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Coach Educators in the Algarve Italy Crowned European

Coach Educators in the Algarve Italy Crowned European

no. 12 – march 2003 including 3.03 racism against Unite accreditation Online Futsalchampions European crowned Italy Algarve the in educators Coach racism against Unite accreditation Online Futsalchampions European crowned Italy Algarve the in educators Coach 05 03 05 03 12 12 11 11 COVER IN THIS ISSUE Anti-racism conference FC Barcelona’s string of wins Coach educators’ course in the Algarve 03 in 12 in the UEFA Champions League has EURO 2004 match calendar 14 Italy sail through in Futsal 05 taken them through to the quarter- News from finals. (, left, and Assault or unsporting behaviour? 09 Gamarra in the FC Barcelona vs member associations 16 Internazionale match.) Online accreditation 11 Announcements 23 PHOTO: ALBERTO LINGRIA

a tasteeditorial of EURO The first European title of the year has just been bestowed on Italy, who won the 3rd European Futsal Championship in a tournament that they also hosted. Next it will be the turn of the youth players in both the men’s (Under-17 and Under-19) and women’s categories (Under-19) to compete for European honours from May to July, when the final rounds of their European champion- ships will be taking place. At senior level, however, the players only have European club competition medals to contend for this year. The national teams are not dormant though. At the end of March, the UEFA EURO 2004 qualifiers move into their criti- cal phase and, come autumn, the 15 teams who will join hosts Portugal in the final round next year will be known. There could be a lot of drama to come. I am happy to report that with UEFA EURO 2004 only 15 months away, preparations are well advanced, and EURO 2004, SA, the joint operation set up by UEFA and the Portuguese Football Federation, is running at full speed. Work on the stadiums is progressing at a good rate and all the other elements needed to guarantee a successful event are gradually being put into place, from the broadcasting of the matches to arrangements for taking care of the supporters and ticket sales. On the commercial front, almost all the sponsorship contracts have been signed, the tournament logo was presented last year and the mascot will soon be unveiled too. Ambassadors – famous names from Portuguese football: Eusebio, Figo and Hugo Viana – have also been appointed to help promote the tournament. In another important step, the match calendar for the tournament has just been established, breaking new ground by scheduling the four quarter-finals over as many days. The event might be over a year away but, just as spring arrives in the air, the scent of UEFA EURO 2004 is starting to tickle the fans’ taste buds and that foretaste will certainly be heightened by the excitement of the forthcoming qualifying matches. It promises to be a great summer of football in Portugal next year and we wish all our member associations well in their forthcoming qualifying matches. Vive o 2004! Gerhard Aigner Chief Executive

Come autumn, Portugal (Armando Teixeira) will know who will be joining them

for the EURO 2004 finals. EMPICS we care about football

02 uefadirect 3.03 UEFA course for coach the art of teachingeducators talents

The coach educators in the classroom. UEFA

THE 13TH COURSE FOR COACH EDUCATORS, ORGANISED BY UEFA'S FOOTBALL – the many successes of the Portu-

DEVELOPMENT DIVISION IN CO-OPERATION WITH THE PORTUGUESE guese youth teams speak volu- mes in this connection, and the FOOTBALL FEDERATION, TOOK PLACE IN VILAMOURA, PORTUGAL FROM Portuguese youth development pro- 10 TO 14 FEBRUARY 2003. gramme has a first-rate reputation. The course participants received During four days, prominent part – the finale – will be the EURO an insight into this programme speakers and personalities, including 2004 final round itself. When the first through the Portuguese contribu- members of UEFA's Technical match in EURO 2004 kicks off, tions by Portugal's current Under-20 Development Committee and Jira the art of our game will experience head coach, Rui Caç,ador, and Project Panel, gathered together with another highlight. current Manchester United first- coach educators from all 52 UEFA The art of the game is also team coach, former coach of member associations and representa- reflected in the design of these the Portuguese national team and tives of the continental confederations courses for coach educators. former youth world champion, in Vilamoura, in the vicinity of the The theme of Act III of “The Art Carlos Queiroz. Faro/Loulé EURO 2004 stadium. of Football” – following on from Act I This event was part of a trilogy. in Coverciano in 2001 and Act II Interesting contributions The second part will follow from in Barcelona in 2002 – was the educa- Other renowned speakers 7 to 17 May this year, when the tion and teaching of talents and contributed to what was an excel- European Under-17 Championship how this transfers into coach educa- lent opportunity to review this is played in Portugal, in the regions tion. It seemed such an obvious important field of development. of Viseu and Vila Real. The third idea to address this topic in Portugal Willi Ruttensteiner (Technical Demonstrations Group work on the field. favours exchanges of views. UEFA UEFA

Director of the Austrian FA) and his colleague Gerhard Hitzel (Coach Education Director) shed light on the new Austrian talent development programme “Challenge 2008” and its impact on coach education. The role of an academy coach was the topic addressed by Ipswich Town Academy Director Bryan Klug. The two contributions by fitness specialist Roger Spry on “Fluid Movement” and “Creative Technique” also generated considerable interest. In his presentations, UEFA Technical Director Andy Roxburgh took up the keynote theme of this event, “Teaching Talents”. In another presentation he also gave an update on the art of reading the game.

A busy agenda It was a busy agenda, split into theoretical presentations, practical sessions and finally also discussion groups, to give the participants the opportunity to voice opinions regarding the keynote theme of this event. The discussions logically focused on the education of young prospects and the teaching of future youth coaches, who will provide youngsters with the essential knowledge they need to become tomorrow's stars. In conclusion, the course participants agreed that a youth coach should not only be a role model but also an expert in his domain. He should preferably be a former player and he should have a wide range of skills, encompassing communication, analysis, organi- sation, leadership and motivation. Next year's edition of the Coach Educators' Course will most probably again take place in February. The exact date and venue will be fixed at a later stage.

Carlos Queiroz (left), currently with Manchester United, meets up again with Roger Spry,

UEFA with whom he worked in Portugal.

04 uefadirect 3.03 A scene from The finalists the final shake in front of hands. the Ukrainian goal. UEFA UEFA UEFA

Spain is now on a level par with the Brazilians and other countries UEFA European are reaching the same standard as Spain. This just shows what progress is being made in Europe. FutsalItaly Championship sail through Portugal is the country which plays in a style most similar to ours. So I hope we end up with THE FINAL ROUND OF THE 3RD EUROPEAN FUTSAL CHAMPIONSHIP a Spain vs Portugal final!” WAS HELD IN CASERTA AND AVERSA NEAR , ITALY, As the tournament pro- gressed, however, it was clear this was FROM 17 TO 24 FEBRUARY. THE SEVEN WINNERS OF THE MINI-TOURNAMENTS not to be the case, with Portugal fail- HELD LAST NOVEMBER JOINED HOSTS ITALY IN THE FINALS. ing to qualify for the semi-final stage

The eight finalists were divided Group A into two groups of four and the matches were played at the 6,500-capacity Aversa 17.02.03 Czech Republic – 2-1 Palamaggio Hall in Caserta and Aversa 17.02.03 Italy – Slovenia 2-1 the 1,500-seater Palazzo dello Sport Caserta 18.02.03 Slovenia – Russia 3-4 in Aversa. Caserta 18.02.03 Italy – Czech Republic 5-1 Aversa 20.02.03 Russia – Italy 0-1 The tournament got off to an Caserta 20.02.03 Slovenia – Czech Republic 3-8 exciting start with the Belgium vs Ukraine encounter in Caserta finishing Played W D L F A Points 7-2 in favour of the Ukrainians, who, Italy3 300 829 right from the start, proved they were Czech Republic 3 2011196 to be a Futsal force to be reckoned with. Russia 3 1 0 2 5 6 3 Italy's opening game against Slovenia 3 0 0 3 7 14 0 debutants Slovenia was cheered on by a packed Aversa arena, and the Group B Italians ran out 2-1 winners, despite Caserta 17.02.03 Belgium – Ukraine 2-7 going behind in the fifth minute. Caserta 17.02.03 Spain – Portugal 3-3 UEFA Chief Executive Gerhard Aigner Aversa 18.02.03 Portugal – Ukraine 4-7 was present to witness the opening Aversa 18.02.03 Spain – Belgium 1-1 game in each group. “It has been Aversa 20.02.03 Ukraine – Spain 0-3 a pleasure to see the enthusiasm Caserta 20.02.03 Portugal – Belgium 3-2 of the Italian public here in Caserta Played W D L F A Points and Aversa, and this only serves Ukraine3 2011496 to prove the popularity of this exciting Spain 3 1 2 0 7 4 5 and skilful game, which UEFA conti- Portugal3 11110124 nues to develop and support”, he said. Belgium 3 0 1 2 5 11 1 Portugal held titleholders Spain to a 3-3 draw in their opening game Semi-finals in Group B, which prompted Spanish Caserta 22.02.03 Italy – Spain 2-1 coach Javier Lozano to remark after Caserta 22.02.03 Ukraine – Czech Republic 5-1 the game on the improving standard of Futsal among European nations. Final “The standard of Futsal in Spain and Caserta 24.02.03 Italy – Ukraine 1-0 Portugal is getting closer and closer. Large and enthusiastic crowds came to watch the matches. UEFA

