o. 171 N lead the honours lead AWARDS Ronaldo and MartensRonaldo MONACO Youth teams make Youth wide strides THE TECHNICIAN

WOMEN’S U19 CHAMPIONSHIP Spain victorious in Northern Ireland #EQUALGAME István, a champion of blind football

No.171 • October 2017

EDITORIAL

REJUVENATING NATIONAL TEAM FOOTBALL

new season is already upon us. national team football. More national However, before focusing my attention associations will have more meaningful matches A on what is to come, I would like to take than ever before, with some of the lower- this opportunity to express my gratitude to all ranked teams harbouring hopes of qualifying the national associations and local organising for a European Football Championship final committees which helped deliver some tournament for the first time. Every match memorable tournaments over the summer. counts in the Nations League, as the final four I had a chance to congratulate many of you will have a trophy at stake, while a restructured personally, but I would also like to record here play-off system will see teams battling for EURO my appreciation for the work done in Croatia, qualification until the last ball is kicked. I am the Czech Republic, Georgia, Poland, Turkey really pleased that, together, we have been able and Northern Ireland, which all staged fantastic to launch this new competition as we strive to youth and amateur events, and, of course, achieve the perfect balance between national the Netherlands, which hosted UEFA Women’s team and club football in Europe. EURO 2017. Attendance and viewership records This is all part of an exciting future for were broken across the board and none of this European football. We will work with all our could have been achieved without all the work stakeholders to safeguard the future of football done over so many months by so many people and make sure that our game is stronger and on the ground. healthier than ever. As I write this editorial, the first matchweek of our 2017/18 club competition season is under way. I am sure we will have another campaign full of excitement with 32 Champions League and 48 Europa League teams dreaming of making it to Kyiv and Lyon respectively. I wish all the participating teams the best of luck and hope that all matches are played in a spirit of fair play. On the national team front, we are looking forward to the dawn of a new era. Soon, we will hold the draw for the new UEFA Nations Theodore Theodoridis League, a competition aimed at rejuvenating UEFA General Secretary

UEFA DIRECT • October 2017 – 03 CONTENTS

Peter van Dijk 34

Official publication of the Union of European 22 Sportsfile Football Associations

Chief editor: Emmanuel Deconche IN THIS ISSUE Deputy chief editor: Dominique Maurer External contributors: 6 A brand-new season 14 #EqualGame Andrew Haslam (page 10) István Szabó plays blind football Laure James (page 22) At the traditional season kick-off events Ben Gladwell (page 24) in Monaco, the draws for the UEFA in Budapest and loves his football Tomáš Gábriš (page 38) as much as anyone else. Champions League and UEFA Europa Translations: League group stages were made, and UEFA Language Services 22 European Women’s the best male and female players of Under-19 Championship Production: 2016/17 were announced. It was fourth time lucky for Spain in Touchline Northern Ireland after losing three Printing: 10 UEFA Super Cup straight finals. Artgraphic Cavin, Real Madrid get to keep the UEFA Super CH-1422 Grandson Cup silverware in their trophy cabinet for 24 The Technician Editorial deadline: another year, as UEFA Direct looks back A technical and tactical review of this 12 September 2017 at the history of the competition. summer’s men’s and women’s Under-17 and Under-19 final tournaments. Cover photo: UEFA 13 UEFA Foundation 30 Elite Coaches Forum for Children The coaches of some of the most The UEFA president, Aleksander prestigious clubs in Europe came Čeferin, visits the Zaatari refuguee together in Nyon to discuss current camp in Jordan. issues and trends in the game.

04 – UEFA DIRECT • October 2017 match-fixing?hat about to do 39 in38 numbers. cards red and ellow 36 inorces Amsterdam. join programmes n leadership into coaching. women more to get rive 34 32 available. is Manual now oaching 31

Getty Images 14

ews from member or the record

esearch Grant Programme R F associations Education Alumni of UEFAAlumni FIFA’s and women in the made are being Great strides UEFA keenly awaited Futsal The N Y f i d C W Futsal

10

UEFA

UEFA Foundation UEFA October UEFA •October DIRECT CONTENTS 2017 2017 06 13 – 05 UEFA MONACO DRAWS PROMISE AUTUMN EXCITEMENT

When the end of August arrives, the football world’s attention turns to Monaco – the annual setting for the group-stage draw ceremonies in Europe’s premier club competitions, the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League. Thrills aplenty are naturally guaranteed after the 2017/18 draws on the shores of the Mediterranean.

arm late-summer temperatures an autograph. Inside, club delegates were legend Francesco Totti drew out a series greeted those who travelled to expectant as they learned their group- of classic encounters between top-notch W the principality for the events stage fate. Live coverage on UEFA.com, rivals. For example, Bayern Munich will heralding the start of another UEFA club TV and social platforms gave fans meet Paris Saint-Germain head-on in competition season. The group-stage worldwide the perfect opportunity Group B, Chelsea and Atlético Madrid draws are a magnet for everyone whose to watch the draws unfold. come together in Group C, Juventus heart beats for football, as they find out and Barcelona face off in Group D, and which renowned teams and stellar players Champions League challenges holders Real Madrid go head to head will be testing their mettle against each All UEFA Champions League roads in with Borussia Dortmund in Group H. other through the autumn. 2017/18 lead to the final at the NSK While Madrid seek a third straight The Grimaldi Forum was again the Olimpiyskyi Stadium in the Ukrainian title and 13th success overall in the centre of attention over two exciting days. capital Kyiv on 26 May next year. Before competition, two clubs – Germany’s The atmosphere was highly charged as then, the draw on 24 August produced Leipzig and Azerbaijan’s Qarabağ – are fans congregated outside the venue to a group fixture list that certainly whets savouring their first-ever appearances. see the stars and guests arrive for the the appetite. The Kyiv final ambassador, The number of clubs who have played in draw ceremonies – some coming away former Ukrainian striker Andriy the group stage has climbed to 137, and with the cherished prize of a ‘selfie’ or Shevchenko, and recently retired Italian Qarabağ’s proud achievement as the first

06 – UEFA DIRECT • October 2017 COMPETITIONS

Azerbaijani group-phase participants means that 33 of UEFA’s 55 member UEFA BEST PLAYER AWARDS associations have now been represented at this stage. Each year, UEFA honours one man and of Real Madrid, and everyone who one woman who made the headlines helped me to achieve this trophy.” Youth League flourishes with their prowess on the pitch, paying Lieke Martens was the worthy winner The UEFA Youth League is now an tribute to their excellent performances of the women’s award. She finished in established fixture on the European club over the course of the season just gone. front of Wolfsburg and Denmark striker competition landscape, especially as the The 2016/17 UEFA Men’s and Women’s Pernille Harder and Lyon and Germany potential stars of tomorrow are on view Player of the Year awards were presented midfielder Dzsenifer Marozsán in a poll there. The competition’s two paths in Monaco to two players who lit up the of the 16 Women’s EURO 2017 coaches comprise a Champions League route, game at domestic and international level and 8 UEFA Women’s Champions League featuring the 32 clubs in the UEFA last season – Real Madrid and Portugal quarter-finalist coaches, plus 20 women’s Champions League group stage, and striker Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona football journalists selected by the ESM a domestic champions’ route over two and Netherlands forward Lieke Martens. group. rounds. The eight teams prevailing in Ronaldo helped Madrid last season to The 24-year-old was an inspirational the second round will meet the eight their second successive UEFA Champions figure in the Netherlands’ march to the Champions League path runners-up next League title and 12th overall triumph in Women’s EURO title on home soil this spring to determine the eight teams to European club football’s blue-riband summer, where her three goals helped join the eight group-stage winners in the competition. He finished as top scorer her to win the accolade of UEFA player round of 16. The competition reaches with 12 goals – topping the goalscoring of the tournament. its climax next April, with the semi-finals charts for the fifth consecutive season “This is so amazing,” said Martens and finals at the Colovray stadium in and holding on to his position as the at the award presentation. “It’s a big UEFA’s Swiss home town of Nyon. competition’s record scorer with 105 honour. I’m really proud, but I couldn’t goals as we entered 2017/18. have achieved this without my team- Europa League anticipation The 32-year-old was selected ahead mates. I’m speechless!” An attractive proposition in its own right, of two other shortlisted nominees, Meanwhile, the inaugural 2016/17 the UEFA Europa League enjoys a unique Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel UEFA Champions League positional appeal through its diversity and truly Messi and Juventus and Italy goalkeeper awards were also presented in Monaco. European feel. The route to this season’s Gianluigi Buffon, in a poll featuring the Cristiano Ronaldo won the forwards’ final at the Stade de Lyon in France on 80 coaches in the 2016/17 UEFA prize, joining Gianluigi Buffon 16 May 2018 quite definitely promises Champions League and UEFA Europa (goalkeeper) and Real Madrid duo Sergio plenty of entertainment along the way. League group stages and 55 journalists Ramos (defender) and Luka Modrić Anticipation was high at the draw on selected by the European Sports Media (midfielder) on the winners’ rostrum. 25 August, as 48 clubs found out their (ESM) group, representing each of UEFA’s Finally, Manchester United midfield group opponents and began preparing member associations. dynamo Paul Pogba picked up the for the challenges to come. The draw “I’m so glad to be here, and honoured inaugural 2016/17 UEFA Europa League was carried out by the UEFA Europa to win this trophy again,” Ronaldo said player of the season award. The League final ambassador, formerLyon after receiving the award from the Frenchman held off the challenge of two and France star Eric Abidal, and the UEFA president, Aleksander Čeferin. team-mates who were also key figures in record all-time Europa League/UEFA “Thank you to my team-mates and United’s journey to the Europa League Cup goalscorer with 40 strikes for congratulations to them too. I’m so title – Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Armenia) and Feyenoord, Celtic and Helsingborg, blessed. Thanks also to the supporters Zlatan Ibrahimović (Sweden). Sweden’s Henrik Larsson. The 2017/18 line-up features household names who have also graced Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus) the UEFA Champions League. AC Milan, was named Goalkeeper of Arsenal and Lyon are among this season’s the 2016/17 UEFA fancied outfits that fans will follow in the Champions League. coming months. Romanians FCSB and Austria’s Salzburg are Europa League old-stagers making record seventh group-stage appearances, while 13 group debutants include Vardar – the first FYR Macedonia club to reach a UEFA men’s club group phase. Other clubs making their major group stage bow are Atalanta, Hoffenheim, Őstersund, Cologne, Lugano, Vitesse and Zlín. UEFA COMPETITIONS

#EQUALGAME CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED

“Everyone has the right to enjoy football, no matter who you are, where you’re from or how you play” – this is the ethos of UEFA’s new diversity campaign, #EqualGame, which was launched at the season kick-off events in Monaco.

he #EqualGame campaign will unite the game’s top stars and its grassroots T players as it seeks to promote greater inclusion, diversity and accessibility in football – demonstrating that the sport is open to all, irrespective of ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation and religious beliefs. The UEFA president, Aleksander Čeferin, was joined by Manchester United and France midfielder Paul Pogba at the launch ceremony at Monaco’s Grimaldi Forum on 23 August. The pair were accompanied by Eddie Thomas, a grassroots player from South Wales, representing the millions of people across the continent who have football in their blood and play the game for love. #EqualGame aims to increase public awareness of the various ways in which football can be played and enjoyed. The campaign will be highlighted across all of UEFA’s communications channels – including UEFA Direct – as well as in a TV spot featuring Pogba alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and UEFA Ada Hegerberg. A version of the TV spot will be published across UEFA’s online platforms. The new campaign features star disabled people or any others. The important “It’s a very important thing for UEFA, and for players such as Paul Pogba and thing is that you act. Football’s power has to amateur footballers such as Eddie European and world football. We have to Thomas, who plays walking football be used.” promote inclusion, diversity and accessibility,” in Wales, both pictured with the Pogba also expressed enthusiastic support the UEFA president said at the campaign UEFA president in Monaco. for #EqualGame. “I am really honoured to be launch. “If you want to be a ‘social fair play’ in this campaign,” he said. “I can show to the organisation,” he added, “you have to clearly world that we’re all equal in what we do – we say ‘no’ to racism, to sexism, to homophobia just do it because we love it – love when you’re and to any discrimination – to discrimination of on the pitch, love of playing football.”

TOTTI RECEIVES UEFA PRESIDENT’S AWARD

The loyalty of Francesco Totti as a one-club man in a superb 24-year career was honoured in Monaco, where the Italian legend received the 2017 UEFA President’s Award. Totti retired in May after 786 games and 307 goals for his hometown club, Roma, for whom he made his debut in March 1993. He helped the Giallorossi to the Serie A title in 2001 and two Italian Cups, in 2007 and 2008. Totti also won the World Cup with Italy in 2006 and made a total of 58 appearances for his country. “Francesco was not just a fantastic player, not just an idol of dozens of thousands of children,” said UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin when presenting him with the award. “His dedication to the one club he played for is fantastic. There is deep respect from UEFA’s side and deep respect from my side.” “It’s the first time I’ve been given an award by UEFA,” said Totti. “It’s an important recognition and it’s rewarding. Now I’m even prouder of what I achieved on the pitch, UEFA and especially off it.”

