their three group

Getty Images top spot in their group by beating the matches as well as a last-minute Czech Republic in their second match. equaliser in the quarter-finals, Luis Felipe Scolari’s men were therefore before an honourable able to take their foot off the pedal in semi-final defeat at the their third fixture, allowing Switzer- hands of the Germans. land to save face. However, after Turkey’s victims included being tipped as favourites, the Por- Croatia, who had previously won all tuguese failed to reproduce their their matches and undoubtedly had the Russia’s Andrei earlier form in the quarter-finals. It Arshavin, pictured potential to progress further. As far as should be said that they came up getting the better the other participating nations are con- of John Heitinga against a remarkably well-organised (Netherlands), cerned, the Czech Republic will rue German team which pulled off a per- was one of the the two goals they conceded in the last outstanding players fect tactical masterstroke, particularly of EURO 2008. three minutes of their match against by denying Cristiano Ronaldo the Turkey, when they seemed to have a

space on which he normally thrives. Getty Images quarter-final place in their pockets. Against all expec- Greece, as already mentioned, Poland tations, Ronaldo and, to a lesser degree, Sweden were therefore all eliminated without distinguishing bowed out of themselves. As for the host countries, Switzerland and Austria, their per- formances on the pitch were far from brilliant. They will con- sole themselves with the unanimous compliments they received for their excel- lent organisation of the tournament. André Winckler

05 UEFAdirect-76-Fichier•E 14.7.2008 14:31 Page 6 Empics Sport/PA Photos Getty Images IN PICTURES UEFA-pjwoods.ch Getty Images Empics Sport/ PA Photos

Group A Group B Group C Switzerland – Czech Republic 0-1 Austria – Croatia 0-1 Romania – France 0-0 Portugal – Turkey 2-0 Germany – Poland 2-0 Netherlands – Italy 3-0 Czech Republic – Portugal 1-3 Croatia – Germany 2-1 Italy – Romania 1-1 Switzerland – Turkey 1-2 Austria – Poland 1-1 Netherlands – France 4-1 Switzerland – Portugal 2-0 Poland – Croatia 0-1 Netherlands – Romania 2-0 Turkey – Czech Republic 3-2 Austria – Germany 0-1 France – Italy 0-2 1. Portugal 32016 1. Croatia 33009 1. Netherlands 33009 2. Turkey 32016 2. Germany 32016 2. Italy 31114 3. Czech Republic 31023 3. Austria 30121 3. Romania 30212 4. Switzerland 31023 4. Poland 30121 4. France 30121

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Respect and the fight against racism The European Championship final round’s audience and influence make it the ideal platform from which to put across messages that transcend football. With this in mind, UEFA used EURO 2008 to launch its RESPECT campaign, which incorporates fair play and the awards traditionally presented to the team that demon- strates the most sportsmanship and respect for the Laws of the Game. At EURO 2008, Sweden finished

UEFA-pjwoods.ch Getty Images top of the fair play table with an average of 8.416 points. Four other teams achieved an average of 8 or more, including the two finalists, Spain and Germany, which proves yet again that sportsmanship and success are perfectly compatible. The top five 1. Sweden 8.416 points in 3 matches 2. Netherlands 8.312 4 3. Spain 8.291 6 4. Germany 8.000 6 5. Russia 8.000 5

EURO 2008 was also another opportunity to put the fight again racism in the spotlight, with UEFA UEFA-pjwoods.ch Empics Sport/PA Photos giving its backing to the FARE net- work (Football Against Racism in Europe), which is also supported by FIFPro, the International Federation of Professional Footballers’ Associa- tions. FARE sent observers of 12 dif- ferent nationalities into the stadiums, fan zones and streets around the stadiums to watch for any racist or discriminatory behaviour and report back to UEFA. Only isolated incidents were encountered. Action Images/John Sibley Getty Images Empics Sport/PA Photos Empics Sport/PA The Turkish captain, Recber Rüstü, Group D Quarter-finals reading an anti-racism message before the Germany v Turkey semi-final. Spain – Russia 4-1 Portugal – Germany 2-3 Various other activities were Croatia – Turkey 1-1** Greece – Sweden 0-2 organised during EURO 2008: the Sweden – Spain 1-2 Netherlands – Russia 1-3* Unite Against Racism logo was given Greece – Russia 0-1 Spain – Italy 0-0** a high profile on advertising boards, Greece – Spain 1-2 * after extra-time the captains’ armbands and the match Russia – Sweden 2-0 ** Turkey (3-1): after penalty kick tickets, and an advert was broadcast ** Spain (4-2): after penalty kick at each match. The campaign reached 1. Spain 33009 its climax at the semi-finals in Basel 2. Russia 32016 Semi-finals and Vienna, when each of the four 3.Sweden 31023 semi-finalist captains read out anti- 4. Greece 30030 Germany – Turkey 3-2 racism messages that were thereby Russia – Spain 0-3 broadcast the world over.

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First-rate facilities for the students at the academy.

it to yet more titles and cup victories in Ukraine, as well as to UEFA Cham- Youth training pions League success in 1999, when Dynamo Kyiv faced Bayern München in Kiev in the semi-finals. A grassroots club The Valery Lobanovskiy Last autumn, Dynamo Kyiv cel- Academy ebrated its 80th birthday. It continues to be a regular feature in the Champions HE REMAINED IMPASSIVE NO MATTER WHAT. HIS COOL FACE NEVER League. True to its traditions, it remains a grassroots club. Its youth academy ONCE GAVE ANY SIGN OF EMOTION REGARDLESS OF WHAT WAS HAPPENING has 1,500 pupils, all of whom enjoy the IN THE MATCH. VALERY LOBANOVSKIY, WHO PASSED AWAY IN MAY 2002, best possible care from doctors, teach- HAS BECOME A FOOTBALLING LEGEND. ers, physiotherapists and the 22 coach- es. Dynamo Kyiv has named its training It was during the 1970s that in 1975 and 1986, and the UEFA Super centre after its beloved coach. Estab- the famous Ukrainian coach developed Cup in 1975. Lobanovskiy, the “master”, lished at the end of the 1950s, the cur- his revolutionary tactics, fielding a team led Dynamo Kyiv over 17 seasons from rent Valery Lobanovskiy Academy has without a sweeper and with two rows 1974, and in his time produced stars such been newly renovated: always looking of four instead. His team was compact, as Belanov, Blokhine and Schevchenko. to the future, at the end of the 1990s reliant on its collective strength albeit The Ukrainian club’s success turned against the club recognised that its centre with some sparks of brilliance from a few him after the fall of the Iron Curtain was in need of more modern facilities. star players. Lobanovskiy took a scientific when his stars headed west to capitalise On 2 October 2003, the ultramodern approach to football. Under his leader- on their talents. Lobanovskiy followed complex was inaugurated in the pres- ship, Dynamo Kyiv broke the mould of suit and went to train the national side ence of the Ukrainian president, Loenid the Russian clubs and won numerous of the United Arab Emirates and subse- Kuchma, and Igor Surkis, president of titles and cups in the USSR. The team quently Kuwait. But he couldn’t resist Dynamo Kyiv. With both grass and arti- also proved itself on the European scene, the call of his former club. He returned ficial pitches, a covered stand and excel- taking the UEFA Cup Winner’s Cup trophy in 1997, pulled it out of trouble and led lent floodlighting, the young footballers enjoy some of the best training condi- tions around. Due to the often harsh Ukrainian climate, the pitches are even equipped with electric heating. A four- 95% professional 95% of the players who suc- cessfully complete their training at the academy go on to com- pete in professional level cham- pionships, for Dynamo or else- where in the Ukraine, or indeed abroad. The Dynamo “A” team contains several home-grown talents, most of whom have reached international level: e.g. Alexander Shovkovski, Tars Lutsenka, Alexander Ribka, Vladislav Vachouk, Sergiy Rebrov. Many others are coming up through the reserves, either with Dynamo-2 (first division) or The young players in Kiev spend nearly three hours Dynamo-3 (second division). a day on the pitch.

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Football was not the only outdoor activity.