despite a stylish comeback in their and an effective counterattacking final group game against Belgium. strategy, the Italians managed to take Three goals in the final ten minutes a two goal lead, but Spain succeeded gave Portugal a 3-2 victory, but in closing the gap and the atmosphere it was Spain and Ukraine who pro- that reigned in the hall until the final gressed at their expense. whistle was electric to say the least. In the other semi-final, Open affair Ukraine, who were kept under control Group A was an open affair by the Czech Republic until half-time right to the last match day, with Italy (1-1), broke free in the second half maintaining their 100 percent record and won by a broad margin. with a late winner over Russia to book While the first 14 matches in themselves a semi-final place against the tournament logged a good average UEFA Ukrainian Oleksiy Kudlay challenges Spain, and the Czech Republic taking of almost 5.5 goals per match, the an Italian defender. second place with a convincing final was marked by just one single performance over Slovenia to meet goal, scored by Italy's Vinicius Bacaro Ukraine in the other semi-final. in the second half following a free- The 6,500 seats in the kick. But that was enough for Italy Palamaggio hall were all occupied for to take the European title in front of the semi-final between Italy and Spain, the frenzied crowd in the Palamaggio a match that kept the crowd on the hall, leaving Ukraine in the runners-up edge of those seats until the very last spot for the second European Futsal second. Relying on a solid defence Championship in a row. UEFA

The Italians celebrate victory. UEFA 06 uefadirect 3.03 A dangerous moment in front of the Ukrainian goal in the final. UEFA UEFA

were crowned following a 12-team Futsal from the perspective final round held in Odorheiu Secuiesc from 20 to 27 February. of two national associations This was the first Futsal tournament ever played in Romania. Known as the "Discovery" national FUTSAL IS A GAME WHICH IS GROWING FAST IN POPULARITY, AND ITALY'S DETHRONING five-a-side football championship, OF SPAIN AS EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS IS NOT THE ONLY SIGN OF THIS EXPANSION. it produced the country's inaugural national Futsal champions, A.S. FUTSAL IS GAINING GROUND, TAKING SHAPE OR BEING BUILT UP JUST ABOUT Odorheiu Secuiesc. EVERYWHERE IN EUROPE. HERE, SLOVENIA, APPEARING IN THEIR FIRST FUTSAL FINAL The Futsal Committee of the Romanian Football Association ROUND, AND ROMANIA, WHO ARE STILL DREAMING OF REACHING THOSE HEIGHTS, (FRF) was founded on 19 April DESCRIBE HOW “FIVE-A-SIDE” FOOTBALL IS PROGRESSING IN THEIR COUNTRIES. 2001, under the chairmanship of Dan Stefan Petrescu, a former international referee and FRF vice- SLOVENIA appearance, our Futsal players faced president. A unique opportunity the hosts and tournament-winners- The first Futsal tournament The latest big event at our to-be in the packed arena in Aversa was launched last October, under football association was connected and lost with just a minimum differ- the title "Discovery" national with our Futsal team. Back in ence of 2-1. After coming under five-a-side football championship. November 2002, they won the quali- pressure from the Italians at the The competition attracted 1,177 fying tournament (in a group with beginning, the Slovenians restored teams, who were split into six the Netherlands, Greece and the balance and even scored the first regional sections based in Alexan- Armenia) with three convincing victo- goal of the match, with a header dria, Constanta, Pitesti, Odorheiu ries. This was the biggest success from Dzafic. Later on, Italy proved Secuiesc, Sibiu and Bucharest. In in Slovenian Futsal history, as to be the slightly better side and front of capacity crowds in almost it enabled us to take part in our first won the match. Against Russia and every case, the regional phase pro- European Championship, the 2003 the Czech Republic, the scenario was duced the 12 teams (the top two European Futsal Championship, which the same; Slovenia simply were from each region) who disputed the took place in Caserta and Aversa not strong enough, especially final stages in Odorheiu Secuiesc. in Italy from 17 to 24 February. in offensive play, while the defence, Divided into two groups of six, the Coach Darko Krizman made with goalkeepers Dermastija and teams played each other in accor- a joke just before travelling to Italy; Pungartnik (although injured dance with the championship sys- he said that our team were already throughout the tournament), worked tem. The top two teams in each winners because they had managed very strongly together. Slovenia group qualified for the semi-finals, to qualify for such a big and impor- lost 4-3 to Russia, after almost tant event. Although the Slovenian surprising them by playing with team still works on an amateur basis, a goalkeeper in field, and ‘helped’ while the other participants in the the Czech Republic to qualify for European Futsal Championship the semi-finals with their third, were all more or less professionals, 8-3 defeat. In spite of the three lost the Slovenians did not go to Italy just matches, Slovenia showed great for the ride. On the contrary, they fighting spirit and justified the trained very eagerly and gave the predictions of coach Krizman impression that they were aware that they would put up a struggle of the unique opportunity this until the last minute. European Championship meant for Irena Ilesic Cujovic their careers. And they left the same impression during their matches Futsal takes off in in the European Championship. ROMANIA Unfortunately, not everything went While the final stages of according to their plan, which the 3rd European Futsal Champion- NZS was to achieve a historic victory for ship were taking place in Italy, the Ready for action in the match between Slovenian Futsal. In their debut first Romanian Futsal champions Slovenia and the Czech Republic. The Belgian Italy vs Slovenia. goalkeeper on alert against Spain. UEFA UEFA

all the final round matches, the home team ran out 2-1 winners. A.S. Odorheiu Secuiesc (coach: Zoltan Jakab) will represent Romania in the 3rd edition of the UEFA Futsal Cup in 2003/04. The matches in the final stages were officiated by top-level referees (on the 2003 FIFA list) and included the four FIFA Futsal referees for 2003: Ionica Serea, Alexandru Bajan, Mugurel Vadan and Alexandru Deaconu. A national 1st division cham- pionship featuring the 12 finalists in Odorheiu Secuiesc will run from 1 June to 15 December 2003. The 2nd division will also contain 12 teams. The remaining Futsal teams will play in regional championships. Romania's national Futsal

GAZETA SPORTURILOR GAZETA teams (A team and Under-21 team) Futsal has got off to a promising will be set up in the next few start in Romania. which were won by A.S. Odorheiu months, with a view to playing Secuiesc and Intermures Tg.Mures. in future European and World Futsal With the venue packed out with more Championships. than 2,000 spectators, as it was for Dan Cristea

UKRAINE • a triumphant return The national Futsal team of Ukraine were runners-up in the 2003 European Futsal Tournament in Italy, having lost the final match to the host team 1-0. The Ukrainian team therefore achieved the same result as in the 2001 final in , when they were beaten 2-1 by Spain. Ukraine’s success is a result of the popularisation of this game and the great attention it receives from the national association. Despite the young age of Ukrainian Futsal, the national team has realised its high ambitions in the inter- national arena. The Futsal Association of Ukraine, headed by Gennadiy Lisenchuk, coach of the national team and professor at the National University for Physical Education and Sport, was founded in 1993. A national top league championship, played with nine clubs, and a national first division championship, with 21 clubs, take place in our country. Ukrainian Futsal footballers also play in the clubs of

other countries, and FFU Sergiy Koridze, top goal-scorer in the last two champi- onships, is ranked among the world’s top ten Futsal players. Leaders of the Football Federation of Ukraine, jour- nalists, the fan club of the Young Football Union of Ukraine and numerous fans flocked to the airport to welcome the European vice-champions as national heroes on their return. Next day, a reception was held in honour of the Ukrainian team, at which the participants in the 2003 European Championship were awarded prizes by the State Committee for Physical Culture and Sport and the Football Federation of Ukraine. Valeriy Nykonenko Ukraine vs Czech Republic in the semi-finals. UEFA

