UEFAdirect-83•E 18.2.20099:42Page1 No 8358 – MarchFévrier 20092007 3.09 in Spain Referee courses in Nyon workshop Disciplinary Congress at theUEFA Elections in Spain Referee courses in Nyon workshop Disciplinary Congress at theUEFA Elections 10 08 03 10 08 03 UEFAdirect-83•E 18.2.2009 9:42 Page 2

Message Photos: UEFA-pjwoods.ch of the president New blood and continuity Whatever the outcome of the election at our forthcoming Ordinary Congress in Copenhagen, it is certain that the Executive Committee will see an unprecedented injection of new blood as at least seven new members are voted in. At the same time, it will say goodbye to a number of faithful servants who have devoted many years to keeping our organisation and football in general in good health. These changes are caused by the kind of natural evolution that characterises every society, where one generation passes the baton to the next so it can continue the work that has been started. There will certainly be no shortage of work over the next few years and the Executive Committee, at its January meeting in Nyon, adhered fully to the three priorities that I put to it: financial fair play in the UEFA competitions, the restriction of international transfers of minors and the organisation of EURO 2012. The guidelines for the months ahead have therefore been set out for IN THIS ISSUE both the existing and newly elected Executive Committee members. Clearly, however, I do not want this to limit their freedom of action and thought. On the contrary, Elections at the UEFA I am expecting the new members to bring new impetus to the table, to submit ideas Congress 03 and suggestions, to join our search for appropriate solutions to the problems Technical directors workshop in Paris 07 facing European football and, in particular, to help us successfully address the three aforementioned priorities. Disciplinary workshop in Nyon 08 Dialogue, the exchange of ideas and dynamism are indispensable tools if we are to achieve our objectives, but we also need clearly defined objectives and Referee courses in Benalmadena 10 continuity in our work, which we must pursue without ever losing sight of the goal. This is how our executive body should continue to operate with its new Executive Committee meets in Nyon 12 members, whom I look forward to welcoming when the time comes, as it has done News from member with their predecessors, whom I sincerely thank once again for their contribution associations 15 and commitment in the service of European football. Fondation stone laid for new UEFA building 22

COVER Michel Platini UEFA President In February the national teams were preparing to resume their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaigns. In Seville, Spain lived up to their European title by beating 2–0. Photo: Getty Images

02 uefadirect 3.09 UEFAdirect-83•E 18.2.2009 9:42 Page 3 Elections at the Copenhagen Congress TwelveTwelve candidatescandidates forfor ninenine seatsseats

Copenhagen is the venue for the next ordinary UEFA Congress. hemis.fr/AFP

ON 25 MARCH, THE DANISH FOOTBALL UNION (DBU) IS HOSTING meeting, although the most eagerly THE XXXIII ORDINARY UEFA CONGRESS. anticipated part of the proceedings is probably the elections, which will change A founding member of UEFA, the general secretary, Pierre Delaunay, the face of the Executive Committee. the DBU was one of the first associa- and the decisiveness of the president, The terms of office of seven members tions to host a UEFA general meeting. Ebbe Schwartz. are due to expire, including that of Led at the time by a Danish president, A few months after the Mathieu Sprengers, who died in spring Ebbe Schwartz, UEFA held its third resounding success of EURO 2008, last year. Furthermore, as a result of the annual conference in Copenhagen on the current leaders of the national asso- decision to increase the number of 28 June 1957. ciations must be delighted that these Executive Committee members (from The discussions at the 1957 pioneers took such an initiative. As well 14 to 16, including the president), two meeting focused particularly on the as making an enormous contribution additional seats are available, one for a possible creation of a European Nations’ to football’s popularity, the European four-year term and the other for two Cup, an idea that was not supported Championship has become an impor- years (this seat will be filled by the can- by everyone at the time. There were tant financing tool for the national didate elected with the fewest votes). fears that the calendar would become associations, particularly through the overloaded, friendly matches would be HatTrick programme, which is one of Two candidates for re-election abolished or even, in the eyes of Sir the items on the agenda at the Copen- Four current Executive Com- , the competition could hagen Congress. mittee members are not standing for become too commercial. The competi- As required by the UEFA re-election: vice-president Gerhard tion was not launched until the follow- Statutes, activity reports and financial Mayer-Vorfelder and members Franco ing year, thanks to the persistence of issues will also be covered during the Carraro, Viacheslav Koloskov and

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Per Ravn Omdal. Nine seats are therefore available and will be contested by 12 candi- Ten other candidates stand for election dates. The two current alongside the two current members: members standing for re-

election are vice-presidents UEFA-pjwoods.ch Giancarlo Abete Marios N. Lefkaritis and (Italy), Geoffrey Thompson Geoffrey Thompson. born on 26 August 1950, (England), became president of the Italian born on 23 August 1945, Football Federation in April 2007 has been a member of the Execu- after having been vice-president tive Committee since 2000 and and held various other positions vice-president since 2002. He is since 1988, including those of chairman of the National Asso- technical director and head of ciations Committee and con- Italy’s 1998 and 2006 World Cup tributes to the work of numerous delegations. At UEFA, he is first other UEFA bodies. His first UEFA vice-chairman of the National position was on the Control and Associations Committee. UEFA-pjwoods.ch Disciplinary Body, which he joined in 1992. He has also been a FIFA vice-president since 2007 and is a member of various FIFA com- (), UEFA-pjwoods.ch mittees. born on 14 January Marios N. Lefkaritis Geoffrey Thompson was 1976, has been president of chairman of The Football Asso- the Georgian Football Federa- (Cyprus), ciation (The FA) from 1999 to tion since June 2005, having born on 28 November 1946, 2008. He is currently first vice- held various positions in the joined the UEFA Executive Com- chairman of The FA and chair- federation since 1992. He is a mittee in 1996 and became a vice- man of The FA National Sports vice-chairman of the UEFA president in 2007. He is chairman Centre Trust, The FA Youth Trust National Team Competitions of the Finance Committee and has and The FA Benevolent Fund. Meyer/AFP/ Getty Images Committee and a member of sat on many other UEFA bodies “I have always believed “I have been encouraged the FIFA organising committee since 1992. He is also a member and indeed said many times that to seek election by all the stake- for the 2010 World Cup. of the FIFA Executive Committee football is a power for good. As holders in Italian football, on the “In my opinion, the devel- and other FIFA committees. it embraces so much more than basis that a big federation has a opment of European football Having been president of the 22 players, a ball and a set of duty to share with UEFA and its is only possible by means of a Cyprus Football Association from laws, it is important to see the other member associations the frank exchange of opinions 1991 to 2001, Mr Lefkaritis was larger picture if our football is to structures, human resources, between all its stakeholders. made honorary life president and thrive and survive. Youth devel- skills and experience gathered The specific situation still sits on the association’s board opment, for example, is vastly in its day-to-day management of within western Europe and the and executive committee. important as it is the young peo- the complexities of modern EU is decisive for the whole of “I am seeking re-election ple who will become the fans, football. My entrepreneurial and European football. On the because lots of things have coaches, referees, and indeed parliamentary activities, as well other hand, the specificity of changed very quickly at UEFA over leaders of our future game. It is as the numerous positions I have our sport in the countries of the last two years and I feel that also about harmony, friendship held in the Italian Football Fed- central and eastern Europe is the experience I have gathered and shared visions, combined eration over the last 20 years, also very important. during my previous terms in office with sound commercial manage- have reinforced my philosophy During my sports manage- could be particularly valuable ment and a firm commitment to of dialogue and mediation, in ment career, I have been lucky in this context, to help us to push make those visions a reality. order to bring together the enough to become acquainted forward harmoniously. Bringing hopes, aspirations, diverse forces at work in football, with both perspectives. This is We are also entering a new achievements and problems with a view to achieving broad why I have decided to stand cycle in the HatTrick programme together for discussion through consensus on the most impor- for election to the UEFA Execu- and as chairman of the UEFA our TEP round tables throughout tant matters. Standing for this tive Committee: being a mem- Finance Committee I want to dedi- Europe, I have endeavoured to election is a logical step in my ber of European football’s cate myself fully to this project, show, as chairman of UEFA’s career, to help in the strength- executive body opens new which perfectly symbolises UEFA’s National Associations Committee, ening and harmonious develop- doors and offers better chances principle of solidarity. It is equally that our aim is to learn from each ment of European football and of bringing the countries of important to me to kept UEFA other and share our experiences, enhance ties between all the central and eastern Europe in robust financial health, as the thereby achieving solidarity and national associations – small, closer to those of the west wider world experiences such respect. Europe is a diverse conti- medium and large. I want to and taking part in an open financial turmoil. nent and the issues facing our encourage solidarity and coop- dialogue at the highest level I think it is good that the national associations vary enor- eration between them, reinforc- about the development of smaller national associations are mously. Ultimately, however, we ing their role and autonomy at European football.” represented on our Executive are one big family with a respon- home and establishing a special Committee and participate in the sibility to work together for the relationship between them, dialogue that is vital to the bal- good of European football. UEFA and FIFA, repairing national ance and success of European To be elected onto the identity, the development and football.” UEFA Executive Committee in protection of young players, 2000 was for me both a great the importance of national honour and privilege and it has teams and the social and moral been a responsibility which I have responsibility shouldered by not taken lightly. I believe that I football.” can still make a contribution to European football and therefore, I am seeking re-election.”

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Committee

Frantisek Laurinec (Slovakia), born on 19 August 1951, IFA has been president of the Slovak Abraham Luzon Football Association (SFZ) since (), Tomás Gea 1999, having held various posi- tions in the Czechoslovakian Foot- born on 24 April 1955, began (Andorra), UEFA ball Federation and, later, the his sports management career in born on 7 March 1966, Allan Hansen Slovak FA. 1988 with Maccabi Petah-Tikva FC. is general secretary and former He has been a member of He was club chairman from 1991 vice-president of the Andorran (Denmark), various UEFA committees since to 2005. Having joined the Israel Football Federation. He has sat born on 27 February 1949, 2000 and is currently first vice- Football Association (IFA) executive on UEFA committees for the last has been president of the Danish chairman of the HatTrick Commit- committee in 2004, he was elected 12 years and is currently a vice- Football Association since 2002, tee. He also sits on FIFA commit- president in 2007. He has also chairman of the and Beach having held many administrative tees. been chairman of the IFA’s tenders Soccer Committee. He is a mem- positions in Danish football since and finance committees, and a ber of the equivalent FIFA com- 1984. He is also first vice-chair- member of the media committee. mittee as well. man of the UEFA Referees Com- At European level, he is first “My main motivation in mittee and a member of FIFA vice-chairman of the UEFA Players’ standing for election is a desire committees. Status, Transfer and Agents and to use my experience and profes- “European football has been Match Agents Committee. sional skills to the benefit of developing immensely for a num- “It is with excitement, pride football. ber of years and is surrounded by and a great sense of humility that great potential, but we cannot I am putting forward my candidacy. ignore the fact that football on I came to football as a spectator, our continent and in the world at News out of pure love for this wonderful

