WE CARE ABOUT FOOTBALL No. 136 | March 2014 In this issue

Official publication of the EURO 2016 qualifying draw 4 Union of European Football Associations The groups for the qualifying competition were drawn in Nice on 23 February and the race for the 23 final-round berths at stake begins in September. Chief editor: Emmanuel Deconche Sportsfile Produced by: Atema Communication SA, CH-1196 Gland Italy win the European Futsal Printing: Championship 6 Artgraphic Cavin SA, CH-1422 Grandson Italy beat Russia to win the European Futsal Championship for the second time. At the same time, they ended Spain’s domina- Editorial deadline: tion of the title, which had been in their possession since 2005. 5 March 2014 Sportsfile

The views expressed in signed articles are not necessarily th the official views of UEFA. 6 UEFA Medical Symposium The reproduction of articles in Madrid 12 published in UEFA·direct is authorised, provided the UEFA brought together the medical officers of its member source is indicated. associations and top clubs for a three-day football medicine symposium in Madrid. Sportsfile

Accessible stadiums for disabled spectators 14 As part of its social responsibility programme, UEFA,

Cover: in partnership with CAFE, is trying to make it easier for Images On 23 February, in Nice, disabled fans to attend matches. the qualifying draw Getty marked the first step on the long road to UEFA EURO 2016 News from member associations Photo: Sportsfile 16

with this issue The first issue of Le Rendez-Vous, the official UEFA EURO 2016 newsletter, features information about the host cities, stadiums, competition format and competitors, as well as the fixture list for the qualifying competition.

2 | UEFA •direct | 03.14 Editorial UEFA

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Thanks to UEFA’s member associations, the new format, and we will also see more European national team football now has the national team football viewed by fans beyond platform on which to build for the long term, Europe’s borders, creating a truly global appeal to reinforce its identity in the hearts and minds in the process. of fans across the continent. With a daily ten-match schedule, and a The most recent step came with the UEFA new timetable which will allow plenty of EURO 2016 qualifying draw in Nice, which has matches to be played on Saturdays and Sun- provided a match schedule that, while pre- days, the Week of Football is sure to strengthen senting a logistical challenge, also opens the European national team football’s allure. door to an extensive overhaul in the way that Crucially, our member associations have football fans will enjoy national team football been at the forefront in the decision-making for the next three seasons. process leading to the Week of Football and The Week of Football, across two series of centralisation. It is heartening to see that the European Qualifiers, for UEFA EURO 2016 and constructive dialogue with all our member the 2018 FIFA World Cup, represents a fresh associations remains ongoing, with further approach with six consecutive days of action. deliberations on the future of the national With seven such weeks dotted across the team game to come. National teams create a international match calendar for both compe- sense of identity, a feeling of unity and, in titions, fans can anticipate a true “appoint- times of success, a glow of pride among a ment to view” – including multiple kick-off country’s football fans. UEFA and its associa- times at weekends. tions are striving to ensure that national team It was essential that UEFA’s member associ- football remains a key focal point of the Euro- ations collectively supported such a radical pean football landscape. change. It is an innovation which provides something for everyone. The priority was to address what was on offer for member asso- ciations, the teams and their fans. The Week of Football will do this by putting national team football in a prime position and giving it greater visibility, while at the same time giving the fans more matches to follow and more Gianni Infantino excitement. There have been other benefits, UEFA General Secretary too. A lot of work has gone into the centralisa- tion of the European Qualifiers, and UEFA was convinced that it would make a compelling proposition across the board. Our broadcast partners and sponsors have eagerly supported

UEFA •direct | 03.14 | 3 European Championship

First EURO 2016 rendez-vous

The qualifying draw for UEFA EURO 2016 unified the European football family in a celebration of French culture in Nice.

The UEFA General Secretary, Gianni Infantino, with former winners Bixente Lizarazu and Ruud Gullit and former goalkeepers José Ángel Iribar Sportsfile and Rinat Dasaev For the first time, the draw – held at the Nice played out alongside the world-famous Nice Acropolis – involved 54 member associations, carnival. whose presidents and general secretaries had Speciality food and drink from the ten host the opportunity to convene on the eve of the cities was served at the venue after the draw draw, among over 600 guests invited to an event while the football family waited for the con- firmed qualifying round fixtures, entertained by piano music that had been a continuous thread of the weekend, also at the official dinner and Group A Group B Group C during the draw ceremony itself. Netherlands Bosnia and Herzegovina Spain Guardians of the French culture were joined Czech Republic Belgium Ukraine on stage for the draw by famous “gardiens” of Turkey Israel Slovakia European football as 13 goalkeeping legends Latvia Wales Belarus assisted UEFA’s General Secretary, Gianni Infan- Iceland Cyprus FYR Macedonia tino, with the draw. Kazakhstan Andorra Luxembourg “I think it would be great to recreate the cam- paign of 1984 and, of course, we still remember 1998,” said Fabien Barthez, one of the past Group D Group E Group F EURO winners involved. “Football and sport give Germany England Greece you that little something, that extra sparkle; Republic of Ireland Switzerland Hungary sport makes you feel alive. This will be a celebra- Poland Slovenia Romania tion of football. For a good celebration, you Scotland Estonia Finland need full stadiums and for people to bring their Georgia Lithuania Northern Ireland kids. 2016 is still two years away but it will soon Gibraltar San Marino Faroe Islands be here.” Barthez lifted the trophy in 2000 in a team Group G Group H Group I including Bixente Lizarazu, who also joined for- Russia Italy Portugal mer Netherlands captain Ruud Gullit in present- Sweden Croatia Denmark ing the hour-long show. Austria Norway Serbia “It is a great honour to be asked to present Montenegro Bulgaria Armenia it,” said Gullit, a winner in 1988. “It’s funny as Moldova Azerbaidjan Albania well, if you look back on the fact that you were Liechtenstein Malta playing in a tournament like that and then all of a sudden you are doing this and you never

4 | UEFA •direct | 03.14 thought it would happen. Back when we won it, you only needed four matches and then you were in the final. Nowadays with more teams, nice proves social draw I think UEFA has made it much better and much The official hashtag of the qualifying draw, #EURO2016, was a more exciting.” worldwide, top-trending topic on 23 February as fans from around the globe took to social media platforms to discuss events as they Great expectations unfolded in Nice. “I expect a lot from EURO 2016 in France,” UEFA.com also proved popular, the official website of the competi- concurred Lizarazu. “I have the impression that tion recording 60 % more visits than for the qualifying draw of the the Bundesliga used the 2006 World Cup to 2012 competition – while in excess of 160,000 users watched the become the strongest, most exciting and most live stream of the draw, with commentary available in English and, impressive league in the world along with the for the first time, French. Premier League in England. I would like this There were other firsts, too, as UEFA launched its maiden Instagram EURO to allow France to revive both its national account (Instagram.com/uefacom) ahead of the draw and also team and club football, with new stadiums and conducted Facebook Q&As – a novel way of allowing fans to infrastructure, with people getting more enjoy- engage with their heroes. One of the goalkeeping greats taking ment out of coming to watch games. French part in the ceremony, Peter Schmeichel, was the first in the hot football needs some vitality and a boost.” seat, followed by Turkey coach Fatih Terim. For the first time, 24 teams will compete at The Instagram account benefited from the first use in a football the final tournament, giving broadcasters plenty setting of Instatop – a mounted, mirrored tablet which takes to talk about in the post-draw flash positions at photo-booth style pictures of willing volunteers. the Acropolis and other media in the mixed zone. The qualifying round also sees the launch of the Week of Football concept, outlined by the UEFA President, Michel Platini, at a press confer- ence on the eve of the draw. Under the new match schedule, which starts in September, national team matches will be played over six days at standardised kick-off times for the first time. “This is an innovative project created for foot- ball fans, which has the unanimous support of UEFA’s member associations,” he said. “It was a strategic decision. We took it to try to promote national team football. Clubs play on almost every Sportsfile day of the week and, as a result, national team football has been pushed out of the limelight. We would like to see it back in the limelight again. Former Denmark goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel answers fans’ questions “We want fans to have more choice, to have on Facebook alongside Josh Hershman, UEFA’s social media editor more matches at regular kick-off times, not only to see matches of their own national team, but In this case, it was goalkeepers of the likes of Dino Zoff, Andreas also to be able to watch all the best national Köpke, Antonis Nikopolidis and Hans van Breukelen who posed in front of a EURO backdrop with a ball – and each other. Inside teams in Europe.” a month, more than 140,000 people were following the account. Everything connected with the first “rendez- The official UEFA European Championship Facebook page vous” for UEFA EURO 2016 was meticulously (Facebook.com/uefaeuro) attracted 50,243 new fans on the day of planned. Over 670 rooms across seven hotels in the draw, taking the total beyond 3 million. Nice were booked on the eve of the draw, with Those figures have been boosted by the launch of UEFA’s first non- a fleet of 46 vehicles transporting guests, part- English Facebook page (Facebook.com/UEFAEUROFR), delivering ners and staff to the different locations across mother-tongue content to the French audience as the countdown the event, negotiating the logistical challenges to June 2016 continues. presented by the carnival. EURO also has a French home on Twitter, where @UEFAEURO and Camera positions were available on the red @UEFAEURO_FR added 8,000 new followers on the day of the draw carpet to chronicle the arrival of guests and – it is the place to go if you want your 2016 news in 140 characters. stakeholders at the draw proceedings, while 12 UEFA has a large footprint on social media, with over 40 million multilateral camera positions were stationed in cumulative followers across all channels, and the digital team are the draw hall, including special cameras used working closely with the social media giants to produce innovative under the guidance of director Francois Lanaud. and engaging content. Guests and dignitaries were unanimous that Examples of best practice were shared with the national associa- the final tournament will leave a great legacy for tions at a KISS workshop in February, and while work is ongoing to football in France. The nation’s future was repre- verify and make all association accounts official, the goal is a cohe- sented at the ceremony by over 200 children, sive strategy which takes us from the European Qualifiers through invited to see the first steps on the road to UEFA to France and beyond. l EURO 2016. l

UEFA •direct | 03.14 | 5 European Futsal Championship

Italy take futsal crown

Italy, champions for the first time in 2003, clinched a second European Futsal Championship title by defeating Russia in the final.