08 uefadirect 3.03 Whether inten- Every clash tional or not, can any act that result jeopardises in injury. the physical well-being of an opponent has to be punished. BONGARTS BONGARTS

the player’s assault resulted in the UEFA appeals opponent’s injury. This aggravating factor could have justified a more severe disciplinary sanction than the procedureassault one being challenged. or unsporting conduct? Moreover, the appeal is not founded. The UEFA Appeals Body has

IN THE WAKE OF A PLAYER’S APPEAL AGAINST A SUSPENSION, UEFA’S APPEALS made it clear on many occasions that any act, whether committed wilfully BODY HAS ONCE MORE DEFINED THE TERM OF ASSAULT. AT THE JOINT REQUESTS (dolus directus) or recklessly (dolus OF THE PARTIES, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE APPEALS BODY CAN eventualis) by which the physical TAKE A DECISION ALONE. IN THIS CASE, HE MAY DISPENSE WITH A HEARING. well-being of the referee, a player or any other person present at a match In fact: requested that the case be dealt is affected or threatened before, In the eight minute of the with by a judge sitting alone in the during or after the game constitutes UEFA Cup match between teams sense of Article 24 of the Disciplinary gross unsporting behaviour – G and Z, the player B of Z elbowed Regulations (DR). classified under the general term an opponent in the face while he The Appeals Body rejected of “assault” – which was fighting for the ball. The oppo- the appeal and confirmed the Control deserves to nent was bleeding and needed and Disciplinary Body’s decision. be punished. medical assistance. The offending In such cases, player was dismissed by the referee In law: it is pointless for violent conduct. Given that both parties to resort to the Based on the observations requested the application of Article penal code to recorded by the referee in his report, 24 para 2 DR, the Chairman challenge the legal the Control and Disciplinary Body is entitled to deal with the case description of inflicted a three-match suspension on as judge sitting alone. In accordance the facts estab- player B. Against this decision, both with Article 60 para 4 DR, the lished by the Control player B and his club, Z, lodged Chairman dispensed with a hearing. and Disciplinary Body. an appeal. The appellants considered In casu, the facts recorded It is of course true that the verdict to be too severe, given by the referee in his report are in a sporting dispute, the that the player B did not intend to not contested. Consequently, same case can sometimes be injure the opponent. According to it is established that the player punished simultaneously by the appellants, the player meant only committed an act of assault the national state courts and the to win the aerial challenge in order in the sense of Article disciplinary bodies of the sports to get the ball out of his penalty area. 10 para 1 DR. Moreover, authority because it violates both The appellants concluded with the the rules of law and the rules of request that the suspension imposed play; the principle of “ne bis in idem” be reduced to one UEFA club compe- allows for this. This does not mean, tition match for unsporting conduct. however, that it will always be the The Disciplinary Inspector applied case. It really means that the classifi- for a rejection of the appeal that was cation of an attack on the physical A red card considered to be unfounded. Both always means well-being of someone or assault disciplinary

parties, i.e. the appellants and UEFA, proceedings. BONGARTS committed during a sporting The throwing of an object is also an attack on physical well-being. EMPICS

activity does not necessarily corre- a dolus eventualis as assault in the spond to that of the criminal code, sense of Article 10 para 1 letter c and vice versa. One only has to think (DAB XX 2000; DAB VIII 2001). about the punches struck by a boxer Neither can the young age of the on his opponent, which are quite player concerned be considered obviously not punished either under as mitigating factor. On the contrary, sporting law or penal law if he the player was born on 6 August

BONGARTS respects the rules of boxing, 1981 and had thus attained his whereas a punch thrown in an “ordi- majority already a while ago. Finally, nary” fight could be punished. the big pressure in the first minutes Similarly in football, acts such of the match can definitely not be as jostling, pushing or pinching the taken as a valid reason to reduce the referee (or a player, or anyone else punishment. Such pressure is linked present at a match) or throwing an to any competition by definition, object at him – which do not neces- and any participating player must sarily constitute assault according be able to stand it. Besides, the appel- to the criminal code (Art. 126 Swiss lant’s argumentation is astonishing Penal Code) or which come under in view of the number of spectators the definition of a crime against who saw the match, i.e. 2,109. someone else’s honour (spitting In view of the above and all at an opponent or at the referee, circumstances of the case, the for example) – are classified chairman of the Appeals Body con- in the disciplinary regula- cludes that the three-match suspen- tions as attacks on the sion is appropriate, in particular on physical or psychological account of the gravity of the offence well-being, or as assault, committed by the player. The sus- in accordance with Article 10, pension can even be qualified as paragraphs 1 letters c) to e) DR. Such lenient (see Article 10 para 1 letter c acts can and should be punished and Article 17 para 2 DR). even if they are not a matter for Nevertheless, the verdict cannot the ordinary courts. They are against be amended to the detriment of the the rules of play which lay down player, given that Article 62 para 3 the conditions of prudence, DR does not allow the reformatio in diligence and loyalty that are peius. As a result, the challenged necessary and usually decision complies with fundamental adequate to balance legal principles, as it has a legal the sporting risk with basis and meets the requirement the ultimate aim of proportionality. It must therefore of sport. Even if it is assumed that be confirmed. Moreover the chal- player B did not have the intention lenged verdict allows the objectives of to injure his opponent, he put a disciplining measure to be achieved, up with the possible consequences namely that the player concerned of his act. The Appeals Body has should amend his conduct and that

BONGARTS always qualified such acts presenting repeated offences should be avoided.

10 uefadirect 3.03 EMPICS

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IN YEARS TO COME, 5 MARCH 2003 MAY WELL GO DOWN AS A HISTORIC DAY

IN THE FIGHT AGAINST RACISM IN EUROPEAN FOOTBALL. FOR IT WAS ON THIS DAY THAT

STAMFORD BRIDGE STADIUM IN LONDON, THE HOME OF CHELSEA FC, SAW UEFA,

IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE PAN-EUROPEAN FOOTBALL AGAINST RACISM

IN EUROPE (FARE) NETWORK AND THE ENGLISH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (FA),

HOST A LANDMARK EVENT – THE ‘UNITE AGAINST RACISM’ CONFERENCE.

The first ever pan-European and a representative of FARE; David conference to tackle racism in football, Davies, the FA's Acting Chief Executive; the event was attended by officials UEFA Chief Executive Gerhard Aigner from clubs and national associations from and Arsenal FC Vice-Chairman David Dein. all over the continent, as well as repre- sentatives from supporters' groups and Tackle all forms of discrimination numerous football personalities. The day’s Mr Aigner then addressed activities also attracted widespread media delegates with a speech entitled ‘Why attention and discussion, with features tackle racism?’ The UEFA CEO spoke and articles in many national news- for many when he called the conference papers, news wire reports and television a “historic gathering”. He then argued cameras in attendance. that those who are directly involved One of the main objectives of the in football “bear a special and particular conference was to garner practical ideas responsibility” to utilise the game as that could be incorporated into the draft a force for the good of society. “We have guide to good practice in combating to be prepared to reflect on the duty we racism in European football, which was have to provide leadership in the social, launched the same day. Proceedings began educational and ethical dimensions to with welcome messages from Mike Lee, our work,” he said. “This is why we have UEFA's Director of Communications and to tackle racism, xenophobia and other Public Affairs; Lord Herman Ouseley, the forms of discrimination and hatred.” Chairman of the ‘Kick It Out’ organisation “It [racism] is an evil and a poi- Fair play instead of racism. son which sadly afflicts many societies on our continent,” Mr Aigner continued. , Marcel Desailly “All of us here today have to acknowledge and Ashley Cole took its presence within our game – but part in the conference. I trust we all share a belief and a deter- mination that it will be tackled, that it will be challenged and, ultimately, that it will be eradicated.” Mr Aigner then outlined the contributions that UEFA has thus far made in the fight against racism. However, he also recognised that more must be done. “We need to campaign and to educate, and also to seek to ensure proper representation for minority groups at every level of the game,” he said. The UEFA Chief Executive closed