large is going through a phase in Photo game. which it also faces many threats As the years have gone by, and challenges. “I am proud of the support I have succeeded in having an Therefore, in view of the that I feel I have from the SFZ, and impact on Israeli football, starting propensity in political and finan- also from the clubs, in my position with a small team, Maccabi Petah- cial circles to exert a growing as president of the largest sports Tikva, where I learned that even influence on the world of football organisation in Slovakia. I believe small places can have an amazing and interfere with it, our common that I have experience in interna- influence to the benefit of all. commitment must be to safe- tional football, working, with Later, with the personal sup- FAF guard its purely ethical and sport- pleasure, on various UEFA and port of the Israel Football Federa- My career, starting as a ing features, defending values FIFA committees and panels, and tion, I managed to introduce player, then coach and finally such as the autonomy of football acting as a UEFA match delegate changes and make a difference. administrator, has given me a very associations, mutual solidarity and FIFA commissioner too. Now I would be delighted to dedi- broad vision and the necessary and national identity. Establishing mutual under- cate my time, my energy and my skills to be a good candidate to We need all the European standing between the so-called experience to European football represent European football. associations to demonstrate maxi- big and small, west and east, old as a whole. What is more, coming from mum cooperation and common and young, professionals and In Israel, we have used foot- a small national association I goals in order to tackle these amateurs is one of the most cru- ball as a means for promoting have a different perspective on issues and reconcile the interests cial questions currently facing peace. The Israel national team has the problems and difficulties fac- of big and small member associa- football in Europe. UEFA has joined forces with the Palestinian ing football, which would help tions, big and small clubs, west showed understanding, respect Authority national team to play us to take the right decisions to and east, and the professional and responsibility to our federa- peace promoting matches through- improve the game. and amateur game. tions. Now it is time to show out Europe, showing the world at Also, my career at national Having spent more than 25 our understanding, respect and large and not just politicians how level, and at international level as years working for my club, the responsibility to UEFA. Israeli and Palestinian players, Jews a member of various UEFA com- Danish FA, UEFA and FIFA, I have Bolstered by my ten years’ and Arabs, can cooperate together mittees, has introduced me to all gained experience in precisely experience as the president of a and demonstrating through the areas of the sport, from grass- this field and it has whetted my medium-sized federation and hav- game that coexistence is possible. roots football to the professional appetite to work on behalf of ing performed various functions Do you know any tool better than game, via futsal, European football and entirely in on UEFA committees and panels, football for this? I believe in foot- and more besides. its service as a member of the this is the where I see myself and ball as a game, but also as a vital So, with my professional UEFA Executive Committee. where UEFA can benefit from my educational tool. It is on this basis experience, youth and motiva- I consider myself an advocate knowledge and skills.” that I want to promote educational tion, I look forward enthusiasti- for both top-level and grassroots programmes that integrate foot- cally to this next challenge with football because I’m convinced ball, as well as programmes that UEFA.” that neither can survive, let alone promote football among the youth. flourish, without the other, and In the current economic crisis, I offer my personal commitment I also believe that my 30 years of and that of the Danish FA to con- experience at one of the biggest tribute our expertise and experi- banks in Israel can help UEFA and ence to this end and to a continu- its member associations to plan ous development of the game in and raise money for football. Europe and at a global level.” I attribute great importance to the family of European football taking the smaller associations ➜

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Elections at the UEFA Executive Committee

➜ under its wing and entrusting Liutauras Varanavicius them with the organisation of events that can take football in (Lithuania), such countries to new heights, born on 17 March 1970, encouraging their governments has been president of the to invest more in the sport and Lithuanian Football Federation its infrastructure. since 2000 and is also a member

“Football can certainly UEFA-pjwoods.ch of the Lithuanian Olympic Com- change people’s lives. I am sub- mittee. mitting my candidacy so that I Michael van Praag He has sat on UEFA commit-

can make a difference and bring (), tees since 2002 and is currently Wagner/Bongarts/Getty Images about change, out of a belief in a vice-chairman of the HatTrick born on 28 September the power of the game and an Committee. He is also a member Theo Zwanziger 1947, was elected president of admiration and love for the of the FIFA Goal Bureau. the Dutch Football Association (Germany), game.” (KNVB) last year, after having born on 6 June 1945, sat on the KNVB board, been a began his sports management member of the league board career as president of the and, beforehand, been chairman Rhineland football association of AFC Ajax from 1989 to 2003. from 1992 to 2001 and treas- He is first vice-chairman of urer for the German Football the UEFA Stadium and Security Association (DFB). He became Committee. executive president of the DFB “My main ambition is to in 2004 and, two years later, its continuously stress the social sole president. impact of football. This urgency He is currently also a vice- dates back to my days as LFF chairman of the UEFA National chairman of Ajax when I was Team Competitions Commit- strongly committed to solidari- “I have the support of my tee. ty, respect, social responsibility national association and many “By declaring, via the DFB and fair play in football. Today, others and I have many ideas board, its unanimous support FAW European football faces many about how to contribute to the for my candidacy, our associa- Peter Rees modern challenges. The speci- promotion of football and UEFA tion has made clear that, with ficity of sport, the protection on the basis of my first-hand its 6.5 million members, it still (Wales), of youth development, the role knowledge of the current situa- feels it should be represented born on 15 November of players’ agents, integration tion in most eastern European by its president in the highest, 1943, has been president of and fair play are just a few. associations and the interna- most important organs of of These challenges can only tional experience I have gath- European football. Like Egidius Wales since 2006, before be faced successfully when ered working on various foot- Braun and Gerhard Mayer- which he worked for Treharris clubs and national associations ball bodies. My management Vorfelder before me, I see simi- Athletic FC, the Welsh Premier are aware of their positions skills also stand me in good larities between the situation League and the Welsh asso- and are willing to stand to- stead and I am determined to at UEFA and our situation at ciation, as treasurer and vice- gether, side by side. I strongly work intensively for European the DFB. In both organisations, president. advocate firm protection of football by aiming for mutual we need to make a serious com- For UEFA he is first vice- clubs’ youth development pro- benefit and a balance of inter- mitment to bringing together chairman of the Club Licensing grammes. Furthermore, I sug- ests between UEFA and all its and holding together the dif- Committee. He is also a mem- gest increasing the importance member associations. Our suc- ferent interests of professionals ber of the FIFA Disciplinary of financial fair play in order cess lies in permanently con- and amateurs, big associations Committee. not to widen the gap between sulting all parties involved and and small. “In over 12 years as an smaller and larger clubs on seeking to reduce the gap In addition, I want to office bearer of the third oldest the one hand and smaller and between the Executive Commit- help ensure that UEFA, with its football nation, I believe I have larger national associations tee and the daily needs of strengths, integrity and influ- gained the necessary experi- on the other.” football.” ence, sets social and political ence to be able to bring some- examples and strengthens the thing to the table. While unique position of sport in the Wales has been in existence EU. By actively dedicating my- since 1876, we are one of the self to football unity, with an medium-sized nations in UEFA, FIFA Executive Committee even bigger role for women’s which in turn means I can and girls’ football and an active relate to both the needs of elections policy of integration, I hope to small and big nations. The Congress is also due to elect four FIFA Executive follow in the footsteps of the I believe UEFA needs to Committee members, with the terms of office of Michel exemplary Egidius Braun and be served by a strong Executive D’Hooghe, Senes Erzik, Viacheslav Koloskov and Marios Gerhard Mayer-Vorfelder on Committee, a committee that N. Lefkaritis all coming to an end. the UEFA Executive Committee, caters for the needs of all 53 with the understanding that Three current members are standing for re-election: nations. While it is important UEFA can continue to rely on Michel D’Hooghe (Belgium) that the major countries are the loyal partnership of the Senes Erzik (Turkey) represented, it is equally im- DFB and myself.” Marios N. Lefkaritis (Cyprus) portant that small and middle- sized ones are also included.” A fourth nomination has been received by the UEFA administration: Vitaliy Mutko (Russia)

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Michel Platini A gathering and Joseph S. of renowned Blatter led the specialists. discussions.

Competition structures Workshop However, competition struc- tures were the main concern, with FIFA and UEFA events discussed in detail. for technical At the moment, UEFA’s age-limit tour- naments give most youngsters their first taste of international competition directors and one of the other points on the de- Youth development bating table was whether there should be more opportunities for international debate in Paris contact at club level. Another interest- FROM 26 TO 28 JANUARY, THE FRENCH FOOTBALL FEDERATION HOSTED A UNIQUE ing point was whether the final tour- EVENT – A JOINT FIFA/UEFA EXTRAORDINARY WORKSHOP FOR EUROPEAN TECHNICAL naments of UEFA’s age-limit competi- tions should be further exploited as DIRECTORS LED BY THE TWO PRESIDENTS, JOSEPH S. BLATTER AND MICHEL PLATINI, platforms for educational events. Anti- WITH UEFA’S GENERAL SECRETARY, DAVID TAYLOR, ALSO IN THE FRONT LINE. doping sessions are already pegged They were by no means the some interesting issues, such as the posi- to these events, but the question is only familiar faces. A photograph of tioning of the Under-21 competition whether other sectors – such as coach the 120 participants reveals that it between adult and youth development or referee education – could make use would have been quite easy to arrange categories and, for that matter, its rela- of the annual finals. an all-star match between former tionship to Olympic football, bearing in Paris was an open-ended internationals who are currently in the mind that the Under-21 finals currently event with several layers of follow-up technical director role. Many associa- provide Europe’s Olympic qualifiers. to come, the first of which will be a tions had two representatives: special- The technical directors also debriefing session in Nyon with UEFA, ists in youth competition and player debated a number of coaching issues, FIFA and the leaders of the discussion development. not least their own status and role in groups – Sir Trevor Brooking, Jerzy They added up to a unique terms of establishing national training Engel, Fernando Hierro, Gérard gathering with an agenda that was as centres and ensuring that they are run Houllier, Michel Sablon and Matthias simple as it was important: to review in an effective way. Another more spe- Sammer – pooling feedback and help- and discuss the current format of age- cialised discussion point was the type of ing the governing bodies to pick up limit competitions along with related coaching qualifications required in the any suggestions that warrant being topics such as player development and crucial youth development phases. taken a step further. coaching issues. The event was based on short presentations and lengthy, in-depth discussions in various groups. It was a brainstorming rather than decision-making exercise – which is why there was no media conference in Paris, bearing in mind that no con- clusions could be presented.

Review of the structures The parameters of youth football have undoubtedly changed during the last two decades – hence the desire to examine structures, to

highlight problem areas and to address Photos: UEFA

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Michel Jean-Samuel Gerhard Kapl, Wuilleret, Leuba, chief disciplinary chairman disciplinary inspector. of the inspector. Appeals Body. Fourth Disciplinary

Integrity at the Workshopcentre of discussions

SHOULD SANCTIONS STILL BE IMPOSED FOR SIMULATION AND, IF SO, IN WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES? ARE FINES THE MOST

APPROPRIATE SANCTIONS AGAINST CLUBS IN CASES OF DISCRIMINATORY ACTS BY FANS? WHAT SHOULD THE RESPONSE BE TO

THE GROWING THREAT OF MATCH-FIXING, WHICH IS ENDANGERING FOOTBALL COMPETITIONS AT ALL LEVELS? HOW CAN UEFA

PUNISH CLUBS INVOLVED IN CORRUPTION AND EXCLUDE THEM FROM ITS COMPETITIONS? THESE FOUR QUESTIONS WERE TACKLED

BY PARTICIPANTS IN THE FOURTH UEFA DISCIPLINARY WORKSHOP, WHICH WAS HELD IN NYON ON 19 AND 20 JANUARY.

