No. 33 – January 2005 Including world Futsal title retain New youth season South AmericanCup wintheEuropean/ League match at aUEFA Champions Behind thescenes world Futsal title Spain retain New youth season South AmericanCup Porto wintheEuropean/ League match at aUEFA Champions Behind thescenes 1.0 5 07 03 07 03 10 15 10 15 Message from the UEFA President

As the cold winter nights draw near, it is nice to be able to bask in the some of the warm memories of EURO 2004. There are many different moments that spring to mind, beginning with the performances on the field, but what I remember most of all is the incredible atmosphere that pervaded for over a month. Everywhere you went there were decorated houses, flags flying, people singing and entire families in the street sharing their joy and excitement. In the year when UEFA celebrated its Golden Jubilee, EURO 2004 was a most timely reminder of football’s broad appeal and social importance, demonstrating that it is much more than a game. And for those of us in the driving seat, EURO 2004 was also an extraordinary sign of encouragement for our task to accomplish UEFA’s core mission of promoting football and safeguarding its values and interests. At European level, a number of major initiatives have been taken in this direction. We have introduced a club licensing system designed to improve infrastructure and the standard of football in general. We have also set up

UEFA an assistance programme intended to strengthen the national associations and to help them better perform their centralising and regulatory role. Football Dialogue with the European Union authorities has been pursued, resulting in is much more better overall understanding of the importance of football in society and “ agreement on appropriate ways to promote its collective interests. than a game. And after extensive consultations with all parties concerned, a new UEFA Cup format has also been introduced. Dialogue and consultation are essential working tools for a democratic ” organisation such as ours, allowing everyone to be heard and to defend their own interests. That is why UEFA has opened up fully to all components of the game through committees, panels and other bodies. In doing so, the idea is not to abandon the traditional “pyramid” structure on which UEFA was founded, as this is clearly the best way to keep global interests to the fore and to ultimately ensure that sporting and ethical values always prevail over purely financial considerations. This is not easy in a world where selfish attitudes seem to be replacing traditional values. As the year comes to a close, I would like to thank everyone – including my colleagues on the Executive Committee, and in the committees, national associations, leagues, clubs and other institutions – who is working to look after the health of the game and especially its unity. I hope that the powerful images from EURO 2004 will remain firmly fixed in their minds, to remind them that a game that can give so much pleasure deserves their utmost efforts. I would like to end with a personal message. I was very touched by the many kind greetings I received for my 75th birthday. As I will be unable to reply to each individually, I would like to use the occasion of this end-of-year message to thank everybody who expressed their friendship in this way. I wish all of you a happy new year. Lennart Johansson

02 uefadirect 1.05 COVER IN THIS ISSUE England prepares to host Bayern Munich (Claudio Pizarro, WOMEN’S EURO 2005 08 Behind the scenes at a with Ajax’s Nicolae Mitea behind him) Youth competition draws 10 are one of the 16 teams UEFA Champions League match 03 through to the UEFA Champions Some 280 million francs for the leagues 12 League first knock-out round. European/ PHOTO: BONGARTS South American Cup in Tokyo 07 News from member associations 17

Venue Director Ettore Mazzilli (right) inspects the pitch with Tom Henning Ovrebo and his team of referees. REPORTERS

UEFA BehindChampions the Leaguescenes

WEDNESDAY 24 NOVEMBER, MATCHDAY 5 IN THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE the Constant Vanden Stock stadium.

GROUP STAGE: RSC ANDERLECHT V VALENCIA CF, GROUP G. Ettore Mazzilli, Venue Director, Jorge Baptista, Media Officer, Mirjam Lussmann, venue director for TEAM The Anderlecht supporters sets, caught up in all the pomp and (UEFA’s commercial partner) and their are under no illusions about their force-fed a diet of slow motion replays colleagues have all sent their lists of team’s qualification for the Champi- and statistics. requirements to the club. The office ons League knock-out stages, nor The whole event is orches- facilities, camera positions, TV studios even the consolation of a UEFA Cup trated right down to the tiniest detail and safety issues have all been spot. Nevertheless, after a visit to the so that the 32 stadiums across Europe scrutinised. snack bar, they rush to take their provide exactly the same spectacle. The Monday before the seats inside the stadium, lured by the As soon as Anderlecht qualified for the match, an enormous lorry brings all magic of the Champions League. Champions League, the UEFA team the equipment needed to transform Countless others are glued to their TV paid a two-day reconnaissance visit to the stadium. Ford, an official partner

03 The club’s ...to make advertising room for those hoardings of the UEFA

are covered REPORTERS Champions up… League sponsors. REPORTERS

of the Champions League, has pro- the crowd to evacuate the stands in vided the vehicles, all decorated with an emergency. the competition logo. The workmen Tuesday, 10 am. The organ- bustle about inside the stadium. They ising team holds an initial meeting place star-studded banners over the with the Anderlecht staff. Herman Van Anderlecht advertising and set up the Holsbeek, club manager, warmly wel- Champions League partners’ advertis- comes his guests. Over the course of ing boards in the pre-arranged loca- three matches, friendly relations have tions, giving a new lick of paint where developed between all these people, necessary to a few faded hoardings. who share a common objective: a suc- Since the gangways are narrow, bolts cessful match. “On the pitch, our REPORTERS are fitted at regular intervals to enable campaign has not been very suc- cessful, but we are making it a point of honour to ensure our organisa- tion is impeccable.” Safety, communi- Robert de Pot: “An honour” cation, supporter segregation, flood- Launched in 1992/93, the Champions League was greeted with lighting, special guests – such as Juan scepticism in certain quarters. Wouldn’t it upset the conservative world of Lozano, Anderlecht’s former Spanish football? The appearance of all those men in blue suits who had come to prodigy – accreditations, a detailed list dictate to them what they had been doing themselves for decades rankled of issues is discussed. Ettore Mazzilli with the clubs. Although they were soon tempted by the rewards on offer, knows when to ignore the protocol in it was the professionalism and kindness of UEFA and TEAM that quickly won them over. Robert de Pot, deputy manager of Sporting Anderlecht, with order to consider the specific issues special responsibility for international relations, observed this change of heart. linked to this match and listen to the “TEAM are very particular but also very understanding and professional in clubs’ concerns: “We will have to seg- their approach to things. The list of requirements is huge and demands regate the Spaniards who live in a tremendous amount of work at the beginning. The system took two or three Belgium and who are coming to sup- years to really get going, but the symbiosis was total from the very first port Valencia”... “We must inform season. Football is one big family. Over the years, I have forged good links with Valencia that the extra tickets they the UEFA representatives.” Anderlecht redeveloped their stadium at the were allocated – 125 instead of 200 end of the 1980s but are handicapped – do not provide access to the main by its size and city-centre location, stand but to the corner section.” with few parking facilities. “For exam- Spanish journalists are not always very ple, UEFA insists that visiting clubs disciplined; they will need supervision should be able to buy 200 top-category and translation facilities. tickets in addition to the 5% quota of the stadium capacity, which Numerous inspections are amounts to 1,100 seats here. We were then held. Ettore Mazzilli attends only able to give 125 to Valencia, but them all as the representative of the

REPORTERS UEFA showed understanding.” When UEFA administration. Conviviality is Robert de Pot and media officer Celtic visited last season, Anderlecht the key word: “We are Anderlecht’s Jorge Baptista. discovered that between 5,000 and guests. It is essential that we give 7,000 Scottish supporters would be travelling to the match, with or without tickets. “Some 3,500 of them had no tickets. We set up a big screen near the reasons for our requests and create stadium with UEFA’s agreement and everything went well.” a healthy working environment.” Robert de Pot concludes: “The Champions League is a flagship 2 pm. Anderlecht send coach competition. Its unique atmosphere has grown thanks to television and the Hugo Broos and player Yves Vander- increasing presence of the cream of Europe. These are top matches, whether haeghe to the press conference. Jorge in terms of organisation, sporting interest or finance. It is an honour to be Baptista and Jean-Pierre Kindermans, involved. For two days, eight club employees work with UEFA and TEAM. We have taken some aspects of the organisation into our national championship the home club’s press officer, have matches: the presentation of the team line-ups, movement of people inside organised everything. They take notes the stadium, press, etc.” so that the Spanish journalists know P.P. what is being said – the media officer

