WE CARE ABOUT FOOTBALL No. 127 | April 2013 In this issue

Official publication of the UEFA Executive Committee Union des associations meeting in Sofia 4 européennes de football

The UEFA Executive Committee met in the Bulgarian Komarova capital, where, among other things, it approved a number of sets of regulations.

Chief editor: Desislava André Vieli Produced by: Atema Communication SA, Fighting racism and protecting CH-1196 Gland integrity 6 Printing: Artgraphic Cavin SA, First the Professional Football Strategy Council and then CH-1422 Grandson the Executive Committee adopted a tough stance on tackling Editorial deadline: racism and protecting the integrity of football. Sportsfile 10 April 2013

The views expressed in signed articles are not necessarily Nine candidates for seats the official views of UEFA. on the UEFA Executive Committee 7 The reproduction of articles published in UEFA·direct There are nine candidates vying for the eight four-year terms is authorised, provided the that will be awarded by the member associations’ delegates at source is indicated. the UEFA Congress in May. They tell us about their priorities. UEFA

HatTrick programme in 10 Thanks to UEFA’s HatTrick programme, the Stadium in will be ready to host the UEFA Super Cup in 2015.

Cover: Sportsfile The quarter-finals of the UEFA club competitions were contested at the beginning of April. In the UEFA Champions League, News from member associations 15 Borussia Dortmund qualified at the expense of Málaga CF in a thrilling encounter. Here, Robert Lewandowski attempts to beat medicine matters No. 21 | April 2013

the Spanish goalkeeper, Wilfredo

Supplement Editorial Caballero. The other semi-finalists Building on strong foundations

Previous editions of Medicine Matters have in the areas of jet lag, groin injury and myalgia, showcased the work of the UEFA Medical Com- but also includes an update on the progress of are FC Bayern München, mittee and UEFA’s medical unit, both of which the UEFA football doctor education programme, • have made great strides together in recent years, which is now in its second year. The positive way The 21st issue of UEFA medicine matters presents the UEFA since the medical unit was set up in 2011. Key in which Europe’s national associations have projects have included firstly, the implementa- taken to the cascading of the course’s content is tion of minimum medical standards in all UEFA real testimony to the commitment within the FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF. competitions from this season, which has ensured game to making the best possible medical ser- the provision of medical rooms, ambulances, vices available to teams and players. The combi- emergency doctors and lifesaving equipment, as nation of a solid pre-tournament screening pro- well as requiring that all visiting team doctors be cess, minimum standards for the provision of Football Doctor Education Programme, in addition to special fea- UEFA briefed in advance on other stadiums’ medical equipment and services at matches and a net- facilities or on tournament medical plans. This work of educators trained to disseminate knowl- Michel D’Hooghe has been extremely well supported by clubs and edge regarding emergency medical techniques national associations in its first season of imple- within each individual country means that foot- mentation, something for which all involved ball medicine in Europe has never been stronger. Photo: Getty Images should be applauded. Secondly, the first stage As chairman of the UEFA Medical Committee, tures on jet lag and groin and other muscular pain in footballers. of UEFA’s three-part football doctor education nothing pleases me more than seeing our teams programme was completed in 2012, since and players given the best possible chance of when participants have been using their new- competing in a safe and healthy sporting envi- found skills at matches and passing them on to ronment. other doctors in their own countries. Finally, UEFA’s injury study continues to produce ground- The Medical Committee and medical unit will breaking research in the field of football medi- also be busy this year preparing for the sixth cine, helping Europe’s elite clubs to better under- UEFA Medical Symposium, which will be held in stand the causes, mechanisms and prevention of Madrid in February 2014. In excellent coopera- injury and ensuring that they have their best tion with the Spanish Football Federation, prepa- players fit, healthy and out on the pitch as often rations are already under way for an event that as possible. promises to be UEFA’s best medical symposium to date. Planning will continue throughout the UEFA is continuing to build on these strong year to finalise the speakers, agenda and logisti- foundations. This edition of Medicine Matters cal arrangements for UEFA’s flagship medical not only showcases the knowledge and exper- conference, which represents an invaluable tise of members of the UEFA Medical Committee opportunity to showcase the excellent knowl- edge and skills that exist within Europe’s football community and the sport’s commitment to high- quality medical services.

I hope that you enjoy this issue of Medicine in this issuE Matters and that you share my enthusiasm for the great medical work that is being carried out or planned across Europe by UEFA, the national associations and European clubs. l CasCading thE uEfa footBall doCtor EduCation ProgrammE 2-3 Michel D’Hooghe JEt lag: disruPtion of Chairman of the UEFA Medical Committee a PlaYEr's BiologiCal CloCK on long-haul flights 4-5

groin Pain in athlEtEs 6-9

musClE Pain and footBall 10-12 UEFA • medicine matters | 04.13 | 1

2 | UEFA •direct | 04.13 Editorial UEFA A time to celebrate

This year, winter seems to have lasted much anyone who has been stirred by the sound of longer than it should. Muddy, sometimes snow- the fans’ singing and gripped by the incredible covered pitches have once again raised ques- fervour of the crowd can testify to the fact that tions about the wisdom of playing at the coldest a match in England is not just a football match, time of the year. Indeed, unpredictable bounces but a real community event. and untimely slips are hardly conducive to a technical, dazzling style of play characterised by For The , 2013 is there- high-precision passing. And it is not only the fore a year of celebration, and UEFA is delighted technical quality of the game that suffers as a to be able to make its own contribution by stag- result, but the entertainment value too. ing the climax of the European club season, the UEFA Champions League final, in London, along But football is more than just a form of enter- with the UEFA Women’s Champions League tainment. It is first and foremost a game, and a final and this year‘s general meeting of the UEFA team game at that. A special event this year member associations, the 37th Ordinary UEFA serves to remind us of what football is really all Congress. about, as (The FA), the oldest in the world, celebrates its 150th anniver- sary. English football has always embodied the specific values of the game – tenaciousness, commitment and team spirit – whatever the conditions, since there is no winter break in the Michel Platini English championship. Anyone who has experi- UEFA President enced the extraordinary atmosphere of an English stadium, with supporters close to the players and quick to get carried away by their teams’ exploits,

UEFA •direct | 04.13 | 3 Executive Committee regulations galore

The agenda of the UEFA Executive Committee’s second meeting of the year, held in Sofia and chaired by the UEFA President, Michel Platini, included, in particular, the approval of numerous sets of regulations.

The end of the 2012/13 season is approach- next two years, were also adopted. The 2013/14 ing and it is therefore already time to start think- edition will be reserved for players born after ing about the next campaign. With this in mind, 1 January 1995 and will be played in parallel the Executive Committee examined the proposals with the Champions League, with the same of the UEFA committees and administration con- group compositions and calendar. The knockout cerning the regulations of the 2013/14 competi- rounds will be played as one-off matches, with tions. Since last year, the club competition regu- drawn matches settled by a penalty shoot-out at lations have been designed to cover a three-year the end of normal time. The round of 16 matches cycle, so only a few minor amendments were will be hosted by the group winners, after which made to the regulations for the 2013/14 UEFA a draw will determine the home teams in the Champions League and UEFA Europa League and quarter-finals, while the semi-finals and final will the 2013 UEFA Super Cup. Most of these changes be held at neutral venues. concern dates or other UEFA provisions that In order to promote the training of local players, have entered into force in the meantime (par- the regulations state that 10 of the 20 players, ticularly concerning financial fair play) or, in the on the list submitted by each club must have case of the Champions League, the launch of played for the club concerned for an uninter- the UEFA Youth League, in which clubs that rupted period of two years before the start of qualify for the Champions League group stage the UEFA competition. The UEFA President, are invited to enter a team. Michel Platini, with Award for best woman player the General Secretary, seated Youth club competition Still on the subject of regulations, those of next to him, chaired The regulations of this new youth competi- next season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League the discussions in Sofia tion, introduced on an experimental basis for the were also approved. Here also, the changes were Desislava Komarova

4 | UEFA •direct | 04.13 minor, although the new regula- tions make provision for the crea- tion of a Best Woman Player in Europe Award, which will be pre- Komarova sented by UEFA before the start of the following season. Desislava The Regulations of the UEFA Futsal Cup 2013/14 were also given the green light by the Execu- tive Committee. However, the competitions are not all that requires regulation: the 2013 editions of the UEFA Medical Regulations and UEFA Anti-Doping Regulations were approved and will enter into force on 1 July.

EURO 2020 bid regulations Another set of regulations was on the agenda, and these were more unusual in so far as they con- The Executive Committee cerned bids for UEFA EURO 2020. This anniver- including Liechtenstein, the only partial member. held its first meeting sary edition of the competition will be staged in The three new signatory associations will each in the Bulgarian capital since September 2004 13 cities across Europe. receive a € 200,000 bonus for the current season The Executive Committee, in accordance with and, from 2013/14 onwards, an annual payment the relevant regulations, fixed the bid process of € 100,000 for as long as they continue to meet timeline, which will begin on 26 April this year the convention’s requirements. with the official invitation for bids and end with Still in the field of refereeing, the Executive the appointment of the host associations in Sep- Committee followed the Finance Committee’s tember 2014. The voting procedure for these favourable opinion and decided to award finan- appointments is governed by an annex to the cial support to national associations that imple- regulations, which defines geographical zones in ment the additional assistant referees’ pro- order to ensure that EURO 2020 really is a “EURO gramme in their competitions. This support will for Europe”. Each zone will need to have at least be granted over three consecutive seasons from two bids and the hosts will be chosen in four 2013/14 and is worth € 10m overall. phases: the first to determine the host associa- tion for the final and semi-finals; the second for The Executive Committee also: four associations that will each host one quarter- • approved the 2013/14 budget for submission final and three group matches; and the third and to the Ordinary UEFA Congress in London in fourth phases to select host associations for one May; round of 16 and three group matches. The committee also approved the financial • noted the state of preparations for UEFA model and the top-line bid requirements, a com- EURO 2016, including the launch of the offi- plex document dealing with the costs and allow- cial logo for the competition on 26 June; ances linked to operational activities in the host • endorsed the Professional Football Strategy cities and stadiums, transport and accommoda- Council’s condemnation of racism and call tion structures, information and communication for the protection of football’s integrity (see technologies, promotion of the event, security, page 6); guarantees, the organisational model and finan- cial matters. • finalised the programme and agenda for the 37th Ordinary UEFA Congress in London on Full house for the Referee Convention 24 May; In Sofia, the Executive Committee ratified Bosnia and Herzegovina, Portugal and as • followed the Grassroots Panel’s recommenda- new signatories to the UEFA Convention on Ref- tions concerning the awards to be presented eree Education and Organisation. This brings the to mark UEFA Grassroots Day; total number of national associations that have • noted that the 2012/13 UEFA Regions’ Cup signed the convention to 53, which means that final round draw would be held in Abano all UEFA member associations now belong to it, Terme in the Venice region of Italy on 9 May. l

UEFA •direct | 04.13 | 5 Executive Committee and Professional Football Strategy Council

SAFEGUARDING INTEGRITY AND FIGHTING RACISM

The Professional Football Strategy Council (PFSC) met on 27 March in Sofia on the eve of the UEFA Executive Committee meeting.

were also debated, giving the opportunity to each stakeholder group to express its views on the format of these competitions for the 2015-18 period. Finally, an update was given on the latest progress in the implementation of the agree- ment regarding the minimum requirements for standard player contracts in European football.