The workshop was attended opening debate by explaining the cur- that simulation should continue to be by the majority of members of the two rent legal circumstances in which acts treated as a disciplinary offence, since UEFA disciplinary bodies and disciplinary of simulation could be punished and it constituted a form of cheating that inspectors, both active and retired. the related case law. It emerged from demonstrated a complete lack of By way of introduction, the the subsequent discussion that there respect for opponents, referees, spec- UEFA president, Michel Platini, reminded were no plans to introduce a “video tators and, in some cases, television the participants of the principle of sepa- tribunal” to correct a referee’s deci- viewers. ration of judicial, executive and legisla- sions after the event. Indeed, the rele- However, the participants tive powers within UEFA, a principle on vant case law limited very strictly the recognised that it was up to the disci- which the functioning of its disciplinary conditions under which a sanction plinary bodies to specify the conditions bodies was based, as well as the values could be issued for simulation under under which this provision should that football should continue to pro- Article 10 (1c) of the UEFA Disciplinary apply. They were also sure that the mote. He asked the disciplinary bodies Regulations. Since this article was presence of cameras around the stadi- to continue safeguarding these values, added in 2006, the disciplinary bodies um was a useful deterrent for those since their decisions were public demon- had only issued one sanction for simu- who practised simulation. The partici- strations of UEFA’s objectives. lation (penalty awarded and converted pants thought that offside could never after an indisputable act of simulation be considered simulation: this was a Sanction for acts of simulation during a EURO 2008 qualifying technical rule that applied automati- The chairman of the Appeals match). Following these explanations, cally rather than a referee’s sanction Body, Michel Wuilleret, kicked off the the participants unanimously agreed of unsporting conduct.

Discriminatory and racist acts The UEFA general secretary, David Taylor, began by highlighting the principle of zero tolerance against racism and the impact of UEFA deci- sions in this area on the national asso- ciations, which were bringing their own practices into line with those of The UEFA president UEFA. The subsequent discussions cen- addresses the tred on the fact that, unfortunately, disciplinary workshop. the phenomenon of racism inside sta-

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The workshop was held in the auditorium at UEFA’s headquarters.

diums was rising steadily in spite of the Committee had therefore taken various should be taken into consideration prevention campaigns and the heavy measures to strengthen the disciplinary when a club is admitted to a European fines imposed for such offences. services and take additional action. competition? What procedural rules However, was fining a club UEFA’s chief disciplinary inspec- and principles should be respected in an appropriate way of punishing acts tor Gerhard Kapl described the difficulties such a procedure? of discrimination by its supporters? faced by disciplinary inspectors when It should be added in this The participants thought that the sanc- trying to gather evidence in this field. The regard that a specific new provision is tions issued in such cases should be participants also noted that, since this currently being discussed, aimed at appropriate, i.e. they should punish problem was not a priority for the public clarifying how a club may be denied the perpetrators of the acts more authorities, it was up to the sports author- admission to a UEFA competition on directly. Of course, UEFA could not ities themselves to take action first, and such grounds. punish supporters directly, but there the state authorities would then follow. One of the issues discussed in might be indirect ways of penalising The idea of an international convention relation to this problem was the extent the actual offenders. like the 1985 Convention on spectator of UEFA’s jurisdiction. The participants If a racist or discriminatory violence and misbehaviour at sports accepted that UEFA should examine act was committed by home support- events and in particular at football match- whether all the admission criteria were ers, the participants thought that a es was suggested as a way of supporting met when the request for admission was strong message should be sent to those the efforts of sports governing bodies. submitted. It was noted, in relation to responsible, for example by closing all the need for integrity, which was recently or part of the stand in which the dis- Admission of clubs involved added to the sporting and financial criminatory acts had taken place. in corruption conditions for admission to UEFA com- The participants also called Jean-Samuel Leuba, disciplinary petitions (the club “must not be or have on UEFA to encourage clubs to hand inspector, mentioned the problem posed been involved in any activity aimed at over to the authorities any supporters by the controversial admission to the arranging or influencing the outcome who were guilty of racist acts. In this 2007/08 UEFA Champions League of a of a match at national or international regard, they urged UEFA to continue club which, at the time of its application, level”), that UEFA often relied on the its two-pronged approach to the fight had been the subject of a disciplinary pro- decisions of national bodies. The partici- against racism, comprising firm sanc- cedure for corruption at national associa- pants thought that it would be better if tions and an educational campaign. tion level. He summarised the decision UEFA had a certain level of control issued by the Court of Arbitration for over corruption procedures opened at Match-fixing and illegal betting Sport (CAS) in this case, which addressed national level against clubs wishing to , UEFA deputy the following questions: who can dispute participate in its competitions. general secretary, described the current before the CAS the decision of whether The participants agreed to situation, which he said was alarming. or not a club is admitted to a European meet again at the next workshop in He reported that there were currently competition? What criteria and elements 2011. more than 25 cases involving UEFA competition matches and that the whole appeal of football competitions, which were based on the uncertainty of results, was at stake. He explained that, in response to this serious prob- lem, a special section was currently being set up within UEFA’s disciplinary services. Although the existing legal framework was sufficient to punish proven cases of match-fixing, the disci- plinary bodies were not currently well enough equipped to detect such cases and gather all the evidence required to issue a sanction. The UEFA Executive Photos: UEFA-pjwoods.ch 09 UEFAdirect-83•E 18.2.2009 9:42 Page 10

Hugh Dallas Sportsfile Sportsfile Sportsfile

and to continue taking strong action against holding, pulling and pushing Referee courses in the penalty box. The Referees Com- mittee believes progress has been made on the latter front – citing two in Benalmadena penalties awarded for this offence during EURO 2008 – yet match officials Uniformity as a goal must remain vigilant. “Ten or fifteen years ago, it was the tackle from STORM CLOUDS DARKENED THE SKY AT THE START OF THE MID-SEASON behind that we were talking about GATHERING OF EUROPE’S LEADING MATCH OFFICIALS IN BENALMADENA but now it is holding and pushing in the penalty area,” Dallas said. BUT UEFA’S DETERMINATION TO ENSURE THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE Top quality player manage- REFEREEING STANDARDS WAS CLEARLY VISIBLE. ment was the focus of one of several There were 51 referees present workshops where the referees reviewed at the 17th UEFA Advanced Course for clips from recent UEFA matches on Elite and Premier Referees in southern video. The men in the middle remain Spain and they received praise for main- under orders to issue at least one cau- taining the im- tion per side for mass confrontations pressive – and a yellow card for any player performance who rushes from a distance to join in levels shown at EURO – and must adopt a zero-tolerance 2008 during the first half of approach towards players waving an the European club campaign. “I think imaginary card in an attempt to get the standard of refereeing in Europe, an opponent booked. “If he waves a particularly at the top level in the UEFA card, give him a card,” said Dallas. Champions League and UEFA Cup, has The three-day course for the been particularly high this season,” said leading referees ran from 3 to 5 Feb- UEFA Referees Committee member ruary and also featured a presentation . on leadership by UEFA’s technical At the same time, however, director, Andy Roxburgh. Drawing on the referees were reminded of their his own experiences in the coaching responsibility to get the big decisions in sector, Roxburgh listed the qualities the penalty box right. Courage, concen- required to succeed as a referee: tration and correct positioning were the power responsibility, optimism, com- requisites spelt out by Dallas and his munication, emotional intelligence, fellow instructor Vlado Sajn, who courage, passion, adaptability, curiosi- together advised the delegates on other ty, humility. “At the top level, leader- areas of concern. The chief priority ship qualities often make the differ- remains protecting the players, especially ence,” he said. “When you referee a In the club against the threat of dangerous chal- match, you have the authority – but competitions, the referees have lenges. “We want to make sure the ref- have you got the personal power, the maintained the excellent standards erees are very strong on tackles where character, the personality, the know- set at EURO 2008. two feet are off the ground with studs ledge to do the role?” coming in, which can endanger the safety of the players,” said Dallas. Fitness tests Professor Werner Helsen Holding and pushing oversaw the FIFA fitness tests taken by The referees also both the senior referees and their

Empics Sport/PA Photos received instructions to junior counterparts attending the 18th be strict on simulation UEFA Introductory Course for Interna-

10 uefadirect 3.09 UEFAdirect-83•E 18.2.2009 9:42 Page 11

Vlado Sajn

Fitness tests and mental preparation are two of the Sportsfile Sportsfile cornerstones of the referee courses.

tional Referees, which ran from 2 to 5 February. The test comprises a series of six 40m sprints under 6.20 seconds, followed by an interval test comprising 20x150m tempo runs, each within a 30-second limit. Thirty-two of the 37 new referees passed the test with the five unsuccessful referees due to get another chance in Nice, France, in March. Helsen was delighted by the performance of the older group but Sportsfile found room for improvement with the introductory course referees, citing the wide gap in standards among the group The last season of Mike Riley members, who came from 28 different An international referee since 1999, Englishman Mike Riley is countries. To help narrow this gap, now in his final year on UEFA’s elite list. He attended his last advanced Helsen will send each referee a specially course in Benalmadena and praised UEFA for the support he has received tailored interval-training schedule – during his decade of officiating across the continent. which should prove of particular benefit “Being an international referee has exposed me to different to those who receive only limited sup- types of football and different management skills. It is not like refereeing two English teams and the experience of handling an Italian or Spanish port from their home associations. team versus a Scandinavian team gives you a real contrast in styles which Uniformity is the goal for these match presents a distinct challenge. officials and not just in terms of fitness, “I was in the first batch of but in decision-making too. In a work- referees on the talent programme in shop entitled ‘Correct judgement of 2000/01 and that was a great support physical challenges’, Vlado Sajn told mechanism. I was assigned Bo Karlsson them: “We ask you to leave behind the as my mentor – I learned from his differences in applying the laws in your experience and had a series of games own countries.” over a year to build up my skills before In a departure from previous stepping up to the next level. years, the introductory course began “My first ever match was an with individual medical, physical and Under-16 qualifier between Portugal mental examinations for each referee, and Albania in March 1999. Five in addition to first-day group sessions years later I was refereeing at UEFA on injury prevention and mental prepa- EURO 2004 in Portugal – I did the ration. This allowed more time for the Sweden v Bulgaria and Latvia v Ger- Referees Committee to get to know the many matches and that was a real new intake, and vice versa. The course highlight for me. also included a presentation by former “Along the way, the UEFA Swiss international referee Urs Meier on courses for the referees have always been something I have found really the importance of tactical awareness, beneficial. The quality of the teaching with Meier advising the participants materials is first-class – we review a lot that they should learn to understand of different incidents from matches on the tactical flow of a game. And it con- video and they have access to all the cluded with Hugh Dallas encouraging big games. We also have instructors Getty Images them to make the most of their “fantas- like Vlado Sajn and Hugh Dallas from the UEFA Referees Committee who tic opportunity”. He said: “You have a have so much experience. fantastic opportunity ahead of you to “The key issues change over time and it helps that these courses be involved in top-quality European give you a chance to learn also from the experiences your fellow referees competition. You have to be strong and have had since you last met. It is a valuable opportunity to sit down, share courageous and take the big decisions.” experiences and pick the brains of your colleagues.”