day. In addition, the coaches provide them with one hour of individual train- Seven years and over ing, to help develop their physical capa- Dynamo Kyiv opens its bilities, technique or tactical awareness. doors to children from the age They, therefore, spend approximately of seven. Tests are organised three hours per day on the pitch. twice a year which include med- ical examinations, as the club The success stories places great emphasis on health. In 2007, the youths of Dynamo Throughout the young foot- Kyiv recorded several victories in pres- ballers’ training, the club aims to tigious international and Ukrainian tour- develop what it calls an “aware- naments. Certain individuals stand ness of football”. To maintain out above the rest, such as goalkeeper standards across its teams, fur- ther tests are carried out, which storey building which covers 3500m2 Andreï Citnikov and defenders Timour become progressively more houses four changing rooms complete Partsvania (born in Tbilissi but now a vigorous over the years. with massage room, a sauna, swimming Ukrainian national) and Alexeï Prilekov ■ pool and lounges. The first floor is home (originally from Karkov), all of whom are The 7- 9 year olds must demonstrate their agility, coordi- to the gym, the canteen and a classroom coached by Anatoly Bouznik. Dynamo nation, psychomotricity and kitted out with audio-visual material Kyiv is marked by a burning desire to speed. used for tactical training. The complex win: the Ukranian capital’s home side ■ provides accommodation for 54 boarders wants to attract and produce the very The 10-12 year olds under- take the same tests as well as in 20 rooms, measuring 850m2 in total best footballers. Youri Semin, head coach ball control exercises. and equipped with every modern con- of the flagship team, does not hesitate ■ venience. 50% of the academy’s intake to refer to the “golden Dynamo youth”. The 13-15 year olds must is originally from in and around the capi- He wants to revive the successes of the have attended a sports school for three years, have partici- tal city. However, thanks to the boarding past both within Ukraine and on the pated in tournaments and pos- house, Dynamo Kyiv is also able to re- European stage, and applauds projects sess the necessary physical by the Ukrainian Football Federation cruit young talent from across Ukraine capabilities. and abroad. to limit the number of outside signings ■ and introduce an obligatory percentage The 16-17 year olds con- test junior tournaments. They Health takes top priority of youth players who must be trained must be in excellent physical by the top division clubs themselves. The At all levels, the emphasis is on condition, highly skilled techni- aim is that every professional team be pupils’ health: all the young footballers cally and have developed a are provided with both medical care made up of between 70 and 80% home- certain level of tactical ability. grown players in the broadest sense. and health advice. The aim is to produce P. P. well-rounded individuals, not just foot- Pascale Pierard balling prodigies. The pupils continue their schooling at the 175 school in Kiev. They live together, try their luck together and make use of the weights room and swimming pool together. It is this com- munal lifestyle which sparks healthy competition. Those who do not wish to enter professional football have the chance to blossom in other ways; their training does not narrow their future options. During their courses, the young footballers are confronted with different training styles and regularly find them- selves up against competitors of a higher standard. The number of training ses- sions depends on the age of the pupils. Photos: Dynamo Kiev By way of example, the U17s have two 45-minute group training sessions per Young people also need to be happy and have fun if they are to succeed.

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The players A special A Special of Wisla “Be a fan” Olympics Kraków don T-shirt for Georgia Special Moldova’s assistant coach, Olympics Special Rishi Kokoev shirts for a Olympics (18 years old) championship players. looked after match. the Under-11s. SO Poland SO Moldova SO Georgia Special Olympics European Football Week Emphasis on community-based initiatives

THE EIGHTH ANNUAL SPECIAL OLYMPICS EUROPEAN FOOTBALL WEEK WAS HELD ON 3 TO 10 MAY. AN ESTIMATED

50,000 PLAYERS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES PARTICIPATED IN EVENTS IN OVER 50 COUNTRIES IN EUROPE/EURASIA.

This year the focus was on In Kazakhstan 14 regional tourna- In FYR Macedonia families community-based initiatives with an ments were held. In France over 2,000 came out to support 100 Special emphasis on volunteer coach recruit- players competed in 24 competitions. Olympics players at a national tourna- ment and training and bringing young In Lithuania over 400 players com- ment. In Montenegro 112 players people with and without disabilities peted in mini-competitions. In Latvia took to the pitch in a national competi- together to build awareness and toler- over 2,200 players competed in re- tion. In Bosnia-Herzegovina 19 Spe- ance. Football associations and profes- gional events. In Ukraine 2,900 play- cial Olympics clubs took part in a sional clubs continued to show their ers competed in events in 17 regions. national competition. In Georgia, at support for Special Olympics players. a tournament for 110 young players In Armenia 120 young Unified matches and other in Tbilisi, Special Olympics athletes Special Olympics players competed in activities who had trained to become assistant six local competitions. In Moldova a Unified football, where players coaches demonstrated their new skills series of local competitions involved with and without intellectual disabili- in warming up the players. In Ireland over 400 Special Olympics players. In ties compete on the same team, was there were a series of football blitzes, Russia 42 teams from 30 regions par- celebrated in a big way in Slovakia half-time matches and cup competi- ticipated in a national tournament, with 350 players competing in tourna- tions with an estimated 650 athletes while local competitions and coaching ments in 16 cities. In Italy three uni- participating. In Serbia a women’s seminars were organised in 45 regions. fied tournaments were held with over tournament was held for 90 players. In Turkey 700 young players competed 130 teams from more than 60 schools. in tournaments in seven cities and one A unified tournament was also held Cooperation of football clubs city organised a beach tournament. in Cyprus. In Azerbaijan premier league club Inter Baku opened its grounds to 18 Special Olympics teams who com- peted in a national tournament. In Belarus FC BATE Borisov and the city of Borisov hosted a unified tourna- ment. In Germany 16 clubs from the first to the fourth divisions organised training sessions for 400 Special Olym- pics players. In Poland a cooperation agreement was signed between Special Olympics Poland, the Polish Football Federation and Ekstraklasa SA, while all first division clubs wore Special Olympics T-shirts prior to major matches. In Hungary Special Olympics players walked onto the pitch with professional players at the start of first division Maik Franz of SC Karlsruhe matches. In Switzerland a match with the players of Special between UEFA staff and a local Special Olympics Germany. Olympics club was held in Nyon. SO Germany 10 uefadirect 8.08 UEFAdirect-76-Fichier•E 14.7.2008 14:31 Page 11

Roël Liefden Beach soccer: (2), one of fun for the key spectators and h, players on the players alike. Dutch team.

Beach soccer Beach Soccer in background Beach soccer has been played for many years on beaches all around the world. In 1992 the first rules of the Netherlands the game were put down on paper. A new official organisation The first international beach soccer event took place on Miami Beach THE ROYAL NETHERLANDS FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (KNVB) AND GO! MARKETING with teams from Brazil, the United RECENTLY FOUNDED A NEW ORGANISATION CALLED KNVB BEACH SOCCER. States, Argentina and Italy. The first unofficial world championship was staged in 1995 and the first official European competition started exactly ten years ago in 1998. Go! Marketing organised the first-ever beach soccer matches in the Netherlands in 1997. Three years later, the Dutch Beach Soccer Associ- ation (NBSB) was founded in cooper- ation with the kids’ sections of a number of professional football clubs such as PSV Eindhoven, Ajax Leo Koswal (10) was and Feyenoord. The first interna- a professional tional beach soccer tournament in footballer the Netherlands, co-hosted by the before turning to NBSB and Beach Soccer Worldwide, beach soccer. was held in Scheveningen in 2003. FIFA officially recognised beach soc- cer in 2005, the same year that the KNVB officially and exclusively Photos: KNVB Beach Soccer recognised the NBSB. The sport has grown rapidly in the Netherlands Go! Marketing is the sports nately became a celebrity overnight and twice the original number of marketing and event agency that in the Netherlands when he had to quit teams competed in the preliminary introduced beach soccer in the Nether- his professional career four years ago rounds of the national league in lands ten years ago. Managing direc- after breaking his leg in a first division 2006. The well-known seaside resort tor Dave Offenbach signed an agree- match. He is now involved in beach of Hoek van Holland then staged ment with the KNVB CEO for amateur soccer full-time and a highly appre- the first beach soccer champions’ football, Ruud Bruijnis, on 23 June to ciated ambassador of the game. “The league for national champions from officially launch the legal entity KNVB fact that we are now recognised by the six European countries. Beach Soccer. With the introduction KNVB and able to start as an integrated The national Olympic commit- tee, NOC*NSF, officially recognised of the new organisation, the Dutch organisation is a tremendous boost the top level of the NBSB in 2007. Beach Soccer Association (NBSB) has for beach soccer in the Netherlands,” In cooperation with the Dirk Kuyt been wound up after eight explorative Offenbach said after the official cere- Foundation (set up by the Dutch and exciting years. The NBSB used to mony. ”We now have a serious chance international currently playing for run all beach soccer competitions and to further develop the sport and work Liverpool FC), a competition for dis- events. Three members of the board of on all aspects of the game.” abled players was also launched. the former NBSB attended the launch Go! Marketing will still run Dutch beach soccer’s top division has of the new organisation and were more all the beach soccer events and will also now grown from 8 to 12 teams and than happy that their association had have organisational responsibility within the Dutch national team is among laid the foundations for another major the new body, KNVB Beach Soccer. the best in Europe, although they unfortunately failed to qualify for step in Dutch football. On 20 July, the11th national beach the FIFA Beach soccer 2008 in Mar- soccer championship was staged in the seille. With a few hundred kilome- Tremendous boost beach stadium in Scheveningen. For the tres of beaches in the country, beach The official signing was also first time this event was held under soccer has a bright and sunny future attended by the national beach soccer the KNVB banner. in the Netherlands. coach, Niels Kokmeijer, who unfortu- Rob de Leede R. de L.