04 uefadirect 1.05 Meetings the day before the match to make sure everything is prepared right down to the very last detail. REPORTERS REPORTERS

will do the same at the press confer- 3 pm. Television meeting. from Delta Tre are responsible for ence given by Valencia coach Claudio In Belgium, VRT and RTL have acquired graphics and statistics. Ranieri. Communication is vital in the the broadcasting rights. VRT is respon- Shortly after 6.30 pm... Champions League. From Nyon, UEFA sible for most of the production work. arrives late at the have sent a ream of information and TVE and Canal+ Spain are also in press conference. Once it is over, he statistics. Jorge Baptista brings them attendance and have specific requests. takes charge of Valencia’s training up to date. As a Portuguese television Mirjam Lussmann and Jorge Baptista session on the main pitch. The ses- commentator, he knows exactly what look closely at the programme. BSkyB sion is limited to an hour so that his colleagues need. “If the journal- ask for ten minutes of live coverage, the pitch is not damaged, especially ists want to talk at greater length to including part of the interview with given the wintry conditions. a particular player, they have to ask Hugo Broos at 8 pm. Each channel’s Wednesday, 9.30 am. The the club press officer, but we guar- broadcasts are set out in tables, with organising team has already been at antee access to information. For precise timings. Seventeen cameras work for an hour. The accreditations example, if a club decides to train have been positioned inside the have been sent out. It is an impor- behind closed doors, we open stadium in accordance with the UEFA tant time: Mircea Sandu, the UEFA the gates to the press for quarter guidelines. Around 100 people are delegate, inspects the pitch and its of an hour.” involved in the production. Four people surroundings before chairing the second meeting. Police representa- tives and the match officials attend Pär Zetterberg: “A dream” along with those involved in yester- day’s meeting. UEFA’s representative At the age of 34, Pär Zetterberg may have just played his last is Mircea Sandu, President of the Champions League match. The diminutive Swede has represented both Romanian Football Federation, who Anderlecht and Olympiacos in the competition. In Athens, he played in front of 70,000 spectators. “Nevertheless, the atmosphere is the same examines all the organisational in all the stadiums. The organisation is the same and so is the flag. arrangements. In contrast to the other My first match was against Milan. A goalless draw. I must have been 22 team members, the delegate is dif- and it was a completely different world. I will never forget those moments. ferent for each match. They are It was like a dream. The Champions League gives us the chance to play the appointed by the UEFA administra- best teams and players in Europe. The stadiums are full. The matches are tion. He is satisfied: “This stadium is talked about for weeks. A good performance reverberates all over Europe. ideal for the occasion. When I The ceremonials make the hairs on the back of your head stand on end, and hearing the anthem gives you goose bumps. Every footballer dreams arrived, I assessed the situation with of playing in the Champions League – even just one match – although the Venue Director. I have to be once the whistle has gone you only think about the game itself.” P.P. sure that the visiting team will be accommodated properly and that Pär Zetterberg the supporters will be segregated. against Valencia. After the match, I write a detailed report on various aspects, including discipline and fair play. The referee observer will also prepare a report on the referee. Doping tests are carried out without warning: a doctor arrives ten minutes before the match, but the rooms need to be ready. At half time, two club representatives, the doctor and my- self draw the names of the players to be tested, on the basis of the match sheets.” The delegate is also on the alert during the match. “An

PHOTONEWS emergency committee comprising

05 Ettore Mazzilli Everything gives is dismantled his briefing. the day after the match.

6 pm. Final TV production game, UEFA will give the press a host meeting: the “flash” interviews are of statistics as well as reports from the organised and everyone’s requests are evening’s other matches. noted. The countdown has begun PHOTOS: REPORTERS PHOTOS: UEFA official delegate Mircea Sandu inspects 7.15 pm. The stadium gates for the Venue Director. Using a satel- the referees’ dressing room. are opened. The pressure moves up a lite watch, he has to ensure that the notch. Jorge Baptista takes a camera- match kicks off at exactly the right the chiefs of police, fire service man to film the complete strips to be time. He has therefore had to time and Red Cross, as well as represen- worn by the players. He checks that how long it will take for the teams to tatives of the two teams, liaises they comply with the rules and will walk from the dressing rooms to the with me. We have to act imme- then ensure that the team line-ups are pitch. Thirty seconds at Anderlecht, diately. I was the UEFA delegate at communicated to the TV subtitlers. compared with four minutes in Rome. the match between AS Roma and Together with the club press officers, 8.05 pm: the warm-up starts. 8.35: Dynamo Kiev. The referee, Anders he will organise the flurry of pre- the warm-up finishes and a welcome Frisk, was hit on the head by a mis- and post-match interviews, not forget- message from UEFA is read through sile. We stopped the match. We ting the “flash” interviews at half-time the public address system. 8.38: the had to act diplomatically to avoid nor the press conferences. He has to children responsible for carrying inciting the crowd and to ensure be quick to stop any player who is in the flag take up their places. 8.40: the the stadium was evacuated peace- a hurry to get to the showers: the match officials check the players’ studs. fully. Roma were ordered to play coaches and several players from each 8.41.30: the players emerge from two home matches behind closed side have to appear before the cam- the tunnel and stand seven metres doors.” eras within fifteen minutes of the final from the touchline for the Champions 4 pm. In the VRT lorry, whistle. The Venue Director and Media League anthem at 8.42. The children Ettore Mazzilli and Mirjam Lussmann Officer take their places on the touch- lift the flag and take it away while are checking out the 17 cameras line bench. They communicate substi- the players and officials shake hands with the VRT producer. Meanwhile, tutions and other information to the and pose for photographs. 8.43.40: the stewards are given their special various people concerned so that the tossing of the coin with the two jackets. subtitles can appear quickly. After the captains. When Ettore Mazzilli raises one hand with his fingers spread, the Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo knows that he has five seconds TEAM: a loyal partner in which to start the match. Let the TEAM has been involved in the organisation of the UEFA Champions game begin... League since the competition began. Based in Lucerne, the company employs After 11 p m . It’s all over. people from all over the world, more than 90 of whom are involved in the When Mircea Sandu congratulates Champions League. TEAM also man- Ettore Mazzilli, the whole team can ages the commercial side of the UEFA Cup final, the UEFA Super Cup and breathe a huge sigh of relief. Their other major events. It is mainly con- unremitting efforts have been rewarded cerned with marketing, a broad notion with a perfectly organised event. Since which includes advertising boards, Anderlecht have been eliminated from broadcasting rights and the Champions the Champions League, a page has Club, which accommodates 350 repre- also been turned. In three matches, sentatives of the competition’s spon- the Anderlecht staff, from the manager

REPORTERS sors in luxury surroundings similar to to the stewards, have formed good Mirjam Lussmann and TEAM are kept the clubs’ executive boxes. relations with the UEFA and TEAM more than busy. Mirjam Lussmann says: “The representatives. Ettore Mazzilli’s team week leading up to a match is very intense. VRT sent us a broadcasting plan on the Thursday before the match, but it can change. From Lucerne, we are in also goes its separate ways. Everyone contact with the club, the TV companies and UEFA, which is responsible for the is slightly sad. Football really is one sporting aspects. The setting up of the advertising boards and office facilities big family. begins on the Monday and everything is taken down the day after the match.” Pascale Pierard

06 uefadirect 1.05 Once Caldas Luis Fabiano The goalkeeper (right) decisive Juan Carlos tries goal by Henao to outflank Pedro

defended Once AFP/KITAMURA Emanuel. his goal defender heroically. Miguel Alberto Rojas. AFP/KITAMURA AFP/YAMANAKA The winners 1960 Real Madrid CF European/South 1961 Peñarol Montevideo 1962 FC Santos 1963 FC Santos 1964 Internazionale FC American Cup 1965 Internazionale FC 1966 Peñarol Montevideo FC Porto conclude the story 1967 Racing Buenos Aires 1968 Estudiantes de la Plata 1969 AC Milan IT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN THE MOST IMPORTANT INTERNATIONAL 1970 FOOTBALL COMPETITION, BUT IT ENJOYED THE VALUE 1971 Nacional Montevideo 1972 AFC Ajax AND PRESTIGE OF A RARE OBJECT. IN ITS 44-YEAR HISTORY AND 43 EDITIONS, 1973 Independiente Buenos Aires 1974 Atlético de Madrid ONLY 44 CLUBS HAVE HAD THE HONOUR OF TAKING PART IN IT, 1975 Competition did not take place 1976 FC Bayern München AND ONLY 25 HAVE SEEN THEIR NAMES ENGRAVED ON THE TROPHY. 1977 CA 1978 Competition did not take place 1979 Olimpia Paraguay On 12 December, in the Yoko- For all that, it was not a one- 1980 Nacional Montevideo hama stadium, the European/South sided match. Skilful on the counter- 1981 Flamengo Rio de Janeiro 1982 Peñarol Montevideo American Cup was played for the very attack, Once Caldas could have tied up 1983 Gremio Porto Alegre last time. As the curtain prepared the match before the penalty shoot- 1984 Independiente Buenos Aires 1985 Juventus to come down on the competition, out. The Colombian team were, how- 1986 River Plate 1987 FC Porto the overall honours were split equally ever, probably not averse to the 1988 Nacional Montevideo between Europe and South America, prospect of having to resort to penalty 1989 AC Milan 1990 AC Milan with each continent having won the kicks to determine the winners, having 1991 FC trophy 12 times since it was first beaten Boca Juniors in their first-ever 1992 São Paulo FC 1993 São Paulo FC played on Japanese soil in 1980 (even Copa Libertadores in this manner. 1994 Velez Sarsfield though, strictly speaking, counting all 1995 AFC Ajax And they came close to victory in the 1996 Juventus the times the competition had been first series of penalty kicks, but, in the 1997 Borussia Dortmund 1998 Real Madrid CF staged, South America were in the end, fortune favoured their Portuguese 1999 Manchester United FC lead with 22 wins against Europe’s opponents. 2000 CA Boca Juniors 2001 FC Bayern München 20). As it turned out, the ultimate After losing the UEFA Super 2002 Real Madrid CF match was far from a straightforward Cup against Valencia in August, 2003 CA Boca Juniors 2004 FC Porto affair in terms of designating a global FC Porto were already out of the winner for the matches hosted in running for a European triple be- Japan. With no goals scored even by fore the match in Tokyo, but the end of extra time, the match was they do nonetheless have the decided only when Pedro Emanuel momentous honour of closing a converted the 18th penalty kick to winners’ list opened by Real give FC Porto their second victory in Madrid in 1960. Next year, the the European/South American Cup European/South American Cup after their triumph against Nacional is replaced by the Club World Montevideo in 1987. Championship, which will also be On the whole, Europe’s Portu- played in Tokyo. guese champions dominated the match and were unlucky to see three In the space of two seasons, of their shots rebound off the Colom- FC Porto have won the UEFA Cup, UEFA Champions League bian woodwork, not to mention having and European/South American Cup.

two goals disallowed for offside. AFP/YAMANAKA

07 The 2001 final A warm between welcome and Sweden. in Blackburn, venue for the final. BONGARTS THE FA WOMEN’S THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION HAS UNVEILED ITS PLANS FOR THE 6TH EUROPEAN WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP, WHICH WILL EURO 2005 BE STAGED IN NORTH-WEST ENGLAND The FA unveils venues FROM 5 TO 19 JUNE NEXT YEAR.