PHOTOS: EMPICS PHOTOS: his speech with a rallying call: “Today

12 uefadirect 3.03 Frantisek Laurinec, President of the FA of Slovakia. PHOTOS: EMPICS PHOTOS:

we can begin the journey down the next racism in European football. “We will discuss their views on and experiences stage of the road. I am glad that you certainly evaluate at length what of racism. Zola spoke for many when are here, and I am certain that together has been suggested and proposed,” said he told of the effect the conference had we can make a real difference.” Mr Aigner. “We will have to integrate a had on him: “I will use these experi- number of new elements into the guide ences to try and educate my children A problem for all of Europe to good practice which should be in the right way. That's something ever- Mr Aigner's speech was followed a working instrument for the future.” yone should hopefully do in the future by addresses from Piara Powar, National Powar added: “Already I can so we'll produce a better generation.” Co-ordinator of Kick it Out and FARE; see there are things we need to add. The conference was judged to David Davies, Acting Chief Executive We will take on board notes from work- have been a great success by many of the FA; Dr Alfred Sengle, Vice-President shops and significant others. Ultimately of the participants. “We're delighted of the German Football Association (DFB) we hope the good practice guide will that so many organisations from and Frantisek Laurinec, President of stand as the standard for practice so many countries were represented,” the Slovak Football Association (SFZ). across Europe. Once we have finalised said Lord Ouseley in his closing speech. Powar argued that racism “is a problem this document, it's out there for “I feel energised and inspired.” that affects all corners of Europe” and use by the football family, and available However, it was also recognised that stressed several ways in which the for associations to fund some of the the day was merely the start of a long problem can be tackled. “Education ideas we've heard.” road towards eliminating racism from is a key word, education of fans, of play- The last of the afternoon's activi- football. “I don't see these events ers, of administrators, of us all,” he said. ties was a question-and-answer session in a vacuum,” said David Davies. Powar also highlighted the importance chaired by former Tottenham Hotspur FC “From here people will take away of “community engagement” by clubs. forward Garth Crooks, which saw shared experiences. Ten years ago Davies said that “football's com- Chelsea FC’s Marcel Desailly and Gian- the very fact we would have been mitment to fight racism shows our sport franco Zola, Arsenal FC's Ashley Cole, sitting here with representatives at its best” and added that the oft-stated former Celtic FC player Paul Elliott, from 52 countries [discussing fear that by confronting racism the prob- Daniela Conti of FARE and UISP (Unione the problem of racism] would have lem could be made worse was “plain Italiana Sport Per tutti), and David Dein been unthinkable.” wrong”. Meanwhile, Sengle outlined the raft of “practical measures” that the DFB has implemented in their cam- Futsal in Belgium: red card for racism paign against racism, including regular The Belgian Football Association (URBSFA) has been fighting racism training sessions with security and safety in Belgian football for many years. staff and club officials on how to “identify, The URBSFA is very active in this area: last November for example, tackle and eliminate racism from grounds”. we supported KRC Genk's "Red Card for Racism" campaign. This was a joint Laurinec's address showed how the initiative by the city of Genk, KRC Genk, the Centre for Equal Opportunities SFZ had reacted to racist abuse directed and the Fight against Racism, and at England players that marred last the URBSFA. autumn's EURO 2004 encounter between A similar campaign is now the two countries. “Our reaction was being launched with our national Futsal improvised but prompt,” he said, before team as the vehicle. We plan to distrib- describing educative and institutional ute a number of anti-racism posters initiatives that have since been initiated to each Futsal club in national divisions to combat racism. 1 to 4, who will be encouraged to dis- A key emphasis of the conference play them in cafeterias, sports halls, was on practical action. Indeed, after the club houses, etc. We also took a large conclusion of the opening speeches dele- number of posters to the European gates headed into a series of workshops Championships in Italy, where they designed to offer practical tips, encourage were used as a kind of visiting card. URBSFA exchanges of ideas and foster discussion. We are very proud that our national team supported the campaign in this way. The four workshops, entitled ‘Educating It goes without saying that our national Futsal team is a worthy fans, stewards and police’, ‘Developing example of how players of different origins, cultures or beliefs can work policies at a national level’, ‘What clubs together successfully. We are delighted with the results achieved by Damien can do’ and ‘Tackling racism in UEFA com- Knabben's team, which prove how unified our indoor players are. petitions’, were very constructive. In the future, we will look at other ways of fighting racism further Suggestions from the workshops and launching new campaigns to promote social integration in football were summarised for the whole confer- and intercultural unity through activities involving players from different ence in the afternoon and many of ethnic backgrounds. the points raised will be incorporated into François Vantomme the guide to good practice in combating Fulham EURO 2004: At the beginning of March, (, the Hyundai Motor Company signed in white) were an agreement making it the official one of the EURO 2004 vehicle supply partner winners of the for the final round. Gerhard Aigner 2002 UEFA and Portuguese FA President Gilberto Intertoto Cup. Madail with Hyundai President and director Dong-Jin Kim UEFA-BOZZANI and the European Championship trophy.

EMPICS competitions, EURO 2004 and othermeetings activities timetable

The 31 matches THE XXVII ORDINARY UEFA CONGRESS IS UEFA'S MAIN EVENT OF MARCH 2003. of EURO 2004 will be played in ten THIS ANNUAL MEETING OF DELEGATES FROM THE MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS, different stadiums. BEING HELD IN ON 27 MARCH, COMES AT A TIME OF BUSY ACTIVITY Seats IN NUMEROUS AREAS. Estadio Municipal de Braga30,000 Estadio D. Alfonso Henriques – Guimaraes 30,000 Most of the UEFA competi- of March. The draw for the finals Estadio das Antas – Porto 50,000 tions currently under way resumed will be held in Vila Real (Portugal) Estadio do Bessa Séc. XXI – at the beginning of the month. In the on 7 April. Porto 30,000 European Under-17 Championship, The World Youth Cham- Estadio Municipal de Aveiro 30,000 for example, we already know the pionship, which was meant to Estadio Municipal de Coimbra 30,000 Estadio Dr Magalhaes Pessoa – identity of one of the group winners be played in the United Arab Emi- Leiria 30,000 in the second qualifying round: rates from 25 March to 16 April, Estadio da Luz – 65,000 Spain, by finishing ahead of France, has been postponed by FIFA Estadio José Alvalade – Lisbon 50,000 Wales and Bulgaria, have booked because of the political situation. Estadio Algarva – Faro/Loulé 30,000 their place in the final round to be A new date has yet to be fixed. held in Portugal from 7 to 17 May. Six European teams are The group matches will be played The host country's team qualifies involved: Germany, England, Spain, between 12 and 23 June, with the quarter-finals played over four automatically and the six other group the Czech Republic, the Republic days from 24 to 27 June. winners will be known by the end of Ireland and Slovakia. The semi-finals will take place in Lisbon (José Alvarade) on 30 June and Porto (Antas) on 1 July. The final will be staged in Lisbon (Luz) on 4 July.

UEFA licensed agents UEFA's Licensed Match Agents Panel has granted the request of Rudolph Schnippe (Germany) for his licence to be renewed for a further five years. The Panel also accepted the application of a new agent in Germany: Erlfried König ISMM Sportmanagement GmbH Panoramaweg 39 DE–88416 Erlenmoos

Tel. +49 7392 7702-280 ÖFB Fax +49 7392 7021-280 The new stadium in Salzbourg/Wals-Siezenheim.

14 uefadirect 3.03 Spain are Juan Arza (left) and the first team Luis Del Sol, who to qualify played for FC Sevilla for the and Real Betis European respectively, took Under-17 part in the ceremony Championship to present the logo final round. for this year’s UEFA Cup final. UEFA UEFA

Entries for the in May 1999. A special design has EURO 2008: UEFA Intertoto Cup been created to publicise the two stadiums opened As far as the club match, comprising a logo and other The final round of the competitions are con- graphics which can be used on 2006-2008 European Champion- cerned, entries have tickets, posters and other items ship, to be organised by the been received for the connected with the final. The Austrian and Swiss football associa- UEFA Intertoto Cup. design, created by English company tions, will be played in eight stadi- ums. Two of them were recently Forty-one national associations have The Works, was unveiled at the opened: in Salzburg/Wals-Siezen- asked to participate, each being Olympic stadium in Seville on heim on 6 March, the new European allocated one or two places depending 5 March. It reflects the history and Championship Stadium was inau- on their place in the UEFA rankings. culture of Andalusia in general gurated on the occasion of the Any vacant places will be allocated and Seville in particular. Austrian league match between before the draw to be held at UEFA In addition, tickets for this SV Austria Salzburg and FC Kärnten. headquarters in Nyon on 7 April. final are now available to the gen- Its current capacity of 18,500 will The draw will determine the order eral public via the official UEFA web- be increased for EURO 2008. of matches in the first three rounds. site (uefa.com). The stadium has This stadium is also unusual in that The next stage will be the naming 57,142 places, more than half it is equipped with an artificial of the clubs involved, the deadline for of which are reserved for the two pitch and is one of the five which is 12 noon on 23 May. finalists (15,700 tickets per club). stadiums selected by UEFA for its Around 14,000 tickets are available study of artificial pitches. for other spectators, with the Unveiling of A few days later, on 16 UEFA Cup final logo remaining places reserved for the March, the new Stadium The UEFA Cup final will be media, security staff, UEFA, national hosted its first match, the Swiss played on 21 May at the Olympic associations and commercial part- league game between Servette FC stadium in Seville, which was opened ners of the final. and BSC Young Boys. The official inauguration will take place on 30 April 2003, when Switzerland will play Italy. Around 50 different companies were involved in building the stadium, which will accommo- date up to 30,000 spectators.