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The future David Taylor Some light European talked about reading Championship relations before the format was between UEFA meeting. a hot topic. and football’s other major stakeholders.

of understanding between UEFA and the ECA had already been signed. A memorandum of under- Meetings and standing between UEFA and FIFPro Europe, representing the players, was also already in place. other activities Social dialogue UEFA’s deputy general secretary, The presidents and general Gianni Infantino, then gave a presenta- tion on the current status of EU-related secretaries of UEFA member matters, including the document which is to be submitted to the French presi- associations met in Vienna dency of the EU at the request of the ALL 53 UEFA MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS WERE REPRESENTED AT THE MEETING Dutch and French ministers for Euro- pean affairs (see page 13). OF THEIR PRESIDENTS AND GENERAL SECRETARIES HELD IN VIENNA THE DAY The deputy general secretary’s BEFORE THE FINAL OF EURO 2008. presentation also covered the subject of social dialogue, in respect of which he There were three subjects on as well as a number of working group announced the creation of an EU Social the agenda, two to bring the participants meetings. Among the topics it had Dialogue Committee for the profession- up to date and the third for consultative discussed were the UEFA club competi- al football sector on 1 July, in which purposes. tions, the specificity of sport as regards UEFA has a key role, with its president, After a minute’s silence in honour the European Union, social dialogue Michel Platini, in the chair. The EPFL of Mathieu Sprengers, the late member of in football, the protection of minors and the ECA are the employers’ repre- the Executive Committee who passed and the prospect of a European Football sentatives on the committee, while the away in April, the UEFA general secretary, Charter. employees are represented by FIFPro David Taylor, reviewed the status of As far as UEFA’s relations with Europe. UEFA’s relations with the leagues, clubs the professional leagues and their um- and professional players. In this context, brella organisation, the EPFL (Association EURO format he mentioned the Professional Football of European Professional Football Leagues), Having been raised at the UEFA Strategy Council (PFSC), which had been were concerned, the aim was to con- Congress in Düsseldorf in January 2007, set up to contribute, through dialogue, to clude a new memorandum of under- the idea of expanding the field of par- unity in European football. It comprised standing by the end of September. ticipants in European Football Champi- an equal number of representatives of More than 100 clubs, represent- onship final rounds has been the subject the national associations (in the first four ing all 53 of UEFA’s member associations, of feasibility studies and reports. In his UEFA vice-presidents), the leagues, the were now assembled within the Euro- presentation, the director of the UEFA clubs and the professional footballers’ pean Club Association (ECA), whose first administration’s competitions’ division, association. Since its creation a year ago, general meeting was set to take place Giorgio Marchetti, told the meeting that the PFSC had held four plenary meetings, in Nyon on 7 and 8 July. A memorandum the Executive Committee would take a decision on this matter at its meeting in Bordeaux in September, before which it was keen to receive the views of the national associations. After his presenta- tion, a dozen or so delegates took the floor and all expressed their support for an expanded final round, preferably involving 24 teams split into six groups of four, and as evenly balanced as possible in terms of the duration of the group stage and direct knockout matches, which, contrary to the current format, would involve a round of 16. At the same time, however, the contributors were keen for the ap- peal and value of the qualifying matches to be maintained. Any new format, if adopted by the Executive Committee in September, would not be introduced

Photos: UEFA-pjwoods.ch until 2016.

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The last … and meeting for Friedrich Giangiorgio Stickler. Spiess…

News from Executive Committee Brussels

On Wednesday 28 May, the in Vienna European Commission gave its Document for the formal backing to UEFA’s rule on locally trained players which aim European Union to encourage training and pro- mote competitive balance. In an THE UEFA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, WITH THE UEFA PRESIDENT IN THE CHAIR, official joint statement, Vladimír MET IN VIENNA TWO DAYS BEFORE THE FINAL OF EURO 2008. Spidla, member of the European Commission responsible for Matters related to the European team sport federations to the principles Employment, Social affairs and Union and EU legislation were once of good governance. Equal Opportunities, and Commis- again a major item on the agenda. This sioner for Education, Training, time, the subject of the discussions was Co-opted members bow out Culture and Youth Ján Figel a document drafted by the main Euro- Although EURO 2008 was still endorsed the measures which pean team sport federations (basketball, awaiting its climax – the final – the Execu- pursue “legitimate objectives of football, handball, ice hockey, rugby tive Committee nevertheless reviewed cer- general interest”. This is an impor- and volleyball), which the committee tain aspects of the event and was pleased tant achievement for both UEFA approved for submission to the French by its many positive qualities. The Execu- and its national associations. presidency of the European Union. tive Committee meeting was also an op- The locally trained player rule The document calls for the portunity for the UEFA president to thank is one part of UEFA’s response to European Commission “to finally imple- the representatives of the two host associ- a number of developments that ment, together with the team sport ations on the committee, Friedrich Stickler threaten to damage the long-term federations, the most effective means to from Austria and Giangiorgio Spiess from interests of our sport. One of the recognise the specificity of sport within Switzerland, whose terms as co-opted biggest challenges facing Euro- a clear legal framework”. It sets out the members ended at this meeting. pean team sports is that, since most important matters that need to Moving from one EURO to the be addressed, including the following next, the Executive Committee is keeping the European Court of Justice’s priorities: a close eye on preparations for EURO Bosman ruling of 1995, the richest ■ training and education, 2012 in Poland and Ukraine. Following a clubs have been able to stockpile based on the principles of “dual training” presentation by the UEFA general secre- the best players, which makes (sports and academic/vocational training) tary, David Taylor, the committee heard it easier for them to dominate for players, home-grown players, and that a UEFA delegation led by the presi- both national and European com- the protection of young players and dent would visit the two countries at the petitions. training clubs; start of July, to allow the Executive Com- At the same time, clubs have ■ club licensing, proposing mittee to take a decision at its first meet- fewer incentives to train their own the creation of a European financial ing after its summer recess, in September. players or give a genuine chance management control body; Last but not least, the committee to young players from their region. ■ agents, proposing improved approved UEFA’s consolidated operational This trend is exacerbated by the regulation of their activities by the budget for 2008/09, as well as the regu- unreliable financial rewards of sports federations, possibly in conjunc- lations for the 2009/10 European Futsal training young players and the tion with appropriate measures at Championship, the main change to which ability of many European clubs to EU level. concerns the final round, which will be ‘poach’ young players from the These measures are combined contested by 12 teams instead of eight age of 16 from anywhere in the with strict adherence by the European from now on. European Union. UEFA’s rule aims to encourage the local training of young players and increase the openness and fairness of European competitions. It is a modest first step, but one that goes in the right direction. The European Commission itself recognises that the “training of young talented sportsmen and sportswomen in proper conditions The Executive Committee in Vienna. is crucial for a sustainable devel- ➜ Photos: UEFA-pjwoods.ch 13 UEFAdirect-76-Fichier•E 14.7.2008 14:31 Page 14

Zenit Artemio ➜ St. Petersburg Franchi (left), opment of sport at all levels.” (Euro- will contest alongside pean Commission’s White Paper on its first UEFA then FIFA Sport, p. 6; see uefadirect No. 64 Super Cup president, having won João Havelange, and 65). the UEFA Cup. on UEFA’s 25th anniversary, UEFA’s rule obliges clubs partici- in 1979. ASL pating in UEFA competitions, i.e. the Getty Images UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Cup, to include a minimum number of players in the squad of 25 players that are locally trained, inde- UEFA Super Cup – A first in Monaco pendent of their nationality. A locally Monaco has been home to the UEFA Super Cup for the last ten trained player is defined as having years – after the waters were tested back in 1987 – and the venue will not been trained by his club or another change until at least 2011, the UEFA Executive Committee decided at its club from the same national associa- recent meeting in Vaduz. tion for at least three years between In the last decade, Monaco’s Stade Louis II has hosted teams from seven the age of 15 and 21. The rules have different national associations for the traditional pre-season showcase been implemented gradually, in stages, between the winners of the UEFA Champions League and the European to give clubs time to adapt: a mini- Cup Winners’ Cup, or UEFA Cup since 1999. The Spanish have dominated mum of 4 out of 25 for the 2006/07 season, 6 for the 2007/08 season and until now (seven appearances with four clubs), ahead of England and 8 in 2008/09, which brings to an end Italy (both on five appearances with three clubs) and Portugal (two with one club). the phased introduction. The attendance sheet also includes one German, one Dutch and one Russian side. UEFA has left all of its 53 national Fourteen clubs have featured in the Super Cup in the last ten years, with record associations free to implement the rule participation by Real Madrid (3) and record wins by AC Milan and Liverpool (2). at national level – or not, as the case In a new twist, this year’s fixture will unite old and new, with Champions may be. So far, a number of national League titleholders Manchester United, who were in Monaco in the same capacity leagues apply the rule, or some adap- in 1999 (when they lost against S.S. Lazio, winners of the last-ever European tation of it, including Belgium, Czech Cup Winners’ Cup), facing newcomers Zenit St. Petersburg, winners of the UEFA Republic, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Cup in May. Italy and Portugal. National associa- The match will wrap up a few days of intense activity in Monaco, including tions are encouraged to implement the draws for the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup and meetings in prepara- it at domestic level to help develop tion for the new season. their young talent. Article 39 (2) of the EC Treaty clearly forbids any form of quota which Artemio Franchi him as UEFA president. The Fiorentina limits the number of non-national EU memorial in Florence v Barcelona match will take place at citizens authorised to play for Euro- the Artemio Franchi stadium. UEFA is pean clubs. This was laid down explic- Elected as UEFA president backing this memorial event, which itly and unequivocally in the Bosman at the Extraordinary UEFA Congress will be attended by the current UEFA ruling. UEFA’s rule fully complies with in Rome in May 1973, Italy’s Artemio president and Executive Committee. the principle of non-discrimination as Franchi held the reins of the Union it states that the nationality of locally of European Football Associations trained players is irrelevant. until he died in a road accident on Inaugural meeting Both the European Commission 12 August 1983. of the European Club and the European Parliament have It will soon be 25 years since Association now clearly endorsed the rule and its Artemio Franchi’s death. To pay tribute objectives. to the football administrator who Founded in January and Back in March 2007, the Euro- took UEFA into a new era of moderni- comprising 103 top clubs from all pean Parliament, in its resolution on sation after the early days of the 1950s of UEFA’s member associations, the future of professional football and a period of consolidation in the the European Club Association (ECA) in Europe (see uefadirect No. 59) 1960s, a commemoration is being has taken over from the European expressed its “clear support” of such held on 30 July in Florence with a gala Club Forum as UEFA’s partner repre- measures and called on “professional match between ACF Fiorentina and senting the clubs. Unlike the forum, clubs to strictly implement this rule” FC Barcelona. It was in Florence, his however, the ECA is an independent (paragraph 32). In a similar vein, the association. resolution on the White Paper on Sport home town, that Franchi embarked (see uefadirect No. 75) has recognised on his career as an official, first in refer- For its first plenary meeting, that the UEFA rule “can serve as an eeing, then as ACF Fiorentina secretary. the ECA was the guest of UEFA at the example to other federations, leagues In 1967 he became president of the House of European Football on 7 and 8 and clubs” (paragraph 34). Italian Football Federation and a year July. The main item on the agenda was All of this demonstrates, on a later he was elected vice-president the formation of the Executive Board, larger scale, that sports governing of UEFA. to which the following 11 members bodies are able to create new policies Franchi was “a diplomat who were elected: Karl-Heinz-Rummenigge that encourage training and promote always managed to find the means for (FC Bayern München), Ernest Paolillo competitive balance, while respecting mediation and conciliation,” according (FC Internazionale), Fernando Gomes EU law. to Jacques Georges, who succeeded (FC Porto), Rick Parry (Liverpool FC),