08 – UEFA DIRECT • October 2017 COMPETITIONS

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUPS

Group A: Group B: Group C: Group D: FC Basel, SL Benfica, PFC CSKA Paris Saint-Germain, FC Bayern Club Atlético de Madrid, Chelsea FC, Sporting Clube de Portugal, FC Barcelona, Moskva, Manchester United FC München, RSC Anderlecht, Celtic FC Qarabağ FK, AS Roma Juventus Football Club, Olympiacos FC Group E: Group F: Group G: Group H: Sevilla FC, NK Maribor, SSC Napoli, Feyenoord, Manchester Beşiktaş JK, RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid FC, FC Spartak Moskva, Liverpool FC City FC, FC Shakhtar Donetsk AS Monaco FC, FC Porto APOEL FC, Tottenham Hotspur FC

CALENDAR Group stage Round of 16 Quarter-final 12–13 Sept: MD1 31 Oct – 01 Nov: MD4 11 Dec: Draw 16 Mar: Draw 26–27 Sept: MD2 21–22 Nov: MD5 13–14 and 20–21 Feb: First leg 03–04 Apr: First leg 17–18 Oct: MD3 05–06 Dec: MD6 06–07 and 13–14 Mar: Second leg 10–11 Apr: Second leg

Semi-final Final 13 Apr: Draw 26 May: 24–25 Apr: First leg NSK Olimpiyski, 01–02 May: Second leg Kyiv Getty Images

EUROPA LEAGUE GROUPS

Group A: Group B: Group C: Group D: Group E: Group F: Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC, FK Partizan, FC Dynamo PFC Ludogorets 1945, AEK Athens FC, FK Olympique Lyonnais, FC Lokomotiv Moskva, Villarreal CF, FC Astana, Kyiv, KF Skënderbeu, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, SC Austria Wien, AC Milan, Atalanta BC, Everton FC Zlín, FC Sheriff, SK Slavia Praha BSC Young Boys Braga, İstanbul Başakşehir HNK Rijeka FC, Apollon Limassol FC FC København

Group G: Group H: Group I: Group J: Group K: Group L: FC Viktoria Plzeň, 1. Köln, FK Crvena FC Salzburg, Olympique Athletic Club, FC Zorya S.S. Lazio, SV Zulte Rosenborg BK, FK Vardar, Hapoel Beer-Sheva FC, FC Zvezda, FC BATE de Marseille, Konyaspor, Luhansk, Östersund FK, Waregem, OGC Nice, Football Club Zenit, Real Lugano, Fotbal Club FCSB Borisov, Arsenal FC Vitória SC Hertha BSC Berlin Vitesse Sociedad de Fútbol

CALENDAR Group stage Round of 32 Round of 16 Quarter-final Semi-final 14 Sept: MD1 02 Nov: MD4 11 Dec: Draw (tbc) 23 Feb: Draw (tbc) 16 Mar: Draw 13 Apr: Draw 28 Sept: MD2 23 Nov: MD5 15 Feb: First leg 08 Mar: First leg 05 Apr: First leg 26 Apr: First leg 19 Oct: MD3 07 Dec: MD6 22 Feb: Second leg 15 Mar: Second leg 12 Apr: Second leg 03 May: Second leg

Final 16 May: Stade de Lyon, Lyon Getty Images HISTORY – SUPER CUP

FROM SLOW BEGINNINGS TO SEASON OPENER The UEFA Super Cup took time to find its feet, but is now firmly established as the curtain-raiser for the European club football season. Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images

Over the years, the Super Cup trophy has gone from being a simple plaque, as presented to Aston Villa in 1982, to a proper cup – a smaller one at first, as received by Lazio in 1999, and since 2006, a bigger and better one, as presented to Real Madrid in August this year.

he Super Cup has become the Cup? In principle, yes. Yet football is often With Rangers, who were having traditional way to round off one a hymn to relativity and, for this reason, centennial celebrations that year, happily T season and usher in the next, but can be an imprecise art. So why not pit the agreeing to take part, Witkamp and Van it has gone through numerous changes holders of the European Champion Clubs’ Praag met with UEFA to seek official en route and come a long way since its Cup against the winners of the Cup endorsement of the new competition. launch at the start of the 1970s. Winners’ Cup? Why not throw down However, in a sign of the struggles that It was the brainchild of Dutch a challenge to Ajax? were to mark the Super Cup’s creation, newspaper De Telegraaf – in particular “Rangers FC had won the Cup Winners’ such official endorsement was not its sports reporter, and later editor, Anton Cup in 1972. I put forward my plan to forthcoming as Rangers were under a Witkamp – at a time when the European the Ajax boss [Jaap] van Praag, who one-year suspension from UEFA due to Champion Clubs’ Cup seemed to be the found it an excellent idea. Consequently, their supporters’ misconduct. exclusive property of the Netherlands. the way was clear, with the patronage Nevertheless, the match went ahead With Feyenoord winning the trophy in of my newspaper.” in an unofficial capacity, funded by De 1970 before Ajax claimed three titles in a Telegraaf and in a two-legged format row, Witkamp came up with the idea of to maximise revenue for both clubs. “something new” to decide definitively The games took place on 16 January the top club side in Europe, and to further 1973 in Glasgow and eight days later test Ajax’s ability. in Amsterdam. Johnny Rep, Johan Cruyff “The idea was conceived in the era of and Arie Haan gave Ajax a 3-1 victory in total football. Our era – four consecutive Glasgow, Alex McDonald having replied European Cups between Feyenoord and for Rangers. McDonald struck again in the Ajax,” he explained. “More than money “More than money and glory, second leg, as did Quentin Young, but and glory, they were pursuing the right they were pursuing the right Rangers were again outgunned with Haan, to be called the best. to be called the best.” Gerd Mühren and Cruyff also scoring to “But who was the strongest team in Anton Witkamp produce a 3-2 win for Ajax and a 6-3 Europe? The team that won the European Founder of the Super Cup aggregate scoreline.

10 – UEFA DIRECT • October 2017 HISTORY – SUPER CUP

The first Super Cup proper successful sides in the competition’s The first UEFA-sanctioned Super Cup history overall with five wins apiece – and matches took place in January 1974, Club Atlético de Madrid each winning although it was officially the 1973 twice in Monaco. showpiece. The first leg was played at ROLL OF HONOUR San Siro, where Ajax lost 1-0 to AC Milan. Time for a change Ajax made no mistake in the return leg After the last European Cup Winners’ 1973 AFC Ajax in Amsterdam, which they won 6-0. Cup in 1999, the UEFA Champions League 1974 – Though Witkamp’s initial ambition of 1975 Dynamo Kyiv winners took on the UEFA Cup victors challenging and celebrating Ajax had been 1976 RSC Anderlecht (UEFA Europa League from 2010), and in emphatically achieved, the competition 1977 Liverpool FC June 2011 UEFA’s Executive Committee still took time to take off – hindered by 1978 RSC Anderlecht voted for the match to be held in a both the two-legged format and the fact 1979 Nottingham Forest FC different European city each year. Its first that participation was not compulsory. 1980 Valencia CF two stops were Prague (2013) and Cardiff 1981 – Indeed, there was no 1974 contest, with (2014), with Tbilisi, Trondheim and, this 1982 Aston Villa FC Bayern Munich and 1. FC Madgeburg 1983 Aberdeen FC year, Skopje subsequently awarded the unable to find a mutually convenient date. 1984 Juventus match. In the 2017 edition, Real Madrid Liverpool could not make space to meet 1985 – became the first team since AC Milan in Dinamo Tbilisi in 1981 either, and the 1985 1986 Steaua Bucharest 1989 and 1990 to retain the trophy, their competition was also not held, although 1987 FC Porto third title in four years, moving them on that was because of the Heysel tragedy 1988 KV Mechelen to four wins overall. 1989 AC Milan rather than calendar constraints. The decision to hold the Super Cup 1990 AC Milan 1991 Manchester United FC in a different city each season was taken A new trophy 1992 FC Barcelona with all UEFA member associations in Furthermore, there was no Super Cup 1993 Parma AC mind. The idea was to make it clear that trophy until 1987; prior to that the winners 1994 AC Milan each association is a fully fledged member had been presented with a plaque bearing 1995 AFC Ajax of UEFA and able to play a full part in UEFA’s logo. It was not until after the 1983 1996 Juventus the life of European football’s governing 1997 FC Barcelona edition, when Aberdeen beat Hamburg, 1998 Chelsea FC body by hosting one of its events. It is that the delegate from the second leg – 1999 SS Lazio an idea that has been met with a positive future UEFA treasurer Jo van Marle of 2000 Galatasaray SK reaction – much like the modern-day the Netherlands – suggested that a cup 2001 Liverpool FC Super Cup itself. be presented to the winners, a proposal 2002 Real Madrid CF that was supported by the then UEFA 2003 AC Milan president, Jacques Georges. 2004 Valencia CF 2005 Liverpool FC Produced by Italian firm Bertoni, the 2006 Sevilla FC silverware was presented for the first time 2007 AC Milan in 1987 to the Steaua Bucharest captain, 2008 Zenit St. Petersburg Ştefan Iovan, after his team’s 1-0 victory 2009 FC Barcelona Getty Images over Dynamo Kyiv in a one-off match 2010 Atlético de Madrid played in Monaco. 2011 FC Barcelona The UEFA Executive Committee then 2012 Atlético de Madrid 2013 FC Bayern München moved to raise the profile of the Super 2014 Real Madrid CF Cup, deciding at its meeting in Moscow 2015 FC Barcelona on 31 March 1995 that the competition 2016 Real Madrid CF should become a single match and take 2017 Real Madrid CF up permanent residence in Monaco. With participation now obligatory, the Super Cup became the sporting highlight of a In 2014, the Super Cup travelled to Cardiff, the much bigger football gathering held each second city to host the match since it left Monaco (above), where it was played from 1998 to 2012, August that included club competition to become a roving event. draws and a gala evening with awards Getty Images honouring the best players of the previous season. The new format was played for the first time in 1998, when Cup Winners’ Cup holders Chelsea beat Real Madrid 1-0 at the Stade Louis II. That venue would stage the Super Cup every year until 2012, with AC Milan, Barcelona – the two most contesting it again in Tallinn in 2018 after MADRID DELIVER they picked up from where they left off from their 4-1 UEFA Champions League final victory against Juventus in Cardiff. EARLY WARNING Zidane made just one change from that side, Gareth Bale coming in for Cristiano Ronaldo, and the Welshman almost broke The European champions were quickly back into their stride the deadlock in only the second minute with victory in the UEFA Super Cup in Skopje on 8 August. when he stabbed Marcelo’s deflected cross over. United manager José Mourinho fielded all three of his major summer signings – Victor Lindelöf, Nemanja Matić and Romelu Lukaku – and the Serbian midfielder in particular looked comfortable in his new surroundings as he slotted into central midfield alongside Ander Herrera – man of the match in United’s 2-0 UEFA Europa League final victory against Ajax. Madrid, though, carried the greater threat and after Casemiro had delivered a warning by rattling the crossbar with a 16th-minute header, the Brazilian scored eight minutes later when he stole a march on the United defence to turn in Dani Carvajal’s perfectly weighted pass.

Drinks break Getty Images Despite stifling heat, which necessitated drinks breaks in each half, there was a good eal Madrid showed why they remain decision and there was a party atmosphere tempo to a compelling match, with Madrid’s the team to beat in 2017/18 by in the city centre as local and visiting slick passing in particular showing no signs Rovercoming Manchester United 2-1 supporters mixed in the sunshine at the fan of slowing. They sliced through the United in Skopje to become the first club since AC zone on Macedonia Square, before making defence again seven minutes after the Milan in 1990 to retain the UEFA Super Cup. their way along the banks of the river restart, this time Bale and Isco exchanging Goals in each half from Casemiro and man Vardar to the stadium. passes on the edge of the area to open the of the match Isco made the difference, as way for the Spaniard to break clear and fire for the fourth successive season the UEFA A good tempo beyond David De Gea. United needed an Super Cup was won by a Spanish side. Madrid have certainly enjoyed the change instant reply and nearly got it in the 54th The UEFA Super Cup has been touring of scene since the UEFA Super Cup left minute when Paul Pogba’s header was Europe since 2013, with the match played in Monaco, winning the trophy in Cardiff, parried by Keylor Navas, but Lukaku blazed a different country each year. A sold-out Trondheim and now Skopje in the past four the rebound over the bar. Within 11 minutes stadium in Skopje and huge local interest years. On this showing it would be no the Belgian had made amends, pouncing on further endorsed the wisdom of that surprise to see Zinédine Zidane’s side the loose ball after Navas had been unable to hold Matić’s powerful drive. United rallied, driven forward by substitutes Marouane Fellaini and Marcus Rashford, Centre stage in the but the biggest cheer came with the opening ceremony went to a group of introduction of former United favourite local hearing-impaired Cristiano Ronaldo as Madrid held on for youngsters from the their fourth UEFA Super Cup victory. DUCOR Partenija Zografski state school for education and rehabilitation. As part Real Madrid CF 2-1 Manchester United FC of a UEFA Foundation for Children initiative, they sang Coldplay’s A 8 August 2017, Skopje Sky Full of Stars using Attendance: 30,421 sign language, Goals: 1-0 Casemiro 24; accompanied by Skopje children’s choir Falsetto. UEFA 2-0 Isco 52; 2-1 Lukaku 62 Referee: Gianlucca Rocchi (Italy)

12 – UEFA DIRECT • October 2017 THE UEFA FOUNDATION FOR CHILDREN

A GREEN OASIS IN THE HEART OF ZAATARI

On the initiative of the UEFA Foundation for Children, a new football pitch was recently installed at the Zataari refugee camp in Jordan. It was officially opened on 12 September at a ceremony attended by UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin.

green football ‘oasis’ has sprung up in been made possible thanks to the training the Jordanian desert, in the form of a of 250 coaches and 54 referees, both male A new synthetic pitch, jointly funded by and female. Together with the House of official UEFA Champions League sponsor Sport, which opened in October 2016, the Lay’s and the UEFA Foundation for Children. new football pitch provides an environment Open for use since 29 May, the new outdoor that enables children to play and forge new facility replaces the old pitch provided by the friendships in peace. Norwegian Football Association. The leisure and educational activities on Among the dignitaries attending the event offer are also an ideal means of promoting along with the UEFA president were HRH Prince social cohesion and core skills such as non- Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan, who is also the violent communication. Thanks to these president of the Jordanian Football Association activities, there has been a significant decrease and the Asian Football Development Project in violent behaviour during the sports sessions. (AFDP), and UEFA ambassadors Christian Efforts to promote the inclusion of young Karembeu of France and Lara Dickenmann women have also borne fruit, with girls now of Switzerland. accounting for over 25% of the participants. The new pitch has made a major contribution Every week, a total “Powerful mediums such as sport and to community life at Zaatari, not least for the education have the ability to plant seeds of of 4,480 youngsters camp’s young children. “It’s a wonderful feeling hope and potentiality even under the most to see how something as simple as a football participate in the difficult circumstances,” reflected HRH Prince pitch can bring so much joy and happiness programme’s football Ali, who has been involved in the project to these children,” said the UEFA president. activities. from the outset. “Football has the ability to unite these children and also to teach them some important life skills, such as teamwork and respect.” Aside from cutting the ribbon at the opening ceremony, the UEFA president also met with some of the residents of what is one of the largest refugee camps in the world.

Living in Zaatari The Syrian conflict, which has been raging for more than five years, has left the country’s inhabitants with bleak prospects for the future. More than 80,000 refugees, who have been forced to leave their native country, have found a safe haven in the camp at Zaatari, where 57% of the inhabitants are children and young adults. The aid programme launched by UEFA and the AFDP in 2013, and led by the UEFA Foundation for Children since April 2015, gives displaced children the chance to play football and take part in other sporting activities in a safe and suitable environment. Every week, a total of 4,480 youngsters participate in the programme’s football activities, which have Foundation UEFA

UEFA DIRECT • October 2017 – 13 EQUAL GAME

ISTVÁN SZABÓ – BLIND FOOTBALL – HUNGARY

“When I play football, nothing else matters”

István Szabó’s story is a testament to indomitable spirit. It’s a unique tale of how a young blind boy from a small Hungarian village refused to let his limitations affect his love of football – and how his life in football became a family affair. “If someone is born with a condition like mine,” he says, “it doesn’t mean that their whole life should be desperate.”

sales representative in Budapest, István adored and makes the players’ head protectors and eye masks by hand. football from childhood but first made his mark in The ‘founding friends’ form the team’s core, and all agree that another sport. He was good enough in the pool to they would sorely miss the bonds and spirit they have created if beA an international swimmer – he could have even been a they stopped playing. Paralympian, had he not put his studies first. It was thanks to István and Emilia have a young son, Boldizsár. A proud father, those studies that he met a football-loving girl called Emilia István eagerly awaits the day that he can teach his little boy all at university. She became his wife, and the path they have about football and why it means so much to so many. With Emilia travelled together has been marked by total devotion to the and Boldizsár, he feels peace and comfort, while playing football beautiful game. With a group of friends, István started a blind brings him a sense of purpose and confidence. “Blind football football team, Lass Budapest. He is the captain, while Emilia gives you a type of freedom where you don’t need to carry a is the team’s ‘mother’ – a caring, committed volunteer and white stick or ask for help,” István reflects. “It is happiness … coordinator who brings along the equipment, washes the kit and joy.”