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The Executive Committee held its first meeting of the year in Nyon. UEFA-pjwoods.ch UEFA-pjwoods.ch

In the shorter term, UEFA is holding its annual Congress on Meetings and 25 March and the Executive Com- mittee approved the agenda for this meeting, which is to be held in Copenhagen. It also noted the list of other activities candidates for the election of UEFA and FIFA Executive Committee mem- 2011 and 2012 final bers (see pages 4-6). With reference to the Hat- venues announced Trick solidarity payments which it had already discussed at its meeting in THE UEFA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE HELD ITS FIRST MEETING OF 2009, December, the Executive Committee THE PENULTIMATE ONE IN ITS CURRENT COMPOSITION, IN NYON ON approved the proposal for payments to improve national associations’ 29/30 JANUARY, WITH MICHEL PLATINI IN THE CHAIR. good governance. The maximum pay- ment of EUR 100,000 for improving During this meeting, which The Executive Committee governance will be linked to a ques- was interrupted so that the Executive members also fully endorsed the priori- tionnaire that the associations will need Committee members could attend ties set by Michel Platini for the next few to fill in and return to UEFA by the the laying of the foundation stone of months, i.e. improving financial fair play end of April. UEFA’s new office building (see page in the UEFA club competitions, protect- The Executive Committee 22), the venues for the 2011 and ing minors from international transfers also approved a document laying down 2012 finals of the UEFA Champions and the organisation of EURO 2012. the key organisational and financial League and Europa League were principles for EURO 2016. This docu- decided. Draw in Poland ment will be distributed to the national The UEFA Champions League As far as EURO 2012 is con- associations as part of the first phase finals, each to be played on a Satur- cerned, the Executive Committee noted of the bidding procedure for the 2016 day evening, will be held at London’s the current state of progress of prepara- tournament. (90,000 capacity) tions for the tournament and confirmed The Executive Committee in 2011 and at the Fussball Arena, that the 2010-12 European Champi- also heard an update on the Top Exec- (66,000 capacity) in 2012. onship qualifying group draw would utive Programme, as part of which The UEFA Europa League take place in Poland on 7 February five round tables had been organised finals will be staged at Lansdowne 2010. It also discussed the commercial since October 2008, in Geneva, Rome, Road, Dublin in 2011 and the National strategy and media rights policy for Frankfurt, and Amsterdam. Stadium in in 2012. EURO 2012. Regarding technical matters, the Study Group Scheme that was launched last The new Wembley Stadium is hosting the year has met with universal approval. 2011 UEFA Champions League final.

Referee Convention – Seven new members At the proposal of the Referees Committee, the Executive Committee admitted seven new national associations to the UEFA Convention on Referee Education and Organisation. The associations concerned are those of the Faroe Islands, , Iceland, Malta, the Netherlands, Slovakia and Sweden. The experts’ evaluations and reports demon- strated that they had met all the criteria. Membership of the convention will guarantee them a bonus of CHF 200,000 on signature plus annual payments of CHF 100,000 for as long as they continue to meet the

Getty Images convention’s requirements. The signing ceremony will take place on the occasion of the UEFA Congress in Copenhagen. 12 uefadirect 3.09 UEFAdirect-83•E 18.2.2009 9:42 Page 13

The European Under-21 Championship draw in Aarhus. Per Kjaerbye / www.fodboldbilleder.dk Per Kjaerbye / www.fodboldbilleder.dk

U21 draw in Aarhus The group matches will be The meeting, which was played between the end of March this opened by Dr Michel D’Hooghe, The final round of the 2007-09 year and the beginning of September chairman of the Medical Committee, European Under-21 Championship next year. Afterwards, the ten group was attended by 45 medical doctors is being held in Sweden from 15 to 29 winners and best four runners-up responsible for doping controls in June. For the 2009-11 edition, the com- will contest the play-offs to decide connection with UEFA competitions. petition is once again heading north, which seven join hosts Denmark in It was an opportunity to to Denmark this time. the final round. review UEFA anti-doping activities The first step towards the over the last decade. Special attention next competition was taken was drawn to the success of the in Aarhus on 4 February UEFA Futsal Cup EURO 2008 anti-doping programme, with the draw to determine semi-finals in April which was also presented as an excel- the qualifying group forma- The draw for the UEFA lent example of cooperation between tions. Each of UEFA’s member associa- Futsal Cup semi-finals is being held all concerned. tions has entered a team. As the hosts, in Ekaterinburg on 28 February. A presentation by Dr Katharina Denmark are guaranteed a place in the The final stage of the Grimm, head of the FIFA medical final round. The 52 remaining teams competition takes place in office, about the new World Anti- have been divided into two groups of six Ekaterinburg from 24 to 26 Doping Code helped the seminar par- and eight groups of five for the qualifiers: April, when the locals, ticipants to appreciate the impact of Viz-Sinara Ekaterinburg – its implementation on the world who also happen to be the titleholders – of football. Group 1 Group 2 play host to Dinamo Moskva, Kairat Participants were informed Russia Turkey Almaty and Interviú Madrid. of the changes made to the UEFA Romania Switzerland The semi-finals are scheduled for Anti-Doping Regulations and the Moldova Armenia 24 April and the final two days later, with impact these changes would have on Latvia Rep. of Ireland the third-place play-off that same day. their activities as doping control offi- Faroe Islands Georgia cers (see .com). Andorra Estonia Doping control officer They were also given an seminar in Nyon Group 3 Group 4 informative presentation on the bio- On 2 February, the House logical passport, a tool introduced by Italy Spain of European Football was the venue the International Cycling Union (UCI) Wales Finland for UEFA’s fourth seminar for doping to combat doping by producing a real Hungary Netherlands control officers. biological profile of each athlete. Bosnia-Herzegovina Poland Luxembourg Liechtenstein Group 5 Group 6 Germany Israel Czech Republic Sweden Northern Ireland Bulgaria Iceland Montenegro San Marino Kazakhstan Group 7 Group 8 Serbia France Croatia Ukraine Norway Belgium Slovakia Slovenia Cyprus Malta Group 9 Group 10 England Portugal Belarus Doping control officer seminar in the Greece auditorium at the FYR Macedonia Albania House of European Football. Lithuania Azerbaijan UEFA-pjwoods.ch

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Former players’ retraining brings them to Nyon.

The trophy awarded to UEFA. UEFA-pjwoods.ch UEFA-pjwoods.ch

From player Netherlands (8.132), Wales (8.122), Sweden (8.104) and France (8.101). to administrator England, Kazakhstan, Switzerland, From 2 to 4 February, UEFA Germany, Iceland and Spain were also hosted a seminar at its HQ for a group on averages of more than 8.0 points the Turkish National Olympic Com- of former footballers and players of at the end of 2008. mittee under the auspices of the CIFP, other team sports who have opted UNESCO and the IOC. for a career in sports management. A fair play award These former athletes are … and for the associations studying with the Centre de Droit et for UEFA… d’Economie du Sport in Limoges, France. UEFA has won the Interna- of Armenia and Turkey Their course – a master’s for future tional Committee for Fair Play (CIFP) The Armenian and Turkish general managers of sports clubs – con- Willi Daume World Fair Play Trophy. football associations have won the sists in a series of seminars. UEFA received the award for FIFA Fair Play Award for 2008. The session in Nyon was dedi- its Respect campaign initiated by the The award, presented at the cated to topics such as the particular president, Michel Platini, ahead of FIFA World Player Gala 2008 in Zurich nature of professional sport’s economic EURO 2008 and demonstrating UEFA’s on 12 January, was in recognition of sector, how to manage and organise determination to combat all forms of the symbolic and historic handshake sports events with all their various facets, discrimination in football. between the two associations’ presi- and stadium security, where the focus UEFA’s first vice-president, dents when their national teams met was primarily on the organisation of Senes Erzik, received the award on in a World Cup qualifier in the Armen- UEFA Champions League and French top- behalf of UEFA at a gala ceremony in ian capital of Yerevan on 6 September flight games. Istanbul on 26 January, organised by last year. Norway lead fair play league At the end of 2008, Maik Kiss Norway topped the fair play table, He devoted almost half of his life, which was tragically cut which, under the umbrella of the short, to UEFA. When he joined the UEFA General Secretariat in Berne UEFA Respect campaign, ranks teams in December 1985, he was one of only 20 according to behaviour in UEFA employees. Team spirit and a family atmos- competitions. phere were key principles to which Maik On the basis of these rankings, the three national associations whose remained faithful throughout his career. representatives – national teams and Most of his work was dedicated to youth clubs – show the greatest respect for the football and, never one to do things by fair play criteria are given an additional halves, he was quick to put in extra hours place in the UEFA Europa League. The out on the pitch, devoting much of his free clubs are selected on the basis of per- time to coaching youngsters in the Berne formance in their domestic fair play com- suburbs and later on the shores of Lake petition and enter the first qualifying round of the Europa League. The addi- Geneva after Maik and his family followed UEFA tional places automatically go to the UEFA to its Nyon headquarters in 1995. three best-placed national associations in Maik adapted superbly to this new environment, as he did to the UEFA Respect Fair Play rankings, pro- the rapid expansion of the UEFA administration. In 2002 his career took vided they attain an average of 8.0 points a new direction as he took charge of the UEFA Events Unit, and in or more. This means that, contrary to particular the organisation of the Champions League final. In this highly previous editions, there will not be a draw to determine which two national responsible role, as in all the others he held, Maik never wavered from associations join the outright winner. his positive, helpful attitude and the sense of teamwork that made him The final rankings will be drawn an extremely popular colleague and a friend to many. He was also a up on 30 April. persistent fighter who never let anything get in his way, but a sudden, In the intermediate end-of- devastating illness got the better of him on 16 January, when he year table, Norway, with 8.325 points, died aged 49. lead Denmark (8.201), Scotland (8.186),

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N EWS FROM MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

AUSTRIA AZERBAIJAN • PETER KLINGLMÜLLER • • FIRUZ ABDULLA • More than 400 attend Football and solidarity coaching seminar The Association of Football Federations of This year’s coaching seminar of the Aus- Azerbaijan (AFFA) continues to organise activi- trian FA (ÖFB) was held in Maria Enzersdorf ties aimed at increasing the popularity of