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The The European Club Futsal Cup 2008/09 UEFA club Association draw also held its took place competition dates first meeting in Nyon. in Nyon. UEFA Champions League UEFA-pjwoods.ch UEFA-pjwoods.ch UEFA-pjwoods.ch UEFA-pjwoods.ch 15/16 July 2008: first qualifying round, first legs 22/23 July: return legs Itamar Chizik (Maccabi Haifa FC), Group F: MNK Orlic Sarajevo, 29/30 July: second qualifying round, Damir Vrbanovic (NK Dinamo Zagreb), Carillon Boys Beverwijk, UFC Münster, first legs 1 August in Nyon: draw for the third Jean-Michel Aulas (Olympique Lyonnais), FC Betoon Tallin qualifying round John McClelland (Rangers FC), Michel Mini-tournament host clubs in bold. 5/6 August: second qualifying round, Verschueren (RSC Anderlecht), Ramon The six group winners will qualify for the return legs 12/13 August: third qualifying round, Calderon (Real Madrid FC) and Nils Skutle main round, where they will be joined (Rosenborg BK). Also on the board are first legs by the other 35 teams in the competition. 26/27 August: return legs the four members who represent the The main round draw was also held on 28 August in Monaco: draw for the ECA on the Professional Football Strategy 2 July (see uefa.com). These matches will group matches Council, namely Maarten Fontein be played from 6 to 14 September and 16/17 September: group matches, matchday 1 (AZ Alkmaar), Umberto Gandini (AC Milan), will be followed by another draw on 25 Peter Kenyon (Chelsea FC) and Joan 30 September/1 October: matchday 2 September, for the elite round, where title- 21/22 October: matchday 3 Laporta (FC Barcelona). The new ECA holders Viz-Sinara Ekaterinburg, plus 4/5 November: matchday 4 Executive Board subsequently elected Karl- Dinamo Moskva, Interviu Madrid and Kairat 25/26 November: matchday 5 Heinz Rummenigge as its chairman, Almaty, will join the six group winners and 9/10 December: matchday 6 19 December in Nyon: draw for the Joan Laporta as first vice-chairman and runners-up from the main round. Umberto Gandini and John McClelland first knockout round 24/25 February 2009: first knockout as vice-chairmen. round, first legs 10/11 March: return legs Special Olympics team 20 March in Nyon: draws for the plays before EURO 2008 quarter and semi-finals quarter-final 7/8 April: quarter-finals, first legs 14/15 April: return legs Eleven Special Olympics 28/29 April: semi-finals, first legs Austria players and a team representing 5/6 May: return legs the Austrian disability group ÖBSV 27 May in Rome: final played at Vienna’s Ernst Happel stadium UEFA Cup before the Croatia v Turkey EURO 2008 17 July 2008: first quali- quarter-final on 20 June. They played fying round, first legs a 14-minute exhibition match as part 31 July: return legs UEFA-pjwoods.ch UEFA-pjwoods.ch of UEFA’s Football for All campaign to 1 August in Nyon: draw The ECA Executive Board. promote disability sport. for the second qualifying round Special Olympics Austria took 14 August: second qualifying round, first legs Futsal Cup draw the lead in the first seven minutes and 28 August: second qualifying round, two quick strikes after the break gave return legs A record 45 clubs have them a 3-0 victory. 29 August in Monaco: draw for the entered the eighth edition of the The Croatian and Turkish first round UEFA Futsal Cup. national team players, who were waiting 18 September: first round, first legs 2 October: return legs The draw held in Nyon on 2 for their game to start, took the time 7 October in Nyon: draw for the July split 23 of these clubs to watch the players with intellectual group matches into six groups for the pre- disabilities. After the match the partici- 23 October: group matches, matchday 1 liminary round, which will be pants stayed to take photos with national 6 November: matchday 2 contested from 9 to 17 players. UEFA President Michel Platini 27 November: matchday 3 3/4 December: matchday 4 August in the form of mini-tournaments. watched the match and congratulated 17/18 December: matchday 5 Group A: Politechnik Yerevan, both teams. 19 December in Nyon: draws for the FC Parnassos, Roubaix Futsal, Vídir Gardi rounds of 32 and 16 Group B: FK Nikars Riga, 18/19 February 2009: round of 32, 1. FC Graz, FC Madriu, FC Seefeld Zürich first legs 26 February: return legs Group C: FC Nadin Sofia, 12 March: round of 16, first legs KMF Elita Tetovo, Ipswich Wolves 18/19 March: return legs Group D: Nautara Kaunas, 20 March in Nyon: draws for the KF Tirana, CSC Dinamo Chisinau, quarter and semi-finals Albertslund IF 9 April: quarter-finals, first legs 16 April: return legs Group E: KMN Gorica, Golden Miroslav Krogulec, SO Krogulec, Miroslav 30 April: semi-finals, first legs Futsal Team Espoo, Saint Patrick’s AFC, 7 May: return legs Scandals Futsal FC Michel Platini with Special Olympics players. 20 May in Istanbul: final

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N EWS FROM MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

Albanian national team was proud and honoured to wear this internationally renowned brand. The AFA is also excited ALBANIA about having Nike as a partner. • LYSIEN NURISHMI • Likewise on the Nike side, Igor Milo- jevic, the representative for the Balkans, was very pleased with this deal, especially New supplier for the after the big interest shown by the AFA national association in Nike. The Albanian Football Association (AFA) This contract for the national team and international sportswear manufacturer kits covers the qualifying round for the

Nike have signed a contract making Nike FSHF 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. the AFA’s official kit supplier. The president of the Albanian FA, Armand Duka As a result of the deal, the AFA will also The contract was signed by the AFA (right), and Igor Milojevic of Nike Balkans present use the official Nike ball for its official president, Armand Duka, who said that the the new Albania national team shirts. matches. ■

ANDORRA AUSTRIA • PRESS OFFICE • • PETER KLINGLMÜLLER •

International tournaments A new DVD of 274 exercises May and June in Andorra are associated Ahead of EURO 2008, conditioning with good weather and an abundance of coach Roger Spry and technical director of football competitions throughout the coun- the Austrian FA (ÖFB) Willi Ruttensteiner try in the grassroots, women’s and disability presented a new DVD, the fruit of many categories. months work, entitled “Conditioning train- One such tournament that we organ- ing – The Austrian way”. Available in Ger- ised was the annual, international Francesc man and English, the DVD demonstrates a Vila memorial competition. Now in its ninth total of 274 exercises. year, it involved 12 Under-9 teams and 12 “The exercises are suitable for six-year-

Under-11s. The Under-9 champions were old beginners and professionals alike, and GEPA-Pictures FC Barcelona and the Under-11 winners for coaches and players,” explained Spry. Roger Spry (left) and Willi Ruttensteiner present were the regional side of Haute-Garonne. “[The DVD] is not designed to replace nor- their conditioning training DVD. mal training sessions, but to complement them. When I started out, I would have from the ÖFB and the nine Austrian regional loved to have something like this. It would associations. “I composed the soundtrack have made life much easier.” and played all the instruments myself. You “At some point I will leave Austria. can love it or hate it,” added Spry with a It could be straight after EURO 2008 or it typically British sense of humour. could just as easily be in a few years’ time. Willi Ruttensteiner, co-author of the DVD, With this DVD I can leave something lasting hopes there will be a ripple effect: “It’s a behind for Austrian football that I’m really great product, which we may well be able to proud of,” the internationally renowned market outside Austria too. Special thanks British conditioning coach continued. Roger must go to our sponsors and the UEFA Hat- Spry is also responsible for the music on Trick programme, without which this project the DVD, which is now available for EUR 25 would not have been possible.” ■ FAF A Special Olympics football tournament in Andorra.