Featuring eight teams in two tives from all eight competing nations tunity. I am sure that The FA and groups, 15 matches will be staged at present. the North-West region will deliver five different venues across the North Blackburn Rovers FC will a highly professional event, pro- West, with live TV coverage in 54 host England’s next two group moting women’s football as a skil- countries via Eurosport and on games and will also be the ful and competitive game and an additional UK network to setting for the final on Sun- enhancing its popularity in the UK be confirmed. England qualify day, 19 June. Blackpool FC and across Europe.” automatically for the eight- completes the Group A Germany are the current nation finals and line up along- stadiums and will host three holders of the European Women’s side World Cup finalists Ger- group games. Preston North Championship, having won the many and Sweden. End’s Deepdale ground competition for the third time on The City of Manchester Stadium and Warrington Wolves’ newly built home soil in 2001 and thus retain- will host the opening England game rugby league home will be the fitting ing the trophy. A new trophy will on Sunday 5 June, and The FA is plan- venues for the Group B games and unveiled on 19 January at the final ning major sporting activity for young will each stage one semi-final tie. draw. Joining England and Germany people at SportCity on the day of the UEFA President Lennart are group winners Sweden, game as part of its plans to leave a Johansson said: “Staging the and Denmark. , Norway and sporting legacy from staging this event. WOMEN’S EURO 2005 in England, qualified for the finals via the The stadium will also host the final where women’s football is the play-offs. draw on 19 January, with representa- top female sport is a great oppor- The FA Chairman Geoff Thompson added: “It is a great honour for The Football Association to be hosting such a prestigious tournament. Women’s football is France the fastest growing sport and also (Elodie Woock) have qualified the top female sport in England, by winning their group. and The FA is delighted to show its commitment to the women’s game by hosting this event.” WOMEN’S EURO 2005 is the first major women’s football tournament to be played in the UK and it gives The FA the oppor- tunity to drive participation in

FLASHPRESS the game. Football is currently

08 uefadirect 1.05 The City England of Manchester cannot wait Stadium, for the venue for the tournament opening match. to begin. EMPICS

the top female participation sport in Tickets for the event will go England and is particularly popular on sale shortly after the final draw with girls, with research showing on 19 January. The prices will be that 1.6 million girls under 15 played affordable for families, with special football in 2003/04, while 101,000 discounts for all football clubs and girls and women are now involved in schools. More details are available at regular affiliated football compe- www..com and fans can register tition. for ticket information and news at “Staging a major tourna- www.TheFA.com/Euro2005. ment will give The FA a great oppor- Beverley Ward THE FA tunity to tell young girls about their opportunities to play football, and we expect participation levels Another title for Germany to increase again as a result of this Germany, already women’s world and European champions at tournament,” says The FA’s Director senior level, have added the FIFA Under-19 Women’s World Championship of Football Development, Trevor to their impressive list of honours. Brooking. “Having the games live on Staged in from 10 to 27 November, the final round of the TV will also be a good showcase second edition of the championship involved four European nations of how the England players can be altogether, the other three being Italy, Russia and Spain. Italy and Spain role models for future generations.” failed to get past the first round, while Russia lost to in the In conjunction with the quarter-finals after extra launch, the UK Government’s Secre- time. tary of State for Culture, Media and After winning their Sport, Tessa Jowell MP, has become group without losing the first WOMEN’S EURO 2005 a match, Germany met ambassador, and has even taken to Nigeria in the quarter- finals, in a match that playing in an all-female Labour was decided on penalty Party five-a-side team at the age of kicks. 57. “It is a fantastic coup to bring The semi-finals a European tournament of this reflected a certain stability prestige to the UK, and this could in women’s football at have a major impact on women’s this level, since three of sports. Football is now the top the teams involved were female sport in England and boasts also semi-finalists in AFP/KHAN over 25 million players across the 2002, namely Brazil, Germany’s Under-19s have followed the example of their world, but it will be next summer Germany and the USA. seniors and won the world title at their level. when the game firmly hits the Germany eliminated title-holders the USA 3-1 to qualify for the final radar of sports fans in the UK,” against China in Bangkok, where they crowned their unbeaten run with a she commented. “There will be 2-0 win. Third place went to the USA, who beat Brazil 3-0 in the conso- some very talented sportswomen lation match. in this field and I am sure we will ■ In the 4th UEFA Women’s Cup, Djurgården/Alvsjö (at the expense see young girls taking to pitches of Umeå IK), Arsenal LFC (vs Torres Terra Sarda), 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam in their thousands, having been 71 (vs Energy Voronezh) and SK Trondheims-Ørn (vs FC Bobruichanka) inspired by their performance. have qualified for the semi-finals, which will take place in April and pair I hope the media will get behind Djurgården/Alvsjö and Arsenal LFC in one tie and 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam the England team in their EURO and SK Trondheims-Ørn in the other. 2005 campaign.”

09 Jim Boyce, Eduardo Herrera Chairman Jimenez was of the in charge of the Youth and Under-19 draw. Amateur Football Committee. Youth

Drawsfootball and workshop

THE DRAWS FOR THE EUROPEAN UNDER-17 AND UNDER-19 CHAMPIONSHIPS

TOOK PLACE IN NYON ON 30 NOVEMBER AND 1 DECEMBER, TOGETHER WITH

A YOUTH FOOTBALL WORKSHOP.

This first-ever such joint event youth football, where the member was a great success, with youth foot- association experts were able to ball leaders from 49 member associa- discuss the latest developments in tions in attendance with one or two this key sector of the game. delegates. The busy two days kicked The two draws were made off with the draws for the qualifying by Andy Roxburgh, UEFA Technical round of the 2005/06 European Director, assisted by Jim Boyce, Chair- Under-17 and Under-19 Champion- man of the UEFA Youth and Amateur ships, followed by a two-and-a-half Football Committee, as well as vice- hour discussion to agree on the hosts chairmen of the same committee, and dates of the 24 qualifying-round Jean-Pierre Escalettes (for the Under- mini-tournaments, as well as those of 17s) and Eduardo Herrera Jimenez the 14 Elite-round mini-tournaments (for the Under-19s). Richemond Rak, for the current youth competitions. The following day was devoted to a Jean-Pierre Escalettes announces the results of the Under-17 draw. new event, a workshop on European

2005/06 European Under-17 Championship

Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 4 Group 5 Group 6 Northern Ireland Italy Belgium Israel Portugal Iceland & Montenegro Austria Russia Germany Czech Republic Malta Latvia Georgia Azerbaijan Andorra Lithuania Rep. of Ireland Bulgaria Faroe Islands Sweden

Group 7 Group 8 Group 9 Group 10 Group 11 Group 12 Finland Moldova Turkey Wales Greece Poland Croatia Scotland Denmark Switzerland Slovakia Liechtenstein Albania Slovenia Kazakhstan Bosnia-Herzegovina Norway FYR Macedonia Belarus Estonia

Mini-tournament hosts hihglighted in bold type.

10 uefadirect 1.05 2005/06 European Under-19 Championship FC Lausanne-Sport’s Swiss Under-20 Republic, England and Spain in the Group 1 Group 2 midfield player, was on hand to super- Under-19s). As usual, the nation Slovenia Slovakia vise the proceedings. hosting the final round qualifies auto- Lithuania Denmark matically for Estonia Kazakhstan that tournament Georgia Liechtenstein ( for the Under-17s Group 3 Group 4 and Poland for Norway Portugal the Under-19s). Israel Russia During the Malta Azerbaijan workshop, Andy Cyprus Luxembourg Roxburgh gave Group 5 Group 6 an overview of Belgium Italy youth player Hungary Rep. of Ireland development. Faroe Islands Moldova The experts also Sweden Northern Ireland spent time dis- Group 7 Group 8 cussing the France Switzerland organisation of Austria Scotland the mini-tourna- Wales Finland ments in the

PHOTOS: UEFA PHOTOS: San Marino Andorra qualifying stages Both competition draws fol- of the competitions. The issue of Group 9 Group 10 lowed the same procedure, with 48 artificial turf was also examined, FYR Macedonia Netherlands of the 51 competing member associa- following the recent decision of the Turkey Germany tions being drawn into 12 groups UEFA Executive Committee to allow it Albania Greece of four. The top two from each group to be used for official UEFA competi- Romania Belarus will go through to the Elite round tion matches from the start of next Group 11 Group 12 with the best third-placed team, as season. The two-day event wound up Bulgaria Serbia & Montenegro well as the three seeded teams in with the delegates given the chance Croatia Ukraine each age category, who qualify auto- to put forward recommendations for Iceland Armenia matically (England, France and Spain improving the organisation of the Bosnia-Herzegovina Latvia in the Under-17s and the Czech UEFA youth championships. Mini-tournament hosts hihglighted in bold type.

11 The popular and media success of the UEFA Champions League is not only of benefit to the participating clubs; the whole of European football reaps the rewards. EMPICS EMPICS

SolidaritySome 278 payments million Swiss francs for youth football

WHEN IT APPROVED A NEW UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FORMAT IN DECEMBER 1998,

THE UEFA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ALSO DECIDED, WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF ITS POLICY IN FAVOUR OF SOLIDARITY PAYMENTS,

TO ALLOCATE PART OF THE REVENUE TO THE TOP EUROPEAN LEAGUES.