14 – UEFA DIRECT • October 2017 RESPECT CAMPAIGN

UEFA DIRECT • October 2017 – 15 EQUAL GAME

“If someone is born with a condition like MINE, it doesn’t mean their whole life should be DESPERATE.” RESPECT CAMPAIGN EQUAL GAME RESPECT CAMPAIGN

“Blind football gives you a type of freedom where you don’t need to carry a white stick or ask for help.” “There’s a feeling of liberty, happiness and joy that I get when doing something I love.” RESPECT CAMPAIGN

“Whether it be disability football or any other form of football, the game evokes the same emotions in everyone .” Photos: UEFA missed chances at the death left Spain feeling second-best and France reaping their 2-1 win on the podium. This would be a fresh examination of the next generation, he insisted.

A classic final “It will be a bit of a classic, I think, especially as both teams also met last year. We’ve got a new generation here, it’s a new team for France and a new team for Spain. “But it won’t be a repeat of last year, we have new players in our team and we expect a good game. Sportsfile “Spain always bring a great deal of quality to this tournament, their strengths are in possession and technical ability, but likewise, there are arguments for this French side, FOURTH TIME which, although young, have shown what they can do.” Prophetic words from the experienced coach, LUCKY FOR SPAIN who has highlighted the importance of this development tournament and how annual records are virtually defunct by the time a new Pedro López’s side evened the score with France after crop of players embark on a new campaign. Rather, as with the example of Egurrola, last season’s decider to earn Spain their first win in four this competition is about looking forward, straight women’s Under-19 finals, while hosts Northern and rarely behind. In football terms, Egurrola and her team-mates, captained by tournament Ireland made history with their first-ever goal in a top-scorer Patricia Guijarro, avenged Spain’s women’s final tournament. defeat against France in Senec and paved the way for a boost in participation.

amaris Egurrola dedicated Spain’s Record crowds European women’s Under-19 crown to As hosts, Northern Ireland and the Irish FA her compatriots who had battled in three played their part in promoting women’s D Sportsfile straight finals yet had to contend with runners- football, attracting large crowds and creating up medals each time. This year’s champions widespread enthusiasm for the tournament. ended what could have been four consecutive Total attendances of matches and fan zones years of hurt, rallying to come back twice from ran well in excess of 12,000, including a behind against a vivacious and sharp French national record of 4,289 at Northern Ireland’s side, prompting goalscorer Egurrola, who narrow 2-0 defeat against Spain in the opening starred for the Under-17s last year, to pay match, with many spectators trying out football tribute to those Spanish teams who had been for the first time. It was also the fifth highest edged out so painfully before. attendance in the tournament’s history. Spain’s self-belief, determination and flair Alfie Wylie’s girls made history by recording will not only have helped heal past wounds, but Northern Ireland’s first-ever goal, a glancing inspired a generation of girls to take up football header by 17-year-old Louise McDaniel, and in their own country, and beyond. Moreover, the first point achieved by a Northern Ireland Pedro López’s troops, along with Gilles team at any level in a final tournament, in their Eyquem’s France, were for many an unlikely 1-1 draw with Scotland. finalist pairing. France’s gutsy 2-1 comeback The group stages were not short on victory over Germany, and Spain’s valiant 3-2 Spain’s self-belief, entertainment for neutrals, with semi-final win against the Netherlands, a team buoyed determination and places going down to the wire for both by having watched their senior counterparts flair will not only eventual finalists. Spain progressed by edging triumph on home soil at Women’s EURO from a slender 1-0 win over Scotland at Mourneview their Belfast hotel, meant both teams booked have helped heal past Park, leaving the winners-in-waiting finishing their spot in the final. wounds, but inspired second in Group A behind Germany, while Eyquem was quick to correct any suggestion a generation of girls France went through at England’s expense this would be a repeat of Slovakia 2016, where to take up football. in Group B’s battle for second spot.

22 – UEFA DIRECT • October 2017 RESULTS enjoying it,” the Saint-Étienne stopper said. Group A (8, 11 and 14 August) “We have learned how to meet the expectations of the top teams in Europe Scotland 0-3 Germany by being at this tournament; it’s a constant Northern Ireland 0-2 Spain Germany 2-0 Spain learning curve for all of us, even if we’ve Sportsfile Northern Ireland 1-1 Scotland been here once before.” Germany 6-0 Northern Ireland After an early loss to the Netherlands, eventual finalists Spain 1-0 Scotland France recovered to beat Italy and England in Group B Strength of Las Campeonas Group B (8, 11 and 14 August) López claims the daily progress he was able to see among his players gave him Italy 1-2 England Popularity in France France 0-2 Netherlands the confidence they would perform, yet The French Football Federation will host the Italy 1-6 France also demonstrates how the intensity of final U-20 Women’s World Cup next year and can Netherlands 2-0 England tournament football can pay fast dividends Netherlands 3-3 Italy look forward to showcasing some outstanding England 0-1 France in developing young teams. “Our team home-grown talent. really showed what they are capable of Mathilde Bourdieu and Emelyne Laurent, Fifth-place play-off – 17 August tonight, we are just so happy and proud whose blistering pace and stylish finishing (for a place in the 2018 U-20 Women's World Cup) of all the players, and staff,” he said after gave Les Bleuettes a strong advantage, are the Scotland 0-2 England the match. “This has been a wonderful blueprint for future stars, while Mylène Chavas, tournament for us, not only for our the goalkeeper who saved a penalty in last development but now for us as champions. Semi-final – 17 August year’s final, offers wisdom in her interviews “We had some excellent opportunities to which mirrors her intelligence on the pitch. Germany 1-2 France counterattack and took them. The players Netherlands 2-3 Spain “Women’s football has definitely earned tonight have been awesome and from my more attention in France, which is important for point of view, this feeling of unity and us, as potential full internationals of the future; Final – 20 August self-belief within the team is the reason it’s a great thrill for us to see so many people France 2-3 Spain we have emerged as champions.”

BRIGHT FUTURE FOR NORTHERN IRELAND GIRLS

Shaping a legacy for women’s football rolled out to raise awareness and Wylie explained. “We have offered was one of the core philosophies stoke up a carnival atmosphere. players the chance to show how much behind Northern Ireland’s bid and The final tournament fixtures they’re maturing and developing, and delivery of the European Women’s ran parallel to the Women’s Rugby after the 1-1 draw against Scotland, Under-19 final tournament. World Cup hosted in Northern and I was convinced some senior players The Irish FA, keen to boost the Republic of Ireland, which Booth should be looking over their shoulders. participation among girls and women identified as a key driver. The Northern This won’t stop now the tournament is of all ages, and a pilot nation for UEFA’s Ireland department of communities over. The experience of being at a final Together #WePlayStrong campaign hosted a reception for football, tournament was incredible for these (which aims to ensure that football rugby and Gaelic Games girls but they need to show they can is the number one sport for women representatives to celebrate kick on, while we hope younger girls across Europe by 2020), examined development in women’s sport. will be inspired to try out for our several successful ways to market the “For me, importantly, it’s about centres of excellence throughout tournament, capture the imaginations looking forward to the future,” Booth Northern Ireland.” of potential participants and encourage said. “I played when I was younger and uptake. Tournament director Sara the things that they have now, I didn’t Booth and her team held a competition have back then. The opportunities for for primary school children to design women in sport now are incredible, the mascot, eventually born as Sweet particularly with the rugby and the Caroline, inspired by the Neil Diamond football tournaments coming up.” song popular in Northern Ireland On the pitch, head coach Alfie stands and created by schoolgirl Wylie, who is also in charge of Eadie Fallis. the senior team, developed player Roadshows in schools throughout pathways for his Under-19 side, with the province, visual branding in public places in senior squads available for spaces and billboards, an official those who prove themselves. tournament song with music video, “That’s the incentive we gave to the fan zones and family activities were players, and it will always be the case,” Sportsfile

UEFA DIRECT • October 2017 – 23 THE TECHNICIAN

U17 right-back Mateu Morey typified the trend for fast-moving defenders pushing forward as he helped Spain to victory in Croatia.

YOUTH COMPETITIONS SHOW WIDENING HORIZONS FOR FUTURE STARS

There was an emphasis on wise wing play, defensive organisation and more goalkeeper involvement in the 2017 youth tournaments, which were also used to test out a new penalty shoot-out system.

24 – UEFA DIRECT • October 2017 THE TECHNICIAN

football pitch is – by and the eight nations regularly employed a large – 68 metres wide, but strategy aimed at increasing productivity if there is one thing the 2017 from the wingers and overlapping full- final tournaments of UEFA’s backs. A total of 15 goals – more than one youth competitions in three – were scored from either crosses Ahighlighted, it is that coaches simply or cutbacks, with excellent movement and cannot get enough width. combinations down the flanks creating They try to exploit every centimetre at numerous opportunities, with a focused their disposal. The ball may spend a team effort to create spaces. greater amount of time in the more Wingers were doing this by moving congested central areas of the field, which into the middle, with full-backs exploiting is understandable given the nature and the gaps this movement ripped open. The flow of the game, but the efficiency of Czech Republic, Germany and Portugal all wing play – making the most of the time deployed similar tactics in this area, mixing the ball does spend out on the flanks the approach with full-backs taking a more – was one of the key elements central trajectory for their runs and wingers encompassing all competitions, men’s and hugging the touchlines, before a quick turn women’s, this summer. outside by the full-back, going around his It was not purely about wingers either. winger, exploited even more space. Overlapping full-backs were one of the This was well highlighted at the Under- biggest trends observed across the board, 17s, where Spain came back from 1-0 starting – chronologically – at the down against France in the quarter-final, Under-17s in Croatia in May. with right-back Mateu Morey producing There, the prevalence of wingers a high-speed ‘underlapping’ run to gain prepared to run into the interior channels space for a left-footed shot. Minutes later, and open up spaces for full-backs to his Barcelona team-mate Juan Miranda exploit was notable. Instances of full-backs embarked on an almost identical making high-speed runs right through to underlapping run on the left to earn the the byline and delivering crosses or penalty that put his side 2-1 ahead. Morey cutbacks were also prevalent, with 10 of burst through the inside channel again the 16 participating nations frequently to equalise with another left-footed finish implementing such tactics, including during the final against England. tournament winners Spain. The powerful “This is a tactical shift,” says Savvas runs and combination moves by their Constantinou, UEFA technical observer at full-backs proved to be an important the Under-19s in Georgia. “The wing play weapon in such teams’ attacking armoury. was coming increasingly from the full-backs France right-back Vincent Collet offered and not just the wingers.” prime examples of aggressive running The technicians watching the Under-17s along the touchline, allowing right-winger in Croatia also noted that wingers were not Yacine Adli to transfer his dribbling skills to necessarily sticking to convention. Instead, the inside channels – sometimes on the there was a marked trend towards the use other flank, which was also noted as a of change-footed wingers, with England trend in Croatia – or to probe the opposition from a central playmaking position. Much the same could be said of England right-back Timothy Eyoma, whose marauding runs allowed Phil Foden to drift inside and operate across a broad section of the attacking front. “This is a Using width at the Under-17 tactical shift. and Under-19 finals The wing play This was a trend carried through to the was coming Under-19s in Georgia. France were increasingly from conspicuous by their absence, but England the full-backs and not just were one of the nations who made capital the wingers.” out of their flank play. As in Croatia, the most common – and Savvas Constantinou successful – approach to attacking in UEFA technical observer at Photos: Sportsfile Georgia was down the wings, and half of the Under-19s in Georgia

UEFA DIRECT • October 2017 – 25 THE TECHNICIAN

s providing a striking example of the e g tendency with right-footed Jadon Sancho a “The goalkeepers have been a nice surprise. m I

on the left and left-footed Foden on the y

t England have got two really good goalkeepers, t right. Serbia and the Netherlands also e

G while the Netherlands’ number one will be regularly fielded ‘wrong-footed’ wingers, pushing for the senior team, and Scotland’s and while Hungary and Ukraine were among France’s were also very good – it’s encouraging those who switched wingers during games to mix the change-footed and orthodox for the future of goalkeeping.” approaches. Turkey did likewise, with the Hope Powell variation that both wingers were left- UEFA technical observer at the Women’s Under-19s in Northern Ireland footed. Ambidexterity was a boon. At the Women’s Under-17s in the Czech Republic, 25% of goals were scored by In Croatia, where Spain defeated England all the head coaches acknowledged wingers thanks to a greater emphasis in a penalty shoot-out – and there will be that set pieces were being worked on being placed on swift counterattacking more on that later – the Iberians’ captain in training, but it appears the emphasis and direct wing play, with players notably Abel Ruíz and Turkey’s three frontmen was more on defensive than attacking showing a greater comprehension and (striker Malik Karaahmet and the two behaviour in dead-ball situations. grasp of tactics. “There were some very, wingers) were unstinting in their efforts to “Most of the teams were using all ten very mature performances all round,” said disturb the opponents’ build-up while outfield players to defend set pieces,” UEFA’s technical observer in Plzeň, Anna team-mates completed their transitions to said UEFA technical observer Ghenadie Signeul, who reflected on the high-quality the defensive block. Scurtul in Tbilisi. “There were different tournament and its entertaining, highly The aforementioned offensive vocation approaches, with man-to-man or zonal sophisticated matches. According to of full-backs offered counterattacking marking, but whereas before there would Signeul, defensive organisation was often opportunities through the wide areas, be one player remaining up the field to equally strong, ensuring tactical battles and the top teams were adept at pre- force their opponents to leave one player in all transitions. Such a level of tactical empting penetration along the wings. back, maybe as a reaction to seeing a awareness among players aged 14 to 17 is In the construction phase, the norm was lot of goals being scored after set pieces, not to be taken for granted and illustrates for a controlling midfielder to drop into the teams are now keeping these players how well prepared the teams were in the the area between the spread centre-backs in the penalty area.” Just eight goals Czech Republic – and not only there. while the full-backs advanced. Centre- came from set pieces in Georgia, plus five In fact, detailed defensive preparation backs rarely made deep runs. Instead, penalties, perhaps as a result of the extra appeared to be another of the priorities the onus was on the midfielders and even attention afforded to not conceding from at all of this summer’s youth tournaments. forwards to drop back for possession to such situations? The old adage that attack is the best be regained, before launching themselves Scurtul also noted that defenders form of defence appears to be mutating into surging counterattacks. were not afraid to choose the long ball, somewhat into defence being the best This shift towards a safety-first approach bypassing the congested midfield areas form of attack. was accentuated at the Under-19s, where if a build-up down the wings was not possible, “because you have a risk in midfield of losing the ball when you play combinations there, so they prefer to leave this part of the game”.