We also had the tenth Escaldes-Engor- dany Under-12 tournament, which was won by Atlético de Madrid, and an inter- national Special Olympics tournament, ZERBAIJAN which involved representatives of Monaco, A Catalonia and Andorra. • ELKHAN ASADOV • Finally, in the sixth women’s interna- tional tournament, RCD Espanyol came Summer starts with beach football out on top in the Under-14 age range and tournament UE Estarit in the Under-19. The women’s The first Azerbaijan Beach Soccer Cham- football season was rounded off by a pionship for amateur teams has drawn to a A beach soccer cup for amateur players. three-a-side competition to promote the close. The Olympic-style competition began AFFA women’s game. with 58 teams. Kodak and Escort met in The presence of families from all over the match for third place, where they were Farid Novruzi, congratulated the winners Europe alongside spectators from Andorra level on 5-5 after 90 minutes. In extra time and wished them luck in their forthcoming turns these tournaments into real festivals Kodak scored one more goal and took third. matches. It should be noted that AFFA of football, and celebrations of cross-border In the final, Novco Sport managed an 8-6 has established a prize fund for the cham- friendship. We are already working on next win against Olimp to become champions. pionship. The winners were awarded a year’s competitions, with particular empha- At the award ceremony, the AFFA gen- trophy and AZN 10,000, the runners-up sis on the tenth anniversary edition of the eral secretary, Elkhan Mammadov, and the received AZN 5,000 and the team in third Francesc Vila tournament. ■ president of the Beach Soccer Federation, place took away AZN 3,000. ■

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Sporting Club (9 goals in 31 matches) before carrying on to Germinal Beerschot Antwerpen the following season, where he BELGIUM finished as the top goalscorer of 2006/07 (21 goals in 32 matches). His composure • PIERRE CORNEZ • and precision in front of goal drew atten- tion from the biggest clubs in Belgium and A star has passed away European circles, but Sterchele chose to “Sometimes, when one person is miss- pursue a career on home turf, joining Club ing, the whole world seems empty.” This Brugge KV in July 2007 and scoring 11 goals

Alphonse de Lamartine quotation sums up Photo News for them in 31 league matches. how many in Belgium felt on 8 May when François Sterchele, a formidable striker Sterchele’s terrific progress soon caught they learnt of the death of François taken too young. the eye of Belgium coach René Vandereycken Sterchele, Club Brugge striker and one of too, who first called him up for a EURO the country’s best players. Sterchele, aged François Sterchele played for various clubs 2008 qualifying match on 24 March 2007 26 and from Liège, died in a car accident in his home region of Liège. He started young against Portugal in Lisbon. Sterchele was at the height of his footballing career. at Loncin, before moving to RFC de Liège. capped six times in all. He had yet to score François Sterchele was a unique player His career really took off when he joined RFC for the Red Devils but with his incredible who successfully worked his way through Union La Calamine in 2001. It was at this ability to adapt, it would certainly not have the lower divisions before making a splash fourth division club that he established him- been long before he turned this around. in the premier league. His cunning and self as a goal-getter (49 goals in 84 matches), François Sterchele dreamt of meeting self-confidence on the pitch never failed a reputation that stuck with him. Italy on 30 May, in the friendly that would to cause a stir, but his good nature, smile His 2004 transfer to Oud Heverlee- have taken him back to his familial roots and and helpful character helped him win many Leuven, a third-division club, was an excel- his hero, Luca Toni, who inspired Sterchele’s hearts. The tribute paid to him in the lent move: he scored 29 goals in 33 matches goal celebrations. He did not get that stadiums on the last matchday of the pre- and caught the attention of the premier chance. Sterchele was a star on the pitch mier league, a few days after his death, league. After just one season at the Flemish and he will continue to shine. Rest in was a testament to this. club, Sterchele moved to Royal Charleroi peace, François. ■

went to hosts Bosna Visoko, who beat Zrinjski 4-1. The Sloboda Tuzla cadets (Under-17) also won their championship, after beating BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA Sarajevo. The score was 0-0 at the end ENGLAND • FUAD KRVAVAC • of normal time but Sloboda claimed victory • MATT PHILLIPS • after penalty kicks. Zeljeznicar took third place by beating final-tournament hosts NK Zrinjski won Bosnia Drina Zvornik 3-1. English FA puts equality and Herzegovina Cup Kozara from Bosanska Gradiska won the at the top of the agenda NK Zrinjski from Mostar won the Bosnia pioneers title (Under-15). They beat Zvijezda The English and Herzegovina Cup this season, beating from Gradacac 2-1 in the final, while the Football Asso- FK Sloboda Tuzla. Sloboda won the first third place went to Novi Grad from Sarajevo, ciation (The FA) match 2-1 in Tuzla, while Zrinjski managed who beat Tomislav 3-1. The final tourna- is proving that the same result at home in Mostar. After ment was played in Tomislavgrad. football can penalties Zrinjski lifted the cup and joined The women’s champions of the season bring down bar- Zeljeznicar, Sarajevo, Modrica and Siroki were the players of SFK 2000 from Sarajevo, riers with a Brijeg on the list of teams that have won who in the final tournament beat Iris from series of break- both the championship and cup. Zenica 5-0 and Leotar from Trebinje 4-0. through events this year. The young players at NK Orasje re- Leotar finished in second place with a 2-2 Herman Ouseley, tained the Bosnia and Herzegovina Cup in draw against Iris. The Inter- new member of the

the Under-19 competition, beating their The top two teams in the women’s national Gay FA Council. The FA peers from Bosna Visoko 4-1 in the final in championship, SFK 2000 and Leotar, con- and Lesbian FA Medjugorje. The Under-19 championship tested the Bosnia and Herzegovina Cup (IGLFA) World Championships are taking was won by the juniors at Sloboda Tuzla. final at the Grbavica stadium in Sarajevo, place in London this summer while Lord In the final tournament in Visoko, Sloboda where SFK 2000 got their second title this Herman Ouseley has become the first black beat Siroki Brijeg 4-2, while third place season with a 2-0 win. ■ member of the FA Council, the “parlia- ment” of English football. The push for equality does not stop there, with Manchester hosting the Learn- ing Disability European Championships and the Blind and Cerebral Palsy national squads, backed by The FA, competing at the Beijing Paralympics this September. The IGLFA World Championships will take place in London’s Regent’s Park in August with teams travelling from across Europe and the Americas to take part in the annual event. The FA has been advising tournament hosts, Left Footers FC, as part of a wider commitment to stamping out homophobia in all areas of football. The FA’s equality manager, Lucy Faulkner, commented: “Like F.Krvavac UEFA, we believe that football has a duty to NK Zrinsjski, winners of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Cup. challenge all discrimination within the ➜

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➜ game. One of our key messages is seats were installed in the stands around ‘Get into Football’ and our aim is to con- the pitch, where previously there had been front aggressive issues such as homophobia benches. while making the game family friendly.” Any advantage HB might have gained Former England captain, Paul Ince, made from its artificial pitch could not be seen in history recently when he became the Pre- the match, which the Swedish side won 4-1. mier League’s first black English manager at As a matter of fact, the artificial turf was Blackburn Rovers and The FA has made a nothing new for IF Elfsborg, as they have the EFA groundbreaking appointment of its own with same underlay at their home ground, the Lord Herman Ouseley nominated to the Turkey (in red, against Estonia) won all their games. Borås stadium. ■ FA Council. The 63-year-old, who founded anti-racism organisation Kick It Out, heads Turkey finished the tournament with up The FA’s Racial Equality Advisory Group the maximum nine points, while Croatia which aims to boost football participation was second on six and Malta third with in black and ethnic minority communities. three. The hosts were left in fourth place. Lord Ouseley said: “There’s a lot of good Turkey’s captain and top goalscorer, work going on such as black and ethnic mi- Bilgin Defterli, was named best player of nority supporters getting involved as England the team. ■ fans. Black and Asian supporters want to be GEORGIA seen as England fans. When we qualify for • LASHA GODUADZE • major tournaments then you’ll see that visi- bility. They’ll wear the shirts and fly the flags from their cars and it’s great to see.” ■ Farewell match for Shota Arveladze Shota Arveladze, one of the best strikers the Georgia A team has ever known, said goodbye to professional football on 3 June. FAROE ISLANDS His farewell match turned out to be a bril- • INGI SAMUELSEN • liant, beautiful event. UEFA match on artificial grass ESTONIA Sunday 22 June was a historic day in Faroese football. It was the day HB Tórshavn MIHKEL UIBOLEHT • • played at home against Swedish team IF Elfsborg in the first round of the UEFA Turkey claims victory in Estonia Intertoto Cup. This match was special Turkey’s national team celebrated because it was not played at either of the victory at the UEFA women’s friendly mini- two stadiums normally used for the inter- tournament held in Estonia between national matches on the island, but at the 27 June and 2 July. Besides the hosts and Gundadalur stadium (Ovari Vøllur), not far the winners, Croatia and Malta were from the international Tórsvøllur stadium represented. in the capital of Tórshavn. The tournament was held in Rakvere Gundadalur is where local clubs HB and and Paide, two cities where football is B36 usually play their matches in the top climbing to new heights in Estonia. Faroese league, the Formuladeildin. Earlier this year, Gundadalur’s artificial two-star “Our aim is to help to boost the devel- GFF opment of football in general and also pitch, provided by Polytan Sportstättenbau GmbH, was certified by FIFA. HB Tórshavn The president of the Georgian Football its infrastructure, not only in the biggest Federation, Nodar Akhalkatsi, presents a souvenir cities, but in the smaller ones too. The took the opportunity to send a request to shirt to Shota Arveladze. local authorities in Paide and Rakvere the Faroese FA for permission from UEFA have shown great initiative in their efforts to play their Intertoto match on familiar Some 35,000 football supporters ground. B36, the other Tórshavn club, have to help develop the game,” said Tõnu witnessed this unforgettable game between also submitted the Gundadalur stadium Sirel, the Estonian Football Association’s a Georgia line-up and Shota’s foreign team- as the venue for their first UEFA Cup quali- general secretary. mates, with the foreign friends winning fying match at the end of July. the game 9-6. There were many goals, On the tournament’s first matchday, Several improvements were made at the favourites Croatia and Turkey claimed some beautiful football and lots of joy and Gundadalur stadium before approval was sorrow, which is natural for matches of convincing 3-0 and 6-0 victories over given. Among other things, around 2,000 Malta and Estonia respectively. The sec- this kind. ond matchday featured a fascinating Shota’s farewell match took place at battle between the two top sides, with the Boris Paichadze National Stadium. The Turkey coming from behind to clinch a last goal was scored by none other than Giorgi Arveladze, Shota’s son. valuable 4-2 win. Meanwhile, Malta Before the start of the match, Nodar fought hard against the hosts to beat Akhalkatsi, president of the Georgian Foot- them with a goal by Ylenia Carabott just ball Federation (GFF), announced that from 11 minutes from time. now on, in honour of Shota Arveladze, no The last games were held on 2 July, one in the Georgia national A team would when Malta and Estonia gave a hard time wear the number 11. to the pre-match favourites. It took a long ■ DIA 2008, this year’s awards cere- time for Turkey to translate their pressure mony organised by the Georgian Profes- into goals and seal a 3-0 win. sional Football League, took place at the Croatia took a 3-0 lead before the Kote Marjanishvili State Theatre on 9 June. interval, but Estonia’s Margarita Zernose- Top GFF officials, actors, football special- kova managed to score just four minutes ists and supporters attended the ceremony. into the second half, which put the Giorgi Merebashvili, one of FC Dinamo