■ At its meeting in Sofia, the Executive Com- mittee expressed unanimous support for the posi- tion paper and resolution adopted by the strat- egy council.

With regard to the integrity of football, the document approved by the PFSC and ratified by the Executive Committee stresses that the prob- lem of match-fixing that has been identified in recent years “jeopardises the integrity of compe- tition and damages the very soul of our sport.” It Representatives of Europe‘s national associa- adds that sports bodies do not have the struc- tions (UEFA), clubs (European Club Association), tural and legal capacities to eradicate this prob- leagues (European Professional Football Leagues) lem by themselves, and therefore need the help and players (FIFPro Division Europe) unanimously of national governments and the European adopted a joint position paper including an Union. It also calls for recognition of sports bod- action plan to protect the integrity of football ies‘ rights to the competitions they organise in and reinforce efforts to tackle match-fixing. relation to betting services, which would both Additionally, the strategy council also adopted a reduce the risk of match-fixing and generate resolution aimed at combating racism and dis- funds that could be used to finance initiatives crimination in the game. aimed at fighting it. Transfer matters have been identified as a pri- ority for the PFSC in 2013 and further discus- The document then proposes an action plan

sions will take place on this subject in subse- based on the following practical initiatives: quent meetings. The UEFA club competitions • codes of conduct for all participants in foot-

Aquilina ball, including players, coaches, referees, offi- D. cials and administrators; Resolution against racism • education and prevention programmes; • agreements with the betting industry; The Professional Football Strategy Council and the Executive • permanent betting fraud detection systems; Committee also took an unequivocal stand against racism, which remains widespread in football stadiums despite the • a coordinated network of national association measures already adopted in the areas of education, prevention integrity officers; and punishment. • disciplinary regulations based on a zero- The resolution published in Sofia, which will also be submitted tolerance policy towards match-fixing. l to the national associations at the UEFA Congress in London, calls for strict observation of the guidelines issued by UEFA on how to deal with racist incidents during matches. It fully supports referees stopping matches in cases of racism and calls on national associa- tions, leagues and state authorities to use every available means to fight racism. The resolution also firmly opposes all other forms of discrimination. l ■ The full versions of these documents can be found on UEFA.com.

6 | UEFA •direct | 04.13 UEFA Congress

THE NINE CANDIDATES FOR THE UEFA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

There are 15 items on the agenda for the 37th Ordinary UEFA Congress on 24 May in London. David Gill As well as the statutory items relating to various reports and financial issues, other items for discussion on this year’s agenda include the Gibraltar Football Born 5 August 1957, Association‘s application for full membership of UEFA, the fight against racism Images vice-chairman of and – certainly the most eagerly awaited item – elections. Getty The Football Associa- Eight seats are at stake on the UEFA Executive Committee. Two outgoing mem- tion; former member of the Profes- bers – the second vice-president, Geoffrey Thompson (England), and sional Football Strategy Council and of Germany – decided not to stand for re-election. The six other outgoing mem- vice-chairman of the Club Competi- bers have decided to try and win another term in office. They are vice-presidents tions Committee; CEO of Manchester Giancarlo Abete (Italy) and Marios N. Lefkaritis (Cyprus), as well as Allan Hansen United FC: (Denmark), František Laurinec (Slovakia), Avraham Luzon (Israel) and Michael van A For me, the priority for UEFA has to Praag (Netherlands). be to constantly seek improvement Three new candidates have been announced – David Gill (England), Fernando in the development of the game in Gomes (Portugal) and Wolfgang Niersbach (Germany) – bringing to nine the total Europe by firmly endorsing the principles number of candidates in contention for four-year terms of office. of fair play and solidarity in matters of Ahead of the elections, all nine candidates agreed to answer the following two finance, competition and integrity. I know questions: from my experience at club, national association and European levels that find- ing the right balance is a perennial chal- A What do you see as UEFA‘s top priority lenge, and the diversity within Europe in the immediate future? makes it even more so. However, I firmly believe European football has a vibrant future ahead of it, and that good govern- ance is the key. B If you are elected (or re-elected), what personal contribution do you think you B My decision to stand for election can make to achieving that objective? was based on a desire to “give something back“ – to share the knowl- edge and expertise I have gained from working in the game for over 16 years. Football has been my passion since boy- hood, and I am privileged to have made Giancarlo and management through direct coop- it into my career. I care deeply about the eration with UEFA and major national future development of the European Abete associations. It is a question of enhanc- game. Election to UEFA’s Executive Com- ing the activity of the national teams, mittee would allow me to play a real part Born 26 August including youth teams. in its future, ensuring it is sustainable and 1950, president of financially secure for national associa- UEFA the Italian Football B My contribution, as in my first tions and clubs alike, and based on sound Federation; fifth vice-president of term of office on the Executive governance principles. This summer, I will UEFA, UEFA Executive Committee Committee (2009-13), will provide the step down as CEO of Manchester United member since 2009; chairman of experiences and skills acquired in 23 after ten fantastic years to devote more the Development and Technical years of activity within the Italian Foot- time to other areas of the game. To my Assistance Committee: ball Federation (FIGC), of which the mind, European football has never been last six have been as president and as exciting, but at the same time as chal- another nine as vice-president. In addi- lenging. It would be an honour for me to A The fight against match-fixing, tion to the various problems faced and have the opportunity to be a part of it racism and doping, which alter solved in Italy, I have got to know of and to make a positive difference. l the nature and image of this game, similar ones existing in the other Euro- diminishing its credibility in the eyes of pean football associations, having par- supporters and sponsors. It is also ticipated actively on various different important to support the interests of FIFA and UEFA committees, always the major national associations (which operating for the coexistence of the are the technical and financial driving interests of all parties. Having just forces of the whole movement, been re-elected president of the FIGC, FIFA Executive Committee through the relationships with leagues I will intensify our policy of coopera- and clubs), and to increase solidarity tion with other national associations The four outgoing members of the FIFA towards minor and medium associa- on technical, refereeing, medical and Executive Committee will all stand for tions by means of financial contribu- administrative aspects, for the mutual re-election. They are Michel D’Hooghe tions for development projects and benefit and the unity of the whole (Belgium), Şenes Erzik (Turkey), Marios improvements to their infrastructure European football family. l Lefkaritis (Cyprus) and Vitaly Mutko (Russia). There are no other candidates.

UEFA •direct | 04.13 | 7 UEFA Congress

During my first term in office I have Allan B gained knowledge of some specific Hansen areas within the scope of international football – match-fixing, third-party own- Born 21 April 1956, ership and the centralisation of media president of rights as part of the European Qualifiers project are but a few examples – and as UEFA the Danish Football chairman of the UEFA HatTrick Commit- Association; UEFA Executive tee, I have gained insight into the devel- Fernando Committee member since opments that member associations have Gomes 2009; chairman of the HatTrick undergone throughout the past few years Committee: – not least the need for development and support they may have for the future. Born 21 February 1952, A I see UEFA, European football and In parallel with my work for UEFA president of the any other organisation as a wagon I have represented European football in UEFA Portuguese Football wheel. If just one of the spokes of the the FIFA Transparency and Compliance Federation; vice-chairman of the wheel is defective, the wheel will not Task Force and since then in the new FIFA National Associations Committee: function properly and the same applies Audit and Compliance Committee, and to UEFA/European football. through this acquired valuable knowl- A I defend the development and rein- In that context, I see three main chal- edge in the field of the FIFA governance forcement of measures such as the lenges on which we have to target our reform process and the future of FIFA. grassroots football and the HatTrick pro- efforts in the coming years: Finally, over the past four years I have grammes, through which associations, espe- – to maintain the integrity of football. been in charge of a root-and-branch reform cially the ones with lower investment capac- – to reinforce the identity of national process of the Danish Football Association, ity, can improve their infrastructure. I believe team football in order to safeguard a process that has resulted in the imple- that we should preserve and if possible the future of the international game mentation of a modern organisation sys- increase these solidarity mechanisms. Pro- and that way provide more money tem in which grassroots football and elite grammes like these will ensure a brighter and consistency across the football football are walking hand in hand towards future for football. family. the continued positive development of On the other hand, we should also guar- – to reduce the risk that the gap Danish football, based on the philosophy antee that items like the European Champi- between large and small countries, that the parties in football cannot achieve onship finals, the reinforcement of policies and between the top European clubs nearly as much on their own as they can for football integrity, eradicating match- and the other clubs in UEFA’s club through reciprocal, binding solidarity. fixing, financial fair play and the promotion competitions gets bigger and bigger. In overall terms, I feel that the experi- of the European sports model continue to The fact remains that the greatest ence and knowledge I have gained dur- have wide consensus. threat to the sport of football is not what ing my first term in office and through It is also vital to be very strict and rigorous is happening on the pitch, but the nega- my 11 years as president of the Danish on banning racist, xenophobic or violent tive spin-off that takes place off the field: Football Association could be particularly behaviour from our game. racism, xenophobia, match-fixing, illegal valuable to help us push forward harmo- betting, corruption, crowd disturbances, niously. B My different capabilities in football, questionable financial arrangements, I believe I have much to offer European based on more than 20 years of experi- political interference, and so on. football, as we are looking forward to con- ence of sports administration in Portugal and If football loses its credibility, we will fronting the challenges that stand side-by- the international perspective acquired over not be able to maintain the public‘s inter- side with progress and development, and the last ten years through my presence on est in and awareness of our sport. From therefore I am seeking re-election to be several committees and international bodies, this perspective, it is my opinion that given the opportunity to play a part in this lead me to think that I am qualified to under- UEFA’s top priority in the immediate future future, ensuring that it is exciting, progres- stand and help solve the challenges football must be to take the necessary measures in sive and secure for our national associa- faces as a whole. order to ensure the integrity of football. If tions, our players, and all those involved in I will try my very best to put these quali- we fail to do so, football will perish. the management of our game. l ties and experience into the service of UEFA and its member associations. l

A The key priority will be to successfully B If I gain the trust to be re-elected, first František conduct the new, extended European and foremost, I want to contribute with Laurinec Championship, which not only gives a sporting my experience: chance to medium-sized and small national – of organising the European Championship associations, but also provides them with the in Poland and Ukraine; Born 19 August necessary financial security and stability by – of practice in the field of social dialogue 1951, honorary implementing the model of central marketing. and knowledge of the specifics of diverse UEFA president of Of course, I am an adherent of the organi- national associations; the Slovak Football Associa- sation of the European Championship in 2020 – within the Stadium and Security Committee, tion; UEFA Executive Commit- in the whole of Europe. Nothing will live up to to the improvement of the infrastructure tee member since 2009; the slogan “UEFA truly all European” better. and security of stadiums. l chairman of the Stadium Another great task is the development of and Security Committee: social dialogue with all members of the foot- ball family – with clubs, leagues and player associations.