Criteria were set for the been modified slightly in the mean- to the clubs for youth training, but a distribution of this money. It had to time. few exceptions were granted to this be distributed via the professional The distribution mechanism fundamental rule in the first couple of league to the top-division clubs which makes a distinction between leagues years, with some national associations had not participated in a UEFA com- represented in the UEFA Champions using the money for national projects petition, and it had to be invested League group matches and those that such as the construction of a national exclusively in youth football develop- are not, with the represented leagues youth centre, the organisation of youth ment. Where a professional league receiving a larger share. The value of training camps or the improvement of did not exist, the national associa- the domestic television market is also national youth football infrastructure. tion was responsible for distributing taken into account. Even though this practice may this allocation. In the light of experi- In theory, the money distrib- have been judicious in the case of the ence, the distribution criteria have uted to the leagues has to be paid on small associations, UEFA changed the

Percentage of clubs’ youth budgets funded by the UEFA Champions League 100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10 % 8% 8% 13% 15% 15% 16% 24% 25% 28% 29% 32% 34% 34% 45% 45% 51% 52% 66% 68% 70% 75% 81% 0% ISL ISR FIN BEL EST LTU SLO LUX POL CYP MLT SCG SCO ENG NED WAL GEO CRO NOR AND ARM ROM

12 uefadirect 1.05 The money paid out to the clubs via the leagues goes towards improving youth training. EMPICS/VOGELZANG EMPICS ???????????????

Total amounts available per season (in CHF million) Report 2003/2004 52.4 from Brussels

2002/2003 61.3 At the start of December, two Members of the European Parlia- 2001/2002 58.8 ment (MEPs) asked an oral ques- tion to the European Commission 56.3 2000/2001 on the “balanced development of football in the EU”. 1999/2000 50.0 Most interesting for UEFA was the part of the question that asked 0 10203040506070the Commission for its opinion on UEFA’s new proposals to encour- procedure and no longer expects the allocated by the clubs to their youth age the local training of players. associations/leagues to report back on set-up (see chart). This marks a new stage in the pub- how the money has been spent, but In the five seasons from 1999/ lic debate over UEFA’s proposals. rather to submit projects before the 2000 to 2003/04, a total of CHF 278.9 By submitting such a question, money leaves UEFA’s coffers, thereby million was paid out to European clubs, the MEPs have obliged the Com- ensuring that the money actually goes broken down as follows: mission to reveal its thinking on to the clubs. Exceptions can still be 1999/2000: 50.0 million UEFA’s plans. granted for national projects, but only 2000/01: 56.3 million The two MEPs in question were if the clubs concerned have given their 2001/02: 58.8 million Doris Pack, from Germany, and Ivo written agreement. 2002/03: 61.3 million Belet, from Belgium. Mrs Pack was From 1999 to 2003, UEFA made 2003/04: 52.4 million one of the European Parliament’s more than 2,000 solidarity payments Leagues represented in the main actors in the 2004 European to European clubs. In principle, clubs UEFA Champions League received Year of Education through Sport. Mr Belet is a lifelong supporter of from the same league receive an equal CHF 221.3m and the others CHF 57.6m. RSC Anderlecht. share, but since 2001/02, UEFA has More than 2,300 clubs – mostly small The parliamentarians’ question allowed the leagues/associations to dis- and medium clubs, since the UEFA comprised four parts: tribute the global amount according Champions League clubs are excluded 1. What measures has the Commis- to the quality of youth training, as rated – have benefited from this money, a sion already taken, or does it on the basis of criteria such as the figure which has grown over the years intend to take, as a follow-up to number of youth players, the quality of by virtue of permission being given the Report [on safe- coach education, the number of coaches in certain cases for money to be dis- guarding current sports struc- or the number of women’s/girls’ tributed to clubs that are not in the top tures and maintaining the social teams. In Austria and Switzerland, for division. function of sport]? example, club training centres have In concrete terms, these 2. At the end of this European Year been divided into three categories, and 280 million Swiss francs represent the of Education through Sport, what their share of the UEFA money varies salaries of youth coaches as well as measures does the Commis- according to the club’s position in its youth football facilities and equipment, sion intend to take in order to strengthen the social and inte- category. And in Estonia, the share training programmes, travel costs and grating role of football (that is received depends on the number of medical care for young players. But now severely under pressure)? youth players, while in Germany it is the first and foremost, this money that is 3. What is the Commission’s first team’s position in the domestic made available to the clubs is a perfect opinion of proposals designed league that counts. illustration of the solidarity principle to force clubs to field a certain Generally speaking, UEFA’s soli- made possible by the central marketing number of players who were darity payments represent anything of the rights of a competition on the trained in the country where the ➜ between 8 and 81% of the total budget scale of the UEFA Champions League.

13 The Executive ➜ Committee club is established in order holds its to contribute to the develop- last meeting of 2004. ment and the motivation of young players and, hence, strengthen the social role of football clubs? UEFA 4. Does the Commission agree that national subsidies for youth training centres belong- ing to private football teams Meetings and have to be allowed and even encouraged? The general direction of the MEPs’ question was quite helpful other activities to UEFA. The MEPs underlined Customised programme the importance of supporting “structures of self-government for the associations within sport that promote solidarity and the training of AT ITS NINTH AND LAST MEETING OF THE YEAR, HELD IN NYON players”. They also recognised ON 15 AND 16 DECEMBER, THE UEFA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE GAVE THE GO-AHEAD that the “development of young players was no longer optimal”. FOR A “TOP EXECUTIVE” PROGRAMME AIMED PRIMARILY AT THE And the MEPs stated that UEFA’s PRESIDENTS AND GENERAL SECRETARIES OF UEFA MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS. proposals on local training would help the development of On 3 February, an extra- A report on UEFA young players and “strengthen ordinary conference will be held for golden jubilee activi- the social role of football clubs”. these “top executives” at UEFA’s ties was also presented Less positively, the question headquarters in Nyon to brief them to the Committee, also highlighted a growing tendency among some European about the programme, which is which decided to raise policy-makers to call for a intended to help the national asso- the amount in the jubilee fund greater EU role in sports policy: ciations to strengthen their manage- made up of donations from national the MEPs asked, “which initia- ment capacities. associations to USD 100,000 and tives does the Commission in- At its December meeting, to offer this money for the develop- tend to take in order to strength- the Executive Committee also ment of football in East Timor, in en the social and integrating role discussed the issue of home-grown collaboration with the Asian Football of football?” players again and decided to finalise Confederation. The fact that various MEPs are already taking the initiative to a proposal for their protection at The “Summer of Grassroots discuss UEFA’s proposals on local its next meeting, in February, in order Football” organised within the frame- training demonstrates the great to present it to the UEFA Congress work of the jubilee was deemed interest that football generates in April. to have been a great success and in the EU institutions. Our sport In view of the meeting of will be repeated next year. The provokes heated debate across the International FA Board on 26 Committee also approved a list of the entire political spectrum, in February, the Committee analysed grassroots football ambassadors, all member states. Governments in some countries consider sport amendments to the Laws of the comprising former players who are a ‘public good’, rather like edu- Game proposed by national associa- now members of UEFA’s Players cation or culture, and argue that tions and decided which to put Panel. The procedure for implement- it needs support and protection; forward to the Board. It also indicated ing the Grassroots Charter was if sport is unhealthy, society suf- its willingness to study the use of accepted as well. fers, they argue. These debates new technology in refereeing. underline the need for UEFA to On the competition front, In brief, the Committee engage with policy-makers in the the Committee approved the bid furthermore: EU and national governments so ■ that we preserve the autonomy regulations for EURO 2012 and con- approved the terms of of sports governing bodies and firmed that the Polish FA would host reference of the UEFA committees; ensure that the politicians respect the final round of the 2004/05 UEFA ■ received a progress report the specificity of sport. Regions’ Cup. on EURO 2008;

14 uefadirect 1.05 tions for theUEFA Order ofMerit. in view ofthe2006World Cup; which willbemadeavailable to FIFA EURO 2004,theconclusionsof stadium andsecuritymatters during and Ukraine)also played well andall pants (CzechRepublic, Portugal Spain won 2-1. going asfar asthefinal,which two ofthem,SpainandItaly, of Europe’s representatives, with ber, was marked by thesuccess from 21 November to 5Decem- Championship, staged inTaipei scratch. coach educationremains upto ensure thatthequality oftheir threebe reassessed years every to members oftheConvention should members atB-Licencelevel. accepted AlbaniaandMoldova as Committee meeting. December, after theExecutive on 16 sign theConvention atPro level three associationscameto Nyon to Coaching Qualifications on theMutualRecognition of members ofthe Romania andUkraine asfull associations ofNorthernIreland, Committee admitted thefootball world Futsal title Spain retaintheir convention signed Coach education Europe’s three other partici- The 5thWorld Futsal It alsodecidedthatthe The Committee hasalso Representatives ofthese In June,theExecutive ■ ■ approved revised regula- received areport on UEFA Convention . final, Italywrappeduptheirwin and extratime.Intheothersemi- the game hadfinished2-2innormal see offtheirrivalsthistimeafter although they neededashoot-outto their triumphover Brazilin2000, onship finals,andSpainconfirmed re-run ofthelasttwo World Champi- of better goaldifference. pipped thematthepostcourtesy level onpointswithArgentina,who Ukraine finishedbehindBrazil,but Republic, whileintheothergroup, of Spain,Portugal andtheCzech champions Italywon thegroup ahead was anall-European affair. Reigning As aresult, oneofthesetwo groups qualified for thesecondgroup stage. their title. onto Spain hold The firstsemi-finalwasa