hosts back in the game. Both teams had www.hb.fo Tbilisi’s best players, took home two awards: chances afterwards, but the score stayed Sweden’s Elfsborg won the first international match best midfielder and best player in the put at 3-1. played on an artificial pitch in the Faroe Islands. Georgian national championship.

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Girls to start football as young as possible in Liechtenstein.

Kakha Kaladze, AC Milan defender ball for girls can and captain of the Georgia A side, was be promoted named best Georgian football player for more intensively the first time. LIECHTENSTEIN in the classrooms The awards: of Liechtenstein. Best Goalkeeper: Didie Ovono • JUDITH FROMMELT • A plus factor was (FC Dinamo Tbilisi) cooperation with the clubs, who Best Defender: Ucha Lobjanidze Girls take to the pitches LFV (FC Zestafoni) went to great Liechtenstein’s football pitches were lengths to provide the girls with good Best Midfielder: Giorgi Merebashvili dominated by girls’ football on the eve of (FC Dinamo Tbilisi) facilities. Given the girls’ happy faces, im- the long summer break. On Wednesday, mense team spirit and enthusiasm, there Best Forward: Dimitri Tatanashvili 25 June, girls in years two to five at all is no doubt that the coaches and assistants (FC Ameri Tbilisi) primary schools across the principality were will continue to support girls’ football in Best Youth Player: Mate Vatsadze offered an introductory two hours of Liechtenstein. (FC Dinamo Tbilisi) assorted training at the grounds in Balzers, The introductory sessions were not Best Coach: Nestor Mumladze Triesen, Triesenberg, Vaduz, Schaan, Eschen organised as a one-off. The idea is to estab- (WIT Georgia) and Ruggell. lish a girls’ competition after the summer Best Referee: Levan Paniashvili The taster sessions, organised by the break which would provide a new and Best Project: TV company “Kolkhida” Liechtenstein Football Association in close unique platform for girls’ football in Liecht- Best Player in the Georgian cooperation with its seven football clubs, enstein. At the moment, the only girls’ Championship: Giorgi Merebashvili were certainly a first, successful attempt at teams are in Ruggell, Triesen and Balzers. (FC Dinamo Tbilisi) promoting football among girls in Liechten- In the lowest age ranges (up to 10 years), Best Georgian Player: Kakha Kaladze stein. Certain points need reconsidering a few girls play with the boys. Now, the (AC Milan) for next time though, for example the tim- Liechtenstein Football Association – working In another first, FC Borjomi forward Gia ing so close to the summer holidays and closely with its seven member clubs – is Megreladze received the award for scoring the role of the schools, who should be going to offer young girls the opportunity the best goal. ■ more closely involved in future so that foot- to play in all-girl teams. ■

TrioBet Baltic League. “The e-magazine repre- sents a new way of publishing information in this electronic age,” says Christian Happel, manager of the league. “It’s colourful, nice to LATVIA scroll through and read and made with a love LITHUANIA • MARTINS HARTMANIS • of football,” Happel adds. The editor in chief • VAIVA ZIZAITE • of the e-magazine is Martins Hartmanis, a FC Daugava wins Latvian Cup Latvian Football Federation and TrioBet Baltic National football academy FC Daugava won the Latvian Cup after League press officer. The TrioBet Baltic League Although the main purpose of the acade- beating league champions and previous cup- website has also been redeveloped and is my is to select the most talented young foot- holders FK Ventspils on penalties (3-0). The now available at www.balticleague.com. ball players from across Lithuania, it is also score was 1-1 after 120 minutes in the Skonto The Latvian Football Federation is moving very important that these players make good stadium in Riga. FC Daugava are champions to new offices at the Olympic Sports Centre progress. All year round, the academy also for the first time in the club’s history, but for in Riga while its old premises at the Daugava seeks to educate them as healthy, strong and their coach, former Latvia international and stadium are renovated. There are, however, patient individuals. Skonto FC defender Mihails Zemlinskis, this was some delays in talks with the government At present, there are three age groups at the second big title in six years. FC Daugava about the possibility of renovating the whole the national football academy (15/16, 16/17 have earned a place in the UEFA Cup. stadium. and 17/18 years). All the training technology, In other news, the TrioBet Baltic League The national LMT Virsliga peaks in Au- distribution of physical workload, post-injury organisers have released the first issue of an gust as it enters its second phase. The first rehabilitation methods and other important e-magazine available at www.balticleague.com. six teams will play for the championship’s elements of the programme are of the highest From now on, the e-magazine will be issued top six places, while the remaining four clubs standard. For the young each month and filled with photos, videos and will contest the bottom four and the right to One goal: giving audio material as well as short interviews and stay in Latvia’s top division when the 2008 football players to young people the best overviews of the latest developments in the season ends on 9 November. ■ improve, the acad- possible training. emy must offer the best possible condi- tions. A lot of train- ing sessions are or- ganised in Ger- many, Poland and the Czech Repub- LFF lic, and good relationships are fostered with other academies in various countries. The Lithuanian Football Federation hopes that after five or six years of careful, sound educa- tion, the young players will provide promising new talent for the national teams. The idea of creating an academy to establish a new, talented football generation in Lithuania stemmed from the deplorable current situa- Coach Mihails tion among the country’s youth. Zemlinskis The staff at the national academy is busy celebrates with his team after looking for opponents for the young foot- their win in ballers because the most important thing is the national cup for them to get practice against strong, rep- A.F.I. competition. utable opponents. ■

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N EWS FROM MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

“We have got a new strength that will en- able us to look to the future and focus only on activities for the good of Macedonian football and its rapid development,” said Haralampie FYR MACEDONIA Hadzi-Risteski, the president of the FSM in • ZARKO IGNJATOVSKI • his introductory speech at the meeting. The summer months are reserved for youth football camps. The first took place Looking to the future FSM at the sport centre in Dojran, on the banks The general meeting of the Football Fed- The president, Haralampie Hadzi-Risteski, of the beautiful Dojran lake, and the next eration of FYR Macedonia (FSM) was held at leads the general meeting. are planned by the Lake Ohrid. These sum- the end of May, when the current manage- mer grassroots camps are taking place under ment reported on the federations’ financial meeting, where they welcomed the financial the patronage of the FSM and involve more results for 2007 and announced the budget report. than 1,200 children from 96 clubs that par- for 2008. “It is obvious that the turbulence men- ticipate in the official competition system Even though 2007 was a turbulent year tioned affected our planned activities, but of the FSM. for the FSM, with attempts, in breach of the we have to agree that in this period we have For the first time, 100 girls aged 13 to 14 statues, to change the country’s football learned a lot and we have used what hap- are also taking part in these camps. The boys management and division among delegates, pened to further strengthen the federation, and girls are led by 120 football coaches. the tension had eased and the situation in with the aim of providing future generations The camps are universal, with children from the federation was back to normal. Virtually with protection from political influence all ethnic communities in FYR Macedonia all the delegates were present at the general through our statutes and regulations. getting involved. ■

senting the capital city of Malta has now won for the 19th time in their history, thus enriching their pedigree as one of most successful club sides in the country. MALTA The last time Valletta won this top title • ALEX VELLA • was in 2001, when they also clinched the cup for the double. This time around, the knockout com- Record number of matches in petition, now sponsored by Maltco and 2007/08 known as the U*BET FA Trophy, had