8 | UEFA •direct | 04.13 Marios N. Wolfgang A To maintain the high level of European football and to Lefkaritis Niersbach demonstrate the importance of this to FIFA even more. Born 28 November 1946, Born 30 November 1950, honorary president president of the German

UEFA DFB B I will act with complete con- of the Cyprus Football Football Association, viction and determination in Association; fourth vice-president for whom he started work in 1987 as favour of solidarity in football and of UEFA, UEFA Executive Committee chief press officer for EURO ‘88, before unity between the grassroots and member since 1996; chairman of the becoming general secretary in 2007 and the elite, between professionals Finance Committee: being elected president in March 2012; and amateurs, between women member of the National Team Competi- and men, and girls and boys. Only A I see the following priorities: tions Committee: together are we strong! l 1. to fight against match manipulation (match-fixing); 2. to fight corruption; 3. to fight against violence in stadiums, always in cooperation with the competent authori- ties; 4. to fight against racism of all kinds and at all levels; relations with all stakeholders in order 5. to bring our house in order by fully respect- Michael to unite against everything which is ing financial fair play; van Praag threatening football nowadays: match- 6. to stabilise and safeguard UEFA’s financial fixing and corruption, violence and racism, and other wealth. Born 28 September financial excesses, third-party owner- 1947, president of ship of players, and so on. B I will work hard in order to achieve all the UEFA the Royal Nether- above and, as chairman of the Finance lands Football Association; UEFA Committee, to protect all national associations B In my first term as a UEFA Execu- and clubs and make sure our competitions run Executive Committee member tive Committee member, I have smoothly. l since 2009; chairman of the Club had the opportunity to get to know Competitions Committee: almost all of my fellow associations’ presidents and, equally importantly, have A Under its current President, Michel had the opportunity to bring their voices Platini, UEFA is closer to its mem- and opinions to the UEFA Executive ber associations than ever. Continuing Committee. It is my wish to intensify this this close relationship should remain active position even more. UEFA’s top priority. In that respect, it is If I have the honour of being re-elected required to keep the open dialogue for a second term on the UEFA Execu- with these key stakeholders about the tive Committee, I will use that position Avraham further development of football in to represent the voices of associations Luzon Europe and of the individual associa- with regards to national team competi- tions ongoing, using the many efficient tions, in order to ensure that decisions platforms available. It is also required to Born 24 April 1955, are being implemented accordingly. continue acting on behalf of both the As chairman of the UEFA Club Competi­ president of the Israel greater collective need of associations UEFA tions Committee and, as a consequence Football Association; and the individual needs of associations of that, being a board member of TEAM UEFA Executive Committee member based on the outcomes of these discus- Marketing, I can actively contribute to since 2009; chairman of the Club sions. safeguarding the best balance of inter- Licensing Committee: Following the most recent discus- ests of my fellow associations, as well as sions with member associations, UEFA is those of clubs, by maintaining the good A Firstly, to spread amateur football to all acting on the further development of understanding between them. This inclu­ levels of the population of Europe. national team competitions. As the des optimising the financial interests of Secondly, to narrow the financial gap between mentality of UEFA is to continuously be UEFA, associations and clubs in the best the clubs and to lower the big investments of open for innovations that are – from possible way where marketing and thus club owners, so that the clubs can benefit from both a sporting and a financial perspec- financial income are concerned. their own incomes via financial fair play, and so tive – for the benefit of these competi- Finally, in my career as an executive that when a club owner leaves, it will not dev- tions, in my opinion this is rightfully a in football I have represented a national astate the club. Also, to make sure that there top priority of UEFA. association, a league and a club. Hence, are no gaps that are so big that they can hurt The aforementioned openness to I understand the interests of different competitiveness. innovation goes as well for UEFA’s club stakeholders. This has been very helpful competitions. Optimising these competi- in the support of UEFA President in his B Firstly, through grassroots football – tions in order to preserve their high mission to reunite European football. I would like us to do all over Europe as quality is a third top priority in my eyes. I would certainly continue working on we do every year in Israel and have a huge Creating financial solidarity between outstanding issues in which mutual event for all the fans. Champions League and Europa League understanding plays a key role. This unity Secondly, as chairman of the Club Licensing clubs is an important part of that: a fair is important to achieve the goals of Committee and as a senior banker, I will set out share for everyone. financial fair play as well as for the joint the right financial criteria so that we achieve Last, but certainly not least, another fight against all that is threatening foot- our goals. l top priority is safeguarding the current ball in general. position of football as the most impor- For me, football is above all a “people’s tant sport in the world. It means that business” and I am committed to mak- UEFA is to maintain its good existing ing sure it stays this way. l

UEFA •direct | 04.13 | 9 HatTrick programme

Georgia’s Mikheil Meskhi Stadium ticks all the boxes for 2015

Mikheil Meskhi (1937–91) was a star of Georgian football. Nicknamed the “Georgian Garrincha” for his sensational wing play, he was a creative and dynamic force on the pitch. During his prestigious career, Meskhi played for FC Dinamo Tbilisi and FC Lokomotivi Tbilisi and earned 35 caps for the Soviet Union’s national team. GFF

The stadium will be ready for the 2015 Today, the Meskhi name and his passion for ing this to 49 years. The GFF then worked with UEFA Super Cup football live on in the most modern stadium in the city council and UEFA to outline the best Tbilisi, which has recently been selected to host possible future for the new Mikheil Meskhi Sta- the 2015 UEFA Super Cup, opening its doors to dium. UEFA wholeheartedly approved the devel- the European football family as a whole. opment project and approximately 80 % of the necessary funding was provided through the A long story UEFA HatTrick programme, the remainder being The stadium has a remarkable history. It was supplied by the GFF and its principal sponsor, built in 1956 by German settlers (after the sec- SOCAR. ond world war) and has since had a wide variety of names and owners. However, by the turn of Top-class stadium the century, although the stadium was still host- “Stadiums are at the heart of football and are ing top-quality football matches, its tired infra- where the action is played out,” says Domenti structure, limited facilities and wooden bench Sichinava, president of the GFF. “The stadium seating meant that it often played second fiddle had tremendous potential, but we needed to to the more prominent Boris Paichadze Stadium. define the quality criteria and priorities for the In 2010, Tbilisi city council took a key decision renovation. There is still work to be done, but and officially transferred the stadium’s owner- we now have a top-class stadium where football ship rights to the Georgian Football Federation is played and watched in a safe and modern (GFF) for a period of 33 years, before then extend- environment.”

10 | UEFA •direct | 04.13 Photos: GFF

Some of the stadium's facilities The renovation project, consisting of three main phases, began in June 2011, and the ulti- mate aim is for the stadium to fully comply with all relevant UEFA regulations. The major con- struction work has already been completed and the stadium is now in full use again for national teams and local clubs, as well as sometimes play- In terms of the players and the game itself, ing host to other sports (such as rugby) and the dressing rooms have been revamped to pro- social events. vide more comfort and space for match prepara- “Stadiums should aim to serve the community tions and medical assistance. The grass on the as a whole and should be designed as family- main pitch – as well as the training pitches – has friendly locations both for football matches and been completely replaced and is subject to a other events. This is the concept for the Mikheil regular maintenance programme. Meskhi,” confirms Revaz Arveladze, general sec- “Stadium management consists of a multi- retary of the GFF. “The stadium now accommo- tude of operational roles, and a step-by-step dates up to 26,000 spectators on new individual development plan is essential to maintain con- seats, and with 32 entrances / exits we can fill or trol and manage costs,” said Domenti Sichinava. clear the stadium in five minutes. We are delighted “We also ensured that we had correctly under- with the results so far.” stood the expectations of the community, as well As well as the increased capacity, the Mikheil as the football family. It is certainly this clarity of Meskhi stadium boasts VVIP and VIP areas with vision, coupled with a dedicated team, that has 80 and 488 seats respectively. These areas are produced such excellent results for the Mikheil linked to an underground car park with space Meskhi. We are really looking forward to 2015.” l for 60 cars, as well as open-air parking for 40 cars. Large numbers of people will arrive at the stadium in a short space of time on matchdays, so adequate parking and access to the public UEFA Guide to Quality Stadiums transport system were considered essential fac- tors in the overall planning process. In addition to the funding provided through the HatTrick pro- gramme, UEFA has supported the GFF throughout this renovation High-quality media facilities project by providing expert consultancy services as regards the The role of the media in football has grown construction and management of the stadium. very significantly over the last decade. The Mikheil The UEFA Guide to Quality Stadiums is a step-by-step manual for Meskhi Stadium has a brand new press confer- stadium planning. It looks in detail at the wide range of factors ence room and media centre, equipped with all that must be taken into consideration in this regard and features the necessary amenities and technical facilities. real-life case studies. It is an essential tool for anyone considering The stadium’s media area, which contains seating a similar project in the future. for up to 65 journalists and television reporters, Further information on this topic can be obtained from UEFA’s is located in the east stand with an excellent national associations development unit. l view of the pitch.

UEFA •direct | 04.13 | 11 European Under-17 Championship

Slovakia is looking forward to welcoming the stars of the future

Slovakia will host the final tournament of the 2012/13 European Under-17 Championship from 5 to 17 May.

Slovakia last hosted a final tournament in 2000, when stars of European football such as Andrea Pirlo, Christian Abbiati, , Jamie Carragher, Mark van Bommel, Dirk Kuyt, Xavi Hernández, Carles Puyol, Milan Baroš and Marek Mintál played the world‘s most popular game in Slovak stadiums. At that time, all these players were part of their national Under-21 teams, and Slovak fans had a rare opportunity to see them show off their football skills.