Goalkeepers playing a greater part in the men’s and women’s game Route one was not the predefined choice of the first line of the defence on the other hand. The goalkeepers – particularly at Under-19 level – demonstrated to what extent they have now also become the first line of attack. To be an excellent goalkeeper, it is no longer enough to simply save shots. This was underlined, in particular, by the Netherlands’ number one, Justin Bijlow, England custodian Aaron Ramsdale and the last line of the Portuguese defence – or perhaps, one might argue, the first With Phil Foden on the right and Jadon Sancho on the left, England provided a masterclass in the use of line of their attack – Diogo Costa. ‘wrong-footed’ wingers in Croatia. Bijlow was picked out for particular

26 – UEFA DIRECT • October 2017 THE TECHNICIAN

Netherlands keeper Daphne van Domselaar showed great promise in the Czech Republic. praise, and all the more so for his active observer Dušan Fitzel, was not down to be said about the goalkeeping in the involvement in his team’s games. to poor goalkeeping. “What we saw in Czech Republic and Northern Ireland. “He participates in the build-up and Croatia was confirmation that the job “The goalkeepers have been a nice shows a very good feeling for the game,” description has changed, with a much surprise,” said Hope Powell, one of Scurtul said. “He is able to regulate the greater emphasis on the keeper’s work UEFA’s technical observers at the Women’s rhythm of the game and to take the right with his feet,” he said. “In the past, the Under-19s in Northern Ireland. “England decisions.” He and his fellow goalkeepers Dutch excelled. But goalkeeper education have got two really good goalkeepers, varied how the games were restarted, has changed. In Croatia we saw teams while the Netherlands’ number one will no longer restricting themselves to a who didn’t hesitate to use the keeper to be pushing for the senior team, and long punt forward when playing out from pass the ball. And keepers are increasingly Scotland’s and France’s were also very the back was the preferred option. This is integrated into training sessions rather than good – it’s encouraging for the future why their decision-making and discipline sent to one end to practise on their own.” of goalkeeping.” was so important and their performances The quality of goalkeeping has been a demonstrated how much a part of the bone of contention in women’s football, Jury out on ‘ABBA’ penalty overall tactical shape of the teams but both this year’s Under-17s and shout-out trial goalkeepers have become, instead of Under-19s suggested that standards are Goalkeepers still had to get the basics just focusing on defending their goal on the rise. While the Women’s EURO may right, though, and this in a summer when or penalty area. have been tinged by various goalkeeping trials were undertaken into a new penalty The same was evident at Under-17 errors, some of the highlights in the shoot-out system aimed at altering the level, despite the record number of goals Netherlands were spectacular saves and way the players feel the pressure, the aim scored – which, according to technical there were predominantly positive things being to even out what is perceived as an

UEFA DIRECT • October 2017 – 27 THE TECHNICIAN

advantage for the side that takes the first and fifth penalties of the shoot-out overall more pressure is on the team that takes penalty. It has been estimated that around and after Olaug Tvedten scored to put the first penalty because if they miss it and 60% of teams who take the first penalty Norway two up, Vilde Birkeli wasted their then their opponents score two in a row, in the habitual system go on to win the first match point with their fourth kick of suddenly you are two penalties down.” shoot-out. Under the trialled approach the shoot-out. Germany went on to lift the title after – labelled ABBA to reflect the order in The ball was back in Germany’s court another ABBA shoot-out which appeared which the teams take their kicks – it is for consecutive kicks and, had Melissa to emphasise how being first up could, in envisaged that parity could be obtained, Kössler missed their fourth, Norway truth, be a greater advantage – assuming eradicating any perceived advantage from would have won without needing to go you open the scoring. “You could see how winning the toss of a coin – a method that again. She scored, but the same pressure it became a big advantage for Germany was previously used, let us not forget, to subsequently befell Sjoeke Nüsken, who after scoring the first one,” said Signeul. determine the winner without even the had to convert hers to keep Germany’s “After Spain then missed two, Germany need to traipse to the spot. hopes alive. She did just that, bringing had two penalties to lead by three. The first experiment took place in Germany back level at 2-2, although The pressure was therefore greater on the Czech Republic, where Norway and Norway were left with a fifth penalty the second Spain penalty-taker after Germany fought it out for a place in the and their fourth opportunity to reach their first had just missed. She knew that Women’s Under-17 final. Norway had the final. Silje Bjørneboe missed and the missing would effectively offer a 3-0 lead four ‘match points’ in the semi-final psychological turnaround was complete. to Germany, who would then take the shoot-out and lost them all, raising My Sørsdahl Haugland squandered next two.” interesting questions as to how the Norway’s next attempt, providing Andrea Either way, there was certainly pressure got to them. Brunner with Germany’s first opportunity consensus that more excitement had Germany missed the opening spot-kick; to win, which she took. been provided for the fans, even if few Norway then missed the first and scored “Penalties are always exciting, but were fully aware of how the situation the second of their consecutive opening I’m not sure this made it any fairer,” said was evolving. Clear indications of who efforts. The pressure was therefore Monika Staab, one of UEFA’s technical has already taken a penalty, whether considerable on Germany’s second and observers in the Czech Republic. “When they scored or missed, and who is up third penalty takers – arguably more Norway had four chances to win the game next would be necessary to ensure all so than if the second had stepped up and they didn’t, is that fair? It’s not clear involved can follow and understand the immediately after Norway’s first miss. where the psychological advantage would stakes of each spot kick. Even Germany’s Germany missed what were the fourth be. It could actually be the opposite – that Kössler did not initially realise that she

Vincent Collet was to France what Mateu Morey was to Spain: a full-back who made expert use of the flanks to supply the attack.

28 – UEFA DIRECT • October 2017 THE TECHNICIAN

Germany beat Spain in an ‘ABBA’ penalty shoot-out to claim victory in the women’s Under-17 final. had scored their title-winning penalty a record sixth title at that level, and the 2017 will be a year England hopes to build until she saw her team-mates racing second in a row for Anouschka Bernhard, on as qualifying for 2018 gets under way, jubilantly towards her. who has now lifted the trophy on and they are not the only ones. After The experimental shoot-out system four occasions. seeing the Faroe Islands reach their first was also trialled at the men’s Under-17s, England were too hot to handle in youth finals – with their Under-17s taking where Spain showed more composure Georgia, securing their first-ever Under-19 on France, a country of 65 million than their female contemporaries. title and condemning Portugal to a record compared to their 50,000 – Kosovo are They claimed a record third European third final defeat. The Three Lions’ victory among an even greater field of nations Under-17 Championship title in dramatic rounded off an impressive summer for bidding to reach a UEFA youth final circumstances thanks to a late goal in the them, which also included victories at tournament, which is widely considered final against England – in their record 12th the U-20 World Cup in South Korea a crucial part of player development. final tournament – earning them a second and the Toulon Tournament in France. Having previously led Portugal’s chance, which they took, in the fifth final Under-17s to the European summit in in the past six editions to be decided in a 2016, Hélio Sousa, now the coach of his penalty shoot-out. country’s Under-19s, beaten for the third As in the Czech Republic, where time in a final, confirms this philosophy: Germany were all the wiser for their “They are at an important age to catch semi-final shoot-out experience, in Croatia their dream. It is an important time in Spain latched onto their own semi-final their life, between Under-15 and Under-20. spot-kick success against Germany and “Whereas before At Under-17 you have three or four teams held their nerve better in the showpiece, there would be who develop from this and in a few years slotting away all five of their kicks while their players are stronger. Guys like Danilo England missed the target with back-to- one player Pereira, William Carvalho, Gelson Martins back efforts. remaining up the and André Silva were in the UEFA It was enough to earn Spain a record field to force their Under-19 finals in Hungary in 2014 and third Under-17 title in an impressive opponents to leave one the U-20 World Cup in New Zealand in summer for the Iberians. Their women’s player back, the teams are 2015 – I am more proud of that than Under-19s gained revenge for the now keeping these players I am of winning the European Under-17 disappointment of losing out to France a in the penalty area.” Championship.” year ago by beating Les Bleuettes 3-2 in a Their names indeed live on and there dramatic final in Belfast, while at Under-17 are likely to be many more like them to Ghenadie Scurtul level, María Antonia Is’s team lost out in UEFA technical observer at emerge from the UEFA youth tournaments the final to a Germany side who secured the Under-19s in Georgia in 2017 and beyond.

UEFA DIRECT • October 2017 – 29 ELITE CLUB COACHES FORUM

TOP CLUB COACHES SHARE IDEAS WITH UEFA Europe’s leading club coaches came to UEFA on 30 August to discuss ways of how football can be improved.

he UEFA Elite Club Coaches Forum gives both UEFA and the coaches a T key platform on which to examine European football issues and the role of the modern-day elite coach, as well as identifying trends in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League. A quality line-up with a long list of honours attended the gathering at UEFA’s headquarters. A notable aspect of the forum, which first took place in 1999, is that it offers the coaches the chance to get together and talk about their profession in a relaxed and informal atmosphere, away from the everyday pressures of their high-profile jobs. UEFA’s coaching ambassador, former Manchester United coach Sir Alex UEFA Ferguson, chaired the meeting, to which UEFA had invited coaches with more than 100 UEFA Champions League Refereeing matters and the Laws of experiences of things that are happening appearances under their belt, coaches the Game were also debated, including in their role as a coach, and where we of clubs that participated in last season’s the issue of actual playing time and the can improve the game.” Champions League round of 16 and trialling of video assistant referees, beyond, and coaches of the clubs that as well as how coach and player behaviour Former players’ forum took part in last season’s Europa League can be improved, the length of the transfer UEFA not only wants to learn from the semi-finals or final. window and the role of player agents. top coaches – it also welcomes the views The coaches make proposals that may of those who have graced European Distinguished guest list benefit the European game – while UEFA football at its highest levels on the pitch. It meant an impressive roll call: listens, gives its own feedback and takes Consequently, on the same day as the Massimiliano Allegri (Juventus), Rafael the coaches’ ideas back to its various coaches’ forum, an experienced group Benítez (Newcastle United), Eduardo committees, panels and other bodies of former players attended a round-table Berizzo (Sevilla), Sergio Conceição for further discussion. discussion in Nyon, chaired by the UEFA (Porto), Unai Emery (Paris Saint-Germain), “I think there’s nowhere better to president, Aleksander Čeferin. Leonardo Jardim (Monaco), José Mourinho understand the mechanics of a game than Those present included Xabi Alonso, (Manchester United), Ernesto Valverde from the position on the side of the pitch,” Leonardo, Peter Schmeichel, Clarence (Barcelona), eminent Dutch coach said Sir Alex Ferguson. “Through these Seedorf, Dejan Stanković, David Trezeguet Louis van Gaal, Rui Vitória (Benfica) meetings, we look for advice from the rest and Javier Zanetti. The meeting centred and Zinédine Zidane (Real Madrid). of the coaches. We look for their on competition rules, the Laws of the Topics on a packed agenda included Game and football promotion. trends and key success factors in the UEFA “There was a lot of expertise in the Champions League and UEFA Europa “We look for their room,” said Stanković, the former Serbian League – notable last season for the experiences of things that captain and Inter Milan midfielder who accent that was placed on positive, are happening in their role has joined UEFA to work as a football attacking football. A total of 380 goals as a coach, and where we development advisor. “UEFA wishes were scored in the 2016/17 Champions can improve the game.” to hear what such players have to say. League, a record average of 3.04 goals per We shared opinions to be able to give game, while the goal tally in the Europa Sir Alex Ferguson UEFA the benefit of a great amount League reached a five-year high of 565. UEFA coaching ambassador of experience.”

30 – UEFA DIRECT • October 2017 FUTSAL

NEW FUTSAL COACHING MANUAL PUBLISHED UEFA has published its keenly awaited Futsal Coaching Manual, its first reference book devoted entirely to futsal coaching.

uropean football’s governing body The second, which covers practical elements, expanded its coach education activities describes the technical and tactical principles Ein 2012 with the introduction of the UEFA of futsal, the characteristics of physical Futsal B licence. Following a series of preparation and the coach’s responsibilities. workshops designed to familiarise the national The manual was put together with the associations with the licence criteria, tailor- help of some of futsal’s greatest technicians. made support was provided to help get courses It was produced under the guidance of Spanish off the ground. UEFA’s futsal working group four-time European champion coach José was then tasked with producing a new, Venancio López Hierro, with contributions indispensable handbook for all technicians from Javier Lozano Cid, who coached Spain of this rapidly growing form of the game. to two Futsal World Cup titles, and 2014 The 204-page manual, available in English, European champion coach Roberto Menichelli German, Spanish, French, Italian and Russian, of Italy. meets the two-fold objective of helping At a time when UEFA is stepping up its The UEFA Futsal Coaching Manual national associations to create their own efforts to expand and develop futsal – a will soon be available on UEFA.com. Futsal B licence courses, while providing 16-team UEFA Futsal EURO every four years coaches with an invaluable resource devoted from 2022, a new biennial UEFA Women’s to the indoor game. EURO, a UEFA Under-19 Futsal EURO, and The UEFA Futsal Coaching Manual is divided rebranding of the UEFA Futsal Cup as the UEFA into two parts. The first, which focuses on Futsal Champions League – the UEFA Futsal theory, contains an introduction to futsal, a Coaching Manual is already being heralded as chapter on team leadership and management, the key point of reference when it comes to and an explanation of teaching methodology. the technical aspects of the game.

The manual is abundantly illustrated.

UEFA DIRECT • October 2017 – 31 Graduation time for the participants in the UEFA A diploma course in Iceland. KSI NUMBER OF FEMALE COACHES STARTS TO GROW

UEFA’s coach development project for women has started to bear fruit. Since it was launched at the beginning of 2016, the number of female coaches has already started to grow, as UEFA’s member associations have started to adopt the project.

he project was developed to counter run UEFA B diploma courses. The goal is Pro diploma scholarships the blatant lack of female coaches in to get more women into coaching, to give 10 scholarships awarded: T Europe. With little support for female them access to further education, and as Austria, Estonia, Finland, Greece, coach education anywhere in the continent a result, to increase the number of female Hungary, Moldova, Northern Ireland, and relatively high course fees in most coaches throughout Europe. Scotland, Sweden and Ukraine. countries, UEFA saw an opportunity to help UEFA has so far awarded scholarships – either by offering scholarships for UEFA A and provided support for coaching A diploma scholarships and Pro diploma courses, or by financing or courses and workshops to the following 23 scholarships awarded: sending a technical instructor to association- national associations: Estonia, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Moldova, Norway, Poland, Republic of Ireland and Sweden.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A COACH? B diploma course funding Armenia, Belarus, FYR Macedonia, Israel, Kazakhstan, Spain and Turkey Minimum hours of Minimum hours of practical (approximately 100 participants education in total: units on the pitch, including altogether). work experience and study visits: UEFA B 120 B diploma course technical UEFA B 60 instructor support UEFA A 180 Hungary (16 participants). UEFA A 90 UEFA Pro 360 UEFA Pro 216 Female coach development workshops Czech Republic, Malta, Northern Ireland, Portugal Minimum hours of theory Minimum hours of assessments (approximately 100 participants units off the pitch: (in addition to hours of education): altogether). UEFA B 60 UEFA B 3 Several national associations have now UEFA A 90 UEFA A 6 applied for a second time, having seen how the project can help to develop UEFA Pro 144 UEFA Pro 9 women’s football. EDUCATION

WHAT COACHING THEM UP THEY Soffía Ámundadóttir SAID IN ICELAND “This course has been very attractive and inspiring for women. It is excellent that this course is being funded, as this will prompt The football sensation caused by Iceland’s men’s national more women to go into coaching. Women-only courses such as this are encouraging in this male-dominated field.” team at EURO 2016 in France, where the performance of the team was matched by the fervour of the fans, did Sigridur Torlaksd Baxter not stop there. Not wishing to be left behind, the women’s “My objective was to become a better coach. We learned to analyse team went on to qualify for Women’s EURO 2017 in the games, and to make annual plans for our teams, among other things. Netherlands. If I had not received a grant from UEFA, I could not have taken this At the same time, more female coaches decided to course. I have definitely improved, and can now share some of my study for their UEFA A coaching diplomas. Supported knowledge with other women coaches on the same path.” by UEFA through individual scholarships, the coaches completed their training between September 2016 and Bóel Kristjánsdóttir March 2017. The course included several blocks of tuition “Going abroad to see how other coaches run their training lessons, and culminated in a study trip to Norway, where the to hear about their coaching ideology, discuss what you can do participants got the opportunity to coach Lillestrøm’s men’s better, and what you’re doing well, how to develop a training Under-19 team and to work with Stabæk’s women’s team. plan, and so on, was a good learning experience.” The course covered the use of video analysis software, game analysis and presentation and team periodisation, and Margrét María Hólmarsdóttir included training sessions followed by peer and professional “The discussions after each game and the practice sessions were most evaluations, as well as a written exam. The students worked useful to me. We would talk about what went well and what could be hard during the six-month period and the Icelandic FA now improved. Having a women-only course sends out the message that has great expectations that they will become coaches at the women can also become coaches, that this is not an exception. I highest level in the island’s football community and role hope that this will encourage more females to get their licence.” modules for players and other female coaches.