(presentations and panel discussions) and football in the country and generating greater AFFA Wiener Neudorf (sports complex/practical interest in the sport among youngsters. The distribution of footballs caused exercises) from 23 to 25 January. More than In connection with Azerbaijan’s solidarity a great deal of excitement. 400 coaches, including some from abroad, day on 31 December last year, when the attended this three-day event, which attracted country marked its solidarity with Azerbaijanis AFFA executive committee members, foot- prominent names such as Dietmar Constan- the world over, the AFFA launched a new cam- ball veteran Alakbar Mammadov, and tini (former Austrian national team coach), paign, which actually started on 26 December international referee Rustam Rahimov pre- Frenk Schinkels (SK Austria Kärnten coach), and lasted into the evening of 31 December, sented footballs to children in the different Stanislav Cherchesov (former Spartak Moskva by which time AFFA representatives had parts of Baku. coach), Klaus Lindenberger (LASK Linz coach), visited the streets and yards of Khatai, Nizami, The AFFA delegation also visited secondary Heinz Peischl (former St. Gallen coach), Peter Yasamal, Sabayel and other districts in Baku. schools, boarding schools and a young offend- Schöttel, Peter Stöger, Petar Segrt (Georgian Football veterans also joined the campaign. ers’ institution, handing out balls and sports- technical director), Lars Söndergaard and Over the six days, which passed under the wear, celebrating Azerbaijani solidarity and Alfred Tatar (joint coach of Lokomotiv motto “Let’s play football and be healthy”, wishing the children a happy new year. ■ Moskva). A number of UEFA Pro licence cer- tificates were awarded at the opening of the seminar on the Friday. Recipients included current SV Mattersburg coach Franz Lederer. which the Azzurrini took in superb style. This was immediately followed by the pres- The stands were full for the final between entation of several ex-professional players Ukraine and Russia. The struggle was equal who have received UEFA A licences, for and tense, but in the end it was to be BELARUS Ukraine’s day. • YULIA ZENKOVICH • Even though the footballers were young, they played like professionals. Seniors could International Under-17 even learn a thing or two from them, some tournament in Minsk of whom are clearly destined to make a From 10 to 18 January, Minsk hosted name for themselves in European football the fifth edition of an international indoor and play for their national A teams. Italy’s youth tournament that has become a popu- Simone Sini won the award for best defender; lar tradition and is well known in Belarus Tomas Kaminsky of Belgium was named best and beyond. In spite of the cold winter goalkeeper; the best award went weather, many young fans came to the foot- to Alexey Legchilin of Belarus; Filip Bud- ball hall to watch some very interesting kovskiy of Urkaine was voted best forward; games. The opening ceremony was a great and Nikolay Ivannikov of Russia was show of music and greetings from special crowned player of the tournament. guests. The tournament was opened by There is no doubt that this international

GEPA Pictures GEPA UEFA’s general secretary, David Taylor, by Under-17 tournament has become a regular An audience of more than 400 coaches listened means of a video message sent to all the and significant fixture in the winter football to Karel Brückner and Andreas Herzog. participants and football fans. The president calendar. It is a place where new stars begin of the Belarus Football Federation, Gennadiy to shine and new friendships are born. The example former international Dietmar Küh- Nevyglas, and the authorities of Minsk also Belarus Football Federation hopes that next bauer and new Austrian national team goal- participated in the opening ceremony. year the event will attract more teams and keeping coach Franz Wohlfahrt, who was This year, eight teams came to Minsk looks forward to seeing participants and fans appointed to his new post at the end of in the hope of winning the trophy. Four of back in Minsk in January 2010. ■ January. In addition, the ÖFB’s sport director, them (Belarus, Belgium, Finland and Italy) Willi Ruttensteiner, presented a detailed analy- had already made it into the elite round of sis of EURO 2008, while the association’s the European Under-17 Championship. head coach, Karel Brückner, and assistant The other four (Latvia, Lithuania, Russia and coach, Andreas Herzog, participated in a Ukraine) were determined to prove that fascinating panel discussion looking back at their elimination in the qualifying round was the last European Championship. just bad luck. For seven of the eight coun- On the Saturday morning, Thomas tries, this was not their first time in Minsk. Janeschitz (director of basic and advanced Finland were the only newcomers. Belarus, coach education), Roger Spry (ÖFB fitness Belgium, Lithuania and Ukraine were drawn coach) and Piet Hamberg (technical director into Group A, while Finland, Italy, Latvia and of the Liverpool FC football academy) gave Russia formed Group B. The group matches talks entitled “Thoughts on basic and ad- were spread across three days. The teams vanced coach education”, “Effective football that finished their groups in fourth (Lithua- coaching” and “Individual coaching in pro- nia and Latvia) played for seventh place fessional football”. In the afternoon, Spry, overall. Lithuania, who came to Minsk with Hamberg and Ginez Melendez (coach edu- their class of 1993, eventually beat Latvia in cation director of the Spanish Football Asso- a penalty shoot-out. Fifth place was decided ciation) presented some practical exercises in a match between Belgium and Finland, at the Wiener Neudorf sports complex. who finished third in their groups. Once On the final day of the seminar, the star more the fans had to endure a penalty shoot- guest of the event, Turkey’s coach , out, which Belgium won thanks to the

spoke about EURO 2008 from the perspec- incredible skills of their keeper, Kaminsky. BFF tive of a participating head coach. ■ Belarus and Italy did battle for third place, Belarus and Italy played off for third place.

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having steadily improved as a player since making his first team debut for Standard during the 2006/07 season. This meteoric rise enabled the young midfielder to win BELGIUM his first full international cap in a friendly with Morocco on 26 March 2008, when PIERRE CORNEZ • • he made an immediate impression by scor- ing Belgium’s only goal. Axel Witsel wins Golden Shoe At just 20, Axel Witsel, who has been

The Golden Shoe, a prize awarded at the Photo News performing superbly in Standard’s UEFA Cup end of each calendar year to the best player Axel Witsel shows off the prestigious Golden Shoe. run this season, has already won seven full in the Belgian championship, as voted by the caps and has become one of the linchpins of national press and numerous Belgian football as well as receiving the trophy for the best the national team. He can also already pride personalities, was presented on 21 January. Belgian player abroad. himself on an impressive trophy haul since, Everyone had predicted that the winner As expected, current Belgian champions as well as winning the Belgian championship would be a R. Standard de Liège player and Standard featured prominently at the last season, he won the 2008 Super Cup they were proved right. Nobody was sure Golden Shoe ceremony, with five of their and was elected Young Professional Foot- which player it would be, but in the end players in the top six, including Steven baller of 2008. Axel Witsel pipped Milan Jovanovic at the Defour (last year’s winner) and Dieumerci This Golden Shoe trophy is certainly a post. The young Belgian international Mbokani, who came fifth and sixth respec- wonderful tribute to Standard’s excellent won 204 points, four more than his Serbian tively. RSC Anderlecht’s youth development programme, since Axel team-mate. was the only non-Standard player to break Witsel is a product of the club’s academy, , who was well ahead into the top six, finishing in fourth place. proving once more that Belgium has a breed- after the first round of voting, but who left Although all of the above could stake ing ground of young talent that should Standard at the start of the season to join a claim for this highly coveted trophy, Axel enable our country to regain its place among English club Everton, finished in third place, Witsel was a more than deserving winner, the international elite. ■

Five hundred extremely talented young players put in a great performance in front of lots of spectators. Zarkovo from Belgrade, Serbia, were the best in the Under-13 cate- BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA gory, Omladinac of Split, Croatia, beat the other Under-12s, and in the lowest age FUAD KRVAVAC • • category, Under-11, the team from Zagreb, Croatia, came out on top. Youth competition in Sarajevo The first month of the year was all about A festival for young footballers, organ- youth football. The Medjugorje sports centre ised by the “junior champions” football once again hosted a winter youth camp, school and sponsored by the FA of Bosnia- where the head coaches of the Under-17

Herzegovina, took place in Sarajevo under and Under-19 national teams, Velimir Stojnic F.Krvavac the slogan: “Stop racism, no nationalism.” and Zoran Bubalo, worked with players who No to racism and nationalism. There were 32 teams of players born in could potentially help them qualify for the 1996, 1997 and 1998 from Bosnia-Herze- 2009/10 European Championships in Liech- together with Greece, qualified for the govina and neighbouring Croatia, Serbia tenstein (Under-17) and France (Under-19). elite round from a group that also included and Montenegro. With a wonderful atmos- Also in Medjugorje, the current Under-19 Poland and Montenegro. They are playing phere throughout the three-day event, the squad started preparing for the elite round their elite round matches in Group 6 young footballers showed that they could of their European Championship, in the with England (mini-tournament hosts), play and practise together and that football hope of making it to Ukraine for the finals Scotland and Slovakia between 27 May had a bright future in this region. in July. Last autumn, Zoran Bubalo’s team, and 1 June. ■

congress delegates. Nine are returning members, including three of Bulgaria’s golden generation that came fourth in the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the USA: Yordan BULGARIA Lechkov, Nasko Sirakov and Emil Kostadinov. CROATIA Among the five new members of the execu- BORISLAV KONSTANTINOV ANTE PAVLOVIC • • tive committee are a couple of top-division • • club owners, Grisha Ganchev (Litex Lovech) Borislav Mihaylov gets and Nikolay Gigov (Lokomotiv Sofia), a top Joining forces against violence second term as BFU president magistrate and some business leaders. The winter school break is the most suit- At its traditional end of January congress, After the congress, the BFU’s re-elected able time to organise camps for all the talented the (BFU) this year president named the new national team young players involved in the Croatian Foot- re-elected its president, Borislav Mihaylov, coach, Stanimir Stoilov. Stoilov is a 42-year- ball Federation’s (HNS) youth activity pro- for a second term. Mr Mihaylov (46) was one old ex-footballer who played for Levski gramme. This year the programme has been of the country’s most prominent international Sofia and the Bulgarian national team. extended and the Under-17 national team has players during his professional career as a Highlights of Stoilov’s coaching career so also been preparing. We have high hopes for goalkeeper and he holds the country’s record far include taking Levski Sofia to the UEFA them at the forthcoming European Under-17 for international caps (102). In addition to Champions League group stage a few years Championship elite round mini-tournament being president of the BFU, Mr Mihaylov ago. He also had a brief caretaker role in Luxembourg. In the next category up, our currently serves as a vice-chairman of the with the national side for two EURO 2008 famous ex-international goalkeeper and for- UEFA Referees Committee. Mr Mihaylov was qualifiers against Belarus in 2007. Bulgaria mer A team goalkeeping coach Drazen Ladic re-elected with 316 votes for, 9 against won both matches (2–0 in Minsk, 2–1 in has again been entrusted with preparing the and 13 ballot papers spoiled. Mr Mihaylov Sofia). Stoilov, also known as Murray to fans Under-21 national team for their next Euro- ran unopposed and has been elected for from his playing days, is currently in charge pean Under-21 Championship qualifiers. a second four-year term. of top-division side Litex Lovech. He will Our general secretary, Zorislav Srebric, has After securing the presidency, Mr Mihaylov continue to manage his club side and take been awarded the Croatian Olympic Commit- named the 14 members of his executive charge of the national team at the same tee’s most important trophy, the Matija Ljubek committee, which was then approved by the time. ■ lifetime achievement award, in recognition of

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Top honour for Zorislav Srebric.