The curtains closed on the 2007/08 Birkirkara breaking out the champagne D.Aquilina season after a record number of matches when they beat Hamrun Spartans 2-1 in Valetta FC, 2007/08 champions in Malta. between the 51 clubs in the four divisions the final. This cup success is the fourth of the Bank of Valletta National League. in the history of the club. infrastructure at the national complex, The Malta FA, which is responsible for The Malta FA, under the stewardship measures to address the needs of the youth organising all the main competitions in of long-standing UEFA Executive Commit- and coaching sectors and the launching of the country, had a mammoth task in seeing tee member Joseph Mifsud, passed several an ambitious UEFA-assisted project to pro- through the programme. milestones in the season just ended. vide many clubs all over Malta and Gozo Valletta FC returned to winning ways Changes in the association’s statutes with upgraded playing facilities will go down when they landed the BOV premier league regarding several clauses in its regulations, as major cornerstones when the 2007/08 championship, an honour the team repre- the enhancing of technical facilities and season is reviewed. ■

matches. In all likelihood, the FA of Moldova, and Oleg Molceanov, tourna- Moldova Cup participants will themselves ment director, presented the participants play in future European Championship with their well-earned medals and tro- final rounds. phies. The FA of Moldova also announced MOLDOVA During the awards ceremony, Nicolai the awards for the best players of the Cebotari, general secretary of the FA of tournament, which went to Andrey • VICTOR DAGHI • Popovich (goalkeeper, Azerbaijan), Artiom Haciaturov (defender, Moldova I), Aliaksei FA of Moldova Cup Lehchylin (midfielder, Belarus) and Deniss The ninth edition of the FA of Moldova Rakeles (forward, Latvia). The goal-getter Cup was held from 17 to 21 June, with six of the tournament was Robert Vaduva national Under-17 teams participating. (Romania) and the overall best player of This year, the national team from Belarus the tournament was Artiom Buloichuk (coach: Pavel Rodneno) beat their counter- (Belarus). All the winners were presented parts from Latvia (coach: Janis Dreimanis) with gifts. 2-1 in the final. All the costs associated with the organ- Romania and Azerbaijan contested isation and running of this tournament third place and a 1-1 scoreline forced the were covered by the FA of Moldova. The teams into penalty kicks, which Azerbaijan main aim of the competition is to provide eventually won 3-2. The host teams, a training platform for junior teams with Moldova I and Moldova II, were left to a view to the European Under-17 Champi- battle it out for fifth place, which was onship qualifiers. It is the third time that taken 3-2 by Moldova I. this tournament has been won by Belarus,

While in Moldova, the tournament FMF while Ukraine, Moldova and Romania participants took the opportunity to go Nicolai Cebotari, general secretary each have two victories to their names. sightseeing around Chisinau and every of the FA of Moldova, presents the trophy Next year will see the tenth anniversary evening they followed the EURO 2008 to the Belarus captain. edition of this tournament. ■

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Bohemians were top of the table at the halfway point in the national championship.

NORTHERN IRELAND REPUBLIC OF IRELAND • SUEANN HARRISON • • EOGHAN RICE •

Young footballers put their best A close race for the title FAI feet forward Bohemians have set their stall out as The Dublin club also recently announced Over 800 children and young people favourites to land the eircom League of Ireland a link with Dublin City University, one of of all ages and abilities descended on the Premier Division, with Pat Fenlon’s side sitting Ireland’s largest universities, which will see Billy Neill Centre in Dundonald for the ‘Best’ at the top of the table at the halfway point in young players awarded sports scholarships. Way Forward Day. Northern Ireland man- the season. The university has also agreed to sponsor the ager, Nigel Worthington, and Manchester The race for the premier division title looks Bohemians’ youth programme. United and Northern Ireland Under-21 to be between two Dublin sides, with St. The first division looks very close this sea- international, Craig Cathcart, joined the Patrick’s Athletic the closest challengers to Bo- son, with four clubs with real chances of tak- organisers to help kick off the event. hemians. However, Cork City and Derry City are ing the silverware. Shelbourne are currently Spearheaded by the George Best Foun- in fine form and will both still feel that they top of the table, with Waterford United, dation, in partnership with Ulster Bank have a chance of landing the title. Current Dundalk and Sporting Fingal all close behind. champions Drogheda United are in fifth spot. and in association with the Irish Football With the premier division reduced from Bohemians have been in excellent shape 12 to ten teams for the 2009 season, just one Association (IFA), the ‘Best’ Way Forward so far, progressing to the second round of the team can win promotion to the top flight at Day encouraged mass participation, with UEFA Intertoto Cup with a 9-3 aggregate the end of this season, while three clubs will the aim of providing football opportunities victory over Welsh side Rhyl FC. drop in the opposite direction. ■ to children and young people. The event was also used to encourage wider partici- pation in sport by girls and people with disabilities, as well as improving community relations by encouraging cross-community young Slovaks into the final, while runners-up involvement. Croatia (equal on points with France but with a better goal difference) awaited their Group LOVAKIA B counterparts for the third-place match. S In Group B, the Czech Republic and • IVAN CEREDEJEV • Turkey drew 2-2, while Ukraine sent Hun- gary away with a 3-0 defeat. The next day, International youth tournament the Czechs beat Hungary 2-0 and the Turks From 25 April to 2 May, Slovakia played host drew 1-1 with Ukraine. Two days later, the to one of the continent’s most important inter- Turks beat Hungary 3-1 and the Czechs drew national youth tournaments. Eight Under-18 0-0 with Ukraine. Three teams finished on teams competed for the trophy in the 19th edi- five points, but the teams’ goal difference tion of the Slovakia Cup: Croatia, Poland and sent Ukraine to meet Slovakia in the final in France joined hosts Slovakia in Group A, while Peievidza and Turkey to Novaky to play Ukraine, Turkey, Hungary and the Czech Repub- Croatia for third place. lic formed Group B. The young players who On the final day of the tournament, stepped onto the pitches of western and central the young Croatians beat the Turks for third Slovakia definitely showed great promise, with place and Ukraine confirmed their quality by IFA admirable skills and attractive football. beating Slovakia 3-1 for the trophy. Needless An event to enable young people to sample In the opening matches of Group A, Slova- to say only one team can win, but the com- the delights of football. kia beat France 3-2 and Croatia overpowered petitive atmosphere, good conditions and, Poland 2-0. The next day, the Poles defeated last but not least, good organisation of the The project was also designed to help Slovakia 1-0 while the France v Croatia tie ended tournament were an excellent invitation to educate and improve the health of all 0-0. Finally, a 1-0 for Slovakia against Croatia all involved to try for the Slovakia Cup again children and young people and to help and the same for France against Poland sent the next year. ■ reduce health inequalities by promoting healthier living and regular exercise. Children and young people from north, south, east and west Belfast, Portadown, positions in local communities, who realised Lurgan and Newry took part in the event the impact football had on youth develop- and on the day all the participants were ment. During the first project, the FAS and kitted out with specially designed shirts – its partners built 40 mini and ten full-sized half wore a green number 11 shirt and the SLOVENIA artificial grass pitches, which are now all managed by local communities for use by other half wore a red number 7 shirt – to • MATJAZ KRAJNIK • represent Northern Ireland and Manchester young people, clubs and other interested United – the two teams George Best was Launching HatTrick II groups. The entire investment is valued at around EUR 8 million. proud to represent. In cooperation with UEFA, the Ministry of An ‘information marquee’ played a The second part of this project will take Education and Sport, the foundation for fi- place between 2008 and 2012 and is con- significant role in promoting social values nancing sports organisations in Slovenia, and sidered as the next step in providing young which should act as a deterrent to those local communities, the Football Association of players with the best possible conditions for who may be lured into alcohol, tobacco or Slovenia (FAS) has completed its first HatTrick training and development. The main aim of even drug abuse. The IFA’s Child Welfare project and is now embarking on HatTrick II. building 30 small artificial grass pitches (ten and Community Relations departments The HatTrick I project was a big success in per year) is to get an influx of new, young were there offering support which can be Slovenia as it raised both conditions for clubs talent into the football family and possibly instrumental in the fight against bullying, and awareness among people in prominent establish a generation which could take child abuse, discrimination, racism and Slovenian football back into the big interna- sectarianism. Others involved in the day tional tournaments. Even if that is not the included the Life Education trailer, FASA case, if the new pitches help get youngsters (Forum for Action on Substance Abuse) into football and off the streets, the invest- and similar youth bodies. ■ ment will have been well worth it. ■

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N EWS FROM MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

I’m struck afresh by the amount of enthu- siasm and skill the young players put into winning their matches,” said Hasler. Young Boys striker Thomas Häberli, SWEDEN SWITZERLAND second-best goalscorer in last season’s Swiss • ANDREAS NILSSON • • PIERRE BENOIT • championship, signed autographs for the young hopefuls, thereby rounding off an A summer of several milestones Plenty of sunshine and fine football excellent day. Salmsach primary school was particularly successful, with both its year 5 Lars-Åke Lagrell, president of the Some 3,500 children and young people ■ Swedish FA, has expressed his gratitude for qualified for the final day of the Credit and 6 girls’ teams finishing on top. and admiration of the faithful support Swiss Cup, the shown by the Swedish fans at EURO 2008. Swiss Football As- Tens of thousands of fans travelled to sociation’s schools Salzburg and Innsbruck and helped to championship. create a great, friendly atmosphere before, After weeks of during and after the games there. bad weather, the The Swedish national team has reached clouds parted and several milestones this summer: the sun beat down ■ Our 900th international, against Spain on the town of in Innsbruck at EURO 2008. Thun, this year’s ■ The centenary of the first ever Sweden venue for the international, when the national team beat finals. Norway 11-3 in Gothenburg on 7 July 1908. The Swiss FA’s ■ Half a century since the 1958 World technical director, Cup final in Stockholm. As the anniversary Hansruedi Hasler, date (29 June) coincided with the EURO was as impressed 2008 final, celebrations have been post- as Ursula Haller, poned until 20 August, when Sweden play MP for Thun, by France in a commemorative international the football on dis- ASF at the Ullevi stadium. ■ play. “Every year A great celebration of school football.