??????????????? Argentina 7-4intheconsolationmatch. onship went to Brazil,whobeat despite theirbestefforts. with notimeto turnthegame around, 36 secondsto go,leaving theItalians pulled onebackfor Italywithjust the leadafew minutes later. Zanetti a goalfrom Kike. Marcelo doubled three minutes into thesecondhalfwith this timeandbroke thedeadlock stage, Spainputthepressure onItaly head-to-head inthesecondgroup until thefinalwhistle.After losingtheir and European championswastight The finalscore was7-4. going into thebreak witha3-0lead. against Argentinainthefirsthalf, Third placeinthechampi- The finalbetween theworld

UEFA Convention. Ireland signthe and Northern of Romania, Ukraine associations of thefootball representatives Chief Executive, President andthe With theUEFA 15

AFP/LIN The final of the The Licensed

new UEFA Cup UEFA Match Agents was the subject Panel at its of a press meeting conference held in November. in Lisbon on 26 November. FPF

■ On 9 December, the qualified for the next stage of the Werder Bremen), two from Spain Club Competitions Committee met in UEFA Champions League (Arsenal, (Barcelona and Real Madrid) and France Nyon, among other things, to pre- Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester ( and Monaco), pare the draws for the first knock-out United), along with three Italian clubs plus one apiece from the Netherlands round of the UEFA Champions (Internazionale, Juventus, AC Milan), (PSV Eindhoven) and Portugal (title- League and the UEFA Cup rounds of the same number of German clubs holders FC Porto). Ten of these clubs 32 and 16. Four English teams have (Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, were involved in the same stage of the competition last season. The Committee also con- New spokesman tinued with its discussions into a new for the licensed UEFA match agents format for the UEFA Intertoto Cup, As agreed during the last meeting knowledge and expertise as a match stressing, however, that the 2005 between the licensed UEFA match agents and agent with the Panel. edition would stay as it was. the Panel for Licensed UEFA Match Agents At its latest meeting, the Panel (which took place in Nyon on 25 June 2003), also granted five-year UEFA match agent It also examined the club Günter Bachmann (Germany) handed over his licences to the following applicants: competition regulations for next role of spokesman to his deputy, George Ronny Geson Gunnarsson Gregoriou (Cyprus), at the beginning of the Fotballkonsulent season and the venues for the finals new Panel mandate period (2004–06). At the Smedkasvegen 43 same time, Mr Bachmann officially gave up NO – 3919 Porsgrunn in 2006 and 2007, for which the his UEFA match agent licence and went into Tel. +47 35 55 29 00 bids of Paris (Stade de France), well-deserved retirement. He can look back at Fax +47 35 55 99 96 a long career which started as long ago as Email [email protected] Athens (Olympic stadium), Moscow 1949, when he arranged his first international Mark Gibbon (Luzhniki), London (Wembley) and friendly matches. In 1969, he became the first GB Soccer licensed UEFA match agent, and he arranged Suite 6 A, Armstrong House Berlin (Olympiastadion) have been more than 2,225 friendly matches during his GB – Washington, Tyne & Wear, NE37 1PR Tel. +44 191 418 0214 short-listed as far as the UEFA Cham- 35 year of activity. His experience was also Fax +44 191 418 0208 helpful when UEFA drew up its first specific Email [email protected] pions League final is concerned, Regulations for Licensed UEFA Match Agents in Soukeyna Ba-Bengelloun while those of Athens (Karaiskaki), 1997. In his capacity as spokesman for the MSI UEFA match agents, Mr Bachmann also attended 22, rue Robert Frappesauce Glasgow (Hampden Park), Eindhoven meetings of the Panel for Licensed UEFA FR – 78100 St Germain en Laye Match Agents from 1999 until the last Panel Fax +33 1 39 73 00 23 (Philips stadium) and Seville (Ramon meeting on 25 November, when he officially Mobile +33 6 17 42 11 81 handed over to George Gregoriou. Email [email protected] Pizjuan) are in contention for the Giangiorgio Spiess, Chairman of the Rob Groener UEFA Cup finals. Panel for Licensed UEFA Match Agents, thanked Topscore Soccer Consultancy Mr Bachmann for his immense involvement in Beekzijdeweg 27 Regarding the surplus revenue POB 3 the Panel’s work and in football in general. from the 2003/04 UEFA Champions Mr Gregoriou, a licensed UEFA match agent NL – 7660 AA Vasse Tel. +31 541 680 635 since May 2000, was warmly welcomed as the Fax +31 541 680 740 League, amounting to some two new spokesman of the UEFA match agents. Email [email protected] The role of the spokesperson million Swiss francs, the Committee Arie Treffers is to attend meetings of the Sportconsult Nederland decided to allocate 250,000 to each Panel for Europark 18 Licensed UEFA NL – 4909 Oosterhout of the clubs that finished the group Match Tel. +31 162 490063 stage in fourth place. Agents as Fax +31 162 42 73 78 an observer Email [email protected] Finally, turning its attention and to share Johannes Empl Sinning 18 to the UEFA Super Cup, the Committee AT – 5771 Leogang Tel. +43 699 1870 7272 discussed the future of this tie, in Fax +43 6583 20209 view of the termination of the con- Oliver J. Nägele ISC International Sports Consulting Ltd tract with Monaco next year. A deci- Heiligkreuz 15 FL – 9490 Vaduz sion has to be taken as to where Tel. +423 235 50 53 the 2006 event will take place and Fax +423 235 50 55 Mobile +423 777 6371 whether it should continue to be The Panel furthermore associated with a gala and the draws Günter Bachmann (left) approved the licence renewal re- that kick off the new UEFA club shakes hands quest of Karlheinz Reinartz, Ger-

with George Gregoriou. UEFA many, for a new eight-year period. competition season.

16 uefadirect 1.05 BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA NK Zrinjski in the lead News at the halfway stage from member associations In the Bosnia and Herzegovina , Mostar team NK Zrinjski head the division at the close of the first half of the season on 34 points, two ahead of second-placed FK Zeljeznicar from As a result of the excellent cooper- Sarajevo. NK Zrinjski have only lost one ation between UEFA and the FFA, the FFA ARMENIA game, away to FK Zeljeznicar. Right from president announced the plan to construct the opening game, NK Zrinjski have been 40 similar mini-pitches in other districts of turning in some formidable performances, Festive opening of mini-pitch and in different regions of the On 26 November, hundreds of people, country. including many children, from one of the Arayik Manukjan most built-up areas in Yerevan, where hundreds of thousands of people live, enjoyed a real party atmosphere at the opening of their mini-pitch, which had BELARUS been constructed with the support of the HatTrick programme. 15th anniversary of the federation UEFA vice-president Per Ravn On 29 November, the Belarus Football Omdal, who had travelled to Yerevan espe- Federation (BFF) celebrated its 15th anniver- cially for the occasion, the president of sary. In 1989, the BFF became the first the Football Federation of Armenia (FFA), sovereign sports federation in Belarus and Ruben Hayrapetian, and the mayor of one of the first post-Soviet football federa- Yerevan attended the ceremony. tions to join FIFA (1992) and UEFA (1993). The 14th Belarus First Division Championship has just concluded. Seven-time winners FC Dinamo Minsk were crowned champions, with FC BATE Borisov taking the runners-up spot and FC Shakhtiyor Soligorsk third place. Maksim Romashchenko, who is currently playing for FC Dinamo Moscow,

was named Belarus player of the season F. KRVAVAC and top scorer. The Under-21s caused a surprise against Elsewhere, the Belarus referee their Croatian counterparts. team won this year’s Nikolai Latyshev inter-

FFA national football tournament in Moscow. And finally, the Belarus national with excellent forward play, and The inauguration ceremony. team has played 11 official and friendly Zoran Rajovic netting ten goals so far, matches this last season (7 wins, 2 draws making him the team’s leading scorer. and 2 defeats), and improved its FIFA At this stage, NK Zrinjski and Against a backdrop of Armenian ranking in the process. FK Zeljeznicar are the two main conten- and UEFA flags, Mr Omdal, the FFA presi- Alexander Tomin ders for the title, although NK Siroki dent and the mayor of Yerevan cut the Brijeg are not far behind, despite being ceremonial ribbon and let the guests and nine points adrift from the current leaders. children take their first steps on the mini- “I feel that we deserve to be pitch. The FFA president also presented top of the league. We are keen to win kits and footballs to the local boys’ team. our first-ever championship, but it A special diploma was awarded will be extremely difficult because to FC Araks by Mr Omdal as the best organ- FK Zeljeznicar are tough rivals,” said iser of UEFA’s “European Festival of Grass- NK Zrinjski head coach Franjo Dzidic. roots Football” campaign in Armenia in FK Sarajevo, FK Sloboda and 2004, and the FFA president also donated NK Celik have come in for a nasty surprise 50 footballs to the club. During their dis- this season. All three teams are faltering cussions with the media, the UEFA vice- near the bottom of the league, despite president and the FFA president underlined claims before the start of the season that the overall aim of the project to develop they were all set to challenge for the title. and popularise street football among Meanwhile, the Bosnia and Armenian children, and encourage more Herzegovina Cup is into its closing phase, children to play football in general. with FK Slavija, FK Sarajevo, NK Siroki The mini-pitch will help to regener- Brijeg and NK Zrinjski through to the ate sporting activity in the area, as apart BFF semi-finals in March. from football, it can also be used for volley- BFF President Gennady Nevyglas congratulates A recurrent occurrence of the ball, basketball, tennis and badminton. top league scorer Maksim Romashchenko. season so far has been the replacement