The gate receipts from the UEFA Super Cup held in Monaco in August 2002 have been distributed, with the two parti- cipating clubs, Real Madrid CF and Feyenoord, each receiving CHF 108,893. In addition, the winners, Real Madrid, received CHF 2.5 million and the runners-up

E. LAFARGUE CHF 2 million of commercial reve-

The Geneva stadium. nue (TV/marketing). DBU General Secretary Jim Stjerne Hansen (right) as the balls are unloaded. EMPICS DBU BFF

Meridianco-operation Project from between associations ANDORRA ALTHOUGH UEFA ITSELF PROVIDES DIRECT AID TO TWO AFRICAN NATIONAL First aid courses ASSOCIATIONS AS PART OF THE MERIDIAN PROJECT, ANOTHER ASPECT In March, under an agree- ment with the Andorran OF THE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN CAF AND UEFA IS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF DIRECT Red Cross, the Andorran Football Association (FAF) started running RELATIONS BETWEEN NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS FROM EACH CONTINENT. first aid courses for the technical staff and coaches of its affiliated clubs. The primary aim of the courses is to provide all coaching staff with basic The Belgian Football Association Following the very useful Meridian accident prevention skills. (URBSFA), for example, has entered workshop held in Nyon on 14 Novem- The courses, which consist of 25 hours of theory and practice, take place into partnership with the national asso- ber, we are currently carrying at the FAF headquarters and are given ciations of Burundi, Rwanda and the out an internal study of ways in by a qualified first aid instructor. Democratic Republic of the Congo. which co-operation with our partners The following aspects are covered: protection of the injured person, visible “In 2001,” explains François Vantomme can be improved. However, two bleeding, respiratory problems, uncon- from the URBSFA communications issues need particular consideration: sciousness, breathing, resuscitation, trau- matisms, etc. department, “we also had the privi- we are faced, on the one hand, Those who complete the course lege of welcoming Jules Kalisa, who by an extreme shortage of resources receive a first aid diploma approved by the was recently appointed Deputy (both financial and human) and, European Red Cross and Red Crescent, which meets French standards in this field. General Secretary of the Rwandan on the other, by the difficult domestic This course will be followed Football Association and was with situation of our partner countries. by a more advanced course comprising us for three months. This means that, for obvious safety 52 hours of tuition. Teresa Figueiras Closer links have been forged with reasons, we are unable to send the Burundian Association over the URBSFA staff to these countries. last two years. At the end of January, However, we are sure that as soon BELARUS the URBSFA was visited for the third as these problems have been A useful time by the current General Secretary resolved, we will be able to step experience of the Burundian Football Asso- up our co-operation in the interests On 19 December 2002, the Belarus Football ciation, Hussein Nzisabira. His two of everyone involved and of football Federation held its previous visits had given us an in general.” General Assembly. At that forum, it was opportunity to strengthen our friend- The Norwegian Football Association supposed to elect its administrative bodies for the next four years. Suddenly, for most ship, explain how our various admin- (NFF), meanwhile, has prepared of those present in the auditorium, the situ- istrative departments function a draft contract with the Football ation veered out of the control when the legitimacy of the delegates was called into and put him in close contact with Association of Mali (FMF). Drawn up question. It is difficult to know how far it our coaching experts. This time, following meetings in Mali between would have gone if the observers from FIFA we focused on IT (systems, word representatives of both associations, and UEFA, Joseph Mifsud and Erich Epple, had not joined the work of the conference. processing, Internet, e-mail communi- the document lays down the priorities After a long pause and active discussions cation) and the implementation for 2003 (coaching courses, youth with a view to finding a way out, in which of a management system suitable football, electronic information all parties were involved, the presiding General Secretary Vadim Zhuk made for clubs and players. and communication technologies, a proposal that was supported by the majo- The URBSFA firmly believes that refereeing courses) and describes rity, and the following important decisions co-operation between African and the co-operation procedure. It also were taken: 1. To stop the work of the Assembly. European associations is beneficial explains the financial arrangements 2. To acknowledge the present for football. It recently had no hesita- and mutual responsibilities. delegates and to prolong their terms of office until the new Statutes of the feder- tion, for example, in sending out Finally, at the end of January, the ation are approved. football equipment to the national Danish Football Association (DBU) 3. To work out new Statutes that associations of the Democratic distributed 2,500 brand new balls comply with the general requirements of FIFA and UEFA, as well as with national Republic of the Congo, Rwanda to children and young people in legislation, and to approve them at a con- and Burundi. Zambia, Malawi and the Seychelles. ference by the end of April 2003.

16 uefadirect 3.03 BELARUS BOSNIA A meeting & HERZEGOVINA of the BFF executive A seminar committee was organised (BFF President in view

Grigori Fedorov, FF BHZ of the introduction standing). of the UEFA club RCHIVE

A licensing system.

First there was the thirty-eighth Player of the Year contest, which was won by to Tomás Rosicky of Borussia Dort- mund for 2002. His team-mate Jan Koller member associations finished in second place, followed news by Pavel Nedved (Juventus) in third place. Karel Brückner, coach of the Czech national team, was voted best coach. Czech international Tomás Hübschman 4. In accordance with the new Continuing the lectures, Miodrag (Sparta Prague) was named most promis- document, to elect a president and the chief Kures spoke about financial aspects, ing talent, and former national team bodies of the Belarus Football Federation. Nihad Hodzic presented the infrastructure captain Jirí Nemec, who has played In accordance with the decisions of the project, and Derijal Piric spoke for Ceské Budejovice, Sparta Prague and of the conference, the BFF set up a special about the sporting criteria, while the Schalke 04, and nowadays wears the commission to prepare new Statutes. administrative aspects were covered by colours of Blsany, was voted the League Its members include representatives of Savo Kosoric and Jasmin Bakovic. Personality of the Year. the football world and of the Ministry At the end of this first seminar, The ninth biennial general of Justice and independent lawyers. General Secretary Munib Usanovic pre- assembly preceded the presentation Further to the preliminary discus- sented the obligations that clubs and ceremony, during which 46 personalities sions and correspondence with FIFA and the football federation will have to meet. received their “Václav Jíra” awards UEFA, Joseph Mifsud and Erich Epple again The seminar ended with a question in recognition of their contribution came to from February 17 to19 to and answer session. to the development of Czech football assist with the working out of a new regula- The club representatives were at all levels. tory document. During their visit, they met very satisfied with the seminar, and con- This event was followed by two members of the commission, took part in the sidering the importance of the obliga- notable achievements on the field. First, meeting of the BFF Executive Committee tions, the conclusion was to organise fur- there was the unexpected but valuable that finally decided on the date for approval ther such meetings because they were 2-0 victory of the Czech national team of the Statutes (20 March), met the newly necessary and useful. In next period, in a friendly international against current appointed Minister of Sports and, in conclu- the football federation will organise a few European and former world champions sion, faced the Belarussian media at a press more meetings with the representatives France – a significant conquest therefore. conference. In the conversation with journal- to achieve the aim of the successful In the second part of February, ists, Dr Mifsud pointed that they were satis- implementation of this project. Czech Futsal recorded a historic success fied with the decisions which had been taken Fuad Krvavac in the European Championship in Italy, by the Belarussian bodies, and that all FIFA and UEFA recommendations had been put where the Czechs lost only to the host into effect. He supposed that in future many team and tournament-winners-to-be. of the national associations would have the CZECH The Czech team beat strong Russia and same problems that had been met with REPUBLIC Slovenian opposition and, for the first by the BFF when they started to adjust their time ever, made it into the semi-finals, statutes to the latest requirements of A busy February where they were unlucky to be stopped the international football organisations. The winter months have by Ukraine. Nevertheless, achieving The Belarussian experience would then be been far from quiet on the football front third place and the bronze medal fulfilled taken into account. in the Czech Republic. February, in partic- unspoken dreams and justified the Sviatoslav Kiselev ular, was a busy month for the Football official efforts to bid to host the European Association of the Czech Republic, with Championship in Ostrava in 2005. a full programme of interesting events. Daniel Macho BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA Many obligations, little time UEFA is introducing its club licensing system for the 2004/05 season. In view of the imminent implementation of this very significant and necessary project, a seminar was organised for representatives of clubs in the Bosnia & Herzegovina and also for clubs in the First League of NS Federation Bosnia & Herzegovina and First League FS Entity of Republic of Srpska who are candidates for promotion into the Premier League next year, namely, FK Olim- pik (Sarajevo), NK Travnik, FK Radnicki (Luka- vac), NK Kiseljak, FK Slavija (Lukavica) and FK Modrica-Maxima. Jusuf Pusina, President of the Foot- ball Federation of Bosnia & Herzegovina, stressed the importance of the project, which has to be executed in all UEFA national associations. Afterwards, General Secretary Munib Usanovic presented the main princi- ples and aims of the project, and than the leader of this project in Bosnia & Herzegovina, Jasmin Bakovic, explained