The Italians celebrate winning their second European Futsal Championship title Sportsfile

Futsal was the real winner in Antwerp. “Every- create and enjoy a wonderful atmosphere, while thing seemed to move up a step,” commented lighting levels allowed Eurosport to upgrade Spain’s Javier Lozano who, with two FIFA World their TV production to include super slow motion Cups and three EUROs to his credit as Spain’s cameras – and viewing figures in various Euro- national team coach, was in Belgium as one of pean countries registered outstanding market UEFA’s technical observers. “We could see impro­ shares. The tournament offered spectators a vements in coaching, in tactical maturity, in plethora of goals – none of them more spectacu- physical condition, in intensity, in goalkeeping, in lar than the bicycle kick by Eder Lima (the event’s the creation of shooting opportunities and in the top scorer with eight) which earned Russia their presentation of the final tour- 4-4 draw with Portugal. nament as a real spectacle.” Quarter-finals The Royal Belgian Football The big four 3 February Ukraine – Portugal 1-2 Federation made a magnifi- The Futsal EURO 2014 respected the form 3 February Romania – Russia 0-6 cent job of staging and pro- book in that the big four – Italy, Portugal, Russia 4 February Italy – Croatia 2-1 moting the event at two venues and Spain – successfully monopolised the semi- 4 February Slovenia – Spain 0-4 in Antwerp from 28 January to final line-up. But they were made to work hard 8 February. The group matches and none of them won all their matches on the Semi-finals were played at the smaller way. As Russia’s coach, Sergei Skorovich, remarked: 6 February Portugal – Italy 3-4 Lotto Arena, with the eight “The ‘middle-class’ teams are getting stronger 6 February Russia – Spain 4-3* knockout games then staged a and stronger in terms of technique and tactics. * after extra time few metres along the pave- I don’t think we can talk about ‘weak teams’ any ment at the grandiose Sport- longer.” Third-place play-off paleis, where the crowd of His impression was borne out when, in the 8 February Portugal – Spain 4-8 11,558 at the final brought the opening Group C fixture, Slovenia’s power and total attendance for the tour- movement earned a 3-1 advantage which was Final nament to 89,240. An abun- only reduced to the final 3-2 scoreline 31 seconds 8 February Italy – Russia 3-1 dance of in-stadium enter­­ from time while the Italians were operating with tainment allowed the fans to a flying goalkeeper. The surprise result prompted

6 | UEFA •direct | 03.14 four days of nail biting among the eventual at the interval, struggled to cope with the mobil- champions, acutely aware that failure to win ity of the Russians after the break. A hectic spell their second and last game (the 12 teams were of three goals in 40 seconds left Russia 3-2 up, divided into four groups of three) would signify only for Miguelín, as flying keeper, to force extra an unprecedented group-stage exit. Their oppo- time with just over two minutes on the clock. nents were Azerbaijan who, fielding a flying A penalty shoot-out seemed inevitable until goalkeeper for most of the second half, fought Robinho capitalised on a defensive error to chip back from 5-2 down against Slovenia to edge a the ball into the net and give Russia their first thrilling contest 7-6. In the event, Italy sailed into victory over Spain in 20 attempts. The Spaniards, the last eight by taking a 3-0 lead and then add- disappointed to end a run of four consecutive ing four more goals while Azerbaijan were gam- gold medals at Futsal EUROs, salvaged pride by bling on the flying keeper. taking bronze thanks to a spectacular 8-4 victory Group D also kicked off with a surprise, Croatia over Portugal. coming back with a late equaliser from the flying keeper to draw 3-3 with defending champions A long-awaited second European crown Spain – and then do likewise against the Czech The historic triumph, however, took its toll on Republic, who were eliminated by an 8-1 defeat the Russian squad. “We didn’t have any emo- against Spain. The other two groups respected tional energy left for the final, in which your the form book with greater clarity, with the heart should throb but you have an ice-cold hosts’ first-night nerves contributing to a 6-1 mentality,” coach Sergei Skorovich admitted. defeat by Romania. Casting inhibitions aside, Italy, by contrast, found the mental and physical they deserved more than a 0-0 draw against forces required in a showcase final. “It was a Ukraine who (unusually in futsal) topped the night when we did everything well,” their coach, group despite scoring only one goal in two Roberto Menichelli, commented. “Defending, games – against Romania. In Group B, the Nether­ attacking, set plays…everything.” It was a set lands lost heavily to Russia and Portugal, who play which broke the ice, captain Gabriel Lima then played out a thrilling 4-4 draw when pitted shooting home following a corner after just over against each other. six minutes. Eder Lima, however, produced a solo reply, stealing possession, turning and ham- A demanding tournament mering the ball into the net. The Italians, focused The quarter-finals proved to be the watershed and committed, successfully exploited deliveries for the tournament’s dark horses, who struggled to the far post to score twice more before the to cope with the physical and mental demands interval and, during a second period when the of three high-intensity matches in five days. The Russians threw everything at them, defended Ukrainians were the first to go. Despite upping with discipline, strength and determination. their game and matching the Portuguese for “When playing with the right heart and fighting goal attempts, they were defeated 2-1. spirit, we can achieve any objective,” said Italy’s Later that evening, Romania sent on the fly- captain, Gabriel Lima, just after he had lifted the ing keeper just over a minute after the start of trophy in Antwerp and led his team on a jubilant Russia’s Eder Lima the second half, when Stancea Nelu’s team was lap of honour. After a nightmare start, Italy had against Italy’s goalkeeper already trailing Russia 4-0. The ploy went unre- produced a dream finish to win their long- Stefano Mammarella warded as they conceded twice more to lose awaited second European crown. l in the final 6-0. On the next day, Italy made a flying start, going 1-0 up after 46 seconds against Croatia. A stunning solo run by Franko Jelovčić pulled Mato Stankovic’s team level, only for Fortino’s goal to give Italy victory in a game where the second period was devoid of goals. In the last quarter- final, Slovenia started strongly against Spain but, with physical and mental fuel running low, were beaten 4-0. Still they went home with heads held high after making a memorable contribu- tion to the tournament. This left the big four to battle it out in the semi-finals. Italy’s captain Gabriel Lima – who displayed outstanding leadership qualities through­ out the tournament – put them ahead once again within the first minute but Portugal hit back twice in the first half, inspired by the extraordinary skills of Ricardinho. During the sec- ond half, however, the Italians hit three goals and only conceded one late reply. There was an identical 4-3 scoreline in the other see-saw semi-final, in which Spain, 1-0 up Sportsfile

UEFA •direct | 03.14 | 7 Futsal Cup

A first for Baku

The UEFA Futsal Cup has always explored new territory. Since introducing four-team finals in 2006/07, it has enabled Kazakhstan and Georgia to hold their first UEFA final tournaments. And in late April another country debuts as hosts of such a showpiece event when the competition heads to Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku.

Araz Naxçivan will act as host club, joined by As ever, the top four seeds only started in the top three from the 2013 tournament in November’s elite round. Kairat, Dinamo and Bar- Tbilisi: holders Kairat Almaty, 2007 winners FC celona cruised through their groups with three Dynamo of Russia and FC Barcelona, bronze comfortable wins. Yet while the other side enter- medallists in Georgia, having taken gold in Lleida ing at this point, Sporting Clube de Portugal, 12 months before. The four sides went into the approached their last match as Group D hosts semi-final draw in Baku on 12 March, with the leading Araz on goal difference, the 2011 runners- ­ fixtures at the Sarhadchi Olympic Sport Complex up were beaten 6-3 by their Azerbaijani guests. on 24 April and the final and third-place play-off two days later. Four teams for the title It has taken 99 games to get here, with 29 of So now the focus turns to Baku, and the the competition’s 49 entrants from 48 nations 2,200 - seater Sarhadchi arena, opened in August kicking off in August’s preliminary round. Baku 2009 and used for taekwondo, basketball, gym- United FC of London – who boasted Portugal nastics, volleyball and wrestling as well as futsal. captain Arnaldo Pereira and former Spanish There has never been a finals with so much international Marcelo – and Hamburg Panthers experience in the field. became their countries’ first representatives to In this context Araz are relative newcomers: pass through a UEFA Futsal Cup round. though this is their ninth straight season in Europe, they have got to the semi- finals just once before – in 2010 when they came third in Lisbon. Still, their roster forms the bulk of the Azerbaijan squad that played in the last three UEFA Futsal EUROs, sup- plying ten players this year, not to mention long-serving coach Alesio. Kairat will contest their sixth semi- final since 2005/06, yet it was only last term that they actually won one. The Kazakh club stunned holders Barcelona 5-4 with a Fumasa hat- trick before an equally impressive 4-3 defeat of Dynamo with the decisive goal coming from keeper Higuita, a pivotal part of their attack as well as back line. Dynamo duly lost a second straight final, just as in 2006. Twelve months on from that, they claimed DPI

/ their sole continental title; and the survivors of their dramatic 2007 suc- cess over Interviú in Murcia are Alek- sandr Rakhimov, Cirilo, Tatù and Filipe Amorim Pula, scorer of the last-gasp winner. Araz Naxçivan Barcelona, meanwhile, have been triumphed over Neither would proceed any further, though, in the last four in all three of their entries, tri- Sporting Clube as 16 other clubs began their glory bids in Octo- umphing as hosts in their 2012 debut before de Portugal on ber’s main round. Also falling at this second coming unstuck against Kairat last year. Barça’s the last matchday in the elite round hurdle were the only team to have featured in all fate may be a warning to Kairat: no team has 13 editions of the competition, Iberia Star Tbilisi, successfully defended the trophy since Playas de who had broken ground by reaching the semis Castellón FS won the first two editions in 2002 and staging the finals in Georgia last April. This and 2003. But then, until now, no Azeri side has time they were pipped on goal difference by had the chance to play a final on home ground KMF Tango Sarajevo. either. l

8 | UEFA •direct | 03.14 UEFA Youth League

Nyon all set for show of talent

UEFA’s newest competition reaches its climax this April and although a new trophy will be lifted for the first time, it will happen at a venue which is now an old hand at hosting title deciders.