Future stars SFZ We are looking forward to seeing history repeat itself in May. The headline of the tourna- A poster for the tournament ment’s promotional campaign is “The stars rise up before us”. Ján Kováčik, president of the Slovak Football Association (SFZ), explained: “We hope elite round. The second is Viktor Pečovský, a that we will see future stars that will fascinate Slovak international who plays for MŠK Žilina millions of fans all around Europe and the world and was voted the best player in the Slovak First with their play. As organisers, we will do every- League in 2012. thing to ensure that the teams and fans remem- The group matches will be played on 5, 8 and ber the tournament as one in which great players 11 May, with the semi-finals taking place on 14 played in great matches in front of great crowds.” May and the new European champions in this, History suggests that this will indeed be the the youngest UEFA age category, being crowned case. Players such as Wayne Rooney, Cesc Fàbregas, on 17 May. It is interesting to note that none of , Bojan Krkić, Lukas Podolski, Gerard the teams in the final tournament were present Piqué and Mario Gómez have all played in the in Slovenia last year, with Slovakia and Sweden final rounds of European Under-17 Champion- appearing in the final round for the first time. ships. Sweden left it late to qualify, scoring in addi- tional time at the end of their last match in the Two centres and two ambassadors elite round. And there was a major surprise in The matches will be played in the stadiums of another elite round group, with Germany failing Slovak First League clubs (in Zilina, Dubnica nad to qualify despite scoring 34 goals (and conced- Vahom, Nitra and Zlate Moravce), and the teams ing just four) in their first five qualifying matches. will be accommodated in two centres – Zilina and They lost 1-0 to Ukraine in the decisive game, Senec. After the group stage everything will move with the winning goal being scored by Ukrainian The stadium in Zilina to Zilina, with all matches being played in the best forward Andriy Boryachuk three minutes before and most modern stadium in the final whistle. Slovakia (where MŠK Žilina have On 4 April, in Senec, the finalists were drawn played UEFA Champions League into the following two groups: matches, and where the Slovak Group A: Slovakia, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden national team played two matches Group B: Russia, Ukraine, Croatia, Italy. in March). As the tournament has two Qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup centres, there will also be two All the finalists will have not only their natural ambassadors. The first, Lubomír passion for winning to inspire them, but also an Moravčík, is a star of Slovak foot- additional motivating factor. The first three teams ball and comes from Nitra. He in each group will qualify for the FIFA U-17 World was the head coach of the Cup, which will be held in the United Arab Emir- national Under-17 team for two ates in October and November this year. l SFZ years and twice took them to the Juraj Čurný

12 | UEFA •direct | 04.13 UEFA Europa League final

A mouth-watering programme of events

The 2013 UEFA Europa League final is coming to Amsterdam, to be held at the Amsterdam ArenA on Wednesday 15 May. The City of Amsterdam and the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) have organised a whole range of promotional activities to raise awareness of the match among the residents of Amsterdam. The main projects are the trophy tour, a variety of grassroots tournaments and spectacular decorations across the city.

The Amsterdam ArenA first opened its shown at many of the city’s most popular and iconic doors in 1996, but has recently under- sites. gone a major renovation. It will now It will be on show, for example, at the final of a celebrate the completion of that refur- grassroots competition for schools, which will be bishment by hosting one of the most held at the home of amateur club SVV Swift at prestigious football matches in the world. The sta- Olympiaplein. It will also be displayed at the Only dium, which has a capacity of 53,000, is one of the Friends Centre, a local sports centre for disabled few venues in Europe with category 4 status. It was children. This all goes to show that the UEFA Europa also the first stadium in Europe to have a sliding League final in Amsterdam is for everybody, irre- roof (which takes 20 minutes to open or close). spective of their age, gender, race or religion. The stadium’s designers wanted to ensure that everyone could see the whole of the touch lines City dressing and goal lines. That is why the rows of seating are The whole of the city of Amsterdam will be dec- banked as steeply as they are. There are 115 cam- orated in honour of the UEFA Europa League final. eras in the stadium, and the Amsterdam ArenA There is a special tram travelling through Amster- has its own closed-circuit TV system with 300 TVs. dam since the day the trophy arrived in the city. The The stadium also has two giant video screens, each tram is completely decked out in the colours and measuring 65m2. In addition to the two floors of parking located right under the pitch, the Amsterdam ArenA is the only stadium to have a road running underneath it too. The Amsterdam ArenA has 17,500 parking spaces and also boasts a wide range of conference rooms, restau- rants and vending areas.

Trophy tour The UEFA Europa League trophy was brought to Amsterdam by a delega- tion from Club Atlético de Madrid and presented to Eberhard van der Laan, the mayor of Amsterdam, by EuroFootball / AFP Michel Platini, the UEFA President. The trophy tour The Amsterdam ArenA will be a then immediately got under way, with Europa design of the Europa League in celebration of the fitting stage for the League final ambassador Patrick Kluivert taking very special event taking place in the city on 15 May. final of the UEFA the trophy on board a canal boat accompanied There is Europa League branding throughout the Europa League by a dozen schoolchildren. Kluivert – still the Dutch city, with Amsterdam eating, sleeping and breath- national team’s all-time top goalscorer with 40 ing the Europa League in the month prior to the goals – answered questions from the children on final – a match that will doubtless be worthy of the the way to the Olympic Stadium, where the trophy great city of football that Amsterdam has always will stay at night during its four weeks in Amster- been. After all, the city is also home to former Euro- dam. From 18 April to 13 May, the trophy will pean champions Ajax and is the birthplace of many spend its days being paraded through the city. Peo- great players and coaches, including ple will be able to take pictures of the trophy at and the late Rinus Michels. l various locations across Amsterdam, and it will be Rob de Leede

UEFA •direct | 04.13 | 13 Miscellaneous

FITNESS SEMINAR IN OSLO

UEFA has held a pilot seminar, entitled “Fitness for Football”, on linking fitness training to specific football development training for the benefit of players. UEFA's 53 member associations were the catalyst for this event, which was organised as part of its coach education programme.

The seminar, in Oslo, was organised by UEFA The seminar asked how fitness training could be football education services, following a request bonded with skills and teamwork training, and to by associations for more specialist support on the what extent football activities could address physi- issue, and gathered the heads of coach education cal needs. from the national asso- The key discussion point was to demonstrate ciations, as well as fit- that football-specific fitness training, as opposed to ness and medical experts. general fitness training, should be part of the play- They discussed how foot­­ ers‘ overall training process. In addition to the ball training and fitness development of essential skills, players must have training can be aligned the necessary physical fitness for matches. The to help players perform seminar argued that a training situation should to their maximum, as therefore be as close to the competitive situation as well as to prevent inju- possible. The demands in training must be as simi- ries. lar as possible to the demands of the situation The Oslo event also being trained for. UEFA helped nurture dialogue A UEFA survey showed considerable differences Discussions to ensure better practical preparation between coach educa- between national associations as regards what fit- tors and fitness and med- ness means, as there are a lot of fitness experts ical experts, and was aimed at encouraging national without knowledge specific to football. Now the associations to think about integrating relevant associations have to be stimulated on how they can fitness elements at various levels of coach educa- better integrate fitness topics within their coach tion in a more appropriate and up-to-date way. education programme. l

MEETING WITH SUPPORTERS COMPETITIONS At the beginning of March, representatives of • Sweden, France, Denmark, England, Norway, Fin- supporters’ groups were welcomed to the UEFA land and Germany have qualified for the final round headquarters in Nyon for an annual meeting. of the European Women’s Under-19 Championship, in which they will join Wales, the competition hosts, at the middle of August. The draw will take place on 7 May.

• Italy, Azerbaijan, Russia, Spain, Portugal, the Czech Republic and Slovenia have qualified for the final round of the UEFA Futsal EURO 2014 in Belgium. Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovakia, , Croatia, Serbia, the Netherlands and Ukraine will con- test play-off matches for the four remaining places. UEFA • The draw for the FIFA U-20 World Cup was made in Istanbul on 25 March and produced the following At the beginning of March, representatives of supporters’ groups: groups were welcomed to the UEFA headquarters in Nyon for an annual meeting. Group A: France, Ghana, USA, Spain The purpose of these gatherings is to improve mutual under- Group B: Cuba, South Korea, Nigeria, Portugal standing between UEFA and supporters by sharing ideas and opin- Group C: Turkey, El Salvador, Colombia, Australia ions, and raising awareness of their respective activities and needs. Group D: Mexico, Greece, Paraguay, Mali Three supporters’ groups were represented at this meeting, Group E: Chile, Egypt, England, Iraq which was attended by the UEFA President, Michel Platini: Foot- Group F: New Zealand, Uzbekistan, Uruguay, ball Supporters Europe, Supporters Direct and CAFE, which rep- Croatia l resents disabled supporters. l

14 | UEFA •direct | 04.13 member associations

Albania www.fshf.org

UEFA Pro licence course starts one of the most successful young coaches Albania’s first UEFA Pro licence coaching in the Italian Serie A – and to ask him various course has begun. The participants selected to questions. take part in the course – which will take a year Their next stop was Durres, where the to complete – are all coaches of Albanian Albanian national team had gathered. There, national teams or Albanian Super League sides. they attended a training session overseen FSHF As the detailed programme put together by by Gianni De Biasi, the coach of Albania’s the Football Association of Albania’s technical The UEFA Pro licence students senior national team, in preparation for department shows, those coaches have quite Albania’s qualifying match against Norway some work to do before they can be awarded professional course. In March, they visited and the friendly against Lithuania. the UEFA Pro licence. Florence and attended one of ACF Fiorentina’s The UEFA Pro licence course runs until the The coaches on the course are very enthusi- training sessions. They had the opportunity to end of 2013. astic about it, describing it as a high-level meet Fiorentina’s coach, Vincenzo Montella – l Tritan Kokona