FOOTBALL PRACTICE IN MALTA women’s football. The MFA wants to establish a women’s Under-35 competition Held over four days in June, the Malta Football Association (MFA) organised to keep women in football as coaches, a workshop dedicated to female coaches and women’s football. The workshop, referees, administrators or managers. which was supported by a UEFA technical instructor through UEFA’s coach And there will be women’s Under-17 development project for women, involved more than 50 girls and their parents, and Under-19 competitions from the and over 30 coaches working in women’s football. The goal of the workshop beginning of next season. was to introduce the island’s women’s football coaches to best practices and “Having said that, there are still a methods for developing coaching programmes aimed at girls between the couple of issues. When they get to 13 ages of 6 and 11. Insights from UEFA technical instructor Monika Staab: to 15 years old, girls tend to drop out of football in Malta. During the workshop, “It was great to have so many female coaches being trained and getting we discussed how to keep these girls in female coaches participating their qualifications. A new women’s football. An issue seems to be that some in this workshop – we had football office has been established at parents are reluctant to allow their girls 24 in total. They were very the MFA, and there is now an official to play, as Malta tends to remain a eager to learn and very administrator who works part-time for conservative country. committed. The seven “Another issue for women’s football additional male coaches were in Malta is the limited number of facilities. strongly interested as well as they are Girls in this age group often have to very much involved in women’s football. train after eight o’clock in the evening. “The emphasis in the practical training Of course, the parents are not happy sessions was on variation in small-sided about this. As there are not enough games – ‘The game is the best teacher’. football fields available, men’s and boys’ The practical training sessions were teams tend to have priority when it comes conceived for young girls (8 to 12 to training. Women’s football would years-old) to have a lot of fun and benefit substantially from more support enjoyment. We also emphasised the from the men’s clubs.” importance for this age group to get a lot of praise and understanding. More information on “There has been a tremendous Monika Staab the UEFA Coaching improvement in women’s football in Convention courses: the past five years. There are more

UEFA DIRECT • October 2017 – 33 EDUCATION

WOMEN AS FOOTBALL LEADERS

Women’s football is advancing at a remarkable pace on and off the field. Its progress is such that the greater participation of women in European football’s decision-making process has become a major priority. UEFA has understood this need, and is promoting the increased presence of women in senior roles through its Women in Football Leadership Programme.

he aim of the Women in Football There was a clear need for personally and professionally. It is Leadership Programme is to identify support and guidance to empowering and extremely emotional. T individuals across Europe who have women working in football I think the most important message was the potential to become leaders, and the to take on leadership roles. how strong women in football are.” programme helps them to develop the Isabel Hochstöger, head of the women’s appropriate skills. Moreover, women football department at the Austrian already in leadership positions are being Football Association (ÖFB), agreed: offered additional support in their roles. “One of the best seminars I’ve done The idea of the programme was born as self-awareness and self-confidence. so far - for me especially in the area of during a workshop at UEFA Women’s EURO This is followed by a year-long mentoring personality, and observing oneself from 2013 in Sweden. Participants were asked scheme, involving mentors recruited a different perspective. Also, the association what UEFA could do to promote not only by UEFA, which makes sure that the benefits from my acquired knowledge - women’s football, but also women within participants’ progress continues after for example, in how to achieve previously football. Their response was unequivocal they have returned to their organisations. clearly defined goals.” – there was a clear need for support and The mentoring scheme centres on career guidance to women working in football development and support to handle the Women in leadership to take on leadership and decision-making challenges and possibilities that potential development event roles in the European game. female leaders encounter within Feedback received from the UEFA UEFA took this request on board European football. leadership programme seminars prompted immediately, and set up its leadership In addition to empowering participants UEFA and FIFA to pool their combined programme, launching the first week-long and providing them with leadership skills, forces and stage a special women in seminar in April 2014, the House of the Women in Football Leadership leadership development event in European Football in Nyon welcoming Programme creates an ideal opportunity Amsterdam in July. Because UEFA’s 24 women from across the continent. for them to meet and share experiences programme is designed to give women Since then, the programme has thrived, with like-minded people who have the tools and skills to progress within reflecting UEFA’s determination to ensure encountered similar situations to their organisation, many participants that women can envisage senior roles and themselves. It has been evident during welcomed a follow-up meeting to look take positions of responsibility in football. the UEFA seminars and ensuing period at their subsequent experiences. They felt that the connections made between the that discussions were required in which Personal development priority women have been strong, positive and they could also work to bring about change Personal development is a priority element beneficial for the participants’ progress. within their own organisation and generate within the programme. At the UEFA Mălina Cîntic, legal counsel at the long-term and enduring changes in seminars, participants work with a Romanian Football Federation (FRF) is one European football’s working culture. professional coach – provided by the of the many participants who has learned The world and European governing renowned IMD business school in new skills for her career. “The programme bodies saw a great opportunity to bring Lausanne, Switzerland – on areas such has helped me grow a great deal, both together women from Europe and across the world, to enable them to meet, interact, exchange and connect. The result was an intensive session in Amsterdam, with participants taking part in simulations, group discussions and panel discussions. There were plenty of positive echos from the Amsterdam event. “The idea of running the programme jointly with FIFA was an excellent one, as I was delighted to be able to talk to women working in football in Asia and Africa,” said Jane Purdon, head of governance and leadership at UK Sport. UEFA WAKING THE LEADER INSIDE OF YOU Peter van Dijk

Azra Numanović is devoting her career Azra Numanović, 27, general secretary of SFK 2000 Sarajevo, took part in the Women to women’s football. At 27, she has in Football Leadership Programme this year. already collected experience as a player for the Bosnia and Herzegovina women’s The mentorship is a big part of the whole national team, and has refereed at programme. I’m really happy to have a great domestic level. In addition, she holds mentor, a woman with great experience, great a UEFA C coaching licence. personality and a true leader. Having the opportunity to talk and exchange experiences Azra has worked within the administration of and thoughts with her is a big opportunity. her club, SFK 2000 Sarajevo, for several years I can hear first-hand how it is to be a true role now, and has taken on the role of general model, and that shows me how to build my secretary with responsibility for a variety of own path. projects and initiatives. She has participated in the UEFA Women in Football Leadership Turning to the FIFA/UEFA women in programme, and attended a FIFA/UEFA leadership development event, how development event in Amsterdam as part of her did you find mixing with the two career learning curve. Over the coming years, groups of participants, and what Azra is keen to use the skills she is acquiring in were your key learnings? leadership roles in football. Inviting participants from both courses to one event combined two groups into one great The UEFA Women in Football team of women. Diversity of thought, opinion Leadership Programme seems to and voice is the only way to find the right path have brought terrific personal for development and success. benefits for you … Women’s football needs women as leaders, You were able to talk with people and this programme is showing you the right from around the world … way to wake up the leader inside of you. We had the chance to exchange experiences The programme fulfilled its purpose – after with participants from Australia to Canada, the event, I returned home fully motivated. from Grenada to Sweden, and from Ghana to Bosnia and Herzegovina. I’ve learned that all of What do you think were the key us have the same challenges and problems, drivers to help you develop as but also the very same passion and love. an individual? Passion, positive energy and persistence are What did you enjoy most about part of my personality, and this helped me to the event? keep going with my goal. I strongly believe in Delving inside yourself, analysing the behaviour love, freedom and happiness. Of course, these of people around you and sharing that words have a wide meaning, but when you cognition with others was the true strength of apply them to football, it means that every this event. Self-awareness and self-confidence girl has the right to enjoy this game. are something that you need in the first place to be able to put your inner knowledge and It’s clear that you have the confidence ideas into action. to make a success of your career. Peter van Dijk Women have the talent and capability to Could you have ever imagined, make decisions. Nothing motivates me more all those years ago, that women’s than this. You need to be ready as an individual, “Self-awareness and football would have made such you need to recognise your strengths and self-confidence are strides? weaknesses. And when you do, use them for something that you Fourteen years ago, all of this was just a dream. a good purpose. The leadership programme How would it be possible to push women’s need in the first place helped me to build up my self-confidence. football forward, especially in a small country to be able to put your like Bosnia and Herzegovina? Now I see that it How has your mentorship gone? How inner knowledge and is possible. Women’s football has a great has it influenced your decision-making? ideas into action.” future and great potential.

UEFA DIRECT • October 2017 – 35 FOR THE RECORD

HOUSE OF CARDS How the tally of yellow and red cards stacked up in all UEFA competitions during the past five seasons

961 937 964 929 902 882 912 879 791 762 MEN

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 CLUBS 109 109 109 109 115 YELLOW 97 95 98 CARDS 93 93 WOMEN

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Matches played Number of yellow cards

610 582 568 543 542 512 500 520 MEN 370 359

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 NATIONAL TEAMS 418 431 336 356 WOMEN 229 228 234 188 179 189

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

36 – UEFA DIRECT • October 2017 FOR THE RECORD

MEN

75 2013 86 TOTAL: 161 791

86 2014 103 TOTAL: 189 902

91 2015 98 TOTAL: 189 912

99 2016 105 TOTAL: 204 961

64 2017 103 TOTAL: 167 964

CLUBS WOMEN

4 TOTAL: 13 109 2013 9

2014 6 TOTAL: 9 109 3

2015 10 TOTAL: 17 109 RED 7 3 TOTAL: 8 CARDS 2016 5 109

2017 4 8 TOTAL: 12 115

Direct red Double yellow Total cards Matches played

MEN

58 2013 61 TOTAL: 119 512

15 2014 32 TOTAL: 47 270

2015 53 TOTAL: 101 543 48 46 2016 53 TOTAL: 99 610

47 2017 63 TOTAL: 110 568

NATIONAL WOMEN TEAMS 2013 6 418 20 TOTAL: 26

7 229 2014 12 TOTAL: 19

9 228 2015 20 TOTAL: 29

9 234 2016 13 TOTAL: 22

13 TOTAL: 29 431 2017 16

UEFA DIRECT • October 2017 – 37 RESEARCH GRANT PROGRAMME

WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT MATCH-FIXING?

UEFA has been supporting football-related academic research projects through its Research Grant Programme since 2010. This month, Tomáš Gábriš describes his research on how to tackle the problem of match-fixing more successfully.

atch-fixing or manipulation of as well as illegal (mostly online) betting sports competitions is widely activities represent other challenges that Mrecognised as a serious problem, associations often face. In this respect, the having to do mostly with corruption best solution in most countries seems to be and betting fraud, but also with other, the establishment of a national platform more personal motivations of players, for fighting match-fixing, involving the managers, coaches and referees. This most important stakeholders – betting issue has spawned an unprecedented regulators, betting operators, sports level of interest lately, both at national associations, the police and the prosecution and international levels, in the quest for service. Countries with a national platform UEFA legislative ways to better respond to this reported an increased level of mutual trust Tomáš Gábriš is an associate professor and growing problem. UEFA is also aware of and cooperation among the stakeholders, the head of the department of theory of the rapid developments in this area, which is a necessary precondition for law and social sciences in the faculty of law as witnessed by the UEFA resolution on successfully fighting the manipulation of at Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia. integrity adopted by the UEFA Congress sports competitions. in 2014, as well as by its support of our research project on match-fixing. What can be done? Although the establishment of national What we did ... platforms is not really in the hands of Aware that legislative changes are only football associations, the same as the a first step and that the key to successfully blocking of betting websites or other fighting match-fixing lies rather in the restrictions on betting opportunities actual investigative practice, our research (e.g. betting on youth competitions), project sought to collect information the associations can still insist on full- from all UEFA member associations on time integrity officers attending regular their practical problems and solutions educational campaigns organised by UEFA, in this field. To start with, we sent a organise similar campaigns at national questionnaire to each association’s level, introduce a system for anonymous integrity officer to collect a basic set of reporting and protecting whistle-blowers, data, after which members of our team as well as lay down broad competences for visited six associations, took part in three autonomous investigative and sanctioning international conferences and performed bodies. Furthermore, as prevention tools, extensive desk research in order to identify a prohibition on betting activities can the actual practices with respect to be incorporated into standard player fighting match-fixing. contracts, national associations can be encouraged to insist on the regular What we found out ... payment of salaries by the clubs, and new We found that the major problem faced rules can be introduced with respect to the by all UEFA member associations is selection of referees or the sponsorship of “The best solution in most a lack of cooperation, accompanied clubs and competitions (often provided by countries seems to be by low numbers of reported cases, betting operators). the establishment of a slow investigative paces and a lack of There is, therefore, an ample list of national platform for professional expertise on the side of possible solutions and recommendations to the police and the prosecution service. be drawn from our research project. Their fighting match-fixing, In addition, the cross-border flow of actual effectiveness, however, still needs to involving the most personal data on suspicious persons be tested in practice. important stakeholders.”