The inaugural season of the UEFA Youth League has been a successful one. The aim of the venture – which is starting with a two-year trial period – is to provide young players with the chance to experience what top-level European club competi- tion is all about. In the UEFA Cham- pions League group stage, the par- ticipating clubs’ youth teams (Under-19 level) took on the corre- sponding side from a different country, often travelled with the seniors to the away games and occasionally took part in other activ- ities habitually performed by their elder colleagues – such as dealing with the media. All these things serve to give the next generation of European footballing talent a real feel for what the future may hold.

Colovray, a familiar destination Sportsfile Development and gaining experi- ence may be the paramount princi- ples of the UEFA Youth League, but Having hosted the every competition has to have a winner and the all the ties being one-game affairs (the teams European Women’s first team to have their name engraved on the which finished top in the group stage gained Under-17 Championship Lennart Johansson Trophy will do so following a home advantage in the round of 16), a real “cup-tie final round for several years, the Colovray final-four weekend at the Colovray stadium in feel” was apparent at the fixtures after Christmas. stadium in Nyon is now Nyon, Switzerland. The stadium opposite UEFA’s Despite its status as a youth tournament and looking forward to wel- headquarters is a now familiar destination for a its primary mission to aid development, the com- coming the final four in denouement, having held the four-team Euro- petition has not been without the odd touch of the UEFA Youth League pean Women’s Under-17 Championship finals glamour. With big clubs come some heavy- from the competition’s launch in 2007/08 until weight names: Filippo Inzaghi (AC Milan) and 2012/13 (when it became an eight-team tourna- Patrick Vieira (Manchester City FC) are ment). Colovray was also the location for the two of the veterans of European club Youth Olympic qualifiers in October 2013, so the football who are now coaching their home of FC Stade Nyonnais certainly has pedi- respective youth teams. And look a little gree in hosting age-group showpiece events. closer at the team sheets and some Like those aforementioned tournaments, the familiar names pop out. Devante Cole climax to the UEFA Youth League season will struck five times in five group stage comprise a pair of semi-finals – taking place on games to help put Manchester City’s 11 April – followed by the final itself three days name in the hat – a strike rate of which later. The last four will meet on the same day as his father, Andrew Cole, would have the draw for the UEFA Champions League and been proud. City pipped FC Bayern UEFA Europa League semi-finals, giving increased München’s U19s to second spot in exposure to the teams, with plenty of media Group D with Lucas-Julian Scholl, the expected to be in Nyon at the same time. son of Mehmet, turning out for the UEFA Bavarian side. The Lennart Cup-tie feel Now it is time for the final act, as a bit of his- Johansson Trophy While the competition started by mirroring tory will be made in Nyon when we discover the the UEFA Champions League group stage, it has first winners of this new competition. Judging by taken its own route – and further developed its its first year, the UEFA Youth League may well own identity – since. The knockout draw on produce new dynasties and names to join the 16 December mapped the road to Nyon and with Coles and Scholls of the football world. l

UEFA •direct | 03.14 | 9 Development tournaments

A HEAD START FOR EUROPE’S YOUTH

UEFA has given girl and boy footballers a fantastic opportunity to make progress, through the introduction of UEFA international development tournaments across Europe. The European body has responded to feedback from its member associations by offering young footballing talents an additional chance to play competitive national-team matches in what is an exciting UEFA development project.

Having received the backing of the presidents Only winners and general secretaries of the UEFA member Everyone wins through the tournaments – associations at their strategy meeting in Limassol, open to all 54 UEFA member associations. They Cyprus, in September 2011, the idea was imple- represent a real step on the youngsters’ learning mented under the auspices of the UEFA HatTrick curves in terms of skills and football knowledge. assistance programme in spring 2012. The players also relish an international environ- ment in which to perform. Coaches are able to test more players and experiment with tactics – knowing that player development, rather than winning, is the ultimate objective. Referees are given an ideal educa- tional opportunity on their career path when taking charge of the tournament matches, and the asso- ciations organising the tournaments pick up experience in staging an event from an operational perspec- tive. Finally, the friendship aspect is equally worthwhile – players meet counterparts from other countries and learn about different cultures and football philosophies. The international development tournaments were launched to fur- ther support and reinforce the importance of youth football. The project provides a wide range of benefits for these young, talented male and female players, teaching them how to play under pressure and within a highly competitive envi- BFS ronment. The players can also gauge Development their skill level alongside their oppo- tournaments, for girls An initial pilot phase proved a resounding nents and gain valuable experience on the pitch. as well as boys, are very success, the 2013 programme brought wide- The UEFA member associations supporting this important for UEFA spread praise from everyone involved – players, development project are providing the best pos- coaches and technical observers – and the sible platform for the future growth of national 2014 schedule is packed with potential. Nine team football and elite performance. joint boys and girls’ Under-16 tournaments are At the same time, UEFA has launched another already confirmed until June, as are five separate worthwhile venture, in giving young women’s Under-16 boys’ and two separate girls’ Under-16 Under-17 and Under-18 players additional inter- tournaments. national experience through specific develop- The Under-16 age category was chosen for ment tournaments at these age levels. these specific development tournaments, as The tournaments are open to countries which UEFA feels that this is a vitally important stage in participate in the European Women’s Under-17 a player’s development pathway to the elite level. Championship qualifying round but do not qualify The friendly matches and their preparation help for the elite round. This year will see several such facilitate the player development process. The tournaments. Seven women’s Under-18 events Under-16 development tournaments also pre- are already on the schedule between April and pare the way for players to move into the Under- August, while the period between May and 17 age group, and the start of European youth August will bring five women’s Under-17 tourna- competition action. ments. l

10 | UEFA •direct | 03.14 Miscellaneous

Match Against Poverty Keystone

“Coach” Platini with The 11th UEFA-backed Match Against Poverty The UEFA President, Michel Platini, attended some of his star-studded took place on 4 March at the Stade de Suisse in the match and even served as coach of the team (left to right): Berne, watched by more than 21,000 fans. Zidane, Ronaldo & Friends team alongside Ruud F. Cannavaro, Ronaldo, Zidane, Hierro, Salgado A glittering line-up of world stars gave their Gullit. His team finished 8-6 winners against and Nedvěd time to travel to the Swiss capital to take part in Young Boys & Friends, whose line-up included the match to raise funds for victims of the typhoon current and former BSC Young Boys’ players that devastated the Philippines last November. such as Stéphane Chapuisat and Hakan Yakin. l

Finland, Norway and Sweden lead A first for Kazakhstan The 38th Ordinary UEFA Congress will be held in Astana, the capital of fair play race Kazakhstan, on 27 March. UEFA’s invitation to the Football Federation of Kazakhstan to host its annual general meeting fits in with its commitment On 31 December, Finland were at the top to involve all its member associations in its big events. Founded in 1992 of UEFA’s fair play rankings. following the break-up of the Soviet Union, the Kazakh federation Based on all UEFA competition matches became UEFA’s 52nd member at the Congress in Stockholm in 2002. played at club and national team level bet­ Three years ago, the Football Federation of Kazakhstan hosted the ween 1 May 2013 and 30 April 2014, the UEFA Futsal Cup finals in Almaty, whose futsal team, Kairat Almaty, last three best-placed national associations are year became the first Kazakh club to win a European football title when each rewarded with an additional place in the they beat MFK Dinamo of Russia in the 2012/13 UEFA Futsal Cup final. first qualifying round of the following sea- Although there will be no elections at this year’s UEFA Congress, the son’s UEFA Europa League. national association delegates will be voting on several amendments to At the halfway stage, Finland (8.244 the UEFA Statutes proposed by the UEFA Executive Committee. The points) are ahead of Norway (8.24), Sweden agenda will also include the usual statutory items, such as annual reports (8.171), France (8.157), England (8.144), the and financial matters. Above all, however, the Congress remains an excel- Netherlands (8.106), Denmark (8.069), Estonia lent opportunity for Europe’s football leaders to strengthen their ties and (8.048), Scotland (8.047) and the Czech to discuss current topics. l Republic (8.045). l

UEFA •direct | 03.14 | 11 Medicine

Medical experts in Madrid

The importance and evolution of medicine in football was highlighted at the sixth UEFA Medical Symposium, which took place in Madrid from 5 to 7 February.