17 of coaches. NK Celik has already changed It was a great day for the children, Croatia’s football competition system coach three times, and only seven of the as they had the chance to meet their idol have also started. A decision determining Premier League clubs still have the same Hristo Stoitchkov, recently appointed head the system for the next five years will head coach. coach of the Bulgarian national team. be taken in spring 2005, and if approved, All national team activities Stoitchkov was the first person to kick a ball will be effective from 2006. In any case, have been completed for this year. The on the mini-pitch; he almost scored from the youth competition structure is sure Under-21s played a friendly match against the penalty spot, but the goalkeeper, Mr to see certain improvements made. Croatia, with Zukanovic’s side taking the Omdal, made a fantastic save. Croatian favourites by surprise and win- Now the BFU plans to improve its ning 4-0 in Vinkovci. It is worth mention- football facilities on an even larger scale. ing that most of the Bosnia and Herze- Funds from UEFA’s HatTrick Programme will govina Under-21s play for Bosnian clubs, be put towards these projects. Children all and only two of them play abroad (Senaid over the country are impatient to have their Ibricic for NK Zagreb and Jusuf Dajic for own local mini-pitches, so that they can NK Kamen Ingrad). demonstrate their great love of the game. The Football Federation of Bosnia Press Office and Herzegovina has played host to Group 3 of the 4th UEFA Regions’ Cup qualifying competition. Hosts Semberija-Majevica- Bljeljina Amateur were pitted against CROATIA Mid-Cheshire Amateur from England and HNS sides from the Republic of Ireland and A vintage year for Croatian football San Marino. Republic of Ireland Amateur A busy time for the president of the Croatian FA Another successful year for the Croatian and his administration. sealed their place in the finals, and the Football Federation (HNS) is coming to Bosnia and Herzegovina side came third. a close. After participating in EURO 2004, The HNS’s Football Academy is Fuad Krvavac the national team has got off to a good also running well. Training courses are start in its qualifying campaign for the currently in preparation for the third gen- 2006 FIFA World Cup. The Under-21s have eration of UEFA Pro coaches, who have also done well, so far winning all their quali- already obtained the UEFA A licence and BULGARIA fying matches for the 2004–06 European have demonstrated excellent results in Under-21 Championship. Managed by new, their work and activities so far. The Acad- young head coach, former international emy has also produced a training manual Mini-pitch inaugurated Slaven Bilic, the Under-21s have been able for UEFA A and B coaches. These are the The UEFA Executive Committee meeting in to demonstrate some of their wealth of coaches who need most support, and as Bulgaria in September concluded with the talent. Meanwhile, Croatia’s Under-17 and a result, special importance is given to official inauguration of the country’s first Under-19 teams have high hopes of going their training programme. A refresher mini-pitch. Like each of UEFA’s 52 member far in their respective European champion- course is currently being prepared, based associations, the Bulgarian Football Union ships, both having qualified for the second on UEFA’s course guidelines and with the (BFU) has been able to benefit from the (elite) round. Elsewhere, the women’s help of UEFA lecturers, to enable coaches financial assistance offered by UEFA. Under-19 team have had their first, major who have followed other training courses The pupils, teachers and parents success, advancing to the second qualifying to qualify for a UEFA Pro licence. present at the School round of the European Women’s Under-19 The HNS has also recently set in Sofia on 17 September were thrilled Championship. With the creation of an up its own public relations department, with the new pitch, which was officially under-16 side, Croatian women’s football managed by its press officer Ivan Rotim, a inaugurated by UEFA vice-presidents, will soon be competing with the men’s well-known journalist. The federation has Per Ravn Omdal and Geoffrey Thompson, teams in terms of results. started work on the production of a weekly and Borislav Mihailov, first vice-president Preparations for the HNS’s tradi- half-hour radio show that will be broad- of the BFU. tional football camp, which brings together cast on the most popular Croatian radio In his speech, Borislav Mihailov and prepares talented young players for the station, Zagreb-based “Narodni Radio”. thanked UEFA and its Executive Committee national youth teams, are now also under- The HNS is also preparing its own monthly for the gift to mark UEFA’s Golden Jubilee. way. Futsal has also witnessed several suc- magazine to be issued with the popular cess stories. The Croatian Under-19 futsal daily Zagreb newspaper “Jutarnji list”. team are set to make their debut, and Ante Pavlovic several futsal league clubs have formed under-15 and under-18 teams. Many cities in Croatia have built new, high-quality sports ESTONIA halls in order to be able to play futsal. The development of youth players is a definite priority for the HNS, which Inauguration at the training centre intends to promote and further develop On 24 November, an artificial mini-pitch, various activities within its ongoing co-funded by UEFA and the Estonian youth programmes – Grassroots, Youth Football Association (EJL), was inaugu- Sport Games and Open Fun Football rated at the A. Le Coq Arena training Schools. In particular, the HNS is working centre in Tallinn. so that boys and girls attending 2,315 The opening ceremony was primary schools can enjoy organised foot- attended by UEFA Executive Committee ball activities. member and Treasurer Mathieu Sprengers, BFU Discussions regarding possible who is also president of the Dutch FA, Hristo Stoitchkov still knows how to kick a ball. changes to the different elements of the mayor of Tallinn, Tõnis Palts, the

18 uefadirect 1.05 president of the EJL, Indrek Kannik, Depending on the age group, Zeche Zollverein complex in Essen until and the head of Tallinn’s Sports and each participant performs five or six 19 December. The exhibition examines Youth Department, Jaak Raie. different exercises, from dribbling and the issue of football hooliganism and Apart from football, the new crossing to heading, passing, dribbling takes an original look at the problem, pitch can also be used for other sports, and shooting, juggling, long-range mechanisms and dynamics of such such as basketball, volleyball, handball shooting and slaloming between posts. extreme behaviour, making some sur- and tennis. The construction of this first The results for each activity are added prising connections, and also raising pitch marks the launch of the EJL’s mini- together to give an overall individual questions for discussion. pitch project to build at least 40 similar score. The three participants with the Visitors are able to gain an pitches all over the country in coopera- best scores win medals and other prizes, insight into football’s present-day tion with local authorities. Agreement has except for the 10- and 11-year-olds, who tightrope walk between gripping emo- also been reached between the EJL and each receive a medal. Based on the tions and unbridled aggression. “The the Ministry of Culture, which is ready to individual results, the best-scoring district exhibition doesn’t gloss over or try to take part in the project. also gets an award. hide anything; it points out the weak- Mihkel Uiboleht Alongside the youth skills event, nesses in football today in order to the Finnish FA also organises a ball-jug- change things and thus improve the gling contest, in which the participants health of the game,” explained resident FINLAND have 90 seconds to demonstrate their expert Prof. Gunter A. Pilz. In the first ball-juggling technique in a 10m2 area. week alone, over 1,500 people visited This year was the golden jubilee the exhibition. 50th anniversary of youth skills of the skills competition, in which such Stephan Brause competition well-known names as Sami Hyypiä (Liver- On 13 and 14 November, the Football pool FC), Mikael Forssell (Birmingham Association of Finland, together with the City) and Joonas Kolkka (Crystal Palace) ISRAEL local football association in Åland, have taken part in the past. The 2004 organised its annual youth skills event as competition took place in an indoor arena part of its “All Stars” youth programme. in Eckerö on the island of Åland, between Kicking racism out of football In each age group (10-17 years), there Finland and Sweden. As a result, most An extraordinary historical partnership was one participant from each of the of the participants first had to travel to between The FA and the Israel Football 12 football districts in Finland, including the city of Turku and then take a ferry to Association resulted in a domestic boys and girls who had achieved the Åland. Many of the younger participants, conference that delivered a clear mes- Finnish FA’s gold standard in the regional in particular, were cheered on by their sage for all: “Kicking Racism and Vio- competitions. own supporters, which created a fantastic lence Out of Football”. David Davies, The contest is designed primarily to en- atmosphere in the arena. Next year’s The FA’s CEO, and his top team of dele- courage youngsters to de- event will be organised by the district gates shared their vast experience and velop their technical skills, of Keski-Pohjanmaa in Kokkola. knowledge with a strong crowd of rather than trying to find Jukka Salasuo 300 consisting of opinion leaders, clubs, the most skilful. ministers, members of parliament and legislators. IFA Chairman Izhak Men- GERMANY achem pointed to his philosophy for this combat: “Zero tolerance for racism and violence, in all shapes and aspects Stadium violence of the game”. under discussion After 55 years, the national For 20 years, we have witnessed a phe- team won in Cyprus for the first time, nomenon in Europe’s football stadiums the fourth game in a row in which valu- whereby a minority use the arenas as a able points were collected. Together platform for violent and discriminatory with France and Ireland, Israel currently action. Even if it is only a minority who share top position in Group 4, with The juggling eight points from four games. Second exercise cause these disturbances when compared in the youth with the millions of people who regularly in their group at present, the Under-21 skills event. enjoy football in a peaceful manner, the national team are matching the achieve- dissonance is too loud to be ignored, ments of the other youth teams: The and the social damage too great to be Under-19s (men and women) and Under- disregarded. 17s have already made it through the “Football has had a fantastic first qualifying stages of their respective impact on society, but of course it’s not UEFA championships. beyond reproach. The game also mir- In a new project that was re- rors some of the less pleasant aspects cently launched, 12 former national foot- of our society and so we have to identify ball coaches and players will scout and these things that need to be changed,” locate talented young players. From explained Theo Zwanziger, Executive more than 2,500 players representing President of the German Football Associa- 100 clubs, 30 gifted players will be cho- tion (DFB). With this in mind, the DFB, sen to create the skeleton of the “gifted in conjunction with the Littmann cultural team”. A new scientific approach will be

SPL projects organisation in Basle, Switzerland, applied to evaluate players’ performances has been put together an exhibition enti- and will help our professional scouts tled “Kultort Stadion” – Stadium Cult(ure) to identify the players of tomorrow. – which is running in Hall No. 5 of the Alon Zager