38 – UEFA DIRECT • October 2017 REFEREE ACADEMY OPENS ITS DOORS GERT ÇARÇANI The initiative has the full backing of full backing the has initiative The of Korça. city the in time first the leg in Tbilisi. leg return in the 1-0 and stadium, Republican the at Bahramov leg Tofig first in the 5-0 of Georgia Samtredia defeated Qarabağ round, qualifying second the in competition the entered Having their to broaden opportunity the coaches and enthusiasts football officials, 100 over club centre, giving congress Saalfelden the at congress football grassroots ÖFB inaugural the organised Association, Football Salzburg the with (ÖFB), inpartnership Association Football ALBANIA NUBAR AGHAZADA MAKING LEAGUE CHAMPIONS HISTORY AZERBAIJAN REDL CARMEN SUCCESS RESOUNDING A CONGRESS FIRST GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL AUSTRIA

Qarabağ then met Sheriff of Moldova of Moldova Sheriff met then Qarabağ FSHF Champions League group stage. UEFA the for qualified has team ever, Azerbaijani time an first the For academy opened its doors for doors its opened academy referee Association’s Football Albanian 2September, the On

August, the Austrian Austrian the August, inlate days two Over

second leg 2-1 leg second on inCopenhagen the lost they 15 although and August on Azerbaijan in leg 1-0 first the won Copenhagen. heavyweights Danish against play-offs for the qualifying thereby 1August, on in Tiraspol leg 2-1 won Azeris the second but inthe draw, in a0-0 ended match inAzerbaijan first-leg The round. qualifying third in the in football of amateur development and direction future the to foster designed was event the debate, of lively plenty as well as experts, international and by national talks With management. and theory training coaching, sports concerning issues of topical a range game. beautiful of the knowledge first undergo a psychological test. If they If test. psychological a undergo first will applicants All website. FSHF the on online apply can students Prospective refereeing. up intaking interested university. sports Tirana the with starting universities, different of seven tour promotional a to during it introduced were who students, of university number large committee. executive FSHF the and Duka, Armand (FSHF), Association Football Albanian of the president the After a hard-fought battle, Qarabağ Qarabağ battle, ahard-fought After covered programme congress The The academy is open to anyone open is academy The a among support found also has It

upcoming matches. matches. upcoming intheir success continued them wish and qualification historic their on them to congratulate team the met Aliyev, Ilham of Azerbaijan, president The stage. group League Champions the in to compete football of Azerbaijani rule. goals away to the thanks stage group the for qualified Qarabağ August, 23 right.own inits abrand as game grassroots the to establish and sponsors, and public general the by politicians, football of grassroots recognition greater to stimulate was congress recruits. new potential and players current among Austria English lessons. English lessons. taking as well as preparation, physical and health communication, psychology, sports on lectures attending and Game of the Laws the studying weeks two spend then will they academy, into the accepted are and pass academy will move on to Tirana. to Tirana. on move will academy the Korça, From phase. consolidation a ten-day with finishes course The level. to up Under-15 matches, in grassroots into practice knowledge new-found their put will applicants the belts, their Qarabağ are the first club in the history history the in club first the are Qarabağ of the objective overriding The With this initial training under under training initial this With

UEFA DIRECT UEFA MEMBER ASSOCIATIONSMEMBER •

October 2 October www.fshf.org www.oefb.at www.affa.az

017

– 39

GETS BIGGER AND BETTER BIGGER AND GETS FOOTBALL FAMILIES COMPETITION ALEKSANDR ALEINIK European Women’s final European Championship first-ever intheir part took Flames, resulted in a 2-0 victory. With three three With victory. ina2-0 resulted that performance excellent an with occasion to the rose certainly they and Norway against result agood needed they knew Belgians the to Denmark, rankings. world FIFA in the them above sat opponents stage group three their though even to impress, determined tournament into went the players the but itself, in achievement afine was 40 40 neighbours. Dutch by their hosted round, PIERRE CORNEZ WOMEN’S NATIONAL GROUND NEW BREAKS TEAM BELGIUM BELARUS ASSOCIATIONSMEMBER of some 400 people. 400 of some –atotal out turned 100 families around end, the In success. big a event such first the for making you athank as back invited had BFF the whom year’s participants, by last joined were they where festival, final for the selected were stages regional the from families 70 best The participants. to 2,500 close and country the across from families 500 around together bringing festival, afinal and stages regional nationwide competition. into it annual, to an turn organisers the prompting event, first successful very a to be proved inwhat part took Minsk from families 56 when Week, Grassroots UEFA during ago, ayear launched was competition The inMinsk. centre Family!’, Football –the Me technical its at and Mum ‘Dad, competition, football This year’s competition comprised six six comprised year’s competition This After losing their opening match 1-0 match 1-0 opening their losing After for Women’s 2017 EURO Qualifying – UEFA •October DIRECT the finals of this year’s this inter-family of finals the held (BFF) of Belarus Federation Football the 26On August, nicknamed the Belgian Red Red Belgian the nicknamed women’s team, national Belgian the 16From to 6August, July

2017 by the participation of FIFA referee Olga Olga referee of FIFA participation by the highlighted was football grassroots and family. per of points number total the to give aggregated then were points Those mini-tournaments. their in finished teams respective their where on depending of points number acertain earned member family Each (5–7,categories 8–10, 11–13 14–17). and age respective intheir children and mums, against mums dads, against played of contacts. database to its names 2,500 than more added BFF the and football, of love shared their through friends new made country of the parts different from Families festival. the before programme a and aschedule line-ups, team sent were family. participants big the one All of part feel to make everyone helped which participants, and organisers the between contact regular the was event of the success inthe key factor The against Denmark in Doetinchem, 6,200 6,200 inDoetinchem, Denmark against 1,400 numbering matches, three all at fantastic were who supporters, Belgian to the go also must Congratulations players. and Serneels, Ives by coach led staff, the of all efforts outstanding the and made been has that progress the overshadow not should this Belgium’s elimination, after palpable nation. host the against a2-1 suffered they defeat throughout, spirit team great displaying and well playing however,Unfortunately, despite quarter-finals. for the of qualifying achance with Netherlands the against match group final into went their Flames Red Belgian the belts, their under points The close relationship between elite elite between relationship close The dads competition, of the rules the Under Although the disappointment wasAlthough

Tereshko, from back fresh was who supporters alike. supporters and media the from deserve they attention the receiving footballers female our and off to pay beginning work hard the to see great is it and players, female of registered number the by increasing now, inparticular years for several of women’s football development inthe investing FA been has Belgian The impressive. also were figures performances. outstanding some produce to players the helped support unstinting fans’ the as occasion, this on did certainly they but inhand, hand go always not do quality and quantity course, Of inTilburg. Netherlands the against 4,300 and inBreda Norway against attract even more participants next year. next participants more even attract will hopes BFF the which festival, the in organising BFF to the support provided Cross Red the and September. UNICEF of beginning the at CupWorld qualifier for Belarus’ tickets VIP and trophies team, national by the signed footballs received families football Belarusian best three The participants. the all and winners to the gifts and prizes to award hand on was who Kriushenko, Igor coach head of it. part to be invited been to have delighted was and festival the at matches final the all refereed She Belfast. Women’sEuropean U19 in Championship the 2016/17 of final of the charge taking Another special guest was national team team national was guest special Another Back home, the television viewing viewing television the home, Back BFF

www.belgianfootball.be www.bff.by

MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA www.nfsbih.ba A ROUND-UP OF THE ACTION

FEĐA KRVAVAC Krvavac F.

Bosnian clubs FK Željezničar and the second was won by Bosnia 2-1. and NK Široki Brijeg have bowed In addition, the women’s Under-17 team out of the UEFA Europa League proved too strong for Croatia in their after making it through to the second two friendlies, with the Bosnians winning qualifying round. Široki Brijeg drew 1-1 the first match 2-1 and the second 1-0. against Aberdeen in their first match, but In other news, Bosnian first league the Scottish team progressed to the third side FK TOŠK Tešanj celebrated their 90th round after winning the second leg 2-0. anniversary this summer. To mark the Željezničar’s first leg against AIK ended in occasion, a friendly was organised with of 32. Sadly, it was not to be, and coach a goalless draw, but they lost the second the men’s Under-19 national team, which Samira Hurem’s players were beaten 3-0 match 2-0 at Friends Arena in Stockholm. ended in a 1-1 draw. at the Asim Ferhatović Hase stadium. A lot of international friendlies took SFK 2000 Sarajevo’s run in the 2017/18 The Greeks took the lead in the 16th place this summer, with the Bosnian UEFA Women’s Champions League ended minute through Efthimia Brame, and teams coming away with some great in the qualifying round. After losing 1-0 things went from bad to worse for the results. The women’s senior team played to KS Vllaznia in the first match in their home team in the 35th minute, when two matches in Zenica against Jordan. qualifying round mini-tournament, they Zerina Piskić was shown the red card. The first ended 4-2 in favour of the ran out 3-0 winners in the second match, PAOK took advantage of their opponents Bosnians, and the second finished against SC Bettembourg, leaving them being one player down, with Konstantina undecided at 2-2. The men’s Under-17 needing to beat FC PAOK Thessaloniki by Strantzali and Eleni Markou adding a goal team also played two friendlies in Zenica, at least two goals in their final qualifying- each to see them safely through to the against Azerbaijan. The first ended 0-0 round game to go through to the round knockout phase.

BULGARIA www.bfunion.bg A NEW FAN DIALOGUE PROJECT

PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MEDIA DEPARTMENT

Fan Dialogue: 2020 and Beyond is stakeholders: the BFU, clubs, supporters our relationship with supporters.” a new initiative jointly developed and non-football stakeholders such as the Dimitar Christov (the BFU’s SLO by the Bulgarian Football Union police, local government and the media. coordinator), Andrey Kyuchukov (SLO (BFU) and SD [Supporters Direct] Europe The coordinator of SD Europe, Loukas for FC Dunav Ruse and Bulgarian that aims to raise awareness about the Anastasiadis, was special guest at the representative in the European SLO importance of fan dialogue and examine official launch event, which took place network), Nedelcho Mihaylov (head of the role supporter liaison officers (SLOs) at the BFU’s national technical base in the BFU’s sports and technical committee) can play in this regard. Sofia. SLOs and club representatives from and police representatives took part in a The project has received funding under the top two Bulgarian divisions, as well as workshop organised as part of the event. UEFA’s HatTrick IV programme and seeks delegates from the national police and the Dimitar Christov outlined the activities to implement best practices from abroad National Football Information Point (NFIP), SLOs are expected to perform as part of to develop innovative fan dialogue were also in attendance. Mihail Kasabov, their role and explained the idea behind methods at national level among four key BFU vice-president and member of UEFA’s the project and the next steps. He also HatTrick Committee, led the proceedings. undertook to convey to the BFU president, “I am very pleased to welcome you Borislav Mihaylov, the challenges faced by here on behalf of the BFU and its the SLOs and to pass on to the BFU president,” said Kasabov. “Following the regulations committee all comments and introduction of the SLO role in the top suggestions made by fans via the SLOs. two divisions, the Fan Dialogue: 2020 and All participants agreed that effective Beyond project demonstrates the ongoing cooperation and communication were commitment of the BFU to implementing essential for improving collaboration a far-reaching fan dialogue strategy, between fans, the police, security firms BFU as well as our willingness to improve and club representatives.

UEFA DIRECT • October 2017 – 41 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

CROATIA www.hns-cff.hr DENMARK www.dbu.dk A SECOND ANNIVERSARY DANISH TO BE PROUD OF FOOTBALL

TOMISLAV PACAK AGAINST

The Croatian FA’s multimedia centre the country’s bronze-medal celebrations HOMOPHOBIA celebrated its second anniversary this at the 1998 World Cup. RASMUS SCHRIVER summer, with almost 50,000 people Visitors can then make their way down having visited during the first two years. the tunnel to reach the field and explore a The aptly named Be Proud centre provides wall of fame featuring the greatest names in The Danish Football Association Croatian football with a place to celebrate its Croatian football. Using interactive screens, recently launched the first of major successes and star players. Designed they can gain deeper insights into specific many campaigns to help raise like a football stadium, visitors first arrive players, goals and matches. Videos of awareness and tackle issues of at the dressing rooms, which feature important men’s, women’s and futsal homophobia in Danish football. information screens, illustrations and matches and goals, plus trophy and award Tolerance has always been a core value memorabilia, and lockers that contain ceremonies, are also on offer. of football, as shown by the various reminders of Croatia’s appearances at major All of the material is available in both campaigns against racism throughout tournaments and together form a mural of Croatian and English, and admission is free. Europe. The Danish Super League, the Danish FA and the country’s players have all agreed to invest resources into tackling ENGLAND www.thefa.com homophobia, which is unfortunately still seen in football and elsewhere in society. Using a strong, cooperative and COMMUNITY SHIELD coordinated campaign, the goal is to create maximum publicity, impact and FOR GRENFELL results in the fight against homophobia. Over the next six months, the SIOBHAN BURKE campaign will be implemented across the whole of Danish football – from the The Football Association dedicated were invited to attend the fixture, and Super League to the national team via the 2017 FA Community Shield representatives from the emergency the streets of Copenhagen and Aarhus to all those so tragically affected services played a central role in the as part of the Pride festival this summer. by the Grenfell Tower fire, which killed pre-match ceremony, including bringing It will feature both large and small around 80 people in West London the Premier League and Emirates FA Cup events on the subject of homophobia in in June. trophies, along with the FA Community Danish football, and give both players Contested this season between Shield, onto the pitch before the game. and fans the opportunity to make up Premier League champions Chelsea and The players wore black armbands and their own minds on the issue. FA Cup winners Arsenal, the fixture is walked out with mascots including four traditionally seen as the curtain-raiser for children from Grenfell Tower. the English professional season, and it The Choir for Grenfell – formed in the has a long history of raising money for immediate aftermath of the tragedy by a variety of charities and community members of the affected community – organisations. performed Bridge Over Troubled Water The FA, alongside the competing clubs, on the pitch, the single recorded and pledged to raise in the region of £1.25m released to raise money for the for the Grenfell community from the community. game at Wembley Stadium on 6 August. Ahead of kick-off, four wreaths were Football came together in its support for laid on the pitch by FA chairman Greg those affected by the Grenfell disaster, Clarke, Patrick Golbourne, borough with the Premier League, the English commander at the London Fire Brigade, Football League and the National Game and two former Grenfell Tower residents. also making their own donations to those This was followed by a moment of silence in need. to remember the lives tragically lost. Over 1,000 members of the affected Arsenal went on to lift the shield, but it community and the three emergency was a day that represented much more services which responded to the blaze than 90 minutes of football. DBU

42 – UEFA DIRECT • October 2017 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

ESTONIA www.jalgpall.ee CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOOTBALL AND EURO WINNERS IN ESTONIA

MAARJA SAULEP

Estonia’s summer capital, Pärnu, reach the round of 32 back in 2013, had the opportunity to host a showed good fighting spirit throughout UEFA Women’s Champions League the mini-tournament. Over the course of qualifying round mini-tournament for the seven days, more than 2,000 people visited

first time and the Estonian crowd also got the matches and cheered on the teams. Gertru d Alatare to watch Women’s EURO champions in In the first match, the hosts faced action into the bargain. Standard Liège. The Belgian champions great resilience by managing to score The reigning Estonian champions, ran out 2-0 winners, thanks to goals in the against Ajax in front of 750 spectators. Pärnu JK, had been drawn with debutants second half. On the same day, Ajax showed Unfortunately, it was not enough and AFC Ajax from the Netherlands, Belgian their potential when they beat Rīgas FS 6-0. Ajax went on to win the match 2-1. champions R. Standard de Liège and Rīgas Next up, it was Ajax against Pärnu and Ultimately it was Ajax who progressed FS from Latvia. Ajax’s squad included five Liège against the Latvian champions. from the group after beating Liège 3-0 in members of the Netherlands’ Women’s The match between Liège and Riga was the final match. Pärnu ended, however, on EURO 2017 squad. Despite the tough something of a one-sided affair, with a good note by scoring two goals against opposition, Pärnu, who managed to Standard scoring eight goals. Pärnu showed Rīgas and winning the match.