The event, held in the Spanish capital, and one masseur and physiotherapist, and only one organised in cooperation with the Royal Spanish doctor. We only had a small first aid kit, with Football Federation (RFEF), brought together everything in it. Today at the club, we have two medical experts from UEFA’s 54 member associa- facilities where we have ultrasound, muscle spe- tions and some of Europe’s top clubs for three cialists, cardiologists, densitometry to check bone days of fascinating presentations and discussions composition and specialists in all those medical on issues ranging from developments in tackling fields. As we have seen here at this forum, things anti-doping to treating injuries, rehabilitation have been evolving exponentially in the last 15 and nutrition. or 16 years. It’s spectacular, and I think there is “I think it is good to bring to the attention of still a lot to come.” the whole football family to the fact that football Underlining the relevance of medical matters, medicine has become more and more impor- Spanish internationals David Villa and Sergio tant,” said the chairman of the UEFA Medical Ramos and coach Vicente Del Bosque were Committee, Dr Michel D’Hooghe. “This sympo- involved in a special round-table discussion. Villa, sium every four years is a highlight of the medi- who himself suffered a serious injury that kept cal calendar for UEFA. It is an occasion for the him out of the game for eight months in Novem- doctors to meet, to exchange knowledge and ber 2011, said: “It is a very important role at the experience.” club.” “Doctors don’t only deal with injuries, but also Huge changes prevention, so the role is key. There’s been a huge The theme of the symposium was evolution, change, particularly in helping clubs get more and some of Europe’s top national team and medical resources, more attention for players. The round-table club doctors have noticed dramatic changes in You used to see them one day a week, now participants (left to right): football medicine over the years of their involve- there’s constant contact. You might see them Sergio Ramos, David Villa, ment in the game. more than your coach!” Vicente Del Bosque, Dr Helena Herrero, “It has changed a lot,” said FC Barcelona doc- Del Bosque added: “Doctors in football have a Graham Hunter, Victor tor Ricard Pruna. “I started with Louis van Gaal in really specialist task now. The doctor who works Fernández, Dr Alan Byrne 1997, and back then we only had two stretchers, with us (for Spain) is in constant contact and and Dr Juan Costa Sportsfile

12 | UEFA •direct | 03.14 keeps us up to date with all players on a daily “If there is a possibility of long-lasting injury basis. It didn’t used to be like that.” or maybe even something that’s left for the The importance of medicine in football was player after his career, then there’s no way we echoed by the RFEF president, Ángel María Villar would let him play, and usually the coaches fol- Llona, as he paid tribute to former Spanish low our advice,” said Dr Tim Meyer from the national team coach Luis Aragonés, who died in German Football Association. in February: “Luis Aragonés was extremely inter- ested in the medical aspects within football. He was a coach who knew how important it was to have the experience of doctors in football, and how important it was to results.”

The success of the elite club injury study The symposium also aimed to promote some of the programmes that UEFA has developed to enhance medical knowledge and care in recent years, such as the UEFA football doctor educa- tion programme, minimum medical require- ments for UEFA competitions and the elite club injury study. Now in its 13th year, the injury study has proved a huge success, with many UEFA Champi- ons League clubs now benefiting from the large database of information that has been collated to find common trends in top-level football injuries. Barcelona doctor Pruna has found the study particularly useful: “You can compare yourselves with other clubs in terms of muscle injuries, ten-

donitis injuries, heavy or light injuries, ligament Sportsfile injuries, player availability. So we use those sta- tistics to educate the players, and talk to the On-pitch emergencies are a topic that has The discussions and coaches to draw conclusions and improve for received heightened attention in recent years in presentations during the the following season. We know today that if we the light of a number of high-profile cases of symposium confirmed the growing importance go past a certain number of injuries, we won’t players collapsing during football matches. The of football medicine win the Champions League; it’s impossible. That’s tragic cases of the deaths of players such as a fact.” Antonio Puerta and Piermario Morosini were Vice-chairman of the UEFA Medical Commit- remembered as part of an impactful session by tee, Professor Jan Ekstrand, who has led the UEFA Medical Committee vice-chairman Profes- study since it began in 2001, added: “We have sor Stewart Hillis. 18,000 injuries in the database and we are fol- lowing 1.2 million training sessions and matches. Minimum medical requirements We have a huge amount of material, the largest UEFA’s minimum medical requirements aim to in the world. prevent such tragedies, with clubs and national “The biggest benefit for us is to have contacts associations having to ensure that certain pitch- with all these clubs and the possibility to discuss side medical equipment and medical staff are matters with colleagues working 24/7 on the present at UEFA matches. In addition, emer- field, sharing all their experience of how to pro- gency treatment was also the focus of the first tect the players.” UEFA football doctor education workshop in February 2012. Recovery time This was another example of how medical The study has helped clubs to assess recovery care is evolving, and with giant strides also being times from injuries, and the question of when is made in other areas such as the fight against the right time for an injured player to return to doping, as well as injury diagnosis and treat- the pitch was another of the main subjects dis- ment, it would appear that the future of our cussed in Madrid. footballers is in good hands. The English Football Association’s Dr Ian Beasley “I don’t know where we will stand in ten offered a presentation on rehabilitation, while years,” said Dr D’Hooghe, “but what I do know the issue was also debated in a round-table dis- is that there has been an enormous progression cussion chaired by Professor Ekstrand. The over- over the years, thanks to the collaboration of all consensus was that the player’s welfare many people in the field of football and in the Sportsfile should always come first. field of football medicine.” l

UEFA •direct | 03.14 | 13 Social responsibility

Better access for disabled people

Imagine being a disabled football fan and being unable – or at least, finding it extremely difficult – to go to watch the game you love. This important issue is being addressed by UEFA in tandem with its associated partner CAFE (Centre for Access to Football in Europe).

CAFE, a registered charity based in the United recognised around the world as a real best prac- Kingdom and proactive across Europe, has clear tice standard.” objectives: promoting equal access to all Euro- CAFE uses UEFA’s help wisely, lobbying clubs pean football stadiums and their clubs; acting as to improve or develop access and facilities for accessible stadium advisers and sharing good disabled fans. “Our job is to advise the clubs that practice; increasing disability and access aware- with better access for disabled people, they will ness using football’s influence; establishing a be a more inclusive club,” Joyce reflects. “Foot- European network of local and national disabled ball has a magic that changes things where other football supporter groups; and enabling more platforms don’t. The message is powerful. We disabled people to follow and get involved in also want to use this in terms of disability aware- football at all levels. ness to really help the impact on wider society.” Joyce Cook, CAFE’s managing director, is a The legacy of UEFA EURO 2012 is strong, with disabled football fan: “I’ve watched matches disabled fans going weekly to matches in the where you could only see the players from the co-host countries of Poland and Ukraine, and a knees upwards, or only a third of the pitch, or growing number of disabled supporter associa- you could actually see nothing,” she says. Joyce tions attached to their clubs in these countries. asked UEFA for support, and UEFA responded – CAFE worked with UEFA and EURO 2012 host awarding CAFE its CHF 1m Monaco charity cities, giving advice on how to improve facilities cheque in 2009, and appointing CAFE as the and services. official UEFA EURO 2012 charity, donating Alexandr Sidelnikov is a Ukrainian fan who f 3,000 for every goal at the final round. set up a disabled supporters’ group at his club, PFC Sevastopol, and assisted it in making access Greater awareness improvements with CAFE’s help. “The club does The result is greater awareness of the needs of everything possible to help disabled people,” he At the 2012 UEFA disabled fans. “Because UEFA cares about this says, “and that is not just disabled people who Women’s Champions League final in Munich, subject, people take note,” says Joyce. “Clubs use wheelchairs.” disabled spectators give us respect. And UEFA and CAFE have created “There is a specially designated zone in the enjoyed special facilities a joint good practice document. It is already being stands with sufficient space for everyone to make themselves comfortable with their friends and those who accompany us. In addition, for more than two years now, PFC Sevastopol has been helping us with transport... CAFE is doing very useful work helping everyone to understand the needs of disa- bled people.” Alexandr and his group provide a superb example. “We really want to see disabled people locally becoming active, speaking for themselves, empow- ered with a voice to really effect change at their own levels,” adds Joyce Cook. Progress takes time, but opti- mism is in good supply. “I’d like to see, within the next five years, disability access officers at every club in Europe, and disabled fans going to matches at every club,” Joyce Cook reflects. “If we reach the point where each club has engaged with this subject, then we will have made real pro- Sportsfile gress…” l

14 | UEFA •direct | 03.14 Miscellaneous

Memorandum of understanding signed between CAF and UEFA

UEFA and its sister governing body in Africa, CAF, have signed a memorandum of under- standing in Cairo which provides for strength- ened relations and mutual cooperation. The relationship between European and African football has taken a significant step forward with the signing of a memorandum of under- standing (MoU) between UEFA and its sister gov- erning body in Africa, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF). The UEFA President, Michel Platini, and the President of CAF, Issa Hayatou, signed the mem- orandum at a ceremony at CAF’s headquarters in

Cairo, Egypt, on 20 February. The two presidents CAF were accompanied by UEFA’s General Secretary, Gianni Infantino, and Hicham El Amrani, Secre- “UEFA is very happy to partner CAF to The representatives of tary General of CAF. Members of the CAF Execu- exchange knowledge and share ideas to develop the CAF and UEFA in Cairo on 20 February tive Committee were also in attendance. the game,” said Michel Platini. “This initiative is to sign the MoU Valid until 31 July 2016 and open for renewal, the result of a collective decision by the 54 national the MoU provides for mutual cooperation associations of UEFA, since CAF is a major stake- between the two continental confederations holder in global football.” with regard to the development of football in “This agreement will benefit the national Africa and Europe. Objectives set out are the associations affiliated to CAF and build their strengthening of collaboration between the two capacities in various sectors of football develop- confederations and the establishment of a ment,” said Issa Hayatou. “CAF will be acting as framework for exchange and dialogue. an intermediary between UEFA and the national This will be achieved through the sharing of associations to ensure they get the expected information and experience, as well as joint techni- benefits.” cal development programmes in various fields such UEFA has signed memorandums with other as coaching, refereeing, youth football, women’s confederations in recent times, as European football, competition organisation, administration, football’s governing body aims to strengthen its marketing, media and social responsibilities. relationships within the football family. l