19 FYR MACEDONIA

Club licensing system approved November was a very busy month for the Football Association of FYR Macedonia. Apart from the national teams’ qualifying campaigns for various international compe- titions, the association has been involved in numerous activities during the hectic end-of-year period. On top of that, the first phases of the domestic championships have been winding up. Following a thorough audit of its licensing administration by the international auditing company SGS from 22 to 24 November, the Football Association of FYR Macedonia has been given the go-ahead to start issuing licences to its clubs in accor- dance with UEFA’s criteria. The first half of the 13th Mace- donian domestic championship wound up before Christmas, with new regulations in force, according to which the bottom two teams in the first division will be automati- D. AQUILINA cally relegated at the end of the season, A-licence course. while the two teams which finish third and fourth from bottom will contest play-off matches against the teams which finish Starting with the foundation REPUBLIC third and fourth from the top in the second course, from which students can go on to division. If the second division teams win follow the “Coaching Young Footballers” OF IRELAND the play-offs, they will be promoted. course, the Youth Development Diploma Change of leadership On first analysis, it looks as if and the Club Coach Certificate, the range Macedonian football has finally found the of programmes on offer is designed to The Football Association of Ireland is on right competition system. The fight for sur- prepare candidates for higher-level coach- the hunt for a new Chief Executive, follow- vival at the bottom has become even more ing licences. The Technical Division, which ing the departure of Fran Rooney, who interesting than the title challenge, with two is located in the national stadium com- had been in the job for 17 months, since of our best clubs, FC Sloga Jugomagnat and plex, is operational throughout the year, June 2003. FC Sileks, currently trying to avoid the drop. regularly enlisting highly qualified external The position was advertised For the first time, FC Rabotnicki instructors to run UEFA ‘B’ and ‘A’ Licence before the end of the year. In the mean- Kometal have been crowned autumn cham- courses. time, the Honorary Treasurer John Delaney pions by a wide margin. But there are still Prospective coaches have to has agreed to fill the role on an interim many difficult matches ahead in the spring start from the basic levels, and after quali- basis. He has also intimated that he would before they can reach their goal of winning fying for their first certificates – for which be interested in retaining the position their first championship title. And of they have to sit difficult theoretical and permanently. course, five-time winners FC Vardar and practical exams – they can then put their In agreeing to step into the current champions FC Pobeda are waiting in qualifications into practice by coaching breach in a temporary capacity, Mr Delaney the wings in case they make any mistakes. at nursery level. said that his immediate priority “was to Zoran Nikolovski Ultimately, the centre plans accelerate the reform process within the to offer further diploma courses at higher Football Association of Ireland. levels, which would open new doors “The key short-term priorities to coaches with the ambition to climb the are to move the organisational structure MALTA ladder. changes forward, to improve relation- The initial coaching courses ships with all our stakeholders and to Laying solid coach education have been running for a number of years, begin the process of developing a busi- ness plan,” he said. foundations and, as a result, there has been a marked improvement in the standard of football He also stressed that the associa- Young footballers have to be groomed and at nursery and youth levels in Malta. tion’s relationships with the Irish Depart- nurtured, and talent is honed through proper The recent results of the Maltese ment of Sport, the Irish Sports Council coaching, which is the basis for the develop- national teams in the European Under-17 and the Government were fundamental ment of a footballer’s individual skills within and Under-19 Championship mini-tourna- to the future successful development of the collective framework of the team. ments confirm the recent progress of the football in Ireland. In this respect, the Malta Football island’s footballers at these levels. The Pointing out that the issue of Association’s Technical Centre is the hub latest UEFA rankings for these categories funding was critical, he acknowledged that of various coach education courses, reflect- put Malta ahead of some of the bigger the management of the association’s ing its commitment to provide those who and more established European countries, image and its actions were the key factors aspire to take up coaching as a career with credit for which is due largely to the asso- in the generation of funds, whether a solid, technical and psychological ground- ciation’s coach education programme. from the Government or from commercial ing in the subject. Alex Vella sponsors.

20 uefadirect 1.05 “If we are to increase participa- At domestic level, Zenga can nament; all teams were highly satisfied tion, provide facilities for our children also be proud of his team’s amazing suc- with the training facilities, accommodation and make an impact on the health and cess in the league. As the championship and match arrangements. well-being of our community, we need enters its winter break, FC Steaua Bucharest Irena Ilesic Cujovic to ensure continuity of funding into the head the table, having suffered only two long term,” he added. defeats, and stand six points ahead of their He admitted that the image of nearest rivals, who include former cham- the association had been damaged, as it pions FC Dinamo Bucharest, FC National SWEDEN had come through a turbulent period, Bucharest, FC Farul Constanta and FC Rapid but he emphasised that the Football Asso- Bucharest. Under Zenga’s command, Awards ceremony ciation of Ireland was reforming. FC Steaua Bucharest’s only setback this Sweden’s annual football awards gala “We have been changing. Not season has been a 1-0 defeat against ended the domestic football season in as fast or as fully as we planned, but we second division side Universitatea Cluj in November. Sports personalities were in remain committed to getting the reform the last 16 of the Romanian Cup. attendance to celebrate the footballing process back on track,” he affirmed. Zenga’s in-form side includes year. UEFA President Lennart Johansson Mr Delaney declared that was Belarus goalkeeper Vasile Khamutovski, and former footballer Thomas Bodström – looking forward to taking on the challenge their only foreign player, and the other goal- today Swedish Minister of Justice – were at such a critical time. keeper, Gheorghe Martin Tudor, as well as invited to present the awards to the “The association needs some sta- defenders Sorin Ghionea and Matei Mirel Coaches of the Year. bility right now. It’s time for simply get- Radoi, considered to be the best player in Two veterans were named ting on with our business for the football the league, half-backs Florentin Dumitru, Swedish Players of the Year, and both had community, and I see my role as providing Nicolae Dica and Sorin Paraschiv, and for- received the award before. Henrik Larsson the leadership for all those involved in the wards Daniel Oprita and Adrian Neaga. was also Player of the Year in 1998. This game throughout the country as we face Dan Cristea year, after his national team comeback, the tasks which lie ahead,” he added. he received the award “…for his decisive Mr Delaney was also aware that efforts in the national team, for Celtic “we have a lot to do but with the right SLOVENIA and Barcelona. With his loyalty and quali- support we can also achieve a lot. ties, Henrik was one of the key players “We’ll work as hard as we can as in EURO 2004.” a team to gain the support of the Govern- Under-19 mini-tournament ment, our sponsors, our staff, the football The Football Association of Slovenia has family and the general public. organised another qualifying mini-tourna- “If we do, we can bring about real ment, this time for Group 3 of the 2004/05 benefits for future generations of those who European Under-19 Championship. Aside play the game in Ireland,” he concluded. from the hosts, Germany, Latvia, and Serbia Brendan McKenna and Montenegro were also involved in the matches, which were played at the grounds of first and second division clubs Celje, ROMANIA Maribor, Velenje and Kidricevo. Serbia and Montenegro, and Germany qualified for the next stage of the competition, as group FC Steaua Bucharest on a roll winners and runners-up respectively. Slo- venia finished in third place, after suffering

You have to go back to 1993 to find the BILDBYRÅN last time that a Romanian club qualified for a major setback in their first and only match the final stages of a European competition. played at the new Arena Petrol stadium in Left to right: Lennart Johansson, the two Coaches However, this season FC Steaua Celje, losing 3-0 to Germany. of the Year, Thomas Dennerby (Djurgården/Alvsjö) In their second match, a deflated and Jan Anderss (Halmstads BK), as well as Thomas Bucharest have been enjoying a tremendous Bodström. run in the UEFA Cup, winning 5-4 on aggre- Slovenia were again beaten, this time 4-2 gate (4-2 and 1-2) against FC Zeleznik by Serbia and Montenegro, thus ruining Kristin Bengtsson received the Belgrade in the second qualifying round, their chances of qualification. Their third award for the first time in 1994. After a and 4-3 on aggregate (2-0 and 2-2) against and final match, against Latvia, saw better successful season with the national team, CSKA Sofia in the first round. The Romanian play and a 2-1 win to end their campaign. and after winning the double with her club then made home advantage count in From an organisational perspec- club Djurgården/Alvsjö, she received the their Group B matches by beating Standard tive, this was another very successful tour- same accolade again this year “…for de Liège (2-0) and Besiktas JK (2-1). energetic and decisive efforts for her club They did not do so well away from home and for being ‘Sweden’s best player in though, losing 1-0 against both Parma FC the Olympics’.” and Athletic Club Bilbao. Although the domestic season This excellent European form is ended in November, with Malmö FF win- part of the wider success of Steaua’s Italian ning their first league title in 16 years and coach , who is now in his Djurgårdens IF winning the cup final, second coaching position in Romanian foot- four Swedish teams still have matches ball, having previously spent a season and to look forward to. The new Scandinavian a half with FC National Bucharest. Before league, the Royal League, involving the the start of the season, Zenga replaced top clubs from Sweden, Norway and Victor Piturca, who is favourite to take Denmark, has started. Hopefully it will be over as national coach following Anghel a good preparation for next year’s inter- Iordanescu’s resignation after the 1-1 national club competitions.

stalemate against Armenia in Yerevan. Slovenia TAKA Press Office vs Latvia.