the process for granting licences. ANDORRA First aid courses for all club technicians and coaches. FAF CYPRUS CROATIA A course HNS Mario Lefkaritis, regarding the Lennart Johansson and introduction Geoffrey Thompson of the were welcomed club licensing in by the General system. Secretary of the FA of Croatia, Zorislav CFA Srebic (left, standing).

CROATIA national teams. On the same occasion, ENGLAND Damir Vrbanovic was appointed chairman of Preparations the International committee of the HNS. This Fun Football and elections young official started his career with the HNS Tournament and is currently general manager of NK Dinamo The Croatian Football Zagreb. He is also recognised within UEFA In an initiative organised by Federation (HNS) ended the bodies, where he is vice-chairman of the , the winter period with two significant European Club Forum and a member of the Manchester FA and the Office of the Deputy activities: preparation of all national teams Club Competitions Committee. Stjepan Djedovic Prime Minister, more than 400 children for the forthcoming European champion- was re-elected chairman of the Referees from deprived communities took part ship qualifying matches, and camps for Committee, in which his activities are highly in a fun football tournament to help tackle youth players and a seminar for youth valued. We are eagerly looking forward to the social exclusion in Manchester. coaches in the Croatian first and second international matches in March, convinced that The first New Deal for division clubs. The election of officials and this month will be a successful one for us and Communities Football Festival – with members of the committees of the HNS that it will herald a joyful football spring. a UEFA Champions League theme – involved followed these activities. boys and girls aged between 8 and Besides the host team HNK Ante Pavlovic 16 years old, with the festival prizes being Hajduk Split, the senior national teams handed out later that day by UEFA Pre- of Poland, FYR Macedonia and Croatia CYPRUS sident Lennart Johansson alongside one participated in the re-established tradi- Club licensing seminar of Manchester's most famous football tional “Marjan Trophy” tournament. legends, Sir . The Polish team won the trophy. The Cyprus Football The festival enabled many young The camp for talented players, Association is preparing to people from ‘New Deal for Communities’, as well as preparations of our U17 and introduce the UEFA club the government's £2 billion regeneration U19 national teams for their forthcoming licensing system. In this respect, the asso- programme, to be involved in the national qualifying matches, were held on the Istria ciation has organised various seminars game for the first time. The FA's National peninsula, where the climate is very mild to advise its clubs accordingly and to explain Partnership and Funding Manager, Peter at this time of year. In mid-March, we are the need for them to streamline themselves Kay, explained: “The FA has a vision of expecting the arrival of the U17 national with the system. ‘using the power of football to build a bet- teams of Denmark, Norway and Russia On 20 and 21 February, the CFA ter future’. Of course, in its own right sport in Istria where, together with the Croatian hosted an extensive seminar attended by cannot completely be a solution to society's U17 national team, they will take part UEFA representatives Marcel Benz and Andrea ills. However, sport and more specifically in a mini-tournament in the second quali- Traverso who, after presenting the system, football can be a significant agent fying round for their European Champion- answered a number of questions and pro- of change where other approaches fail.” ship. We are looking forward to this vided clarifications to a large audience com- UEFA President Lennart Johansson tournament with great interest because prised of club representatives, their audi- complimented the initiative: “I was very we consider that once again we have tors/advisors, sports media, the coaches and pleased to attend the event; the enthusiasm a very talented generation. referees committees. of the children was wonderful. I am aware A course for first and second During their stay in Cyprus, the The FA and the British Government work division Croatian referees has also been UEFA representatives had the opportunity together on things like this and that successfully organised. The referees had to be briefed about the arrangements made England is leading the way. It is innova- to undergo a fitness test, which they all by the CFA concerning the system. tive and I would like to see this type passed, as well as theoretical examinations. The seminar was chaired by CFA of grassroots development work spread In the recent elections, Zorislav General Secretary Chris Georgiades, who across Europe.” Srebric was unanimously voted back in heads the CFA committee responsible Jane Bateman as General Secretary. His past work was for implementing the system. CFA President rated as very successful. As a lawyer and Costas Koutsokoumnis also addressed ESTONIA higher sports coach by profession, he was the seminar, stressing the CFA’s commitment similarly successful in the past, when he to the system. Third year served as technical director of all Croatian Kyriacos Georgallis of licensing The last day of February ENGLAND was the final day of issuing UEFA President Lennart Johansson the licences for the clubs of the Estonian (with Sir Bobby Charlton) has praised the initiative (premier division) and of The FA in favour of under-privileged children. (first division). The licensing process has now been realised for the third time already. “The organisational level of Estonian football has been significantly improved”, said Indrek Kannik, vice- president of the Estonian FA and chairman of the licensing committee. It is obvious that clubs cannot count only on their current good first-team players if they are to achieve good results in the long term. Football must be developed in all its complexity. Compared with the first year of licensing (2001), the clubs have become much more cooperative. In the beginning, some club executives saw the licensing system only in terms of having to fill in unnecessary forms. Now they realise that, with the assistance of UEFA and the EFA,

FA it is a way for them to organise and plan HE

T more efficiently.

18 uefadirect 3.03 FINLAND HUNGARY France hold Sandor Berzi, the Under-17 General World Secretary Championship of the title, which Hungarian FA. will be at stake again in August in Finland. AFP SPL KJAERBYE

It is understandable that improving GERMANY database. This structure will also help in the infrastructure takes time, but fulfilling co-operating with UEFA’s extranet pilot the other criteria need not be impossible DFBnet lightens clubs' project as Hungary is one of the nations for clubs wanting to play football at profes- workload that UEFA has chosen for this new devel- sional level. The main focus of the sporting opment. With the new MLSZ registration criteria is on youth football. Every team in Through a new project called DFBnet, the German Football database, all vital player details (from the Meistriliiga must have five teams taking youth, women and Futsal teams to part under the club’s name in the different Association (DFB) is hoping to lighten the workload of the numerous volunteers who the professionals) will be in one place. national youth championships. For clubs The individuals concerned will have work for football associations and clubs in in the Esiliiga, the requirement is three youth access to this catalogue of information Germany. DFBnet is a powerful information teams in different age groups. and be able to check the up-to-date data. and communication technology tool, which All the clubs in the Meistrilliga “From the time I started wor- can be used via the Internet by officials and have obtained their licences, but, for the king for the MLSZ, I have been trying has a public section (www.sportline.de) that first time, the committee had to take to create a useful player registration can be accessed by all football fans. DFBnet a negative decision. Maardu JK did not system”, said MLSZ General Secretary meet the necessary criteria for the Esiliiga will be the internal communication network Sándor Berzi. “After intense prepa- licence. The club was not able to fulfil of German amateur football. In future, foot- the financial criteria and their ability ration,we have now reached the point ball throughout Germany will be organised where we can establish a nationwide to complete the championship was highly via this portal, which will cover more than questionable. Another Esiliiga club, system, which we will be launching 26,000 clubs and 6.2 million members, rep- in May, according to the decision of the JK Merkuur Tartu, had certain irregula- resenting over 165,000 teams playing rities and were sanctioned with the deduc- Board of the MLSZ”. around three million matches per season in Of course the system can only tion of four championship points. 18,000 divisions. This is German football's The football season in Estonia work with the input and co-operation first ever national database. By 2006, DFBnet of the regional associations (Hungary has started earlier than ever this year, on should offer access to 90% of all fixtures, 9 March. The opening match will involve 19 counties plus the capital ), results and league tables in Germany. current champions FC Flora and which have provided 60 percent of the the newly promoted FC Valga. Approximately 9,500 voluntary team repre- player information. The structure will Mart Tarmak sentatives from around 4,000 clubs are work in connection with mlsz.hu, the already using DFBnet. In addition to data- official website of the MLSZ, and with the bases and factual information, DFBnet offers newly established www.labdarugoliga.hu, FINLAND users numerous administrative programs which is the site of the Hungarian Foot- and services, including an email-based Top youth football ball League (MLL). Thanks to its digital communication system with a national form, this database will also be able on artificial turf directory of all users. Niels Barnhofer to connect Hungarian players easily with To ensure that we can the rest of Europe. provide the best possible This computer database repre- field for the FIFA Under-17 World Champ- HUNGARY sents the intentions of the MLSZ to ionship tournament in August, the main A new computer keep as much information as possible venue, the Finnair Stadium in Helsinki, will in digital format. It also represents install a brand new pitch. The great innova- database an important step towards providing tion concerns the quality. Finnair Stadium The Hungarian Football information for the fans of Hungarian will be one of the first football stadiums to Federation (MLSZ) is making football all around Europe on the official have third generation artificial turf. the national player registration system easier website mlsz.hu. There would not normally be and more precise with its new computer Márton Dinnyés anything special about this decision, as the grass growth in this particular stadium has been very problematic since it opened in 2000. However, Finland will be hosting the Under-17 World Championship tourna-