the continuity of his work, his diverse activi- Warsaw, Ivancica The referees attending the course were ties and, last but not least, his success. This Sudac, head of the keen to tap The FA team’s knowledge special figure in Croatian football is exemplary Croatian Football during the classroom-based sessions, which in his promotion of fair play. Being a lawyer Federation’s inter- included a mixture of presentations and and senior football coach means he is aware national depart- group discussions. The referees also spent of social and specialist areas of activity. For a ment, presented time on the pitch, which provided them number of years he was the Croatian Football COMET HNS, the with the opportunity to put their training Federation’s most outstanding amateur offi- IT system we use to HNS into practice. cial. He was a member of various bodies and manage competitions and the registration The FA returned to South America a committees and served as head coach for of players. week later, this time to Ecuador, to deliver different Croatian national teams. In 1994 While most Croatian supporters are another refereeing workshop and it is due he took overall charge of all Croatia’s national praised for the way they cheer their national to visit again in the spring. teams and in 1998 was appointed general team and clubs at international competi- In March The FA is delivering two work- secretary of the federation. With the full tions, for many years several groups have shops in Chile, the first of which centres on support of the federation’s president, Vlatko provoked incidents. This places a financial its Respect campaign, which aims to stamp Markovic, he has improved the operations and sporting burden on our federation and out unacceptable behaviour at every level and functioning of the federation. Currently clubs. It is therefore with pleasure that we in football. The second course, which runs he is also a member of the UEFA National can announce that the Croatian government between 23 March and 3 April, focuses on Team Competitions Committee. has forwarded a proposal to the parliament women’s football coaching. The HNS is appreciated for its implemen- for urgent and significant changes to the The fifth course of the year will be de- tation of projects assigned by UEFA. The law to prevent violence at sports events. livered in April when The FA visits Peru to next step is to organise a UEFA Study Group Education of supporters is also being conduct a five-day coaching seminar. Scheme session for the football associations conducted in parallel. In cooperation with These courses are part of a memoran- of Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Armenia. At the the official fan club, Always Faithful, the dum of understanding between The FA and UEFA KISS workshop, entitled “Change and Croatian Football Federation is organising CONMEBOL that was signed in 2002. Since Stakeholder Management” and held in a seminar on fan culture. ■ then more than 20 workshops have been delivered on topics including marketing and administration, stadium security and closely with the leaders of the 20 clubs via coach development. ■ individual visits, ad hoc projects, seminars for all the clubs, etc. The main topics at the three seminars DENMARK in 2008 were media, sponsors and specta- tors. All the clubs have been participating STEEN KLINGENBERG • • in the seminars. Another way of exchanging know-how Women’s football on the rise is through dedicated mailings (news and Danish women and girls have taken information emails) sent by the coordinator football to their hearts. More than 60,000 to the relevant club representatives. The of them play and football is now the ten clubs have also started F.Krvavac biggest women’s sport in Denmark among networking using a web-based networking the under-19s. It is also a big spectator tool on the Danish FA’s homepage. They sport, with the majority of women aged 40 use this network to communicate ideas, and under choosing football as their activities, events, and more. favourite sport to watch on TV. The Danish FA and the top Danish foot- This positive growth and interest in ball clubs agree that to develop women’s women’s football demands great efforts football in Denmark, one of the most impor-

from Danish clubs to develop their organi- tant strategic tools is very close cooperation The FA sational and management structures. The between the Danish FA and the clubs. ■ A practical session in exotic surroundings. development of clubs in the top leagues is essential for maintaining and enhancing the high level of the leagues and the national teams. In August 2007, the Danish FA started a three-year project with the main aim of ENGLAND improving the organisation of women’s FRANCE football clubs. The project involved ten pre- • LUCIA SANCHEZ • • YANN PERRIN • mier league clubs (known as the 3F league in Denmark) and ten first division clubs. Workshop for referees in Colombia FFF supports league and district The top women’s clubs in Denmark are Premier League referee Chris Foy and association recruitment generally amateur and semi-professional. an FA team led by the association’s regional Since the 2005/06 season, the French Likewise, the players are generally amateur, referees manager, Ray Olivier, visited Football Federation (FFF), through the Ama- with a few semi-professionals. There are Colombia at the end of January to deliver teur Football League (LFA), has been giving not many foreign female players in Denmark a week-long advanced referees workshop financial support to leagues and district as- at the moment, but the number has in- to 84 Colombian officials. sociations to help them create posts for local creased in recent years. Also, more and Foy and Olivier were accompanied grassroots football advisers. Thanks to this more Danish players go abroad, primarily to by The FA’s referees development officer, amateur football assistance fund, which re- play in Sweden, Norway and Germany. Dean Mohareb, to Pereira, approximately placed the investment aid fund, the LFA is The long-term goal is to professionalise 300 km west of the capital, Bogota. now stepping up its support by enabling the both the clubs and the players. The start- It was the first of five sessions to be leagues and district associations to recruit ing point is to improve the organisation delivered this year by The FA to countries administrative directors and development of the clubs to make them better at gener- within CONMEBOL. officers by means of fixed payments of ating money and other basics such as more Foy (46) is one of England’s most expe- EUR 15,000 per season (for the 2008/09 media coverage, more sponsors and, very rienced referees, having joined the Football and 2009/10 seasons). importantly, more spectators. Also their League in 1996 and graduated to the The aim is to improve the life of the infrastructure, for example stadiums, has Premier League in 2001. leagues and district associations and help to be upgraded in order to attract more He has been appointed for this year’s them improve their structure so that they spectators. League Cup final between Manchester can ultimately offer the clubs a better serv- A project coordinator, working exclu- United and Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley ice. This is a key objective which the LFA sively on these issues, cooperates very Stadium. has been pursuing for several seasons now, ➜

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chester Stadium. At club level, 1. FFC Frankfurt hold the European record. The top German club attracted a crowd of 27,640 for the return leg of the UEFA GERMANY Women’s Cup final on 24 May 2008 at the • NIELS BARNHOFER • Commerzbank Arena, thereby breaking the record that had been achieved only a Aiming to break European couple of weeks earlier, on 5 May, at the FA Women’s Cup final in England between attendance record Arsenal LFC and United, which drew A new European record is in the offing. a crowd of 24,582. More spectators than ever seen before at To date, the best attendance figure for a women’s football match in Europe are a German women’s national team match expected to flock to the match between was achieved back on 2 July 1989, for the Germany and Brazil on 22 April at the European Women’s Championship final

FFF Commerzbank Arena in Frankfurt. between Germany and Norway in Osnabrück, In the last three years, 97 local grassroots football This is the lofty ambition that the organ- when 22,000 lucky fans watched from advisers have been appointed or kept on. isers have set themselves. Wolfgang Niers- inside the stadium while many more were ➜ bach, general secretary of the German FA forced to watch outside the gates because particularly through its league and district (DFB), said: “I think we are offering our the match was a sell-out and there were association employment assistance pro- fans a very attractive match and we are no more tickets to be had. Demand was gramme. Launched in 2005/06, the first part naturally hoping that this will be reflected also high for the match on 22 February of this programme helped district associa- in the attendance figures. We want to set 2006 between Germany and China, when tions to recruit or continue to employ 97 local a new European record for women’s foot- 20,000 supporters filled the Homburg grassroots football advisers. Three seasons ball.” The Commerzbank Arena has a Waldstadion. later, in view of the success of this initiative, capacity of 52,300. For the time being, the world record the LFA decided to extend the funding avail- According to UEFA’s website, the current for a women’s football match is more than able to cover the creation of two types of record stands at 29,092, which was achieved safe. It was set at the Women’s World Cup post: regional or local development officer at the opening match of the UEFA Women’s final in 1999, when a crowd of 90,185 and district administrative director. “By build- EURO 2005 final round on 5 June between watched the USA play China at the Rose ing on something that was already working, England and Finland at the City of Man- Bowl in Pasadena, California. ■ we wanted to move up a gear by granting financial support to cover some of the costs of these two types of post,” explained Fernand Duchaussoy, president of the LFA. The meeting in the middle of January “These will have to be new posts rather was a new step in a process the MLSZ than existing ones that are simply converted, launched a few years ago, with a view to since we have a social role to play.” ■ reducing all kinds of violence in Hungary’s HUNGARY football stadiums. • MARTON DINNYÉS • “Our aim is simply to serve our fans, to provide them with a peaceful and friendly Security to serve the fans atmosphere in the stands,” said the presi- The Hungarian FA (MLSZ) recently organ- dent of the MLSZ, István Kisteleki, who led ised a large security meeting at its head- the meeting. “The number of spectators at GEORGIA quarters in Budapest. Participants included national team matches was up 30% last the head of the Hungarian national police, year and there was no significant violence. LASHA GODUADZE • • the local government secretary, the ministry To maintain this standard all parties must of justice secretary and the security chiefs think and work together.” Giorgi Merebashvili of the Hungarian football clubs and local The president of the Hungarian FA also voted player police forces. said that the government and the city coun- of the year “It shows a commanding presence by cils must understand their responsibility for In an opinion poll the FA that they are not waiting for action improving facilities. conducted by the by the government or the police but they “The fans deserve better stadiums and World Sport news- are taking responsibility for improving secu- sports centres, but it would also be much paper, Giorgi Mere- rity in the stadiums themselves,” said József easier for the police and the stewards to do bashvili, one of Dinamo Bencze, Hungary’s national police chief. their jobs in modern arenas,” he added. ■ ’s star players, was voted Georgia’s footballer of the year, GFF thereby retaining the Giorgi Merebashvili title he had won last year for the first time. Merebashvili received 1,312 votes (41.7%). In second place was the WIT Georgia midfielder Irakli Klimiashvili with 1,153 votes (36.6%), followed by David Siradze (PFC Spartak Nalchik) in third place with 345 votes (10.9%). Merebashvili, who has made three appear- ances so far for the senior Georgian national team, was also named player of the year by the Sarbieli newspaper and the professional football league. “I am pleased to start the year on this high note. Every achievement is extremely impor- tant for me. I’ll do my best to win even more in the future, to fulfil the hopes of the sup- porters and professionals,” he said. World Sport conducted its first footballer

of the year poll in 2006, when it was won by mlsz.hu Levan Tskitishvili. ■ The security officers in front of the headquarters of the MLSZ.