FAROE ISLANDS www.football.fo LONG-AWAITED CUP GLORY FOR RUNAVÍK

TERJI NIELSEN

For the first time in 15 years, stadium in Tórshavn, which attracted legs of B36’s 17-year-old goalkeeper, NSÍ Runavík lifted the Faroese some 3,000 spectators. Rói Mørk Hentze, and into the back of Cup after winning the final The game was decided by a single the net. There were few openings in against B36 Tórshavn 1-0. goal, which was scored in the first half by the match, and even though B36 tried Neither team had done that well in veteran NSÍ left-back Einar Tróndagjógv, to pile on the pressure in the second the cup tournament for many years and after a loose ball fell to him in the B36 half, they never really managed to create it was an even affair at the Tórsvøllur box. He fired a quick shot through the any clear chances to get the equaliser.

GERMANY www.dfb.de BIBIANA STEINHAUS BECOMES FIRST FEMALE REFEREE IN THE MEN’S BUNDESLIGA

JANNIK MÜLLER

Bibiana Steinhaus has reached Steinhaus does not mind being the Bundesliga. Since 2005 she has also the very top. Acknowledging subject of close scrutiny: “I want female been a FIFA referee. In 2007 she her excellent, consistent referees to become standard and par became the first woman to referee performances in the men’s second for the course in professional football.” matches in the second tier of the men’s division, the German FA’s referees She also hopes to serve as a role model Bundesliga. Since then she has taken committee has appointed the 38-year- for other aspiring female referees. charge of 80 second-tier men’s old to officiate in the top-flight The police officer from Hanover has Bundesliga games and has been named Bundesliga from this season, making been a German FA (DFB) referee since DFB female referee of the year no fewer her the first female referee at that level. 1999, starting out in the women’s than six times to date.

UEFA DIRECT • October 2017 – 43 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

GIBRALTAR www.gibraltarfa.com FIRST OFFICIAL STORE OPENS

STEVEN GONZALEZ

The Gibraltar FA (GFA) recently team replica jerseys on sale alongside opened its first-ever official store. merchandise, as well as a memorabilia The store was inaugurated by the display which supporters and football mayor of Gibraltar, Kaiane Aldorino Lopez, enthusiasts can enjoy at their leisure. in the presence of the GFA president, In the weeks and months to come, Michael Llamas. the official store will be developed to The official store, which is the first of ensure it becomes and remains the focal its kind in Gibraltar, sees Gibraltar national point for football in Gibraltar. GFA

ITALY www.figc.it VIDEO ASSISTANT REFEREE EXPERIMENT GETS OFF TO A POSITIVE START

DIEGO ANTENOZIO

The video assistant referee (VAR) we need to keep working hard. There’s a friendly match in front of 80,000 experiment is under way in Serie A no turning back, but we have to make people, one VAR told me he had never after the International Football the process quicker and more efficient.” been so tired in his whole life. It’s a new Association Board (IFAB) gave the green The basic principle of the VAR system concept, a different way of assessing light to the Italian scheme, which sees the is maximum benefit with minimum in-game situations, so it will take time Italian Football Federation (FIGC) working interference. “We’ve always known that and patience to make things as good as closely with the league’s governing body, people would need time to adapt to any they can be.” Lega Serie A, and the Italian referees’ change, the system would need to be One reason for optimism is the reaction association (AIA). fine-tuned and the process would need of the players, who for the most part The IFAB gave the final go-ahead to be quicker and smoother,” Rosetti have accepted the first video-assisted following a meeting in Rome in early added. “This experiment has a very clear decisions without complaint. “It seems August attended by IFAB secretary Lukas objective: to make football fairer and to me that the players are calmer,” Brud and technical director David Elleray, eliminate serious errors. This is year zero, Rosetti continued. “They have shown FIGC president Carlo Tavecchio and CEO and we are well aware that certain remarkable composure, and I have also Michele Uva, Roberto Rosetti and Nicola things need refining. It’s not easy been pleasantly surprised by the positive Rizzoli, respectively project leader and watching the video. After officiating attitude of the fans.” referee instructor for the VAR project, and Lega Serie A CEO Marco Brunelli.

The results of the preliminary VAR trials FIGC conducted in Italy last season were presented at the meeting, allowing the current protocols to be fine-tuned and helping the IFAB to arrive at its final verdict on the use of video assistant referees. The organisers of the project in Italy received special praise for the way they have raised awareness of the VAR project and engaged with the various stakeholders, particularly the clubs and players, but also the media and supporters. “We are definitely witnessing a new Roberto dawn,” Roberto Rosetti said. “It’s been Rosetti a good start, but I’m a perfectionist and

44 – UEFA DIRECT • October 2017 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

LATVIA www.lff.lv LIECHTENSTEIN www.lfv.li SEASON OF GOOD CHEER FAMILIAR FOR OUR WOMEN’S TEAMS FACES

TOMS ĀRMANIS RECRUITED

Latvia’s women’s teams enjoyed ANTON BANZER a very successful summer, taking home two gold and two silver Between them, former medals from their respective women’s internationals Mario Frick and Baltic Cup tournaments. The senior Martin Stocklasa amassed no team, coached by Didzis Matīss, beat fewer than 238 appearances for the Estonia 3-0 and drew 1-1 against hosts Liechtenstein national team. Now, the Lithuania, putting Latvia in the gold- LFF Liechtenstein Football Association (LFV) medal position for the first time in has recruited the two familiar faces as six years. to hosts Lithuania in their Baltic Cup members of its youth development team. In the Under-19 tournament, hosted tournament, leaving them in second Liechtenstein’s record goalscorer, Mario by Estonia, the Latvian team, coached by place. Frick, became head coach of the national Viktors Vicehovskis, won both of their The Latvian women’s senior team was Under-19 team this summer, as well as games to also run out as tournament made up of players from four domestic coach of the LFV’s elite Under-18 squad. winners. Meanwhile, in their clubs and two who play for teams in The 43-year-old former national team tournament, also hosted by Estonia, the England and Germany, while the captain will share his wealth of experience Under-17 team remained unbeaten, but Under-19 team consisted of players from not only with these two national youth had to settle for second place just six Latvian clubs and one from an English teams, but also with LFV sports academy behind the host nation, who had a club. The Under-17 and Under-15 teams students. He will also be looking after the better goal difference. Last but not least, comprised players from nine and seven ‘Fussball macht Schule’ (football in schools) the Under-15 team beat Estonia but lost Latvian clubs respectively. youth development project. Before joining the LFV, Mario Frick, who has 125 caps to his name, worked as a player-coach and MALTA www.mfa.com.mt coach for the Liechtenstein first division club FC Balzers. Martin Stocklasa, 38, three-times NEW SERVICES FOR CLUBS footballer of the year, played professionally for 12 years, winning 113 caps, and has AND FANS since gained experience as assistant coach and head of the junior section at KEVIN AZZOPARDI FC St. Gallen. Like Mario Frick, Martin Stocklasa has taken on a number of Helping clubs to improve how Reaching out to football fans is different responsibilities at the LFV. they are run is a priority for the another focal point for the MFA, The former defensive stalwart for the Malta Football Association (MFA), which recently launched a new website, senior national team is now the head and with this in mind the association is www.takeaseat.org.mt, as part of its coach of the new Under-15 national team launching a course in football ongoing efforts in this respect. and assistant coach of the Under-21, administration. The concept behind the new website, Under-19 and Under-17 national teams. Commencing in October, the 30-hour which is supported by UEFA, is to engage He is also jointly responsible for youth course will cover a number of key topics fans in a different way. Registered Take A development and the Footeco junior related to football administration, Seat members benefit from free access football initiative, and coaches students including management, MFA rules, to news and exclusive articles on at the national sports academy. regulations and other regulatory matters, Maltese and foreign football, while information technology, finance, media also having the opportunity to connect and PR, and human resources. A number with like-minded supporters in online of lecturers and guest speakers will be discussion forums. brought in to present on the course, and Members can choose where to sit in the response to the initiative has been very their virtual stadium, and who they want encouraging: over 40 people, most of to sit with in order to share their whom are already involved at club level, experiences with friends and fellow LFV LFV have expressed an interest in taking part. fans who support the same team. Mario Frick Martin Stocklasa

UEFA DIRECT • October 2017 – 45 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

MOLDOVA www.fmf.md MOLDOVAN FOOTBALL YEARBOOK 2016/17

PRESS OFFICE

The latest edition of the Moldovan organisational achievements. football yearbook was recently The book contains masses of statistics published in Chisinau – the eighth on the 2016/17 season, including all time that the Football Association of appearances and goalscorers in Moldova’s Moldova (FMF) has produced this top three divisions, as well as lots of important resource. photos and selected historical records The FMF’s involvement gives this for each club. The yearbook is a must invaluable publication added credibility for statisticians, providing full individual as a point of reference. As has been the analyses for each top-division club. case for the last seven years (the first The facts, photos and figures are issue having been published in 2010), complemented by a narrative season the editor, Victor Daghi, has recorded review for each top-flight club. for posterity the most important events The yearbook also contains a list of

of the last domestic football season. all Moldovan champions since 1992, FMF The 152-page yearbook opens with a an all-time league table, details of the message from Pavel Cebanu, president highest goalscorers of all time for the Moldovan Cup final and Super Cup, and of the FMF, regarding the association’s top two divisions, information about each player listings for clubs in the top flight.

MONTENEGRO www.fscg.me SAVIĆEVIĆ RE-ELECTED PRESIDENT

BRANKO LATINOVIĆ

Dejan Savićević was unanimously which runs until 2021. Under his tenure, harder during the next four years in order re-elected as president of the football in Montenegro has faced different to improve Montenegrin football even Football Association of Montenegro challenges and made vast improvements further. Many tasks lie ahead of us. at the association’s congress held in July. at various levels. There is a lot of work to be done, The former Budućnost, Red Star, “Being president of the FA of especially in improving infrastructure and AC Milan and Rapid Vienna player, Montenegro is a great honour and an even creating adequate conditions for player and the best-ever Montenegrin player, greater obligation. The support you have development in our country. Those were has embarked on his fifth term in office, given me is an incentive for me to work the top priorities during my previous term and remain so today. I hope that at the end of my fifth term in office, I will be able

FSCG to proudly say that we have accomplished our goals and that we have obtained beautiful new stadiums in Cetinje and Berane, as well as better pitches and facilities in all other towns,” Savićević said after his re-election. The congress also elected new members of the association’s executive committee, the membership of which has been reduced to 13. Zoran Laković, UEFA’s national associations director, who was guest of honour at the congress, congratulated Dejan Savićević on his re-election and expressed great satisfaction at the work achieved by the Football Association of Montenegro.

46 – UEFA DIRECT • October 2017 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

NORTHERN IRELAND www.irishfa.com WOMEN’S FOOTBALL FESTIVAL ATTRACTS 60 TEAMS

NIGEL TILSON

Sixty teams took part in this year’s neither team managed to score, resulting Let Her Play festival organised by in joint champions in the U13 section. the Irish Football Association’s The U15 competition consisted of two foundation. The aim of the festival – the sections playing in a league format, with venue for which was Valley Leisure Centre the top teams in each being crowned in Newtownabbey – was to celebrate girls’ winners. Carnmoney Ladies won every and women’s football across the country. game in their section and ran out clear Although games in the youngest two winners. The other section was very tight age groups (U9 and U11) were non- and came down to a penalty shoot-out competitive, all the girls who participated between Lisburn Rangers and Cliftonville, IFA played with enthusiasm, and there was with the latter taking the honours. a lot of talent on show. The Masters (over-30s) was a five-a-side Comber Rec A 5-2 in the decider. Crusaders Strikers and Mid-Ulster competition initially played in a league The tournament also helped to promote won their respective groups in the U13 format, with the top two teams this year’s European Women’s Under-19 competition and the final was a great competing in a final. Crusaders Strikers, Championship final round, which was advert for youth football; however who topped the league table, defeated staged in Northern Ireland in August.

ROMANIA www.frf.ro SOWING THE SEEDS FOR A NEW U15 NATIONAL TEAM

PAUL ZAHARIA

The Romanian Football talents over a longer period of time, March and May 2018, involving eight Federation (FRF) is introducing which allows them to assess behaviour regions of five or six counties each. changes to the way it goes and performance in several matches and From each region 15 outfield players about talent scouting and selection not just at one or two training camps. and two goalkeepers will be selected with a view to making the process Former Romanian international Ion and those eight regional teams will play more efficient. Geolgau, who is in charge of the FRF’s in a final tournament at the end of the The biggest change is that talent scouting department, says that the aim 2017/18 school year in two groups of scouting and selection will start with is to develop a competition in which four teams. The two group winners will younger players than before, leading the best players can progress and which go through to the final, with the two to the creation of a new Under-15 builds on the football skills and potential group runners-up playing for third place. national team next year following a of each player. At the same time, the 120 outfield one-year Under-14 competition that The competition, which has been players and 16 goalkeepers will be began in August. embraced enthusiastically by the observed by the members of the FRF The eleven-a-side competition offers federation and its affiliated members, technical committee and the staff of scouts the possibility to watch potential is being organised by the FRF together the scouting department, as well as by with the 42 county football associations, the coaches of the Under-15 national local scouts, the technical staff of the team. Together they will select the 44 Romanian national youth teams and the players (four for each position) who will members of the FRF technical committee. form the extended Under-15 national The first round, in August, was team – the ‘best of the best’ of the 2,000 contested in each of the 42 counties. players born in 2004 who started out in The second, inter-county phase is now the competition in August – and who will under way until October 2017. That will go on to test their skills at international FRF be followed by a regional phase between level from autumn 2018.