Johan Cruyff receives the UEFA President’s Award

On 16 February, Michel Platini travelled to Amsterdam to present the 2013 UEFA President’s Award to Johan Cruyff, in recognition of his out- standing contribution to European football. As a player, Johan Cruyff won an impressive collec- On 16 February, in tion of trophies and distinctions, including three Amsterdam, Michel successive European Champion­ Clubs’ Cup suc- Platini presented the UEFA President’s Award cesses with his first club, AFC Ajax, between to Johan Cruyff. They 1971 and 1973. A symbol of the “total football” are pictured with Edwin advocated by coach Rinus Michels in the 1970s, van der Sar (left), Johan Cruyff scored 392 goals in 704 club Michael van Praag and Michael Kinsbergen matches. He also netted 33 times in 48 appear- Getty Images (far right). ances for the Dutch national team. After hanging up his boots in 1984, he through the foundation that he set up in 1997, began a coaching career during which he which aims to help them improve their health, added to his collection of European titles. He quality of life and social integration by playing won the European Cup Winners’ Cup with AFC football together. Ajax in 1987 and with FC Barcelona in 1989, Under Michel Platini, the UEFA President’s before lifting the European Champion Clubs’ Award has gone to Alfredo Di Stefáno (2007), Cup with the Spanish team in 1992. Bobby Charlton (2008), Eusébio (2009), Raymond For several years, Johan Cruyff has been sup- Kopa (2010), Gianni Rivera (2011) and Franz porting disabled children and young people Beckenbauer (2012). l

UEFA •direct | 03.14 | 15 member associations

Azerbaijan www.affa.az

Bakcell Under-14 Elite Cup country are interested in helping the AFFA One of the priorities of the Association of to organise competi- Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA) is tions. the development of youth football. Since Bakcell, a leading 2008, the country has had organised leagues provider of mobile at youth level, providing an opportunity for internet, is particularly children to play football on a regular basis. active in this area. As Today, Azerbaijan has boys’ leagues at part of the coopera- AFFA Under-11, Under-12, Under-13, Under-14, tion between Bakcell The young Neftchi players pose proudly with their trophy Under-15, Under-16, Under-17 and Under-19 and the AFFA, a youth level, as well as girls’ leagues at Under-13, tournament – the Bakcell Under-14 Elite More than 3,000 fans attended the final, Under-16 and Under-19 level. The boys’ Cup – was staged in Baku from 27 January which was contested by Neftchi and Inter on Under-12, Under-13 and Under-17 leagues to 17 February. 17 February at Bayil Stadium. Neftchi came are sponsored by Athena, Coca-Cola and This was organised to help teams to make out on top, winning the final 2-0. After the Bakcell respectively, while the girls’ Under-16 good use of the break between the first and match, both finalists and the third-placed league is sponsored by UNICEF. As you can second rounds of the Under-14 league and team were presented with trophies by Bakcell see, prestigious companies operating in the to gain experience of tournament football. and the AFFA. l Narmina Zulfugarova

Belarus www.bff.by

2014 development tournament committee, organised its annual international where they battled for a place in the Under-18 tournament in the Belarusian quarter-finals. The hosts were joined by At the end of January, the Football capital. The tournament was first staged in teams from Russia, Ukraine, Finland, Iran, Federation of Belarus (BFF), with the support 2005, and teams from 18 different countries Latvia, Lithuania, Georgia, Kazakhstan, of the Development Bank of the Republic have come to Belarus to compete in it over Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Moldova. of Belarus and the Minsk state executive the last ten years. Russia claimed the title for the third time, At the opening ceremony, the president beating the hosts 6-1 in the final, with of the BFF, Sergei Roumas, and his counter- Hertha BSC Berlin forward Maximilian parts from the Russian Football Union, Pronichev scoring two goals. Pronichev was Nikolai Tolstykh, and the Georgian Football the tournament’s top scorer, with seven goals Federation, Domenti Sichinava, all stressed in five games. Unfortunately, the Belarusian the importance of such tournaments for the team did not have the physical or mental development of young players and wished strength needed to overcome the Russians the participating teams luck. In addition, the after an extremely tough semi-final against UEFA President, Michel Platini, addressed Ukraine (who went on to beat Lithuania in those talented young players via a video link. the third-place play-off). This tenth edition of the tournament was After another well-organised event, the BFF contested by a record 12 teams. The teams BFF is looking forward to welcoming new The 10th Development Cup was a great success were divided into four groups of three, participants in 2015! l Alexander Aleinik

Bosnia and Herzegovina www.nfsbih.ba

Dragons satisfied with After Brazil, the NFSBiH draw in Nice delegation travelled to Nice to attend the UEFA Never before has the Bosnia and Herzego- EURO 2016 qualifying vina Football Federation (NFSBiH) had such draw. Even before the a busy start to the year. In addition to draw, Safet Sušić, the preparations for this year’s FIFA World Cup players and the fans were in Brazil, representatives of the NFSBiH also all very happy, as Bosnia attended the draw for the qualifying stage and Herzegovina were FF BiH of the forthcoming­ European Football among the top seeds The Under-15 national team Championship. in pot one. This is great An NFSBiH delegation visited Florianopolis recognition for the Dragons, who will face the more favourable weather conditions in Brazil from 18 to 20 February, attending Belgium, Israel, Wales, Cyprus and Andorra in that part of the country. The women’s a FIFA seminar and visiting the training in Group B. Safet Sušić and the other repre- Under-17s, Under-19s and seniors took part centre at Casa Grande Guaruja. Head coach sentatives of the NFSBiH were all satisfied in training sessions, before playing a friendly Safet Sušić was satisfied with the facilities at with the draw, and if the team play as well match in Citluk. the hotel, where his team will arrive for a as they can, they can qualify directly for The men’s Under-15s, Under-17s and training camp on 6 June. The team will begin EURO 2016. Under-19s also came together, and they their preparations on 15 May in Sarajevo, As in previous years, a winter camp was too played a friendly match. In addition, and then on 28 May they will travel to the recently organised for the national women’s the young players were visited by Ivica Osim, United States, where they will stay until youth and senior teams. The camp was held the chairman of the NFSBiH’s mediation 6 June, playing two friendly matches. in the southern town of Citluk on account of committee. l Fuad Krvavac

16 | UEFA •direct | 03.14 Bulgaria Croatia www.bfunion.bg www.hns-cff.hr

Borislav Mihaylov re-elected Borislav Mihaylov – Bulgaria’s goalkeeper during their successful FIFA World Cup campaign in 1994 – has again been re-elected president of the Bulgarian Football Union (BFS). This will be the 51-year-old’s third term in office. With 461 of the 493 delegates voting for him, the BFS general assembly gave Mihaylov a massive vote of confidence and the green light to continue his work developing Bulgarian football. “Wow, I am impressed! Your vote is a ringing endorsement of the work that has been done over the last eight years. Together, HNS we have been through many trials and chal- lenges, because football is a social phenom- The doctors and medical staff who attended the symposium enon and, for better or for worse, it has been affected by the global economic Training for medical which makes the doctor’s role even more turmoil. We have done a good job in this and marketing staff important. Our task is to select a good team difficult situation, thanks to our fruitful and organise it well. We need to learn and cooperation with FIFA and UEFA. When I look The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) educate ourselves continuously in order to at all of you, I strongly believe that Bulgarian recently organised a medical symposium for provide the best possible care for players,” football has a bright future ahead of it,” said team doctors at first and second division said Dr Boris Nemec, the head of the HNS’s Mihaylov on being re-elected. clubs and the medical staff of all national medical committee. teams. The HNS also hosted two marketing Emergency situations were the main topic workshops as part of UEFA’s support for addressed at the symposium, with lectures national associations ahead of the European on topics ranging from the organisation Qualifiers. At the workshop on football of medical staff at clubs and coordination relationship management (FRM), HNS staff between clubs and the HNS to the manage- learned more about FRM, looking at how it ment of cardiac arrests, injuries to the cervical can transform the HNS’s business and how to spine, and head, thorax and abdomen implement it, including the establishment of injuries. a roadmap for success with clear objectives. The symposium also involved written and Meanwhile, the workshop on digital practical examinations, after which all doctors marketing strategy focused on the HNS’s were presented with medical equipment digital opportunities. Digital marketing (emergency bags and defibrillators), provided expert Richard Ayers analysed the current in cooperation with UEFA, who supported situation at the HNS and suggested various this symposium. ways of creating a practical and progressive BFS “Football is developing really fast, with the digital marketing strategy. The BFS has re-elected Borislav Mihaylov as intensity of matches and training increasing, l Tomislav Pacak its president

Among the top priorities in the BFS’s strategic plan for the period 2014-18, which Czech Republic www.fotbal.cz was presented to the delegates, were the hosting of the final round of the European Under-17 Championship in 2015, the bid Eight new mini-pitches free of charge by the public (e.g. nursery, to host UEFA EURO 2020 matches, and the primary and secondary schools). Anyone can continued promotion and development of Since 2005, the grassroots department play football there. Mini-pitches are often football within the country. Emphasis was of the Football Association of the Czech also used on UEFA Grassroots Day in May, placed on grassroots football, in line with Republic (FAČR) has been helping clubs in when youth tournaments and games are the fifth of UEFA’s key values. “Through the Czech Republic to build mini-pitches for organised. the UEFA Grassroots Charter, which the BFS local children. Eight mini-pitches were built l Michal Blažej signed in January 2013, we have established in 2013: five in villages and small ‘Football in School’ programmes in all of towns (Plesna, Plzenec, Mala Hrastice, Bulgaria’s major cities. Our aim is now to go Roudnice and Vetrovy) and three in one step forward, turning this into a national the capital, Prague (Aritma, Dablice project,” Mihaylov said. Improving all and SK Praha). The financing of these communication with clubs in order to help mini-pitches is shared: the clubs have them promote prospective sports infrastruc- to pay for all of the infrastructure ture projects and obtain financing from local around the mini-pitch, while the FAČR authorities and government was the other pays to have the artificial surface main focal point in the BFS’s strategic plan. installed. All mini-pitches can be used Finally, the general assembly appealed to the Bulgarian government, calling for further strong support for football and asking that football be made compulsory in schools. Mini-pitches FACR l Pavel Kolev in the Czech Republic