21 key officials from first and second division SWITZERLAND clubs and has promised to continue to offer its full, active support and solidarity to all clubs. New coaching appointments By the end of November, the FFU in the women’s game had installed 370 artificial mini-pitches out Changes are afoot at the helm of the of the 400 that were expected to be in women’s national and Under-19 teams, place by the end of the year. As the artifi- following the retirement of Jost Leuzinger, cial turf was the only material being sup-

former Swiss championship player and cur- TFF plied from abroad, the mini-pitches were rent Technical Director of the Regional Prime Minister Erdogan shows off his ball skills. constructed relatively quickly. Each of the Football Association of Eastern Switzerland, association’s 27 regions has been provided who has spent four-and-a-half years as free of charge with 10-15 mini-pitches, coach of the senior women’s national side. He is the first Prime Minister to date to thanks also to the support of the Ukrainian In recent years, Leuzinger injected a great have inaugurated a mini-pitch in Europe, government. Next year, the local author- deal of new blood into the team and laid underlining the importance the Turkish ities plan to install an additional ten mini- the foundations for a successful future. authorities give to youth programmes. pitches in each of the 27 regions. Acknowledging The Prime Minister also got involved in Valeriy Nykonenko Leuzinger’s services to Swiss the action on the pitch, recalling his days women’s football, the Executive as a professional footballer. Committee of the Swiss Foot- UEFA vice-president Senes Erzik, WALES ball Association (SFV) has Minister for Youth and Sports Mehmet announced that Beatrice von Ali Sahin, and TFA President Levent Bicacki Siebenthal (photo) will succeed also took part in the opening ceremony. A new national coach him from 1 January. In his speech, the Prime Minister empha- The year 2004 ended on a high note in Until now, Von Sieben- sised the long-term support the govern- Wales, with the official opening of the UEFA thal, head of the women’s foot- ment plans to give to sports and youth jubilee mini-pitch at Canal Park, ball department at the SFV, development. UEFA has contributed CHF Bay on 2 December. The opening ceremony has been doing a first-rate job 1 million to support the Turkish project was conducted by UEFA vice-president as coach of the Under-19s, who and also financed the first mini-pitch. Geoffrey Thompson, who was accompa- qualified for the finals of the Ilker Ugur SFV nied by the Right Honourable Deputy Lord European Women’s Under-19 Mayor of the City and County of Cardiff, Championship in 2003 and 2004, and have and FAW President Tegwyn Evans MBE. already negotiated their way smoothly The project, which was funded through the first qualifying round of this UKRAINE with significant assistance from UEFA, will season’s competition, leaving them in an be the first of 42 mini-pitches that the excellent position to reach the finals again. Oleg Blokhin meets the media FAW plans to locate throughout the Princi- Meanwhile, former assistant coach pality. The intention is for each of the Claudio Taddei takes over the Under-19 On the eve of the international match 22 local authorities to be allocated two team. As Technical Director of the Solothurn between Turkey and Ukraine, the Football mini-pitches. These will obviously assist Regional Football Association and a fellow Federation of Ukraine (FFU) invited Ukrain- with the development of young players coach with Von Siebenthal at the SFV’s girls’ ian media representatives to a press confer- in Wales, both male and female. training centre in Huttwil, Taddei knows ence with head coach Oleg Blokhin. It was It was indeed the Wales Under-19 the players well and will be able to continue the first time that journalists had been girls who proved to be the most successful with his good work in this new position. given such an opportunity to meet the head during the autumn period, progressing to At the level of the newly estab- coach for open discussions on a range of the second qualifying round of their UEFA lished Under-17 team, there are no changes issues, and the meeting was such a success championship, which is due to be staged on the horizon, and Susanne Gubler will that all those present agreed that the con- in the Netherlands from 25 April to 1 May carry on with her promising work with the structive dialogue and excellent cooperation 2005 in the form of a mini-group also girls. should be continued. Pierre Benoit Aware of the different kinds involving Greece and Finland. Manager of problems experienced by its clubs and Andy Beattie was delighted to see his side of the complexity of the club licensing progress through a strong first qualifying process, the FFU is organising courses for round group, finishing runners-up to hosts TURKEY England, ahead of Romania and Bulgaria. Welsh fans will be hoping to see an upturn in the fortunes of the senior First mini-pitch inaugurated team in 2005, following the appointment UEFA’s scheme to give children the possi- of a new national coach, John Toshack, bility to play football anywhere, anytime, after the departure of Mark Hughes. Prior saw its first results in Turkey, when the first- to a long and successful managerial career, ever mini-pitch built by the UEFA and both in Wales, with Swansea City, and Turkish Football Association (TFA) was Spain, where he managed Real Madrid and opened at a fantastic ceremony held on 13 , Toshack gained 40 interna- November. The TFA plans to build 100 mini- tional caps and scored 12 goals for his pitches in Turkey over the coming year. country. He will head a strong managerial The opening ceremony was atten- team, which will include his former assis- ded by a number of high-level represen- tant at Real Sociedad, Salva Iriarte, and tatives, including Turkish Prime Minister FFU former Liverpool manager Roy Evans. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who cut the ribbon. Mini-pitch inauguration. John Deakin

22 uefadirect 1.05 Communications we care aboutfootball ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● also wishesmany happy returns to: Futsal Committee on18 January. UEFA Fabrizio Tonelli (Italy),memberofthe markon5January, asdoes half-century Fair Play andEthicsPanel, reaches the Boris Bogus(Moldova), memberofthe member oftheMatchDelegates Panel. Pat Quigley (Republic ofIreland), another by titions Committee, andon24January (Sweden), memberoftheClubCompe- Panel, on17 by SuneHellströmer January member oftheLicensedMatchAgents by David Collins(Wales),on 5January his 60thbirthday on3January, followed the MatchDelegates Panel, celebrates Robert Sterckx (Belgium),memberof Birthdays uoéne efootball de européennes associations des Union Official publicationofthe Communications andPublicAffairsDivision (Northern Ireland, 1.1) Sergei Ilyich(Belarus,13.1) Andrzej Libich(Poland, 11.1) Tullio Lanese(Italy, 10.1) Guido Cornella(Switzerland,10.1) Franco Ferrari (Italy, 9.1) Walter Clarke (NorthernIreland, 6.1) Mariano Moreno (Spain,6.1) Alexei Spirin(Russia,4.1) Gerhard Sager(Sweden, 3.1) Monica Ortigueira(Switzerland,2.1) Jerzy Gos(Poland, 2.1) Robert Coar(England,2.1) Torben Mogensen(Denmark,1.1) Malcolm Moffatt Vlatko Markovic (Croatia, 1.1) Necdet Cobanli(Turkey, 1.1) Birthdays –Calendar

??????????????? ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Referee courses Football for theDisabledPanel Professional Football Committee Club LicensingPanel Championship of theEuropean Women’s Draw for thefinalround Upcoming events Editorial deadline: Printed by Produced by Editor (Republic ofIreland, 30.1) Cosimo Bolognino(Italy, 30.1) Milo Corcoran Mircea Cojocari(Moldova, 27.1) Krister Malmsten (Sweden, 27.1) Metin Kazancioglu (Turkey, 26.1) Eliane Cremona (Luxembourg, 24.1) Been(Netherlands,23.1) Harry Teuvo Holopainen (Finland, 23.1) Bernd Heynemann (Germany, 22.1) Maria Teresa Andreu Grau(Spain,21.1) Angel MaríaVillarLlona(Spain,21.1) Anders Mattsson(Finland, 21.1) Pedro GalánNieto (Spain,20.1) Lars-Åke Lagrell (Sweden, 20.1) Friedrich Stickler (Austria, 18.1) Alessandro Lulli(Italy, 15.1) 31.1-3.2.2005, France 27.1.2005, Nyon 26.1.2005, Nyon 25.1.2005, Nyon 19.1.2005, Manchester MEETINGS André Vieli Cavin SA, CH-1422 Grandson Atema CommunicationSA, CH-1196 Gland 16 December 2004 New publications Obituary Notices email dizdarib@san,com.al) Magazine, P.O. Box 8273,Tirana,Albania; has beenavailable before. (Futbolli Shqiptar- pionships played underItalianoccupation virtually noinformation aboutthethree cham- Albanian whichisofhistorical valuesince nalist BesnikDizdariinthis150-page work in 1939 to 1942 have beencompiledby jour- Details ofallAlbanianchampionshipsfrom NË SHQIPËRI1939-42 HISTORIA EKAMPIONATEVE email [email protected]. from CRE8(UK)Ltd,tel. +44-1993 822811, and canbeordered atwww.scottishfa.co.uk or a pleasure to consult.Thereview costs£9.95 official handbookofScottishfootball makes it trations andtables,theclearlay-out ofthis more importantto thestatisticianthan the The scope,accuracyandreliability offacts is REVIEW 2004/05 THE SCOTTISH FOOTBALL as aUEFA delegate. away on21 November aged81. Healsoserved UEFA AppealsBodyfrom 1994 to 2002,passed Alexandre Velev (Bulgaria), memberofthe four-year term. Spanish Football Federation (RFEF)for afurther has beenreturned to officeaspresident ofthe UEFA vice-president AngelMariaVillarLlona [email protected]) photos. (Tel./fax: +356-21435338, email is always apleasure to read asaninsightinto This almanacpublishedby Lewis Portelli MALTA 2004/2005 THE FOOTBALL YEARBOOK– source isindicated. is authorised,provided the published in or extracts ofany information The reproduction ofarticles official views ofUEFA. articles are notnecessarilythe The views expressed insigned 220 pages,interspersed with other facts compiledinits usual, withresults, line-upsand follows thesameformat as quiet way. This18th edition developing steadily initsown not hittheheadlinesbutis Maltese football, whichmay ever before. Packed withillus- contains more statisticsthan Review doesjustthat.Italso The 25thScottishFootball mation containedinawork. presentation matchestheinfor- but nonewillcomplainifthe way inwhichthey are presented, uefadirect

UEFA UEFA Route de Genève 46 Union des associations CH-1260 Nyon européennes de football Suisse Téléphone +41 22 994 44 44 Téléfax +41 22 994 44 88 uefa.com