UEFA DIRECT • October 2017 – 47 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

SAN MARINO www.fsgc.sm FOOTBALL ACADEMY OPENS ITS DOORS

PRESS OFFICE

Football development, improved not only from a technical point of view, academy, underlined how important it is performances and better results: but also from an educational and for young players to play regularly. the aims of the San Marino instructional perspective. We aim to “The San Marino FA should take care Football Federation are crystal clear. And guarantee that all boys and girls who of its most talented players who, by with the recent launch of the new San want to play football can do so, giving improving their performances, could Marino academy, Sammarinese football them all the tools they need to play to help our national teams achieve the looks set to achieve these targets. their fullest potential.” results we’ve been working towards for Officially opened on 5 August, with It goes without saying that the San years, while at the same time passing several TV and press representatives Marino FA wants to become more on important values to all boys and girls as well as youth and women’s team competitive in the future. “We’re playing football in San Marino.” coaches in attendance, the academy working closely with local clubs, which has a brand-new technical framework play an invaluable role in recruiting new

– developed by the San Marino FA’s talent,” underlined Carlo Chiarabini, FSGC technical department, headed by technical director of the San Marino Massimo Bonini – that targets young academy. “We want to offer elite players (aged 5–12, selected in players a series of projects that can be collaboration with clubs), and the entire integrated into their normal activities to women’s sector, including the team enhance their skills and qualities.” playing in Italian Serie B. The academy marks the first step “It’s a name change that we’ve needed towards creating a national training for a long time now,” said Alessandro centre as part of the San Marino FA’s Giaquinto, vice-president of the San wider development project. Giampaolo Marino FA. “The values emanating from Mazza, former coach of the San Marino the term ‘academy’ are those we aspire to national team and current technical deliver: training and development and organisational coordinator of the

SCOTLAND www.scottishfa.co.uk NEW PERFORMANCE SCHOOL INTAKE

MARK SNELL

The latest group of Scottish FA JD coaches work in conjunction with seven European Under-17 Championship finals Performance School pupils have partner schools and the players’ clubs to in Croatia back in May. begun their footballing journey, enhance the young prospects’ technical Earlier this year, 85 young players which kicked off with the annual skills by incorporating football education graduated from the programme, and 41 induction at Hampden Park in August. into their school curriculum. have signed professional contracts at The 48 pupils attended the national Every year, each of the schools will clubs in Scotland and England. stadium with their parents, where they take the most talented Under-12 players “It is a very exciting time for these were treated to a question and answer in their region – both boys and girls – and youngsters as this is the first step for session with the Scottish FA’s performance provide a minimum of five extra coaching them on their way to becoming Scotland director Malky Mackay, former Scotland sessions a week focusing on skills internationals,” said Mackay. “In three international Stephen McManus and development. Over a four-year period, or four years’ time these players have recent graduate Harry Cochrane, who this will provide the most talented young the chance to pull on a Scotland jersey scored for Hearts’ first team in a footballers throughout the country with at Under-16 level, and we want as many pre-season match against Linfield. an extra 800 sessions. as possible to go on and do the same The Scottish FA’s Performance School The programme has already achieved at senior level in the future. programme is now in its sixth year, with success, with 15 of the 20 players named “It’s all about sacrifice and hard work JD recently signing a three-year deal to in the recent Scotland Under-17 squad for the next four years and we will become the title sponsor of the initiative. being Performance School graduates, support them as best we can through As part of the programme, seven and six graduates appearing at the the programme and at their clubs.”

48 – UEFA DIRECT • October 2017 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

SERBIA www.fss.rs DJOROVIĆ NAMED NEW UNDER-21 COACH

UGLJESA VRBICA

The Football Association of Serbia more former national-team players has selected a new coach to lead to take on responsibility for Serbian the national side through qualifying football,” said Goran Bunjevčević, for the 2019 European Under-21 sports director of the Serbian FA. Championship finals in Italy. The Serbia recently played in the 2017 association has put its trust in Goran European Under-21 Championship finals Djorović, a former international who in Poland, and will take on Armenia, played in the 1998 World Cup in France Austria, FYR Macedonia, Gibraltar and and EURO 2000 in Belgium and the Russia in qualifying for the 2019 edition. Netherlands, and a close associate of “We have a clear goal ahead of us: the senior national team coach, qualifying for the European Championship Slavoljub Muslin. finals, which would certainly be a great “Recruiting Goran Djorović as the success,” said Djorović. “But we also new coach of the Under-21 team is a want to prepare these players for the phenomenal thing – it supports our challenges that hopefully await them desire and ambition to get more and on the senior team.” RSS

SLOVAKIA www.futbalsfz.sk NEW HEAD COACH FOR YOUTH TEAMS

PETER SURIN

Slovakia’s Under-16 and Under-17 of Ladislav Hudec, whose contract coach from 1 July is now the right step in national teams have a new head expired at the end of May. The Slovak terms of connecting theory with practice. coach, following the departure FA’s technical director, Ján Greguš, and I love challenges and this is a very good vice-president with responsibility for the one from various perspectives.” national teams, Karol Belaník, had the The job of youth national team coach arduous task of finding the optimum is slightly different to that of a club replacement but they were very clear coach. The players are 16 and 17 years about what they were looking for: old when they start playing serious someone with experience, the right football at national level. This is a time approach to coaching young players and when they need to be approached in a good track record. After carefully the right way to help them with their considering all applications, they signed a development. two-year contract with Samuel Slovák. “We have dreamed for years now “One coach takes over the Under-16 of qualifying for a European Under-17 and Under-17 teams, that’s how our Championship final round, but we have system works. The Under-16 team was our philosophy, which we believe will created to introduce the players to the bring success. We need to set the coach, while the Under-17 team enters standards for team and individual European Championship qualifying. performance at this age level, but that Slovák is the right candidate for this role, does not mean we give up on results,” and in the meantime he will continue in Slovák added after taking over the youth his position as youth coordinator of the national teams. “One individual coach Slovak FA,” Greguš said on the selection cannot make systematic changes by of the new coach. himself, but he can influence the “I already work as youth coordinator processes. A lot depends on the working and I think this is a role that suits me environment. In time we can then assess perfectly,” said Slovák. “My new whether our cooperation makes sense SFZ appointment as Under-16 and Under-17 and brings added value for both sides.”

UEFA DIRECT • October 2017 – 49 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

SWITZERLAND www.football.ch DICKENMANN, PETKOVIĆ AND GRANIT XHAKA HONOURED

PIERRE BENOIT

Lara Dickenmann and Granit the English Premier League a year ago, the FIFA world rankings, Switzerland Xhaka were named male and has already become a lynchpin of the are now unbeaten for over a year. female player of the year Arsenal FC midfield. Kriens-born Lara All the winners at a glance: respectively at the recent Swiss football Dickenmann, meanwhile, retained the • Players of the year: Granit Xhaka, awards ceremony, while national team women’s award after securing the Lara Dickenmann coach Vladimir Petković retained the German league and cup double with VfL • Swiss Cup team of the year: FC Basel coach of the year award. Wolfsburg. With 122 caps now to her • Coach of the year: Vladimir Petković Awards were presented in ten name, she was also the undisputed star • Young player of the year: categories at the ceremony in Rapperswil- of the women’s national team in the Manuel Akanji Jona. Four were based on public votes, European Women’s Championship • Fair play team of the year: while a panel of experts selected the qualifiers and at the Women’s EURO itself. FC Däniken-Gretzenbach (women), winners of a further five awards (young The 31-year old has now been named US Montfaucon (men) player, coach, Swiss Cup team, referee Swiss female player of the year seven • Referee of the year: Belinda Brem and Credit Suisse Cup team of the year). times so far. • Goal of the year: Xherdan Shaqiri The fair play team of the year was chosen Also in a repeat of the 2016 edition, (1-0 to Switzerland against Belarus in accordance with the criteria laid down the coach of the year award went to on 1 June 2017) for the Suva fair play trophy. national team coach Vladimir Petković. • Swiss Cup goal of the year: The highly prestigious player of the His record with the Swiss national team Michael Lang (3-0 to FC Basel in year awards were presented to Lara is impressive, with six wins out of six in the final against FC Sion) Dickenmann and Granit Xhaka. Xhaka, the qualifying campaign for next year’s • Credit Suisse Cup team of the year: who left the German Bundesliga for World Cup in Russia. Currently fourth in fifth-grade girls, Zürich Hofacker

UKRAINE www.ffu.org.ua GEORGIA DEFEND BANNIKOV CROWN

YURI MAZNYCHENKO

Late summer was a festive time in the final – a 2-2 thriller that ended with in Kyiv as seven Under-17 teams the Georgians winning 4-2 on penalties. from all over Europe descended on This year Georgia and Israel topped the Ukrainian capital to compete in the their groups again and met for another 14th annual Bannikov Tournament, which final showdown. This time Georgia scored was played over five days – from 16 to 20 two fast openers, in the fourth and sixth August – in four towns around the city. minutes, added two more after the break At stake was victory in a prestigious and conceded only once to secure a solid competition named after legendary 4-1 victory. Ukraine took third place with Dynamo Kyiv goalkeeper and the first-ever a 2-0 win over Slovakia. president of the Football Federation of The president of the Football Federation Ukraine, Viktor Bannikov. Kubanov Pavlo of Ukraine, Andriy Pavelko, congratulated Ukraine, coached by Oleh Kuznetsov, the winners and other participants and were joined by the Under-17 teams of The eight teams were divided into presented the cup and awards. Individual Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Israel, Latvia, two groups, with the winners of each prizes were given to the following players: Slovakia and Slovenia. The teams played contesting the final and the runners-up Best goalkeeper: Luka Kharshiladze 16 matches at four stadiums in satellite entering a third-place play-off. Ukraine (Georgia) towns around Kyiv – Yuvileiny Stadium are traditionally the most successful Best defender: Alan Aussi (Ukraine) in Bucha, V. Melnyk Stadium in Obukhiv, nation, having won the tournament five Best midfielder: Matus Begala (Slovakia) Kolos Stadium in Boryspil and Knyazha times (in 2003, 2005, 2006, 2011 and Best goalscorer: Zuriko Davitashvili Arena in Shchaslyve. 2012). Last year Georgia and Israel met (Georgia; five goals)

50 – UEFA DIRECT • October 2017 BIRTHDAYS, NOTICES, FORTHCOMING EVENTS

BIRTHDAYS NOTICES Håkan Sjöstrand (Sweden, 1 October) John Taylor (Scotland, 22 October) • On 18 August, Evangelos Grammenos Sergejus Slyva (Lithuania, 1 October) Arie Kenneth Scheiman (Israel, 22 October) was elected as president of the Hellenic Agnieszka Prachniak (Poland, 1 October) Fridin Ziskason (Faroe Islands, 22 October) Football Federation. Levent Bıçakcı (Turkey, 2 October) Peter Dedik (Slovakia, 22 October) Andrzej Wach (Poland, 2 October) Jan Huijbregts (Netherlands, 23 October) OBITUARIES Lutz Michael Fröhlich (Germany, 2 October) 60th Michel Vautrot (France, 23 October) • Rudolf Bata, former general secretary Léon Schelings (Belgium, 3 October) Dragutin Karlo Poljak (Croatia, 23 October) of the Football Association of the Czech Victor van Helvoirt (Netherlands, 3 October) Elmir Pilav (Bosnia and Herzegovina, 23 October) Republic (and of the Czechoslovak Football Association before that), passed Wilfried Heitmann (Germany, 4 October) Antonin Herzog (Czech Republic, 24 October) away on 11 August, aged 89. He served in Khennet Tallinger (Sweden, 4 October) Edvin Libohova (Albania, 24 October) a number of roles for UEFA, as a member Silvo Borošak (Slovenia, 4 October) Elvedin Begić (Bosnia and Herzegovina, 24 October) of the Finance Committee (1984–86), Márton Vági (Hungary, 4 October) Roy Cathcart (Northern Ireland, 26 October) Control and Disciplinary Committee Frank Coulston (Scotland, 5 October) Markku Lehtola (Finland, 26 October) (1986–92), Stadia Committee (1992–2000) Terje Hauge (Norway, 5 October) Hugh Dallas (Scotland, 26 October) 60th and Stadium and Security Committee Jerzy Engel (Poland, 6 October) Perry Gautier (Belgium, 26 October) (2000–02). Rudolf Bata was awarded the Yves Leterme (Belgium, 6 October) Cristian Eugen Chivu (Romania, 26 October) UEFA Order of Merit in Ruby in 2004. Peter Sippel (Germany, 6 October) Gerard Perry (Republic of Ireland, 27 October) Francesca Sanzone (Italy, 6 October) Greg Clarke (England, 27 October) 60th • Pertti Alaja, president of the Football Association of Finland, died on 18 Iveta Stoyanova Bankova (Bulgaria, 6 October) Levan Paniashvili (Georgia, 28 October) August at the age of 65. He made a Samantha Lovse (Slovenia, 6 October) Jürgen Paepke (Germany, 28 October) major contribution to UEFA through Armand Duka (Albania, 7 October) Rui Cacador (Portugal, 29 October) his membership of numerous UEFA Jari Maisonlahti (Finland, 7 October) George Fantaros (Cyprus, 29 October) 60th committees and panels since 1990. Andrii Pavelko (Ukraine, 7 October) Maria Persson (Sweden, 29 October) Vice-chairman of the UEFA HatTrick Draženko Kovačić (Croatia, 8 October) Silvia Tea Spinelli (Italy, 29 October) Committee since 2011, he went on to Pierre Delaunay (France, 9 October) José Da Cunha Rodrigues (Portugal, 30 October) become its deputy chairman last July. Sergey Zuev (Russia, 9 October) Tim Meyer (Germany, 30 October) 50th James Buckle (England, 9 October) 60th Bert van Oostveen (Netherlands, 30 October) • Vaiva Zizaitė, press officer of the Lithuanian Football Federation, passed Ellert Schram (Iceland, 10 October) Alexander Alaev (Russia, 30 October) away a few weeks ago. She was a faithful Laurent Duhamel (France, 10 October) Alan McRae (Scotland, 31 October) UEFA Direct correspondent for many Alin Cioban (Romania, 10 October) Kurt Zuppinger (Switzerland, 31 October) years, contributing numerous articles Christos Christou (Cyprus, 10 October) 40th José Luis Astiazarán Iriondo (Spain, 31 October) on her national association’s activities. Naira Abramyan (Armenia, 10 October) 30th Fredy Fautrel (France, 31 October) Joan Gaspart Solves (Spain, 11 October) Dimitar Zisovski (FYR Macedonia, 11 October) FORTHCOMING EVENTS Romeo Jozak (Croatia, 11 October) 5–10 October Yuriy Barbash (Ukraine, 11 October) European Qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup Bo Karlsson (Sweden, 12 October) Meetings Anna De Toni (Italy, 12 October) 6–28 October, India 3 October, Nyon U-17 World Cup Pedro Tomás (Spain, 13 October) Women’s Football Committee Aleksander Čeferin (Slovenia, 13 October) 50th 10–15 October Dušan Krchňák (Slovakia, 14 October) 70th 16 October, Nyon UEFA Futsal Cup: main round Tom van der Hulst (Netherlands, 15 October) 80th UEFA Women’s Champions League: round of 16 draw 17–18 October Michel Piraux (Belgium, 15 October) UEFA Champions League: group matches (matchday 3) Wendy Toms (England, 16 October) 16-19 October, Belfast UEFA Youth League: Champions League path group Konrad Plautz (Austria, 16 October) Coach education workshop matches (matchday 3) John Delaney (Republic of Ireland, 16 October) 50th 17 October, Zurich 18 October Gian Luca Angelini (San Marino, 16 October) 2018 World Cup: play-off draw UEFA Youth League: domestic champions path first Jean-Marie Philips (Belgium, 17 October) round (return legs) Frans Hoek (Netherlands, 17 October) 19 October, Nyon Adonis Procopiou (Cyprus, 17 October) UEFA Futsal Cup: elite round draw 19–24 October Qualifying matches for the 2019 Women’s World Cup Pedro López Jiménez (Spain, 18 October) Competitions Petros Mavroidis (Greece, 19 October) 4–5 and 11–12 October 19 October Aivar Pohlak (Estonia, 19 October) UEFA Women’s Champions League: round of 32 UEFA Europa League: group matches (matchday 3) Miljenko Sakoman (Croatia, 19 October) (first and return legs) 31 October – 1 November Paul Philipp (Luxembourg, 21 October) 4–10 October UEFA Champions League: group matches (matchday 4) Robert Agnarsson (Iceland, 21 October) 60th European Under-21 Championship: qualifying UEFA Youth League: UEFA Champions League path Mircea Sandu (Romania, 22 October) matches group matches (matchday 4)

UEFA DIRECT • October 2017 – 51 No.171 • October 2017