Andorra www.faf.ad

Women’s youth league to the FAF to invest even more time, energy and be launched in April effort in grassroots football. In 2012, the FAF launched a campaign The fifth Easter grassroots tournament organ- entitled “Les princeses també juguen a futbol” ised by the Andorran Football Federation (FAF) (“Princesses also play football”), aimed at was a great success, with 20 seven-a-side teams developing grassroots girl’s and women’s

from Andorra and neighbouring provinces football nationwide. The project began with AF coming to play on the latest generation of a nationwide TV advertisement (which can be f artificial surfaces at the sports centre in Alàs. seen on www.faf.ad in the “Futbol femení” Schoolchildren are encouraged to play football There were three age categories (Under-7s, section) and involved inter-class games and Under-9s and Under-11s), with a group stage, football activities at local schools. The scheme April. The league will comprise seven teams of semi-finals and a final for each, resulting in a aimed to encourage girls of primary school girls born between 1999 and 2004. total of 40 games (7v7, 12 minutes each way). age to take up football, with a view to creating One of the FAF’s goals is to allow talented The winners were FC Encamp (Under-7s), youth teams and a youth league. girls to progress and participate at higher levels EF Artesa de Segre (Under-9s) and the Andorran The success of this campaign can be seen in the future, at which point an Andorran national team (Under-11s). Year after year, the in the establishment of Andorra’s first ever girl’s women’s team will become a reality. success of this regional tournament encourages youth league, which will kick off at the end of l Sílvia Casals

Austria www.oefb.at

New digital media officer Susanne Polansky scenes insight. Meanwhile, news items In march, a new digital media officer such as national team match lineups will be joined the media and communication DasNationalteam and www. published first on the Facebook page. department of the Austrian Football facebook.com/immerwiederoes- The objective is to grow ÖFB’s Facebook Association (ÖFB). Susanne Polansky terreich), its number of community into one of the largest in the world has been entrusted with the task of “friends” has already more of sport. developing and implementing a global than doubled in the space of a All in all, with this new appointment, the social media strategy, relaunching its fb month. As well as photographs, association has increased its level of knowledge portals and looking after the ÖFB’s digital ö short videos filmed during and resources in the digital field in order to communication channels. national team get-togethers are take greater account of the growing demands Since the ÖFB launched its social media included, while personal messages from players of the online world. portals on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ and other special features provide behind-the- l Wolfgang Gramann

Azerbaijan www.affa.az

Sixth Baku International and Belarus, which the hosts won 2-1. Fans futsal tournament packed the arena to watch the home team’s hard-fought victory – their third in as many The sixth annual Baku international futsal matches. Special gifts were presented to all tournament took place from 12 to 16 February participants of the tournament by the AFFA. at the Baku Sports Palace. The tournament Azerbaijan have now won five of the six was organised by the Association of Football Baku international futsal tournaments. One Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA), in cooperation benefit of these annual events is that Azerbai- with the Azerbaijan futsal federation. jan’s futsal team is now among the strongest Participants in Baku included the national in Europe and has qualified for the forthcoming AFFA futsal teams of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Latvia, UEFA Futsal EURO 2014, which will be held Moldova and Uzbekistan. The highlight of the in Belgium. The participants pose for a photo after the trophy tournament was the final between Azerbaijan l Ayan Aghayeva and certificates presentation ceremony

UEFA •direct | 04.13 | 15 Member associations

Bosnia and Herzegovina Denmark www.nfsbih.ba www.dbu.dk

A big step towards Brazil Marketing initiatives to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s national team are promote the Danish women’s well on their way to a place in the final round of national team the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil after beating Greece – their main rivals in Group G – 3-1 in The Danish Football Association (DBU) Zenica. It was their first ever win over Greece, has undertaken different initiatives to promote having failed to beat them in their previous six Krvavac F. the Danish women’s national team before it games (qualifying matches for the 1998 FIFA The Bosnian national team took a significant step competes in the Women’s EURO 2013 in World Cup, EURO 2004 and EURO 2008). closer to Brazil by beating Greece Sweden this summer. Among the initiatives The “Dragons” have five qualifying matches are the team’s participation in a nationwide left, and their fate is in their own hands. Football Federation (NFSBiH) has, in cooperation DBU promotional tour and the creation and If Safet Sušić’s team continue to play this well, with UEFA representatives, held a seminar for presentation of a they have a chance of taking part in a major representatives of clubs. The event team mascot. competition for the first time. was also attended by newly elected members­ of The DBU tour Elsewhere, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s futsal the first instance and appeals bodies responsible is a brand-new team, playing in the main round of the for the licensing of clubs. At that seminar, club promotional European Futsal Championship in Bratislava, representatives were familiarised with the new opportunity for finished second in Group 2 with four points IT tools that will be used for the submission of the football (behind Azerbaijan, who managed nine points). financial benchmarking data for UEFA. association that is Boro Matan’s players will now have a chance The NFSBiH recently opened a fan shop planned as an annual to qualify for the Futsal EURO 2014 in Belgium in Bascarsija, in the old part of Sarajevo, and event with a different through the play-offs. organised a charity football match to raise focus each year. For In preparation for the start of their qualifying money for children with special needs. The 2013, the focus is matches for the European Under-21 Champion- event also marked the 27th birthday of Bosnian split between the ship, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Under-21 team international and Manchester City FC forward hosting of a recently recorded a convincing 5-0 win against Edin Džeko, who played in the match alongside nationwide street Macedonia in Sarajevo. Their next match other international players. A total of 27 boys football tournament will be a friendly at home to Serbia on 4 June, and girls with special needs from across the and the promotion of ahead of their first qualifying match, which country also played, as did children from the women’s national will be at home to Albania on 11 June. various primary schools in Sarajevo. team. DBU Other teams have also been in action: the Another piece of news that has caught The DBU Tour 2013 is women’s national team recently came fourth people’s attention is the fact that Džeko, who visiting 16 cities across in the Croatian Cup, an international tourna- is also a UNICEF ambassador, has been awarded Denmark. In each city, ment in Rovinj. Samira Hurem’s team lost the prestigious “City of Sarajevo Award in one or two players from their first match 1-0 to Russia, before beating Honour of April 6th”. This is given to deserving the women’s national Slovakia 4-1. In the third-place play-off, citizens and collectives to mark 6 April, the date team will be present. Emma Hu, they lost 6-5 to Slovenia on penalties. on which the city was liberated from fascism The players will be the mascot of the Bosnia and Herzegovina’s youngest men’s and at the end of the second world war. The available to chat to fans Danish women‘s women’s teams were also in Croatia, taking part prize, which was first awarded in 1956, was and local people in the national team in UEFA development tournaments in Umag. The presented to the players Josip Katalinski in different cities, sign women’s Under-16 team won their tournament, 1975 and Safet Sušić in 1981, as well as being autographs and and the men’s Under-17 team won theirs, too. awarded to Ivica Osim, the then coach of the compete with the public in different football- In other news, the club licensing team Yugoslav national team, in 1990. related contests. operating within the Bosnia and Herzegovina l Fuad Krvavac Along with the players, the newly launched team mascot will also be present on the tour. The mascot is the first for a Danish national football team. It takes the form of a female tiger named Emma Hu and has been devel- www.bfunion.bg oped in close cooperation with the women’s national team. From a marketing perspective, Workshop for referees in Sliven Kordev will no longer be involved in the Emma Hu has been developed to brand the committee, while Kostadin Kostadinov retains women’s national team from a broad The Bulgarian Football Union has reduced his position as manager of the referees perspective and, more specifically, to help the number of people on its referees committee committee, a role he was given when Bulgaria children (especially girls) identify with the from seven to five. The news was announced by signed the UEFA Convention on Referee national team and the players. the chairman of the referees committee, Nikola Education and Organisation. Emma Hu has already proven successful Dzhuganski, during the refereeing workshop During the March workshop, all Bulgaria‘s in aiding the branding of the women’s team held in Sliven at the beginning of March. Georgi professional referees took their annual fitness as the mascot was unveiled exclusively on tests, with three of them – , nationwide public service television on a very Georgi Todorov and Martin Margaritov – popular news and entertainment talk show. joining FIFA’s list of international referees. Emma Hu made her first public appearance in Kyros Vassaras, a member of the UEFA Referees the company of three national players, which Committee, attended the workshop and led to the players talking about women’s introduced participants to new trends in football, the national team and the Women’s refereeing. EURO 2013. Also in Sliven were the executive directors The way in which the mascot was intro- of all of Bulgaria’s professional football clubs. duced to the public showed how Emma Hu, They were given a lecture on the fight against the DBU tour and several other marketing racism – an issue that is still a problem for initiatives can help the Danish women’s clubs and the national team, with many fans national team gain more attention in the unaware of the consequences of inappropriate national media and among the public prior to behaviour during games. the championship in Sweden this summer. BFU l Dimitar Trenev The refereeing workshop participants l Søren Gjelstrup Jessen

16 | UEFA •direct | 04.13 England www.thefa.com

Defibrillators for clubs The charity will match an initial donation ”The chance of survival from a cardiac arrest of £400,000 from The FA towards the cost of is promoted by the timely use of a defibrillator, The Football Association (FA) and the the defibrillators, with an additional £400,000 by early cardiopulmonary resuscitation and British Heart Foundation (BHF) have teamed made up of contributions from clubs. With by quick access to an appropriate clinical up to help save lives in England’s football two-thirds of the cost of a brand new lifesaving environment. However, it is vitally important clubs and their communities. defibrillator being provided by The FA and that someone responds to preserve the life and More than 900 defibrillators will be the BHF, eligible clubs are now able to apply to promote recovery of the casualty until more made available to clubs in the National League the fund to secure the equipment and learn advanced medical care can be provided.” System below the Premier League and the more about how it can save lives. Professor Peter Weissberg, medical director Football League, and also to clubs in the Awareness of sudden cardiac arrests was at the BHF, added: “The rules of cardiac arrest Women’s Super League, to help save the lives heightened when Muamba suffered a cardiac are really very simple: there is no chance of of cardiac arrest casualties. arrest in Bolton‘s FA Cup match against survival without prompt CPR and a defibrillator. This unique partnership between The FA, Tottenham Hotspur FC on 17 March last year. “The importance of these machines in the which is marking its 150th anniversary in 2013, Muamba’s story is even more remarkable as only chain of survival cannot be underestimated, and the BHF was announced on the first around one in ten people normally survive a and a new partnership between the nation’s anniversary of former England Under-21 and witnessed, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the UK. heart charity and The FA promises to make a Bolton Wanderers FC midfielder Fabrice Mike Healy, The FA’s head of medical difference between life and death in many Muamba suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch. education, added: “For more than 20 years, of our clubs and their communities. This is a The initiative will create thousands of lifesavers The FA has recognised the importance of chance to equip many of our football clubs by giving players, staff and fans access to the timely and appropriate first aid for casualties with the lifesaving skills and equipment which equipment and information needed to save in football environments. Individuals of all will improve this country’s very poor cardiac a life, including hands-only cardiopulmonary ages can die from cardiac arrest, even athletes arrest survival rates.” resuscitation (CPR) which was made famous who appear to be in the prime of their l Greg Demetriou for the BHF by former star player Vinnie Jones. physical fitness.