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Bernd Storck and the general secretary, Sayan Khamitzhanov.

ments, it has a competition department module and can be used by the disciplinary committee. The LFF is starting with these basic challenges, as a full implementation SRAEL I KFF of the whole system and all FMS modules • NIMROD SUZIN • could be too much all at once. Cup. Since October 2008, he has also been Next season, the system will be tested on Children’s football camp acting head coach of the national team after the top Latvian championship, the LMT Virsliga While Israel was waging military opera- ex-coach Arno Pajpers resigned. In this care- 2009, in the hope of later extending it to tions in the south, the Israel Football Associ- taker capacity, Storck was in charge of the the other divisions (men’s, women’s and ation (IFA) arranged a three-day camp for national team for its 2010 World Cup quali- youth). In this way, the LFF hopes to get a clear about 100 children, aged 13 to 15, from fier against England at Wembley (5–1). view of Latvian footballers, statistics, players’ various children’s and youth teams from the As a player, Storck played for VfL Bochum movements and careers from the age of affected area. 1848 and BV Borussia , appearing eight and other information that could be On the first day of the camp the young in a total of 171 matches. He useful in future. footballers participated in a mini-tourna- then worked as assistant coach for Borussia, ment. They were joined by national team VfB Stuttgart, Hertha BSC, VfL Wolfsburg, coaches, who served as referees for the and also FK Partizan of Belgrade, Serbia. matches and coached the youngsters. The “First of all, I would like to thank the fed- best players in this tournament were awarded eration for its confidence in me. This is a signed footballs by Avi Luzon, chairman great honour for me, and I am very proud of of the IFA. the opportunity I have been offered to cre- The second day’s activities included a ate an efficient team. I know it will not be FIFA Soccer 09 PlayStation tournament, easy, but I hope we will succeed. I want to involving players from the senior and U21 achieve much more than I did with the national teams, TV stars and other celebrities Under-21 team and the national A team in England. My aim is to create the optimal

from the world of entertainment. LFF combination of young and experienced foot- ball players in the team. 2009 will be the The new home of the Latvian Football Federation. time for us to gain the necessary experience. At this stage, the results are not very impor- “We are establishing the project with a tant to me. The aim is to form a team that clear understanding that most of the bene- plays good football,” Bernd Storck said. fits will be felt in the future. It could take ■ The traditional CIS and Baltic States some time for our employees to get used to Champions Cup was held in from the new environment and computers, new 17 to 25 January. Kazakhstan was repre- electronic information flows and comput- sented for the fourth time by FK Aktobe, erised documents. But we’ve moved into our who lost no matches and finished runners- new office at the Olympic sports centre in IFA up, having finally yielded to Moldova’s Riga and this is the best time to improve our Camps for young footballers from the regions FC Sheriff in a penalty shootout. work and make changes. And I am sure that affected by the military operations. ■ Futbolnye Vesti, the new, official publi- it is for the best,” said Janis Mezeckis, general Liran Shtrauber, Itay Shechter and Yoav cation of the Football Federation of Kazakh- secretary of the LFF. Ziv of the senior team joined Under-21 players stan (FFK), was unveiled in Almaty on 30 In other news, for the first time in LFF Almog Cohen, Snir Gueta, Dela Yampolsky, January. The magazine will be published history, mid-March marks the beginning of Orel Dgani and Dudu Biton. They competed every fortnight. the new LMT Virsliga. The first matchday is against the camp participants on the “On the threshold of the new football on 14 March, the earliest the championship PlayStation, signed autographs and had season, our association is launching a new has ever started. ■ countless photos taken with the children. project,” the FFK’s general secretary, Sayan The IFA fully funded the hotel rooms, Khamitzhanov, said. “The first issue of our meals and transport involved. official magazine, Futbolnye Vesti, has been The IFA also offered the teams from the released. In this publication we wish to give south the opportunity to use the training objective coverage of our operations and facilities of Israel’s national teams, as well as extensive activities, competitions, national offering them transport to and from football representative teams and top footballers. MALTA ■ The main objectives of the magazine con- matches all over the country. • ALEX VELLA • cept are to increase the popularity of domestic football and promote a healthy lifestyle. The magazine is for professionals Useful activities for coaches and the football fan community.” ■ and administrators Maltese coaches and club adminis- trators have started a busy period of activ- ity geared towards improving their con- KAZAKHSTAN tribution to the game in their respective sectors. ALEXANDR KEPLIN • • As part of a UEFA initiative intended LATVIA to increase the knowledge of coaches New head coach for the through an information-sharing exercise, national team • MARTINS HARTMANIS • three groups of Maltese coaches recently On 30 January, a press conference was visited Belgium, Wales and England. These held in Almaty to introduce the new head Latvia brings in complete visits also helped coaches from Malta and coach of the Kazakhstan national team, management system elsewhere to familiarise themselves thor- Bernd Storck, a 46-year-old German. Until The Latvian Football Federation (LFF) has oughly with technical aspects of the game. now Storck has been in charge of FC Alma- signed a deal with an American company to In light of UEFA’s standards on the proper Ata and, since July last year, the Kazakhstan implement a new IT project – a complete administration of football at all levels, the Under-21 team, who played two qualifiers federation management system (FMS). It is Malta FA has also maintained the tradition for the 2009 European Under-21 Cham- basically a database management program, it initiated a few years ago of organising pionship under his leadership. They beat designed with the needs of football adminis- its own courses for club administrators. Poland 3–0 in the first, but then lost 2–1 at tration in mind. At present, the program can This season has been a busy one in home to Spain. Storck also took FC Alma- be used for player registrations (including this respect for club officials. The importance Ata to the final of the 2008 Kazakhstan youth), and to manage referee appoint- of having a professional approach to ad- ➜

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pitch, balls, bibs and so on. The coach signals when the training is over and the players can go home. There is very little for them to think about.” Van Marwijk suggested NETHERLANDS that coaches occasionally leave the initiative • ROB DE LEEDE • up to the players. “Make sure that everyone is there, provide the balls and kit and just underlines leave. The leading figures in the group will need for initiative stand up and organise something. That The Dutch na- will tell you a lot about the characters of D.Aquilina the players.” A course for administrators. tional team coach, Bert van Marwijk, In his words of welcome, Foppe de Haan, twice European Under-21 champion, talked ➜ ministrative matters can never be overesti- was the most renowned speaker about different aspects that have become mated and the courses that are currently part of the the profession of the youth coach. being held are bound to have the desired at the 13th na- After the introductory speeches, all 300 youth effect. tional coaching coaches attended workshops on six different The positive response to these activities day in Zeist on 28 subjects. from the majority of clubs in Malta is an January. Every year , a successful Dutch coach encouraging sign of the willingness of club youth coaches who has worked in several countries, led officials in the country to improve the working at the Bert quality of their contribution to the game. ■ highest national van Marwijk. KNVB a workshop on scouting and the recognition level come to- of talent. Other workshops focused on gether to address a general topic and work the rules of the game in relation to youth on related subjects in smaller groups. At this development and the life of a young profes- year’s session, Van Marwijk reminisced about sional. Among the participants were 30 his days as a schoolboy, when he used to representatives of the national associations play football in the streets for hours on end. of Albania, Greece and Slovakia who were There were no parents to watch, no coaches in the Netherlands as part of the UEFA MOLDOVA present and no spectators to cheer them Study Group Scheme. • VICTOR DAGHI • on. Still, Van Marwijk and his friends en- Overall, the 300 youth coaches spent a joyed themselves and learned how to play useful day together and the Dutch Football Sheriff take the trophy the game. Association is optimistic about retaining its FC Sheriff of Tiraspol, Moldova, started “Today,” he said, “children have little to leading position in the development of 2009 by winning the 17th CIS and Baltic worry about. When they arrive at the clubs players and coaches and preparing them to States Champions Cup, which took place there is a trained coach, a well prepared perform at top level. ■ from 17 to 25 January in Moscow. It is only the second time in the history of this friendly competition, which brings together the In 2005 the Irish FA undertook a review champions of the former Soviet republics, of its critical business systems and processes. that a Moldovan team has finished on top The results of this highlighted a number of (the first being in 2003). The FIFA president, inefficiencies and risks to the business. The Joseph S. Blatter, and UEFA’s president, NORTHERN IRELAND immediate need was for a robust player reg- Michel Platini, attended the tournament and • SPIKE HILL AND GEOFF WILSON • istration system to replace the paper-based met the presidents and general secretaries process. After a review of its operating of the 16 participating national associations. The role of the analysts structure, the association found that many The Moldovan champions started the departments used similar paper-based tournament with a comfortable 4-0 win Most countries and clubs have them but in different guises, from performance processes and maintained separate data- against Shakhtar of Ukraine. After that bases with little interdepartmental data Sheriff beat Regar-Tadaz of Tajikistan (2-1) analyst to video guy. A small group of like- minded professionals recently got together transfer. The Irish FA consequently searched and drew 0–0 with Levadia (Estonia) to the marketplace for an all encompassing finish top of Group C. In the quarter and in Northern Ireland to exchange informa- tion and ideas on this ever growing area. football management system. FSI (First semi-finals, both of which went to penalties, Sports International) was selected largely Sheriff beat Ventspils (Latvia) 5-4 and Organised by resource manager Spike Hill, team analysts from Belgium, Netherlands, due to the pedigree of its existing clients, its Pakhtakor (Uzbekistan) 4-3. In the final market-specific expertise and the extensive, against Aktobe of Kazakhstan, Sheriff won Scotland, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland were joined by representatives of robust nature of its software. 5-4 after penalties. The winner’s trophy was The Irish FA now operates an integrated presented to the captain, Vazha Tarkhnishvili, Rangers FC. Nigel Worthington, a manager who was football software solution which touches all by Vitaly Mutko, president of the Football areas of the business. Data is maintained by Union of Russia. in attendance both days, said: “For me, to be invited was a great opportunity not only all departments using a single database. This The tournament has been won by Spartak has allowed for focused and productive mar- Moskva of Russia (6 times), Dynamo Kyiv to listen, but to learn. What was unique about the whole experience was the fact keting strategies, in-house sales and distri- of Ukraine (4), FC Sheriff of Moldova (2), bution of tickets, maximised revenue and a Dinamo Tbilisi of Georgia, Lokomotiv Moskva that everyone who attended was very open and honest in sharing their experiences.” complete picture of each member’s involve- of Russia, Neftchi Baku of Azerbaijan, Before the major debates began, each ment in the Irish FA at all levels. ■ Pakhtakor Tashkent of Uzbekistan and Khazar gave a presentation on the work that they Lankaran of Azerbaijan. ■ did. It was apparent that, although their job titles were different, their core roles were very similar: to film, analyse and give feed- back on the performance of teams. We chose to bring countries together and share experiences, much as the UEFA Technical Study Groups do, as it is very clear that we need to get away from being viewed as “the video guy”. The role of each of the analysts is to provide feedback on performance to the coaching staff and players. This is a pro-

fession, and one that is now recognised IFA

FMF throughout sport as being an integral part Analysts are now recognised as being an integral Another trophy for FC Sheriff. of any serious coaching programme. part of any serious coaching programme.