ment in August, and never before has EMPICS/BUZZI a top-level football event taken place on an artificial ground. “It is great to be one of the pioneers in this field. The fact that a FIFA tournament is taking place on an artificial football turf for the first time gives the Under-17 World Championship tournament added value. It will definitely increase interest in the event”, says Tournament Director Lennart Wangel. And it is not only the football players who will benefit, as Finnair Stadium will be ready and able to hold other events in the future. This is why Stadium Director Jarmo Koskinen sees the new technology as a blessing for his once problematic workplace. “In our climate and with this stadium, artificial football turf is the only ITALY sensible option. This way we can offer the Professional football best possible conditions for the players. in Italy Also, it will be easier for us to host other is restricting the events as well”, says Koskinen happily. recruitment Sami Terävä of non-EU players. REPUBLIC KAZAKHSTAN LITHUANIA OF IRELAND Equipment The new Brian Kerr for Special coach, is the Olympics Algimantas new national Kazakhstan. Liubinskas. team manager. EMPICS FUK LFF

ICELAND Representatives of the Icelandic FA have already 27 February, at the offices of the FUK, the met with the respective local authorities to young sportsmen were given gifts of football A bright future discuss ways of financing the different stadiums, kit and balls. and have met with a positive response every- Tlekbek Akpayev, Vice-President of the People in Iceland would usu- FUK said: “We are pleased to be able to make ally say that the football sea- where. The future of football in Iceland is indeed a bright one. a contribution to this movement. We wish son does not really kick off until mid-May, Ómar Smárason our team good luck in the games in . but this is something that could change very Guys, love football; football is the ambassador rapidly. With the introduction of indoor foot- ITALY of peace, it unites people. Remember that ball halls with artificial turf, Icelandic players the Football Union of Kazakhstan works for have been able to train and compete in New standards you as well, to make you feel like high-level perfect conditions throughout the year. for 2003/04 representatives of Kazakhstani sport”. Asylkhan Samratov, Chairman of the The traditional winter tournaments are now The Federal Council of the Italian all played indoors and the pace and quality Republic's Special Olympics Kazakhstan Council Football Association (FIGC), while said: “I would like to thank the Football Union of the matches has been excellent, particu- postponing a debate on the reform of Kazakhstan for its commitment to our move- larly if you bear in mind that the regular of the professional championships ment. This organisation was the first one that season is still a couple of months away. until early April, has decided to block the regis- decided to support us; I hope that it will become It also has to be said that, understandably, tration of non-EU players and to impose stricter an example for other sports federations.” attendance at matches in the winter tourna- controls on the accounts and financial manage- From 22 to 24 March a seminar for ments has risen, as spectators are much ment of clubs, including the deduction of league referees and referee inspectors is taking place points in the most serious cases. keener on watching a football match in the in Almaty. Well-known former Russian interna- While waiting for an official framework tional referee Alexey Spirin, who is now shelter of a football hall than in freezing on the subject to be adopted at international and temperatures outside. a member of the UEFA Referees Committee European Union level, Italian football has decided and a FIFA instructor, is a key presenter. The licensing system which is now to introduce the following rule concerning being introduced all over Europe has already After the theoretical course for the non-EU players in the 2003/04 season: for Series referees, practical lessons will be organised been implemented in Iceland. Clubs in B and C, the total ban still applies, while in Almaty, Shymkent and Taraz, as well as the Premier division have already submitted clubs will be allowed to register one new non-EU in the district of Almaty. A total of 100 referees their applications for a licence to play in player as a replacement for another. Only clubs will be involved. the top flight in 2003. The biggest challenge promoted to Serie A – if they have less than By the end of the seminar, the inspec- for the clubs will be to fulfil the criteria three non-EU players on their books – will be tors should have taken their exams. Those who regarding stadiums and infrastructure. permitted to sign more than one non-EU player pass will be entitled to a licence allowing them to bring their total up to a maximum of three. to officiate at domestic championship matches. As far as financial measures are con- cerned, the new standards for clubs entering the Alexander Keplin Stefan Sultana (right), league championship are very extensive and top scorer of all time innovative, as are the new controls on clubs' LITHUANIA in the Maltese championship. accounts and financial management. The new rules have three main objectives: 1) constant, New start regular monitoring of clubs throughout the for the national team financial year by a special FIGC committee February 2003 can be earmarked (COVISOC); 2) a clear, effective and appropriate disciplinary system, with points deducted as a highly important month for in the most serious cases; 3) stricter rules for the Lithuanian Football Federation admission to the league championship. (LFF) because it was then that it witnessed The reform of the championships, a wholesale change of national team managers. on the basis of plans drawn up by the working Former national team manager Benjaminas group co-ordinated by Vice-President Giancarlo Zelkevicius went with the team to Turkey for Abete, will be discussed again on 2 April. a few friendly matches and announced his shock The proposal is that the four levels of Italian resignation there, less than two months before professional football be reduced to three, with crucial EURO 2004 qualifying matches against a top division of 18 clubs, Serie B divided into Germany and Scotland. Mr Zelkevicius decided two groups of 18 clubs, and Serie C comprising to put his Russian club Baltika Kaliningrad, three groups of 20 clubs. which hads been promoted to the Russian First Antonello Valentini Division, ahead of the Lithuanian national team and quit after two successful years at the helm of the national team (commendable draws away KAZAKHSTAN to Hungary 1-1 and at home to Italy 0-0; fight- ing spirit at home against world vice-champions Support Germany, 0-2). In the light of the upcoming for Special Olympics matches, the LFF made a quick decision to draw On 12 February, the national upon inner managerial resources and appointed team of Kazakhstan played an former national team manager Algimantas international match against Malta. This was the Liubinskas to the position. Mr Liubinskas is also first game of the Kazakhstani players under the a high-standing official in the municipal- direction of Russian expert Leonid Pakhomov. ity as well as manager of Vilnius “Sviesa” foot- Despite conceding two goals early in the match, ball club, which has been promoted to the top A Kazakhstan managed to equalise the score and league this year. The manager will also have the game ended in a 2-2 draw. The previous day, new assistants – Lithuanian football legend the U21 teams of Malta and Kazakhstan met Valdas Ivanauskas and the manager of current in a match which Kazakhstan won 3-0. Lithuanian champions FBK “Kaunas”, Saulius

D. AQUILINA From 16 to 29 June, Dublin will Sirmelis. It is widely agreed that this trio is the be hosting the XI World Special Olympic Games. very best that Lithuania can currently provide for Kazakhstani sportsmen, including football its national team. The new managerial platoon players, will be participating in these games. will be severely tested in their first official match The Football Union of Kazakhstan has decided against Germany in Nurnberg on 29 March. to support local football players, and on Audrius Remeika

20 uefadirect 3.03 MALTA POLAND CZECH Malta’s match Polish REPUBLIC against FA President A prestigious win Kazakhstan Michal for the Czech ended Listkiewicz Republic against in a draw. wore the number France (Zidane). 7 shirt for his country in a charity match. D. AQUILINA PZPN CMFS