Finland France www.palloliitto.fi www.fff.fr

School futsal competition FFF launches its new website kicks off An important step was taken to improve The Football Association of Finland, in the digital communication of the French cooperation with Finland’s school athletics Football Federation (FFF) in March, with the association, has launched a new futsal total overhaul of its website. Boasting almost competition for schools, which has been very 2 million unique visitors (1,953,000 in well received by students and teachers alike. November, a new record), fff.fr is the number The competition is aimed at sixth-graders in one football website in France. The main schools across Finland, and the objective is innovations are described below. to establish a model whereby any student The home page is divided into three parts. from any class can take part. At the top, there is a scrollable banner with four The rules are a little “lighter” than in regular images illustrating two current news stories, a futsal, and the ball used is softer. A minimum feature article and an FFF campaign or activity. of five girls and five boys from each class take The middle section contains three illustrated A brand- part. Each match comprises four periods, with articles (“A la une“) (“The front page“), the new website boys and girls playing in two each. The boys FFFtv video player and a news thread. Finally, for the FFF play against boys from another class, and the the bottom section, entitled “Passion Foot“ girls play against girls. Each participating school (“Passion for football“), highlights several FFF organises its own internal championship, and articles and videos. the winning class from each school goes Undoubtedly one of the most significant FFF’s activities. There is also a link to the current through to a regional tournament. innovations is “My FFF”. This is a dedicated, discussions on the FFF Facebook page. In the first year of the competition, 140 personalised space in which users can choose Another innovation is the grouping of all classes participated in the event and feedback the content they want. Information and services the men’s and women’s national teams in the was extremely positive. A lot of attention is are featured in accordance with the areas of “Equipes de France” (“French national teams“) paid to fair play, and after each match green interest that are indicated when registering section, including player and match profiles, cards are handed to children who have shown (free of charge). Fans of the French women’s fixture lists, coach information, a detailed respect to other players and the referee. team, for example, will receive all the relevant Given the successful launch and the very statistical record of all matches, and written news on this team first. positive feedback from both students and and video news articles for each team. teachers, the competition will be extended to “Au cœur du jeu” (“At the heart of the Cup competitions and championships other age groups and the number of partici- game“) is a brand new section aimed at current each have their own dedicated section. The pants is expected to increase significantly. and aspiring FFF members. Players, coaches, championships section (from Ligue 1 to district l Jukka Salasuo club officials, volunteers and referees can all leagues) contains all the results and league find information relevant to their particular tables, while the cups section adopts the same The schools futsal competition role. Divided into five subsections (for players, has got off to a good start model, adding the UEFA competitions. referees, coaches, medical staff and club “Rétro” (“Looking back“) is another new officials), this area contains valuable practical section that focuses on the history of French advice, details of training opportunities and football. Videos, photos and articles pay tribute official information on topics such as setting to legendary matches and players. The 100 key up a club, for example. dates for the FFF are included in this section, The “La vie des clubs” (“Club life“) section is together with details of all internationals and devoted to amateur football. It provides official national team match sheets since 1904, and not information about the 18,000 or so French forgetting the full list of French Cup winners clubs, describes good practices developed by and results since 1918.

FA Finland FA associations, profiles volunteers and details the l Matthieu Brelle-Andrade

UEFA •direct | 04.13 | 17 Member associations

Germany www.dfb.de

“A very good idea” The Coca-Cola-sponsored national team fan club has celebrated its tenth anniversary. The occasion was marked on 26 March, at the FIFA World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan in Nuremberg, the city where the fan club’s success story began a decade ago. Almost 50,000 supporters of the German national team are now members of the club. Not even the fan club’s patron and national team manager, , expected the club to grow so rapidly: “It’s all part of the overall success of the fan club. It can surprise people at all levels. The fact that it‘s so big is simply brilliant. It shows not only how much Images support the national team has, but also how much the fans identify with it.” As well as providing a structure for the supporters of the German national team, the Bongarts-Getty fan club is a focus for numerous special offers, such as trips to the team’s home and away Celebrating the anniversary of the national team fan club in Nuremberg matches. It also gives members the chance to play an active role in creating a good atmos- us goose bumps. And there have been several order to support us – there are so many stories phere at international matches. “When I think of them in recent years. The choreographed behind it. Forming the fan club was simply a of the fan club, I am invariably reminded of displays, the songs, the support at exactly the very good idea”, says Bierhoff. those moments produced by the fans that give right time, the expense that the fans go to in l Niels Barnhofer

Israel www.football.org.il

Fourth open day For the fourth consecutive year, the Israel Football Association (IFA) has organised an open day for the general public and fans. The IFA opened its gates free of charge and invited children, parents and visitors to come inside and see its pitches and dressing rooms, experiencing life behind the scenes in the world of Israeli football. Children’s cup finals were played, and trophies and medals were awarded. Israel is hosting the final tournament of the European Under-21 Championship this summer, so there was a huge separate area dedicated An open day with to this event, allowing fans to meet the Israeli a fun atmosphere players and coach, to get autographs and take pictures, and to find out more about the tournament and the four host cities (Tel Aviv, IFA Jerusalem, Petach-Tikva and Netanya). There were also various competitions, such tionals and a team comprising some of Israel’s Ramat Gan. This open day is the IFA’s biggest as free-kick contests and a “sporting family” top actors and singers. More than 17,000 grassroots event, and last year it resulted in the contest. One of the highlights of the day was football fans came and enjoyed the event, IFA winning a UEFA KISS marketing award. an all-star match between former Israeli interna- which took place at the national stadium in l Michal Grundland

Liechtenstein www.lfv.li

Annual general meeting for grassroots football for the next two years. All other board members were re-elected, On 25 March, the Liechtenstein Football ensuring continuity in the work of the Association (LFV) held its annual general association. meeting in Schaan. In the presence of František At the end of the meeting, František Laurinec, Laurinec, a member of the UEFA Executive representing UEFA, and Leo Kranz, president Committee, the main items on the agenda were of the Liechtenstein Olympic sports association, the adoption of new statutes (in line with FIFA took the opportunity to address the LFV’s standards) and elections to the executive board. executive board and the other delegates. One position on the board had been vacant l Anton Banzer for the last two years, and that was ably filled by lawyer and former Liechtenstein interna- The LFV‘s new LFV tional Marco Ender, who will be responsible executive committee

18 | UEFA •direct | 04.13 Malta Northern Ireland www.mfa.com.mt www.irishfa.com

Exams during UEFA Chalkida in Greece to take part in a UEFA Soccer Sight goes digital tournament development tournament, it became apparent that the event clashed with important Carl Frampton, the new European super- An unusual experience for a group of university-related examinations in Malta. bantamweight champion and an ardent about 20 young Maltese players has confirmed Undaunted, the Maltese authorities held Northern Ireland supporter, has officially the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation that discussions involving all those concerned in launched Soccer Sight Digital, a joint initiative order to find a way for the by the Irish Football Association (IFA) and the players to sit these important Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). exams while they were abroad. The Soccer Sight initiative put in place at Communication with the EPO Windsor Park has allowed many blind and and Greece’s education partially sighted people to follow matches authorities led to all the through audio descriptions. This has enabled necessary logistical arrangements spectators with sight loss to enjoy internationals being finalised in the minutest and domestic matches in a whole new way. detail. As a result, the players Soccer Sight Digital is a football access project were able to sit their exams at designed to improve access to football at all levels the appropriate time. for blind and partially sighted people. The new Everything went as planned, digital equipment is funded by the Northern and so the Maltese players were Ireland Executive‘s Department for Culture, Arts then able to honour their and Leisure (DCAL). Soccer Sight offers a form sporting commitments on the of audio commentary. It helps to give blind and pitch on behalf of their country. partially sighted people a fuller experience when This episode confirmed that attending international football matches. It differs from regular radio commentaries as it offers a full innovative ways of resolving description of the stadium, the game, fans’ exam-related problems involving reactions, the location of play and the fan’s

Aquilina sport can always be found, location in relation to the pitch and goals. D. as long as there is goodwill. The Maltese student players with their Greek supervisors The players and their parents expressed their gratitude to all parties for ensuring that this unites the Malta Football Association (MFA) impasse was successfully resolved. and the Hellenic Football Federation (EPO), The top officials at the MFA were equally as well as the education authorities of the grateful. They explained that, thanks to careful two countries. planning, a template had been established for Several weeks before Malta’s Under-16 men’s overcoming such difficulties in the future.

and women’s teams were due to travel to l Alex Vella IFA

From left to right: Jim Shaw, president of the IFA, Alderman Leathem, mayor of Lisburn, David Bowen, Moldova coordinator of the project, and European boxing cham- www.fmf.md pion Carl Frampton at the official launch of Soccer Sight

FMF marks International Association of Moldova (FMF), in cooperation David Bowen, the RNIB’s Soccer Sight Women’s Day with the Cross Cultures Project Association coordinator, said: “Soccer Sight is an excellent (CCPA) and its Open Fun Football Schools scheme, which will enhance the enjoyment On 8 March, International Women’s Day, (OFFS) programme in Moldova. A number of of blind and partially sighted people going to the first ever match involving former members CCPA/OFFS representatives took part in the Northern Ireland internationals. It gives an of the Moldovan women’s team took place match: the two team captains, Iurie Conusevici all-round better, fuller and more complete at CSCT Buiucani’s stadium, with the women and Svetlana Ceban, are both assistant CCPA/ match-going experience. Also, it opens up the taking on former members of the men’s OFFS coordinators for Moldova, while Natalia other aspects of going to the football that fellow, national team. Ceban and Iana Pogarevici are both CCPA/OFFS sighted fans appreciate as a matter of course.” Before kick-off, the men presented a bunch instructors. The IFA president, Jim Shaw, added: “The IFA is of flowers to each of the women. The game A good number of people attended the delighted to have been able to access funding from DCAL to provide new digital equipment to enhance was fast-paced, with the women leading almost match, including a number of journalists. the quality of broadcasts to all our visually impaired throughout and the men not equalising until The event was reported on the official website and blind supporters at Northern Ireland home the dying seconds. The final result was 11-11. of the FMF and several TV channels. games.” Carl Frampton said: “The IFA should be The match was organised by the Football l Svetlana Ceban congratulated, along with its dedicated coaches and staff, for its huge efforts in breaking down some of the barriers faced by blind and partially sighted people in accessing sports.” Barry Macaulay, senior manager for Northern Ireland at the RNIB, commented: “It is great to see the IFA continuing to lead the way on accessibility for sports fans who are blind or partially sighted. This updated equipment will be ideal for the revamped national football stadium, and we are very hopeful that the GAA and Ulster Rugby will follow suit and provide audio description facilities at Casement Park and Ravenhill.” This project has been made possible by the generous support provided by the Northern Ireland Executive through DCAL’s “Promoting Equality, Tackling Poverty and Social Exclusion FMF through Sport” programme. Complete equality between teams of both genders l Sueann Harrison