village of Shchaslyve (“happy village” in ball. It demonstrates a social trend in our Ukrainian) near Kiev. The stadium, financed partner’s activity. It makes an investment in by insurance company Knyazha, was the nation’s health.” KRAINE designed to provide training facilities for Knyazha president Yuriy Kindzerskiy U local children. realises how important it is to promote a • BOHDAN BUGA • As the ceremony started, Grigoriy Surkis healthy lifestyle among Ukrainians: “There’s said it was symbolic that Ukrainian business no doubt about the importance of physical A nice present for happy children leaders were helping the national FA to training and sport to the health of our The development of mass grassroots and promote grassroots football: “I’m glad that people. That’s why our company initiates youth football is naturally one of the Football Knyazha wants to develop children’s foot- and supports building projects for sports Federation of Ukraine’s main goals. The fed- schools, clubs and pitches. We enable the eration puts a lot of effort into finding spon- kids and young people to master their foot- sors and partners for grassroots and youth ball skills in modern conditions.” projects throughout the country. The dome-roofed stadium seats 500 Thus, in the final days of spring, Grigoriy spectators and has a pitch illumination of Surkis, president of the Ukrainian FA and 300 lux. It is unique in that it keeps cool in member of the UEFA Executive Committee, summer and warm in winter. The artificial was delighted to be leading the opening cer- turf is made from state-of-the-art materials

emony for an ultramodern, roofed stadium FFU and can be used even in adverse weather with artificial turf, which was built in the A covered pitch for young Ukrainians. conditions. ■

FAW historian Ceri Stennett was able to Ron Stitfall passed away just days before provide confirmation to Glyn Davies for the Hill. He was one of the great unsung heroes Guinness World Records and the Racecourse of Welsh Football, winning two senior caps Ground can now officially claim the title. The and being a great servant to Cardiff City WALES all-important match was played on 5 March throughout the 1950s and early 1960s. He • CERI STENNETT • 1877. later worked for the FAW as a kit man and On a sad note for the association, it is received the FAW Service Award. Oldest stadium in the world with great regret that the FAW has learnt of The FAW is also mourning The Racecourse Ground in Wrexham, the passing of three former Wales interna- the death of former interna- North Wales, has been officially recognised tional footballers in recent weeks. tional Derek Tapscott, aged 75. FAW as the oldest international football ground Former Ipswich Town forward Mick Hill Tapscott made 14 Wales ap- still in use anywhere in the world. was only 60 when he died and his death pearances after being signed Following work undertaken by Wrexham came as a great shock to all who knew him from Barry Town FC by Arsenal historian and enthusiast Glyn Davies, the in his home city of Hereford. Hill won two for GBP 2,750 in 1953. He Guinness World Records requested confir- Wales caps in October and November 1971 scored 68 goals in 132 Gun- mation from the Football Association of for European Championship matches in ners league and cup games Derek Tapscott Wales (FAW) that the ground had been used Czechoslovakia and Romania. He qualified and 101 in 234 competitive for the first home international ever played to play for Wales through his father’s birth- matches for Cardiff City. Unfortunately, by Wales in 1877 (against Scotland) and that place and was therefore one of the first he missed the 1958 World Cup through the ground would continue to be considered ‘Anglo-internationals’ to play for Wales in injury and his final tally of 14 caps was as a venue for international matches. modern times. scant reward for years of faithful service. ■

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Communications

■ Aliya Duissekeyeva has replaced Maxim Lebedev as executive director of the Football Communications Federation of Kazakhstan. Birthdays – Calendar ■ The new contact numbers for the Football Association of Montenegro are +381 20 445 600 (tel.) and +381 20 445 660 (fax).

New publication Birthdays ● Karl Hopfner (Germany, 28.8) ● Joseph McGlue (Republic of Ireland, 28.8) White and Red ● The Encyklopedia Pilkarska produced by Many happy returns to match delegate Askar Akhmetov (Kazakhstan, 28.8) ● Tassos Katsikides (Cyprus, 29.8) Andrzej Gowarzewski and Bozêna Szmel has Cornel Cristian Bivolaru (Romania), who ● recently published volume 35 of its football celebrates his 50th birthday on 13 August. Vincent Egbers (Netherlands, 29.8) ● Pedro Manuel Correia Magro encyclopedia and the fifth volume dedicated Birthday greetings also go out to: to the history of Poland’s national A team. (Portugal, 30.8) It covers the years 1997 to 2008, up to the end ● Sheila Begbie (Scotland, 1.8) ● Christer Fällström (Sweden, 31.8) of the EURO 2008 qualifying competition ● Kimmo J. Lipponen (Finland, 1.8) ● Pedro Dias (Portugal, 31.8) and the pre-tournament friendlies. Lavishly ● Süheyl Önen (Turkey, 2.8) ● Christoph Kollmeier (Germany, 31.8) ● Andreas Schluchter (Switzerland, 3.8) illustrated, the volume contains records of ● every game. The texts are written in Polish Zdravko Jokic (Serbia, 4.8) but explanations in English shed light on all ● Lamberto Perugia (Italy, 5.8) Upcoming events the statistics. ● Yehuda Wilk (Israel, 5.8) (Encyklopedia Pilkarska FUJI, Wydawnictwo GiA, ● David A. Gill (England, 5.8) Meetings P.O.Box 2772 – 40-357 Katowice 14, Poland. ● Konstantin Eremenko (Russia, 5.8) 1.8.2008, Nyon Email: [email protected].) ● Piet Hubers (Netherlands, 6.8) Draws for the third qualifying round of ● Pierino Lardi (Switzerland, 7.8) Match agents ● the UEFA Champions League and the second Plarent Kotherja (Albania, 8.8) qualifying round of the UEFA Cup ● Florian Prunea (Romania, 8.8) Five new UEFA match agent licences have been ● Nico de Pauw (Belgium, 8.8) 26.8.2008, Monaco awarded to: ● Pierre Schiepers (Belgium, 9.8) Club Competitions Committee Gary Hobson – HI Group ● 151 Otley Old Road, Leeds LS16 6 HN Odd Flattum (Norway, 9.8) 28.8.2008, Monaco England ● Roy Hodgson (England, 9.8) Professional Football Strategy Council Tel.: +44 7841 166 241 ● Heinz Fahnler (Austria, 10.8) Draw for the UEFA Champions League [email protected] ● Keith Burge (Wales, 10.8) group matches Károly Gelei ● Dr Urs Vogel (Switzerland, 11.8) 29.8.2008, Monaco 2 Bercsényi str., 2120 Dunakeszi, Hungary ● Jean-Marc Puissesseau (France, 13.8) Draw for the first round of the UEFA Cup Tel.: +36 27 342 015 – Fax: +36 27 342 015 ● Roger Vanden Stock (Belgium, 13.8) Mobile: +36 30 68 64 785 ● Joseph Mifsud (Malta, 13.8) Competitions Emilio De La Guardia Gascuñana ● Jacques Lagnier (France, 16.8) MENA International Investments Corp. Calle Serrano no.16, 2° izda, ● 5/6.8.2008 Alan Hutchings (England, 16.8) 28001 Madrid, Spain ● Dane Jost (Slovenia, 18.8) UEFA Champions League: second qualifying round (return legs) Tel.: +34 91 435 9319 – Fax: +34 91 435 5672 ● Vitalijs Liholajs (Latvia, 19.8) Mobile: +34 608 50 6000 ● Mordechai Shpigler (Israel, 19.8) 6-23.8.2008, Beijing [email protected] ● Patricia Grégory (England, 19.8) Olympic Football Tournaments Ilhan Yüksek ● Hans Reijgwart (Netherlands, 19.8) 12/13.8.2008 Force One Sports Management Company ● Frantisek Laurinec (Slovakia, 19.8) UEFA Champions League: third qualifying Umut Mahallesi, Seyit Gazi sok. no. 16/4 Büyük Esat, Ankara, Turkey ● Per Ravn Omdal (Norway, 20.8) round (first legs) Tel.: +90 312 436 80 76 – Fax: +90 312 221 39 15 ● Carmelo Bartolo (Malta, 21.8) 14.8.2008 [email protected] ● Kazimierz Oleszek (Poland, 22.8) UEFA Cup: second qualifying round Eamon McLoughlin ● Geoffrey Thompson (England, 23.8) (first legs) PLATINUM one – The Courtyard, Carmenhall Road ● Ioannis Economides (Greece, 23.8) Sandyford, Dublin 18, Republic of Ireland 26-27.8.2008 ● Enrique Gonzalez Ruano (Spain, 24.8) Tel.: +353 1 206 2966 – Fax: +353 1 206 2999 UEFA Champions League: third qualifying ● Nicolae Grigorescu (Romania, 24.8) Mobile: +353 86 807 9859 round (return legs) [email protected] ● Thomas Slosarich (Denmark, 24.8) 28.8.2008 ● Josef Poucek (Czech Republic, 25.8) Obituary ● Alex Manfré (Malta, 26.8) UEFA Cup: second qualifying round ● Giancarlo Abete (Italy, 26.8) (return legs) Hasan Dogan, president of the Turkish ● Regina Konink-Belksma 29.8.2008, Monaco Football Association since February 2008, (Netherlands, 26.8) UEFA Super Cup died suddenly on 5 July, aged 52.

WE CARE ABOUT FOOTBALL Editor André Vieli The views expressed in signed articles are not necessarily the Produced by Atema Communication SA, CH-1196 Gland official views of UEFA. Official publication of the The reproduction of articles Union des associations or extracts of any information européennes de football Printed by Cavin SA, CH-1422 Grandson published in uefadirect is authorised, provided the Communications Division Editorial deadline: 10 July 2008 source is indicated. UEFAdirect-76-Fichier•E 14.7.2008 14:31 Page 24

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