UEFA •direct | 03.14 | 17 Member associations

England Germany www.thefa.com www.dfb.de

Competitive as ever Wigan Athletic’s win over Manchester City DFB Cultural Foundation in the FA Cup final last year was a fairy tale and 11FREUNDE remember The English FA is readying itself for the end to the season, but 2014 has also seen Jews in German football business end of the 2013/14 FA Cup season, its fair share of surprises, with League Two’s with the semi-finals taking place in April and Rochdale beating Leeds United 2-0 and the final at Wembley on 17 May. Sheffield United from League One beating The terrible loss suffered when Jews While The FA Cup is famous across the both Aston Villa and Fulham from the Premier were driven out of sport in Germany was globe for the third round weekend in League and the Championship’s Nottingham more or less overlooked for decades. January, the competition actually begins in Forest in their impressive cup run. Fortunately, over the past 15 years, some August with 737 entries from across the It has been a lucrative FA Cup run for committed researchers and fan initiatives English non-league and professional game. Sheffield United, who are managed by Nigel have been working to change this situation. The FA Cup sees household names like Clough, the son of the legendary Brian Clough. The football magazine 11FREUNDE and Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal The Blades have earned over £1m from the German Football Association’s Cultural enter at the third round stage but it begins The Football Association in prize funds and Foundation have been devoting attention with clubs such as Chesham United, Maldon broadcast fees this season, a huge amount to people whose names are little known, & Tiptree and Alton Town all dreaming of a for a side that sits outside English football’s but whose contributions to the develop- lucrative tie against Premier League opposi- top two divisions. ment of football in Germany deserve tion and trying to progress in a competition Crowd numbers for The FA Cup have recognition. that has a total prize fund of over £25m. progressed this season as well, with over The publication “Verlorene Helden” 500,000 fans attending (Lost Heroes) comprises 192 biographies third round ties back in that exemplify not only the achievements January – the most since of Jews in German football, but also the 1980. crimes that were committed against them Next season The FA after 1933 – deprivation of rights, Cup will be shown on expropriation, expulsion and murder. TV in the UK by both the Professor Lorenz Peiffer and Henry Wahlig, BBC and BT Sport. sports historians from the University of l Matt Phillips Hanover, have collated these biographies from their own research, thanks to the groundwork and support of many others.

Wigan Athletic caused an upset when they beat FA Manchester City in last The year’s FA Cup final

France www.fff.fr

A kids’ stand will be seated close to the pitch and the at the Stade de France players, giving them an exceptional match- day experience in the best possible condi- For France’s last match against the Nether- tions. The following activities are also lands at the Stade de France on 5 March, the included to keep everyone entertained French Football Federation (FFF) introduced before and during the match: a “kids’ stand”, an exciting new scheme for – Shooting practice: under the supervision its youngest supporters. of dedicated staff, the children can test Sold at very reasonable prices, tickets for their shooting skills in the build-up to the the kids’ stand come with a special reception match. at the stadium and guarantee the youngsters – Arts and crafts workshop: the children are also given an opportunity to draw, colour or write a message of encouragement on DFB a giant banner for the team. This publication will be sent to all German clubs – The “history wall”: the FFF has a duty to educate young people and believes that learning the history of the French national “The project had our full support from team will make them true supporters. the very outset,” said the DFB president, – “Allez les Bleus” activities in the stand: Wolfgang Niersbach. “I find it incredible all the staff involved in the children’s how many Jewish players, coaches and reception and pre-match activities accom- officials helped to build and develop pany them in the stand during the match, German football, before being expelled encouraging them to support their team, or murdered. It is important that we for example by singing the French national remember them. For this reason, we will anthem. be sending the brochure to all 25,000 Already, over 400 people – parents and clubs with the next DFB newsletter.” children – have benefited from the kids’ stand The “Verlorene Helden” special supple- FFF project and enjoyed this exclusive, designated ment was published on 20 February and The French are focusing on the next generation area. can be downloaded at www.dfb.de. of supporters l Jean-Baptiste Schmidt l Thomas Hackbarth

18 | UEFA •direct | 03.14 Malta www.mfa.com.mt

Say “no” to match-fixing Stadium prior to two Maltese Premier League matches. All four teams’ players and the Following the example set by UEFA and various match officials came out onto the FIFA, the Malta Football Association (MFA) pitch together wearing T-shirts bearing the is playing a very active role in the global slogan “Say ‘no’ to match-fixing”. Banners campaign against match-fixing. The MFA’s with the same message were carried by integrity officer and his team work tirelessly ballboys. Aquilina to raise awareness of this issue, which is The series of integrity tours should reach D. being tackled very effectively in Malta. a broad crosssection of Malta’s football clubs Players and referees wear “Say ‘no’ to match-fixing” “Integrity tours” are being organised, and fans. The initiative will eventually be T-shirts for the match between Valletta and Birkirkara whereby meetings are held with the MFA’s expanded to cover all the clubs in the country, member clubs with a view to stamping out starting with those in the top two divisions. generation – will increasingly realise that the such corrupt practices. Ways of communi- Besides the integrity officer and his team, game should be guided by the principles of cating the details of such measures to Malta’s other MFA officials are assisting with this honesty and integrity, making it impossible football family have also been proposed. awareness-raising initiative. for dishonest individuals or groups to indulge An awareness-raising event was organised As a result of this intensive campaign, the in match-fixing and other corrupt practices. a few weeks ago at the Ta’ Qali National Maltese people – particularly the younger l Alex Vella

Moldova www.fmf.md

Charity work

As part of its ongoing charity work, the A wonderful Football Association of Moldova (FMF) surprise for recently distributed presents at a Moldovan the children orphanage. at Pirita For the eighth year in a row, representa- orphanage tives of the FMF made a surprise visit to lift the spirits of children at the Concordia orphanage in Pirita in the Dubasari region. FMF A total of 300 children between the ages of 1 and 16 gathered in the sports hall to receive gifts from the president of the FMF, (FC Veris Chişinău) and Alexandru Suvorov handed out, the children were also given an Pavel Cebanu, who was accompanied by (FC Mordovia in Russia). opportunity to collect autographs, sing songs Moldovan internationals Alexandru Dedov The children were given footballs, books and dance with their famous guests. (FC Zimbru Chişinău), Viorel Frunză and magazines. After the presents had been l Press office

Northern Ireland www.irishfa.com

Club Mark scheme try to improve the way they are run. The governance, the duty of care, coaches’ FFA Club Excellence Mark is a strand of the development and community outreach. Ballymena’s Northend United Youth FC IFA’s club and volunteer capacity building In achieving the one-star level, Northend has become the first football club to gain programme, which forms part of a Sport in United Youth FC has shown dedication accreditation under the new Irish Football the Community programme, a partnership to best practice in all of these areas. Association (IFA) Club Mark scheme. with Ulster Rugby and Ulster GAA with The IFA’s community relations manager, The IFA launched its Football for All (FFA) support from the department for social Claire Adams, said: “This is a great achieve- Club Excellence Mark in October, and since development. ment by the club, and the hope is that all then over 80 clubs have registered their Northend United Youth FC is a community- football clubs can aspire to Club Mark interest. This is a football-specific accredita- oriented club that has demonstrated a accreditation, so that club football in Northern tion scheme which clubs can embark on to commitment to best practice in the running Ireland has a healthy and successful future.” of its football club. The chairman of Northend United The Club Mark Youth FC, Johnny Sayers, said: “We are scheme is a tool delighted and proud to be the first club in that can help clubs Northern Ireland to achieve the IFA Club like this to develop Mark. This is recognition of the great work and ensure that of all volunteers at the club since it was set they are run in up ten years ago. We hope this award will the right way. The spur us on to bigger and better things.” focus is on club This programme has been made possible by the generous support provided by the Players, volunteers Northern Ireland executive through the and officials from department of culture, arts and leisure’s Northend United Promoting Equality, Tackling Poverty and Youth FC receive the Social Exclusion through Sport programme. IFA IFA Club Mark together l Sueann Harrison