UEFA •direct | 04.13 | 19 Member associations

Portugal Romania www.fpf.pt www.frf.ro

An important agreement Focus on social responsibility

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) Romania faces very specific challenges has signed an agreement with 35 clubs in the on account of the global economic crisis: second division (Divisão II), supporting projects more than two million Romanians now work aimed at improving clubs’ facilities. The FPF has € abroad, with most leaving their children invested more than 1m in this programme, behind in Romania to be raised by relatives money that the clubs can spend on dressing – and some abandoning their children rooms, pitches, medical offices, stadium entirely. Some of those abandoned children security, stands, press areas and laundry rooms, for example, between now and the end of live in special social or residential centres September. and face serious problems when it comes The programme was launched last August, FPF to adapting and integrating into Romanian and the clubs had to submit their projects An important agreement for Portuguese football society. by the end of October. The majority of those Football is being used to combat truancy projects were approved by the FPF and the introduced, which should increase interest and delinquency, as well as to support Portuguese institute of sports and youth. The in the division among both the general public integration into society. Poor children are FPF will finance 80% of the projects submitted and the media. being encouraged to play football, with by the clubs, up to a maximum of €50,000 The FPF believes that, given the present the most talented among them going on per project. financial and social situation in Portugal, with to play at a higher level. This agreement is an important achievement major challenges across the sports industry, it The Romanian Football Federation (FRF) for the Portuguese FA, as this was a significant is important to support clubs and help them to has launched a special project in partnership objective for its board of directors and is strengthen their structures and facilities in order with local councils in various districts of essential to improving the clubs’ facilities prior to ensure the development of Portuguese (mainly the fifth), as well as the to the launch of the new second division in football. national schools authority and the Policy a few months’ time. A new format is to be l FPF communications department Center for Roma and Minorities, with which the FRF has worked successfully for many years. Between 20 April and 20 October 2013, Republic of Ireland around 500 children between the ages of www.fai.ie 7 and 14 living in Bucharest (mainly in the fifth district) will take part in a special New partnership • Future Football fun days – a community competition due to be held in more than for grassroots football football event hosted by a number of the 25 local schools. This competition is aimed participating clubs. Fun days will include at children living in social and residential Robbie Keane, captain of the Republic of football activities, skills competitions centres, children living far below the poverty Ireland’s national team, has been unveiled as and entertainment. The event will be free line and children with only one living parent. the ambassador for the McDonald‘s Football of charge and open to everyone. Sports teachers will assemble squads Association of Ireland (FAI) Future Football • Future Football cup competition – run of 12 children corresponding to those programme, a brand-new partnership to in conjunction with the fun days but open criteria (including, if possible, children of the support grassroots football clubs and enhance only to participating clubs. There will be three requisite age who do not attend school), the work they do at a local level. age categories (U8, U9 and U10), and teams and those children will have daily training Over 4,000 boys and girls from 83 clubs will include boys and girls. sessions. At the end of each week, they will across Ireland are expected to participate in play six or seven-a-side games in this special the new initiative this year, which includes free • Future Football cup finals day – teams championship on mini-pitches measuring coach education workshops, fun days and can progress from the local cup competitions 20m by 40m. football competitions. to a finals day, to be held on 15 October in This new club initiative has been developed Dublin. Activities will be held in and around Teams will be formed on the basis of to combine various elements of coach the Dublin Arena, with all participants age (with teams for boys aged 7 to 9, 10 to education, player development and club attending an international game later that 11 and 12 to 14 and girls aged 11 to 14) – management that will give young footballers evening. and there will be around 35 to 40 teams a platform for the application of their skills • Club support programme – clubs will altogether. in an inclusive, fun and friendly environment. complete a survey which will assist in the Each child will receive playing kit and The elements making up the programme are: design and implementation of a support training kit from the FRF, and each team will • Coach education – new small-sided game programme that sets standards and receive 10 balls and 12 bibs. In addition, the workshops (4v4 and 7v7) have been benchmarks for club administration and sports teachers will receive a supplementary developed in line with the Future Football management. It will also provide clubs with payment on top of their regular salary, which programme. Ten free places will be available information and resources to assist their will be paid by the fifth district’s local council. on each course to all clubs involved. ongoing development. Participating clubs will The sports teachers will be assisted and work towards implementing the agreed advised by Romania’s youth team coaches, criteria. by coaches appointed by the FRF’s coaching In selecting clubs for participation, the school and by a number of former interna- FAI invited expressions of interest from all tional stars currently working for the FRF, clubs before looking at many aspects of their such as Miodrag Belodedici, management and organisation, such as administrative structure and procedures, and Ion Vlădoiu. development planning, fundraising and The project is to be rolled out in four more associated activities, as well as their role in regions of Romania (Alba, Valcea, Bacau their community, how long they have been and Satu Mare), where another 500 children established, their links with the FAI and in the same situation will be invited to participation in FAI initiatives, and whether participate. And there are plans to extend the FAI they have a girls’/ladies’ section, to determine project to even more regions in the near Robbie Keane, ambassador of the new if they were suitable. future. grassroots programme l Stephen Finn l Paul Zaharia

20 | UEFA •direct | 04.13 Russia www.rfs.ru

Women’s Chisinau in August 1987. Back marks its 25th anniversary then, young female players competed for special prizes An international conference celebrating awarded by the weekly publica- 25 years of women’s football in Russia was held tion Sobesednik. While men’s in Moscow in March. The event was attended football was marking its 90th by Nikolai Tolstykh, president of the Russian anniversary, women’s football was Football Union (RFS), Karen Espelund, member just starting to develop and of the UEFA Executive Committee and chair­ promote itself. The USSR then woman of the UEFA Women’s Football established a women’s football Committee, and Eva Pasquier, FIFA’s European association, organising a women’s development manager, as well as famous football championship and coaches and players from Russian women’s forming a women’s national team. RFS football. The event was also attended by Thanks to the efforts of Nadejda Celebrating 25 years of women‘s football in Russia special guests from the football associations Gorban, Neil Tishenko and Oleg of Germany, England and Azerbaijan, who Lapshin, this new kind of football was made important day for us. Your sincere love and reported on women’s football in their respective available to the Russian people and enjoyed absolute devotion have resulted in its successful countries. bright prospects. establishment and development in difficult Women’s football has only been around for a “First of all, I would like to congratulate all times. This has been a historic period,” said quarter of a century in Russia, with the USSR’s the people who were involved in launching Nikolai Tolstykh. first nationwide tournament being held in women’s football in Russia on this special and l Irina Baranova

Serbia Sweden www.fss.org.rs www.svenskfotboll.se

Agreement on a new national The presentation was also attended by A new mandate stadium the British ambassador to Serbia, Michael for Karl-Erik Nilsson Davenport, who said: “The people of our As part of the programme adopted by its countries have the same passion for football. Karl-Erik Nilsson was elected president of the executive committee for the period 2012-16, I am very happy to see that concrete coopera- Swedish Football Association (SvFF) for a second the Football Association of Serbia (FSS) is tion has been established between the FSS and term at the association‘s annual meeting in continuing with its stated objective: the Mace. Modern multifunction football facilities March, with all other strengthening of Serbia’s football infrastructure. are a reality today, and I deeply believe that members of the SvFF’s board Following the opening of its sports centre in the project ‘National Stadium Serbia’ is not a also re-elected unanimously. May 2011, the FSS now has a new task: the utopian one and will soon be within reach The SvFF posted a profit of construction of a national stadium. In March, for all Serbian citizens.” €4.5m in 2012, more than the FSS’s management began the process of The FSS’s president, Tomislav Karadžić, said: half of which was due to turning its plans into reality, the first concrete “This kind of stadium has been a dream Sweden’s participation in step being the signing of a cooperation for many generations of people in our country. EURO 2012. As usual, the agreement between the FSS and the British However, I emphasise that we are not just proceeds will be spent on company Mace (under the auspices of the constructing this grand stadium; we also want developing football in British embassy in ) regarding the to see seven new modern stadiums all over Sweden, with fixed amounts construction of the stadium. Serbia, all as a result of this cooperation. earmarked for the UEFA The signing of the agreement was followed Football infrastructure is the basis of modern Women’s EURO 2013, the by an initial presentation looking at the basic work. With this project, we are aiming to enter development of talent and procedure for building such facilities – some- the group of candidates to co-host UEFA support for the construction thing Serbia has never had. At the moment, EURO 2020, because we wish to welcome and renovation of stadiums. the main tasks are to find investors and decide the best teams in this amazing competition The annual meeting also SvFF on the location. Mace’s experience with in seven years’ time.” approved a new strategy A new term the construction of various sports facilities, All three parties will now intensify their document that will lay the of office for efforts, and the results will be announced foundations for the SvFF’s combined with the FSS’s determination to SvFF president push ahead with this plan, suggests that in due course. operations until 2017. Karl-Erik Nilsson progress will be swift. l Aleksandar Bošković Karl-Erik Nilsson hosted a number of open sessions across the country in autumn 2012, giving everyone involved in Swedish football the opportunity to have their say on the associa- tion’s future strategy. Regional associations and various interest groups were also consulted before the final document was adopted. Reigning champions IF Elfsborg are likely to retain their title when the Swedish National League’s new season kicks off in April – at least according to a poll of 300 representatives of media organisations and league clubs who attended the country’s annual pre-season event. The launch Malmö FF, AIK Solna and BK Häcken are seen as of the the most likely challengers. The league has been national won by seven different clubs in the last eight stadium seasons, and if Elfsborg win it in 2013 they will construction be the first club in ten years to defend their project title. FSS l Andreas Nilsson