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NORWAY TURKEY • YNGVE HAAVIK • • TÜRKER TOZAR • Association covers flight Antalya hosts mid-season seminars expenses to promote development It has become customary for Antalya to of the game play host to hundreds of football clubs from The Football Association of Norway (NFF) FAI across Europe that want the best possible is covering the flight expenses of the clubs Elaine O’Connor, project manager, mid-season preparations in the mild climate in its second women’s division and third introduces the four new football development of the Turkish city. officers from Limerick. highest men’s. Antalya, which is generally regarded as For many years, long travel distances the county with a good opportunity to inte- the capital of football in January/February, for many of the clubs in these two divisions grate into their new communities. also hosted a series of football-related semi- have placed a heavy burden on the clubs’ The officers will benefit Limerick city nars at the start of the new year. budgets. by ensuring the FAI’s development plan is The first seminar, entitled Çözüme Dogru A new partnership agreement between implemented, promoting social inclusion II (“Through The Solution II”) and held on the NFF and Scandinavian Airlines for the through football and delivering football 3/4 January, was the second part of an ini- next four years has made it possible for the development programmes in regeneration tiative created by Turkish Football Federation NFF to cover the cost of clubs’ flights to areas. ■ and the country’s general directorate of away games. Each club pays a participant’s security to prevent violence and promote fee and a travel fee; all others flight costs fair play in football. Hundreds of high-level are covered. police officers and club representatives par- The level below the Tippeligaen and ticipated in the seminar, where they dis- Adeccoligaen (for men) and Toppserien (for cussed possible improvements with presen- women) is an important platform for young tations and working groups. A final state- players’ development and the quality of the ment was issued, which included advice to training grounds and the pitches is of vital SWITZERLAND all parties involved in Turkish football. importance both for the top clubs and the • PIERRE BENOIT • national teams. With this new model for travel support, Kids Festivals to continue the clubs can focus more on developing the game. In addition, the NFF has renewed its The Kids Festivals project that was suc- partnership agreement with the national lot- cessfully launched two years ago by the tery in Norway – Norsk Tipping – which also Swiss Football Association (SFV) will be con- provides for a yearly payment to the clubs tinued over the next four years, thanks in no in question. ■ small part to the support of sponsors PUMA and Swiss Life. A total of 63 clubs have applied to hold the ten Kids Festivals that will be organised each year in 2009 and 2010. This number demonstrates the high level of interest among the clubs. A total of 16 teams in the Under-16 and Under-13 categories will be able to take part REPUBLIC OF IRELAND on each tournament day (either Saturday or TFF • FRAN WHEARTY • Sunday), with no more than two teams per A top-level coaching congress. club eligible to play in each age category. FAI continues to invest in Although the main focus at the Kids Festi- The second and arguably most popular vals is on fun and enjoyment, these events event was the International coaching devel- football development officers opment congress held on 12/13 January throughout Ireland also play an important role in the SFV’s efforts to develop up-and-coming players by helping and attended by Turkey’s coach Fatih Terim, Since the first three co-funded football to spread the SFV’s football philosophy at England coach and Fenerbahçe development officers were appointed in grassroots level. Thanks to a detailed manual coach Luis Aragonés. All coaches active in Ireland in November 2005 in conjunction and training provided by the SFV, the clubs Turkey were obliged to participate in order with Dublin city council and Fingal county are taught how to organise their own chil- to get their licences renewed for next year. council in the Dublin area, the Football Asso- dren’s football events in the future. ■ Terim, Capello and Aragonés contributed ciation of Ireland (FAI) has rolled out the to a technical analysis of EURO 2008 and programme across the country in partner- gave their views on the prestigious compe- ship with local authorities. At present there tition. Terim and Aragonés also shared are 52 officers already in place in 36 local their own experiences of EURO 2008 and authority areas. answered questions from participants from The latest appointments for Limerick city Turkey and elsewhere. were made in conjunction with the Limerick The final new year seminar brought regeneration agencies. The four develop- together the Turkish FA’s referees committee ment officers – Barbara Bermingham, Pat and its match delegates and referee observers Halpin, Tommy Barrett and Michael McCarthy committee, as well as elite referees, coaches – will all work with the four regeneration and club presidents. The main purpose of areas in the city, using sport, and in particu- this event was to review the first half of the lar football, to promote social inclusion in season in refereeing terms, assess efforts to the affected areas. minimise errors and create a platform for The FAI development officers will play discussion between Turkey’s referees and a vital role within the Limerick community. clubs. There were also participants from They will provide individuals, including abroad, such as Jaap Uilenberg, member children, with an opportunity to meet and of the UEFA Referees Committee, and Jorn- develop their social skills, and promote West Larsen, a UEFA referee observer

active citizenship by encouraging volunteer- ASF/SFV responsible for helping Turkey become a ing and community involvement. They will The children’s programme is all about having party to the UEFA Convention on Referee also provide new immigrants coming into a good time. Education and Organisation. ■

21 UEFAdirect-83•E 18.2.2009 9:42 Page 22

Laying of the foundation stone of UEFA’s new office building

Nyon, 30 January 2009 Photos: UEFA-pjwoods.ch 22 uefadirect 3.09 UEFAdirect-83•E 18.2.2009 9:42 Page 23 UEFA-pjwoods.ch

Match agents Three new UEFA match agent licences have been granted: Communications Siegmar Kreisern Waidach 14, 6345 Kössen, Austria Birthdays – Calendar Tel./Fax: +43 5375 6711, Mob: +43 650 6711 111 [email protected] Timucin Egirtmen Metternicher Strasse 1, 50969 Cologne, Germany ● Mob: +49 1786 721 953 Birthdays Fernando Ruiz Hierro (Spain, 23.3) [email protected] ● Daniel Prodan (Romania, 23.3) ● Maurizio Laudi (Italy, 24.3) Serdar Akaydin Match delegates Dusan Maravic (Serbia) ● Kemal Kapulluoglu (Turkey, 26.3) aQuasun Tourism Management and Alexis Ponnet (Belgium) celebrate their ● Zerdalilik Mah. 1385 Sokak No. 20/1-4 Konstantin Vikhrov (Ukraine, 27.3) 07100 Antalya, Turkey 70th birthdays on 7 and 9 March respectively. ● John McClelland (Scotland, 27.3) Member of the Circle of former UEFA com- Tel.: +90 242 322 61 76, Fax: +90 242 322 61 80 ● Anton Ondrus (Slovakia, 27.3) [email protected] mittee members Wilfried Straub (Germany) ● Joseph Gauci (Malta, 27.3) reaches the same landmark on 26 March. ● José Antonio Casajus (Spain, 27.3) New publications Hendrik Kesler (Netherlands), member of the ● Armen Minasyan (Armenia, 27.3) Legal Committee, turns 60 on 9 March, as ● Pavel Cebanu (Moldova, 28.3) DAS LEXIKON DER FUSSBALL IRRTÜMER do match delegate Jean-François Crucke ● Mario van der Ende (Netherlands, 28.3) Über die Flügel zum Erfolg (Belgium) on 12 March and doping control ● Edgar Obertüfer (Switzerland, 29.8) Football abounds in sayings that are supposed officer Franz Krösslhuber (Austria) on ● Ian Beasley (England, 29.3) to bring success, of the type “You don’t change a 23 March. Meanwhile, Damir Vrbanovic ● Alan Snoddy (Northern Ireland, 29.3) winning team” or “You’ve got to avoid careless (Croatia), member of the Club Competitions ● mistakes”. But is there really any truth in these Bernadette Constantin (France, 29.3) statements, so often heard from coaches, players Committee, is 50 on 2 March. Birthday ● Juan V. Dura (Spain, 29.3) greetings also go out this month to: and the media? To find out, Roland Loy, author ● Miriam Malone (Republic of Ireland, 29.3) of numerous football-related research studies, ● Benny Jacobsen (Denmark, 1.3) ● William Hugh Wilson (Scotland, 30.3) analysed more than 3,000 matches. The result of ● Sergey Tatulyan (Ukraine, 1.3) his observations, conveyed with a great deal of ● Gerhard Mayer-Vorfelder (Germany, 3.3) Forthcoming events humour, shows that such assertions do not always ● Zbigniew Boniek (Poland, 3.3) guarantee results. (www.cbertelsmann.de) ● Dragan Stojkovic (Serbia, 3.3) Events ● Esa Antero Palsi (Finland, 4.3) QUE VAUT LE SPORT FRANÇAIS EN 2008 ● Boris Durlen (Croatia, 6.3) 3/4.3.2009, Warsaw FACE A L’EUROPE? ● Liana Melania Stoicescu (Romania, 6.3) Unite Against Racism Conference The annual Legisport study on sport and nation- ● Pedro Maria Aurteneche Vinegra (Spain, 7.3) 9.3.2009, Nyon alities produced by the law firm of Serge and ● Kenneth Scott (Scotland, 7.3) Professional Football Strategy Council Michel Pautot starts by presenting the results ● Tomás Gea (Andorra, 7.3) of French national teams in the main interna- ● Josep Lluís Vilaseca Guasch (Spain, 8.3) 16-20.3.2009, Hamburg tional competitions, those of French clubs in ● UEFA Grassroots Workshop European competitions, and the domination of Giorgio Crescentini (San Marino, 8.3) foreign sportsmen and women in the major ● Juraj Oblozinsky (Slovakia, 8.3) 17.3.2009, Nyon French competitions. It then shows the percentage ● Vladimir Aleshin (Russia, 9.3) Draw for the 2009-11 European of foreign players in the French championships. ● Ruben Hayrapetyan (Armenia, 9.3) qualifying competition for the Women’s The second part of the study focuses on European ● Joseph S. Blatter (Switzerland, 10.3) World Cup football: its power, the cosmopolitan nature of ● Mateo Beusan (Croatia, 10.3) 20.3.2009, Nyon clubs, and the number and importance of ● Lucien Kayser (Luxembourg, 11.3) Draws for the quarter-finals and foreign players. It also addresses questions such ● Olga Zhukovska (Ukraine, 11.3) as “Should quotas on foreign players be semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League reintroduced?” and “Does the construction of ● Vlastibor Minarovjech (Slovakia, 13.3) and UEFA Cup ● Thomas Partl (Austria, 13.3) Europe favour the influx of foreign players?” ● 23/24.3.2009, Copenhagen (www.legisport.com). Ivan Curkovic (Serbia, 15.3) Executive Committee ● (Germany, 15.3) ● Michel Verschueren (Belgium, 17.3) 25.3.2009, Copenhagen Obituary ● Liutauras Varanavicius (Lithuania, 17.3) Ordinary UEFA Congress Pablo Porta Bussoms, president of the Span- ● Christakis Skapoullis (Cyprus, 18.3) 31.3.2009, Nyon ish Football Federation from 1975 to 1984, ● Marcello Nicchi (Italy, 18.3) Anti-Doping Panel died on 27 January aged 85. From 1976 to ● Andreas Georgiou (Cyprus, 18.3) 1992, he was a European member of the FIFA ● Marina Tashchyan (Armenia, 18.3) Competitions Executive Committee, while at UEFA level, as well as being a match delegate, he served on ● Steve Williams (England, 19.3) 10/11.3.2009 ● Luigi Agnolin (Italy, 21.3) the European Football Championship Organ- UEFA Champions League: round of 16 ising Committee from 1986 to 1990, having ● Antal Dunai (Hungary, 21.3) (return legs) ● previously been a member of the Youth Foot- Jim Boyce (Northern Ireland, 21.3) ball Committee from 1974 to 1976 and of the ● Chris Georghiades (Cyprus, 22.3) 12.3.2009 UEFA Cup: round of 16 (first legs) UEFA Study Committee on Football during a ● Michail Kassabov (Bulgaria, 22.3) Crisis Period from 1984 to 1986. He was also ● Andrea Lastrucci (Italy, 23.3) 18/19.3.2009 a member of the circle of former UEFA com- ● Outi Saarinen (Finland, 23.3) UEFA Cup: round of 16 (return legs) mittee members.

WE CARE ABOUT FOOTBALL Chief Editor André Vieli The views expressed in signed articles are not necessarily the Produced by Atema Communication SA, CH-1196 Gland official views of UEFA. Official publication of the The reproduction of articles Union des associations or extracts of any information européennes de football Printed by Artgraphic Cavin SA, CH-1422 Grandson published in uefadirect is authorised, provided the Communications Division Editorial deadline: 12 February 2009 source is indicated. UEFAdirect-83•E 18.2.2009 9:42 Page 24

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