UEFA •direct | 03.14 | 19 States, HungaryandtheKrasnodarregion. and Group CismadeupofTurkey, theUnited comprises Iran,Estonia,SlovakiaandUkraine, opponents inGroup B,whileGroup A Romania andAzerbaijanwillbeRussia’s at theHouseofFootballinMoscow. Israel, Kuban Springtournament Sochi tohost Under-19 teamsare takingpart. inwhich12women’sSpring tournament, the venueforthisyear’s Kuban international Olympics,Sochi,willbe the 2014Winter 20 who couldapplytheholisticapproach needed. players, aswellgettingcoaches onboard would meetthereal coachingneedsofyoung then setaboutfleshingoutaprogramme that research department.Over thesummerwe coaching attheclubs,andtraining and the membersofFSGCboard, headsof Giaquinto, were studiedandapproved by FIGC’s headofyouthdevelopment,Alessandro UEFA Pro coursecandidates Senior teammanagermeets Member associations and coachingproject Development, education Wycombe Wanderers. Under-8, Under-10 andUnder-12 teams. Under-12s, thenewproject incorporates all Under-12 trainingsessions.Insteadofjust FSGC coachworkedwithclubcoacheson two yearspreviously, through whichan technical developmentprogramme launched September lastyear. the pitchesofDoganaandMontecchioin and coachingproject withafirsteventon (FSGC) launcheditsdevelopment,education confirmed candidatesare: StuartAshton, a Pro diplomacourseeverytwoyears.The UEFA regulations, theFAI canonlyrun FAI’s coacheducationdepartment.Under to gothrough theUEFA Pro systemwiththe Celtic,LeicesterCity,Villa, game from histimeatSunderland,Aston November andhasvastexperienceinthe appointed nationalteammanagerin Association ofIreland (FAI). O’Neill was diploma courseorganisedbytheFootball participate intheforthcomingUEFA Pro recently metthe17candidateswhowill The drawforthegroup stagewasmade From 20to30March, thehostcityof The initialproposals requested bythe The project isthenaturalextension ofa The SanMarinoFootballFederation This willbethefourthgroup ofcoaches Republic ofIreland managerMartinO’Neill |UEFA www.rfs.ru Russia www.fai.ie Republic ofIreland www.fsgc.sm San Marino • direct |03.14

Norwich Cityand

the twobestthird-placed teamswillall the finalwillbeplayedon30March. respectively, andthethird-place play-off and overall aimbeingthepursuitofexcellence. initiatives putinplacefocusonquality, the fulfilment are allessentialfeatures. Allofthe harmony, pleasure, funandemotional the way;constantconsultation;andcollabo improvement; testingandfine-tuningalong benchmarking andevaluationtomeasure timetables; periodic“handson”sessions; dynamic, personalisedsyllabusesand ration betweentheFSGCandclubcoaches. robustselectionprocess,andweare very our Prodiplomacourse,wethenentereda dance ofapplicationsforthenextedition manager, said:“Havingreceivedanabun- Sue RonanandLeoTierney. Mick Neville,ColinO’Brien,DonO’Riordan, Robbie Horgan,PeterHutton,Tom Mohan, Niall Harrison,OwenHeary, OllieHorgan, Donohue, EileenGleeson,Tommy Griffin, John Caulfield,DaveConnell,Jason in trainingsessions;sessionswhichwell-being, semi-finals willtakeplaceon26and28March delighted withthefinalshortlistofcandidates. 22 and24March, thequarter-finals andthe topical, practicalandbalancedideasapplied of youngfootballers,takingintoaccountall principles. Firstamongtheseistheeducation psychology tosportsscience.Thisyearwe coaching fieldtotheboardroom,andfrom in severaldifferentdisciplines,fromthe 17 participantshoneanddeveloptheirskills and thisnextcoursewillseeafurther Pro diplomaholdersthroughtheircourses, The group winnersandrunners-up Greig Paterson,theFAI’s coacheducation The group matcheswillbeplayedon20, The four-year project isbasedon11key oftheprojectThe cornerstones include “The FAI havealreadyproduced49UEFA

FSGC for children’s football A newdevelopment programme -

A newUEFA Prodiplomacourse complementary round, with as theSSEAirtricityLeague,championship coach CarloChiarabini;technicalstaff Lorenzo passion andtonurture ourchildren together. objective: toworktogetherwith respect and all involvedmustembracethesame shared families whothemselvesplayan activerole – management andvolunteerstothe children’s project; from theclubsthrough theircoaches, ment whoare runningandevaluatingthe staff ofthecoachingandresearch depart- administrative andfinancialsupport,tothe Spirito; andgoalkeepingcoachPietro Martini. coordinators OmarZanottiand LuigiDi Magi andFirminoPederiva;programme place on25,27and29March. stint inEngland. Fahey returning totheclubafterafive-year midfielderKeith season withinternational and madeamajorsigningcoupinpre- Athletic clinchedthetitlelastseason, will rununtiltheautumn.SaintPatrick’s ment coordinator EmilioCecchini;core skills each toachievepositivegrowth. players withrealistic goals,thereby enabling Theaimistoprovidecapacity tolearn. young suit eachindividual’s character, abilityand every coachingsessionmustbetailored to opportunities toprogress. Thismeansthat is thateverychildshouldbegiventhesame ceremony willtakeplaceon20March. by Russia’s nationalteams.Theopening sports developmentcentre, whichisused season commencesinMarch. Nowknown the Under-21 manager, NoelKing.” performance director, RuudDokter, and FC’s headcoach,EileenGleeson. team manager, andPeamountUnited participants: SueRonan,seniorwomen’s will alsowelcomeourfirsteverfemale From thenationalassociation through its The project teamcomprisesyouth develop- Undoubtedly themostimportantprinciple Matches willbeplayedattheSputnik Meanwhile, Irishfootball’s domestic “The coursewillbeledbyourhigh-

RFS Spring tournament in thisyear’s Kuban 12 teamstakingpart Representatives ofthe will takepartina knockout stage qualify forthe teams thatdonot quarter-finals. The proceed tothe matches taking l l Irina Baranova Stephen Finn l Elisa Felici

FAI

Slovakia www.futbalsfz.sk

Ján Kováčik re-elected success of the national team at the FIFA U17 to which Slovakia’s largest sports association as president World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. The had improved its performance and image. SFZ had also received a number of profes- Ján Kováčik explained that the main Ján Kováčik has been unanimously sional awards, such as the Štefan Mašlonka priority for his second term in office was the re-elected as president of the Slovak Football Award (for its media services) and the ITAPA completion of an ambitious reconstruction, Association (SFZ), with all 84 delegates Award (for its IT system), showing the extent modernisation and building programme voting for the 51yearold to take on a second spanning 21 football term in office. Delegates also elected members stadiums across Slovakia. of the SFZ’s executive committee and other Another important goal was officials. achieving sporting success Ján Kováčik described his previous term with the senior national in office, stressing that the organisation was team, which should have making great progress and implementing the best facilities possible. significant changes. One of the achievements The congress in Poprad that he referred to was the successful orga- – held in the immediate nisation of the final round of the European vicinity of the new Under-17 Championship and the sporting national training centre – was visited by Eva Pasquier from FIFA and Karen Espelund from UEFA. For the first time ever it was Sweden also broadcast on the www.svenskfotboll.se internet. SFZ l Juraj Čurný Mikael Santoft to step down Ján Kováčik after his re-election The 63-year-old general secretary of the Swedish Football Association (SvFF), Mikael Santoft, has signalled his intention to take Switzerland www.football.ch early retirement this autumn. “I’ve been thinking about this for some time, and the time is now right. We have no Emmen football academy Hence the decision to close the academy in major championships in 2014, and I have to close at the end of 2014/15 Emmen at the end of the 2014/15 season. just finished a reorganisation at the SvFF. I’ve Those in Emmen can look back with pride given the board early notice of my retirement In 2005, the Swiss Football Association at players such as Pajtim Kasami (U17 world to give them plenty of time to recruit my (SFV-ASF) moved the Credit Suisse Football champion, Fulham FC), Haris Seferovic (U17 successor. There’s nothing dramatic about Academy from Frauenfeld to Emmen. At world champion, Real Sociedad de Fútbol) this, but it is an intense job, which I’ve had the end of the 2014/15 season, the Emmen and Philipp Koch (FC Zürich), all of whom since 2009, and I want to retire while I’m municipal authority and the SFV-ASF will be successfully made the jump from the Emmen still healthy,” Santoft said. able to look back on a successful decade of academy into the professional game and the Karl-Erik Nilsson, the president of the cooperation. Swiss national team. SvFF, expressed regret at Santoft’s decision: Since 2005, 18 talented young footballers l Pierre Benoit “The SvFF will lose an important man, who from each academic year group have has done a fantastic job for us. We’re attended midweek training at the Emmen grateful for the early warning, but I do sports ground for two years, while continu- regret his decision.” ing their studies at the local school. The In other news, players stay with host families in Emmen, Sweden will be have lunch and dinner together at the represented by restaurant and do their homework under both a men’s and supervision. The SFV-ASF academy in Emmen a women’s team has proved successful and made a huge at the Homeless contribution to the development of many World Cup in Chile talented young players. this October. The In light of developments in the training club Gatans Lag, of young footballers, however, the SFV-ASF which will organise academy in Emmen will close after ten years the Swedish teams, at the end of the 2014/15 academic year. is a member of the The requirements of looking after and SvFF SvFF and will be developing talented young footballers, and The general secretary given support as the set-up required, have changed signifi- of the Swedish FA, Mikael part of the SvFF’s cantly over the past ten years. The approach Santoft, is stepping down commitment to taken by the SFV-ASF has proved itself but corporate social the Super League clubs have now opened responsibility projects. Pia Sundhage and their own professional youth academies. Henrik Larsson are both proud ambassadors Even the best young players now train with of Gatans Lag. Super League clubs and the opportunities to

“I can see the joy and the glow in the combine football with school have been Images eyes of the homeless who play the world’s vastly improved. Thanks to the progress greatest game: football. Of course I support made by Switzerland’s top clubs in terms of Getty Gatans Lag,” Pia Sundhage said. youth development, it is no longer necessary Pajtim Kasami trained in Emmen before becoming l Andreas Nilsson for the SFV-ASF to take the lead in this way. U17 world champion and joining Fulham FC