UEFA •direct | 04.13 | 21 Member associations

Switzerland www.football.ch

Football is (almost) all that their unique four-year Laupen’s girls talk about winning streak and leave Basle as champions for the The Swiss schools football championship – fifth year in succession. the Credit Suisse Cup – was launched more Laupen’s girls have already than 30 years ago in 1981, and the competition written themselves into cup remains extremely popular to this day. The history. Last year they won grand final tournament will once again take the grade 7 title, having won place in Basle this year, on 12 June. The final the grade 6, 5 and 4 titles in tournament will be contested by those school the previous three years – an teams that make it through the qualifying unprecedented achievement. rounds, who will then compete for the title As Laupen has no upper of Swiss champions in the various categories. school, the girls now attend SFV Every year, the Swiss schools football a secondary school in Jubilation for the winners of the schools championship trophy championship is contested by about 6,000 neighbouring Wald, where teams, comprising approximately 150,000 their winning streak has players between the ages of 10 and 16 from continued. Even the girls’ sports teacher, of any additional sports programmes at school. all 26 Swiss cantons (as well as the Principality Claudia Longhi, goes into raptures when asked Instead, the girls have honed their skills at local of Liechtenstein), making it the largest youth about her talented young players: “These girls clubs. All play football outside of school, with sports competition in Switzerland. can play football. That’s quite clear. But they are most playing for FC Wald, and one – a member In Laupen, near Zurich, this year’s final enthusiastic about – and good at – sports in of the regional Under-15 team – playing for tournament is already the talk of the commu- general; they excel at and unihockey, DFC Rapperswil. nity. The local girls’ team are looking to extend too.” Their success has come without the aid l Pierre Benoît

Turkey www.tff.org

Draw for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup 2013 FIFA secretary general Jérôme Valcke conducts the draw The draw for the 19th FIFA Under-20 World Cup, which will be hosted by Turkey this summer, was made on 25 March at the is a wonderful sport for bringing people Grand Tarabya Hotel in Istanbul. together. It will be wonderful to see all The 24 competing teams learned the 24 teams come together here in Turkey.” names of their opponents and the host cities Popular Turkish band Gece performed for their group stage matches – which will a rousing rendition of “Yıldızlar Buradan begin with the opening match on 21 June Yükseliyor” (“The stars rise from here”), between Cuba and South Korea in Kayseri. the official song of the FIFA Under-20 The draw for the group stage, which was World Cup 2013, and then FIFA secretary TFF made in the presence of the brand-new FIFA general Jérôme Valcke took to the stage Under-20 World Cup trophy, threw up a for the draw ceremony itself. number of interesting and intriguing clashes. Bursa, Gaziantep, Istanbul, Kayseri, Rize He was assisted by four famous people from Hosts Turkey face El Salvador, Colombia and and Trabzon. Turkey’s footballing history: renowned former Australia in Group C. “We will show the beauty of our country national team coaches Fatih Terim and Mustafa The one-hour show hosted by Turkish TV star and our love for football,” said Servet Yardımcı, Denizli, as well as former international Hakan Defne Samyeli was the perfect curtain-raiser president of the local organising committee. Jim Şükür, Turkey’s all-time top scorer, and former and whetted appetites ahead of the 52-match Boyce, vice-president of FIFA and chairman of goalkeeper Rüştü Reçber, the country’s tournament, which will take place from 21 June the FIFA organising committee for the Under-20 most-capped international. to 13 July in the seven host cities of Antalya, World Cup, was equally enthusiastic: “Football l Aydin Güvenir

Ukraine www.ffu.org.ua

A successful month for Ukraine Ukraine’s senior and Under-17 teams enjoyed compared to the quarter-final of a senior EURO. a very successful March. The senior team The teams that qualify for the final round are defeated Poland and Moldova in qualifying in better technical, tactical and psychological matches for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and condition than their opponents. This tourna- improved their chances of reaching the final ment demonstrated once more that achieving tournament in Brazil. the desired result is not always an easy task,” Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Under-17s caused a said Olexandr Holovko, head coach of Ukraine’s sensation by winning Group 4 in the elite round Under-17 team. of the European Under-17 Championship, l Serhiy Dryha qualifying for the final tournament this summer. They secured first place by beating Bulgaria, Estonia and hosts Germany. “Teams that qualify for final tournaments The young Ukrainian team have made a great step forward. The final celebrate a goal against Germany Bongarts-Getty Images tournament of a youth championship can be in the qualifying competition

22 | UEFA •direct | 04.13 Birthdays, calendar, notices NOTICES l On 9 February, Geir Thorsteinsson was re-elected president of the Football Suheil Daood (Israel, 25 May) Association of Iceland. Birthdays Hans Cooman (Belgium, 25 May) l On 23 February, Christian Andreasen Campbell Ogilvie (Scotland, 1 May) Steven Martens (Belgium, 24 May) was re-elected president of the Faroe Peter Mikkelsen (Denmark, 1 May) Ivančica Sudac (Croatia, 25 May) Islands Football Association. Ladislav Gádoši (Slovakia, 3 May) Evgeni Giner (Russia, 26 May) l Florence Hardouin is the new chief Volodymyr Chorno-Ivanov (Ukraine, 3 May) Robert Jeurissen (Belgium, 27 May) executive of the French Football Federation. David Gill (England, 3 May) Zdeněk Sivek (Czech Republic, 28 May) Peter Gilliéron (Switzerland, 5 May) Jim Stjerne Hansen (Denmark, 28 May) ✰✰✰ 60th ✰✰✰ 60th MATCH AGENTS Costakis Koutsokoumnis (Cyprus, 5 May) Jean-Pierre Escalettes (France, 29 May) Kenneth Ridden (England, 6 May) Jacques Antenen (Switzerland, 29 May) Six new match agents have been granted a UEFA licence: Gudmundur Petursson (Iceland, 6 May) Jozef Kliment (Slovakia, 29 May) Karl-Erik Nilsson (Sweden, 6 May) István Huszár (Hungary, 31 May) Cyrille Ona Mvono Liam McGroarty (Republic of Ireland, 6 May) Arnaldo Cunha (Portugal, 31 May) 65 bis Avenue Paul Vaillant Couturier 93160 Noisy Le Grand, France Pekka Luhtanen (Finland, 8 May) +33 950 01 16 48 (phone) Michel Pralong (Switzerland, 8 May) +33 143 05 05 12 (fax) Marc Dobbeleir (Belgium, 8 May) Forthcoming +33 652 60 48 49 (mobile) Miroslav Tulinger (Czech Republic, 8 May) [email protected] Stuart Turner (England, 9 May) events Emad Khadiar Iouri Baskakov (Russia, 10 May Flat 8, Castle Acre Meetings Hyde Park Crescent, London W2 2PT UK Armen Melikbekyan (Armenia, 10 May) +44 779 15 00 105 (mobile) Jean-Marie Gantenbein (Luxembourg, 2 May, in Nyon [email protected] 11 May) UEFA Marketing Advisory Committee Basri Gökhan Keçeci Ernst-Peter Radziwill (Germany, 11 May) Açelya St. Barbaros MAH. Timo Huttunen (Finland, 11 May) 7 May, in Nyon Agaoglu My World-D2 T1 UEFA Medical Committee Ataşehir-IST., Turkey Maxim Betsko (Ukraine, 11 May) +90 532 211 2883 (phone) Henrik Ravnild (Denmark, 13 May) UEFA Club Licensing Committee +90 216 688 4535 (fax) ✰✰✰ [email protected] 60th 9 May, in Abano Terme (Italy) Odile Lanceau (France, 14 May) Kenan Öner Draw for the final round KNN Sport Öner Danismanlik Organisayon Carlos Manuel Ferreira Matos of the UEFA Regions’ Cup Zühtüpasa Nah.Recep Peker Cad. (Portugal, 14 May) Sani Sit. No 38/7 Kiziltoprac Hans-Jörg Eißmann (Germany, 15 May) 22 May Kadiköy/Istanbul, Turkey Piotr Maranda (Poland, 15 May) UEFA Grassroots Day +90 216 338 94 14 (phone) +90 216 345 27 94 (fax) Håkan Nyberg (Sweden, 15 May) [email protected] ✰✰✰ 60th 22 May, in London Philipp Reinartz Nikolay Levnikov (Russia, 15 May) UEFA Professional Football Strategy Council KOMM MIT GmbH Evžen Amler (Czech Republic, 15 May) Pützchens Chaussee 137 Luis Cuervas del Real (Spain, 15 May) 53229 Bonn, Germany 22/23 May, in London +49 228 977 24 74 (phone) Egon Franck (Germany, 16 May) UEFA Executive Committee +49 228 977 24 24 (fax) Angel Bungurov (FYR Macedonia, 16 May) [email protected] Denys Lutiuk (Ukraine, 16 May) 23 May, in London Feret Turgut Svein Johannessen (Norway, 17 May) UEFA Club Competitions Committee Kesit Travel Lars Appelqvist (Sweden, 18 May) Caglayan MH. 2007 Sk. NO 7 07230 Antalya, Turkey Andreas Morisbak (Norway, 19 May) 24 May, in London Ordinary UEFA Congress +90 555 301 83 55 (phone) Jozef Marko (Slovakia, 19 May) +90 242 323 96 66 (fax) Milovan Djukanovi (Montenegro, 19 May) [email protected] ć 30/31 May, in Mauritius Gaetano De Gabriele (Malta, 19 May) FIFA Congress Meanwhile, Georgi Gradev (Bulgaria) Rune Pedersen (Norway, 19 May) no longer holds a UEFA licence. ✰✰✰ 50th Competitions Michał Listkiewicz (Poland, 20 May) ✰✰✰ 60th 30 April/1 May NEW BOOK (Switzerland, UEFA Champions League: 20 May) ✰✰✰ 60th semi-finals (return legs) Lockes Matchplan – Fussballprofi Platon Bozatzidis (Greece, 20 May) In a rectangular format reminiscent of a 2 May Miodrag Belodedici (Romania, 20 May) UEFA Europa League: personal diary, this book by sports commen- Ewa Gajewska (Poland, 21 May) semi-finals (return legs) tator and presenter Ulli Potofski is aimed at Nicolai Cebotari (Moldova, 21 May) young football fans who – like Locke, the Paulo Lourenço (Portugal, 21 May) 5-17 May, in Slovakia book‘s hero – dream of becoming profes- Costas Kapitanis (Cyprus, 21 May) European Under-17 Championship: sional footballers. Locke‘s story, interspersed David Bernstein (England, 22 May) final round with photos and cartoons, introduces readers ✰✰✰ 70th to the path to success, with the obstacles Theo van Seggelen (Netherlands, 22 May) 15 May, in Amsterdam that they are liable to face and all the Karl Dhont (Belgium, 22 May) UEFA Europa League: final problems of adolescence. Along the way, Christian Hockenjos (Germany, 23 May) readers receive advice on diet, training and 23 May, in London ✰✰✰ 50th UEFA Women’s Champions League: final playing techniques and also get the chance Patrick Bonner (Republic of Ireland, 24 May) to have their say through questionnaires. Ainar Leppänen (Estonia, 24 May) 25 May, in London (www.buchverlagkempen.de; €12.90) Semen Andreev (Russia, 25 May) UEFA Champions League: final

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