UEFA •direct | 03.14 | 21 Member associations

Turkey www.tff.org

Construction of new facilities Doğan National Team Camp for national teams and Education Facilities will be unique in Turkish football In a few months’ time, the modern new and will be the envy of other facilities that the Turkish Football Federation countries. (TFF) is building for its national teams will be completed. Hasan Doğan national TFF The facilities are named after a former team camp and education A mock-up of the facilities planned for the Turkish national teams president of the TFF, Hasan Doğan, who died facilities – facts and figures in July 2008 while he was still in office. The Training facilities Hasan Doğan national team camp and Size of entire site: 190,000 m² education facilities, which are situated in of 150; lounge with bar (110 m²); seminar Five training pitches – four with natural turf Riva, Istanbul, are due to be completed this room; three meeting rooms; conference (one with a stand) and one with artificial summer. The foundations were laid only last room with capacity of 350; health centre; turf; training pitch for goalkeepers; beach spring, on 9 April 2013. swimming pool; three therapy pools; two soccer pitch; two basketball/volleyball courts; All of Turkey’s men’s and women’s national training pools; fitness centre; two saunas; tennis court; futsal complex; mini golf teams will use the facilities and have their three massage rooms; six dressing rooms; course; running and cycling tracks training sessions there, and all educational physiotherapy room; two doctors’ rooms; seminars involving the TFF’s partners will also Building office for national team/football develop- be held there. Size of building: 18,000 m² ment directorate (2,300 m²); main lobby/ The president of the TFF, Yıldırım Demirören, Size of accommodation block: 8,000 m² reception; mini-amphitheatre; centre for and the head coach of the men’s national 85 standard double rooms (12 for disabled technical staff. team, Fatih Terim, believe that the Hasan people); two suites; restaurant with capacity l Aydın Güvenir

Ukraine www.ffu.org.ua

Under-21s win 2014 Commonwealth Cup Ukraine’s Under-21s overcame Russia to The Ukrainian Under-21s win the 2014 Commonwealth Cup. Serhiy who lifted the 2014 Kovalets’ team lifted their first trophy, having Commonwealth Cup scored four goals without any reply from FFU their opponents in the final. In the opening match of the tournament, the Ukrainians beat Kyrgyzstan 2-0 to take the lead in Group A. The blue-yellows continued their winning streak with another whom they beat 4-1. Then came a very tough match. A lot of fans turned out. We were 2-0 victory, this time against Estonia, and semi-final against Belarus, for whom the luckier; we created our chances and scored with four goals against their final opponents game ended dramatically when Shastsilouski our goals. I hope the spectators enjoyed in the group stage, Tajikistan, against whom scored the only (own) goal of the match. the game. We made the most of the the Ukrainians were clearly the stronger side. After the Ukrainians’ subsequent, confident opportunity to test our young players at In the quarter-finals Ukraine left nothing display against Russia in the final, the head a big tournament.” to chance against their Lithuania opponents, coach, Serhiy Kovalets, said: “It was good l Yuriy Maznychenko

Wales www.faw.org.uk

2014 UEFA Super Cup in Cardiff Kevin Ratcliffe. The current Cardiff City FC The Football Association of Wales (FAW), manager, Solskjaer, scored the winning goal the Welsh government and Cardiff city for Manchester United FC in the 1999 UEFA council are delighted to announce that the Champions League final against FC Bayern UEFA Super Cup is coming to Cardiff. München. This year’s prestigious fixture between the Jonathan Ford said: “The Football winners of the UEFA Champions League and Association of Wales is delighted that the UEFA Europa League will be played at Cardiff will be hosting this year’s UEFA Super Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday 12 August. Cup. This prestigious match features the The announcement was made at Cardiff best teams in Europe: the winners of the City Stadium. Among those attending were Champions League and the Europa League. the Welsh government’s sports minister, John Cardiff has hosted several high-profile Griffiths, the chief executive of the FAW, sporting events. This, however, is a first. This Jonathan Ford, and the leader of Cardiff city will be the first match staged on behalf of FAW council, councillor Heather Joyce. They were UEFA in the Welsh capital. We are sure it will joined by two former winners of European not be the last.” Left to right: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, John Griffiths, club competitions, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and l Ceri Stennett Jonathan Ford, Heather Joyce and Kevin Ratcliffe

22 | UEFA •direct | 03.14 Birthdays, calendar, notices

Alexandru Burlac (Moldova, 21 April) Frederick Roy Millar (Northern Ireland, Birthdays Tomislav Vlahović (Croatia, 21 April) 25 April) Carlo De Gaudio (Italy, 1 April) Jan Damgaard (Denmark, 22 April) Philippe Verbiest (Belgium, 25 April) Jan Peeters (Belgium, 2 April) 80th Morgan Norman (Sweden, 22 April) Domenti Sichinava (Georgia, 25 April) Michael Sjöö (Sweden, 2 April) Roderick Petrie (Scotland, 22 April) Salustia Chato Cipres (Andorra, 25 April) Elisabeth Derks (Netherlands, 2 April) Giorgios Sarris (Greece, 22 April) Valentin Velikov (Bulgaria, 25 April) Kaj Østergaard (Denmark, 3 April) Volodymyr Petrov (Ukraine, 22 April) Marina Sbardella (Italy, 27 April) Martin Sturkenboom (Netherlands, 3 April) Claudine Brohet (Belgium, 22 April) Philip Gartside (England, 27 April) Dennis Cruise (Republic of Ireland, 3 April) Roland Tis (Belgium, 23 April) Jan Carlsen (Denmark, 27 April) Yoav Strauss (Israel, 3 April) 50th Mehmet S. Binnet (Turkey, 23 April) Edgar Steinborn (Germany, 27 April) Emil Ubias (Czech Republic, 3 April) Prune Rocipon (France, 23 April) George Frank (Israel, 29 April) 70th Christian Kofoed (Denmark, 4 April) Nebojša Ivković (Serbia, 24 April) Gudmunder Ingi Jónsson (Iceland, 29 April) Alex Miescher (Switzerland, 4 April) Avraham Luzon (Israel, 24 April) Robin Howe (Scotland, 29 April) Jan Ekstrand (Sweden, 5 April) 70th Sandor Piller (Hungary, 24 April) Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros Momir Đurđevac (Montenegro, 5 April) Mirsini Psaropoulou (Greece, 24 April) (Portugal, 30 April) Aleksandra Pejkovska (FYROM, 5 April) Vencel Tóth (Hungary, 6 April) Snježana Fočić (Croatia,6 April) Athanassios Briakos (Greece, 6 April) Pavol Peracek (Slovakia, 7 April) upcoming Jacques Devismes (France, 8 April) Notices Jim Fleeting (Scotland, 8 April) events l On 14 February, Borislav Mihaylov Peter Hegyi (Hungary, 8 April) was re-elected president of the Yevgeniy Stolitenko (Ukraine, 8 April) Meetings Bulgarian Football Union. Márton Esterházy (Hungary, 9 April) Ladislav Svoboda (Czech Republic, 9 April) 8 April, Nyon l On 21 February, Ján Kováik was Zoran Petrović (Serbia, 10 April) Fair Play and Social Responsibility re-elected president of the Slovak Panagiotis Tsarouchas (Greece, 10 April) Committee Football Association. Vlastibor Minarovjech Jr (Slovakia, 10 April) Eduard Kindle (Liechtenstein, 10 April) 9 April, Valletta Umberto Gandini (Italy, 11 April) European Under-17 Championship: Eduard Dervishaj (Spain, 11 April) final round draw Obituary Rodger Gifford (Wales, 12 April) Jean Appietto (France), a member 11 April, Nyon Valeriu Ionita (Romania, 12 April) UEFA Champions League and UEFA of the UEFA Amicale des anciens François De Keersmaecker Europa League: semi-final draws (circle of former UEFA committee (Belgium, 12 April) members) died on 15 February Antonio Jose Fernandes Cardoso aged 80. (Portugal, 12 April) 50th Competitions He was a member of the UEFA Paolo Piani (Italy, 13 April) Board of Appeals from 1986 to 1992, Edvinas Eimontas (Lithuania, 13 April) 1/2 April then vice-chairman of the Juridical Octavian Goga (Romania, 14 April) UEFA Champions League: Committee from 1992 to 1998, Georgios Bikas (Greece, 15 April) quarter-finals (first legs) before returning to the Appeals Erol Ersoy (Turkey, 15 April) Body in 1998 and serving as its vice- Antonius van Eekelen (Netherlands, 3 April chairman from 2002 until 2006. 15 April) UEFA Europa League: Jean Appietto received the UEFA Dušan Fitzel (Czech Republic, 15 April) quarter-finals (first legs) Order of Merit in Diamond at the Đuro Bukvić (Croatia, 16 April) 2007 UEFA Congress in Dusseldorf. Manuel Enrique Mejuto Gonzalez 8/9 April (Spain, 16 April) UEFA Champions League: Charles Schaack (Luxembourg, 17 April) quarter-finals (return legs) Oguz Sarvan (Turkey, 18 April) 10 April Alexandre Remin (Belarus, 18 April) 24 April UEFA Europa League: UEFA Europa League: Norman Darmanin Demajo quarter-finals (return legs) semi-finals (first legs) (Malta, 19 April) Michael Kuchenbecker (Germany, 19 April) 11–14 April, Nyon 24–27 April, Baku Virgar Hvidbro (Faroe Islands, 19 April) UEFA Youth League: final round UEFA Futsal Cup: final round Elena Charina (Russia, 19 April) Jean-Luc Veuthey (Switzerland, 20 April) 19/20 April 26/27 April Michael Argyrou (Cyprus, 20 April) UEFA Women’s Champions League: UEFA Women’s Champions League: Marc Lesenfants (Belgium, 21 April) semi-finals (first legs) semi-finals (return legs) Vitor Manuel Melo Pereira FAW (Portugal, 21 April) 22/23 April 29/30 April Martinus van den Bekerom UEFA Champions League: UEFA Champions League: (Netherlands, 21 April) semi-finals (first legs) semi-finals (return legs)

UEFA •direct | 03.14 | 23