MALTA On 7 March, the Polish cham- had been asked by the Football Association pionship kicked off the spring round of its of Ireland to assist them in their search A new record 2002/03 season. During the winter break, for a new manager. The final list of candi- for Stefan Sultana the Polish Football Association worked dates included England's and out some projects aimed at preventing , as well as former Irish interna- In a top of the table clash, negative occurrences in the stadium. tionals , and strong favourites The Polish Football Association is deter- . Wanderers beat rivals in a mined to fight against hooliganism and Kerr has named another former 3-1 thriller to assert their claim as platonic racism in football stadiums. As a result, Irish international, , as his Winter Champions of the Premier League. we are expecting to see an improvement assistant manager. Chris is first team coach In their subsequent matches, in the image of Polish football and Birkirkara registered two good wins over under manager at Tottenham stronger spectator interest in matches. Hotspur. He won 53 caps for the Republic Hibernians and to close the gap The Polish FA and clubs are seri- and put them level on points with Sliema of Ireland from 1979 to 1991. He played ously engaged in preparations to imple- most of his senior football with Tottenham, at the top of the . ment the club licensing system as of The ‘Stripes’ turned on the style in though he also had a short spell with West the 2004/05 season. In this connection, Ham United. a fantastic second half performance a workshop was organised in Plock at the to secure an incredible 7-2 victory over Before being appointed senior man- beginning of February for the 1st and ager, Brian Kerr had a very successful career third-placed Valletta. 2nd league clubs’ financial departments Two fine goals in a 3-1 win over as manager of both the Irish Under-16 and concerning the UEFA/PFA financial criteria. Under-18 teams. A former manager at club Marsaxlokk by the 34-year-old Every year the team of the Polish Spartans striker Stefan Sultana put him level with Dublin-based St. Patrick's Athletic, FA (including President Michal Listkiewicz, with whom he won two National League in the record books as the Maltese national General Secretary Zdzislaw Krecina and league’s all-time record scorer with 174 goals, championship titles in 1990 and 1996, Kerr former player Dariusz Dziekanowski) takes masterminded a double success for the Irish one more than the legendary Sliema part in a football competition arranged Wanderers centre-forward Tony Nicholl, under-age teams when he won the European to raise money for one of the biggest Championships at both Under-16 and Under- who used to terrorise opposing goalkeepers charity campaigns in Europe, “The Great in the forties and fifties. “I have worked 18 levels in the same year, 1998. Holiday Aid Orchestra”, which helps sick His assistant manager in those two hard over the last two years to try children. “By competing in sport events to reach this goal. It is hard to describe successes was his great friend Noel O'Reilly, and giving financial support to such initia- and he has brought Noel into his senior my feelings at the moment – though I am tives we want to help children in need. obviously very happy – and I might need You should not be insensitive to anyone’s backroom staff as a team coach. Between a few days before I can fully appreciate unhappiness”, said Michal Listkiewicz. them, Kerr and O'Reilly have been responsi- ble for winning a host of other youth tourna- what I have achieved”, remarked Sultana Michal Kocieba in an exclusive interview for uefa.com. ments O'Reilly was also Brian's assistant Malta’s hopes of securing a during the eight years they both spent with morale-boosting friendly win before their REPUBLIC the St. Patrick's Athletic club. EURO 2004 qualifier against France were OF IRELAND In fact, under their guidance the dashed when Kazakhstan scored two Irish Under-18s finished third in the World late goals in a 2-2 draw at the National A new coach Youth Championship finals in Malaysia Stadium. Sigi Held’s side went ahead The big news from the in 1997 and were also in third place in the through a close-range strike from Daniel Republic of Ireland these European Championship finals of 1999. Bogdanovic after just 15 minutes. Chucks days is, of course, the appointment of Kerr began his senior international Nwoko then doubled the home side’s Brian Kerr as successor to Mick McCarthy involvement with success in his first match advantage on the hour mark, scoring his as Irish senior team manager. as manager with a 2-0 victory over Scotland first goal for Malta. In a dramatic finale, Dublin-born Brian was appointed at Hampden Park, Glasgow, in mid-February. Kazakhstan deservedly salvaged a draw. at the end of January from half a dozen His first competitive assignment will Maltese skipper and defender candidates drawn up by former Northern be the EURO 2004 qualifying matches away David Carabott made his 114th appearance Ireland international , who to Georgia and Albania. for the national ‘A’ side, one ahead of the veteran striker Busuttil, who has now hung up his boots. The other Maltese CZECH REPUBLIC player in the FIFA Centenary Club, Jan Koller outmanoeuvres Joe Brincat, also notched up his French opponents. his 102nd cap for Malta. The Malta U21 side lost to the young Kazakhstan by three goals to nil, but Mark Miller’s U17 team registered satisfactory results in ‘home’ friendlies against visiting Scotland and Turkey, including two draws against the latter. Louis Micallef POLAND A charity competition Poland’s national team, with Pawel Janas at the helm since 20 December 2002, played its first games of this year in February. A draw with Croatia (0-0) and a victory over FYR Macedonia (3-0) augur well for this year, especially before the upcoming game against FMF

Hungary in the EURO 2004 qualifiers. FLASH PRESS SERBIA SWITZERLAND AND MONTENEGRO Kubilay Winter training Türkylmaz will for youth players teach in Serbia the art of and Montenegro. scoring goals. FSSCG EMPICS

Former Irish international goal- president of the association and eminent Co-operation between school keeper , who was coach to former coach of many clubs and the and football may very well be one of the the goalkeepers in the Irish senior squad national team. topics for the Development Unit. In this under Mick McCarthy, will stay on in the Practical teaching and work on respect, the 2002/03 season shows new position under Brian Kerr. Bonner, in fact, the pitch was filmed on video and record participation in the Sbickers Fair Play was named in February as the new Irish the material will be distributed to football Cup. All sixth grade classes (12-year-olds) National Technical Director, a post vacated centres in Serbia and Montenegro. throughout the country are invited to enter by Kerr shortly before he was named sen- Nebojsa Ivkovic the tournament, in which 1,967 school ior manager. classes (more than half of all) are taking Brendan McKenna SLOVAKIA part this season. Over the past three years, that corresponds to a rise of 70%! SERBIA AND Focusing All children can participate in the matches MONTENEGRO on education – girls play one half and boys the other – The Slovakian Football and the aggregate result counts. The tour- Association (SFZ) is currently nament is an important means of bringing Winter football to those not already involved football School focusing on education, with the month of February mainly devoted to coaching in the sport. It has been estimated that The traditional winter foot- issues. The SFZ organised a seminar on all in this age category some 15% of the boys ball school of the Football aspects of the zonal defence. A psycholo- and 50% of the girls are not members Association of Serbia and Montenegro was gist was invited to the seminar, at which he of a local football club. Another success held this year in Igalo, a little town on the presented a paper on player concentration. is the FA’s Football School, which this year Montenegro coast. Between 31 January The coaches compared findings from our will involve at least 50,000 younger chil- and 8 February, 66 talented young players own domestic competitions with the tactics dren in 634 clubs (there is still time from Serbia and Montenegro developed adopted by Europe's top teams. Another to apply). The Football School is a concept their knowledge of the game of football. seminar was organised by the clinic for where the clubs are offered a format The participants – boys born in 1989 and physical medicine. The main objective including coach education and partici- 1990 – had two training sessions a day of this event was to develop players' fitness pants’ and coaches’ kits. The Football (practical part), while in the evenings they to such a degree that they can compete School usually takes place at the beginning attended lectures on various topics. at European level in the not-too-distant of the school summer break and has Experts from the association, lecturers future. In order to include all categories already proven useful for the recruitment and coaches (27 of them), mostly worked of coach in its activities, the SFZ is plan- of young footballers and coaches for with the young players on the topic of ning to hold a two-day conference in May. several decades. “How to make the football game faster – At the beginning of March, we participated Thomas Saleteg ways and exercises”. In the beautiful sur- in a workshop on the theme of coaches' roundings of the Montenegro coast, and players' individuality. Education must SWITZERLAND future aces of Serbian-Montenegrin foot- be all-encompassing, which is why we are ball had a chance, besides learning more also continuing to develop the whole area Türkyilmaz about football, to get to know each other of media relations. The SFZ has organised coaches strikers better and make new football friendships. a seminar on the subject of communication The school was visited by many Since EURO 2008 was between teams and journalists. Participants awarded to Austria eminent football people and officials of included important SFZ officials, coaches, the association, and the young players and Switzerland on 12 December last players and members of the Slovakian year, the Technical Department of the also had the opportunity to attend a lec- media. Common procedures were sought ture given by Miljan Miljanic, honorary Swiss Football Association has been busy. for optimal communication before, during Work has already started to and after matches. The next journalists' ensure that Switzerland can field a strong seminar will take place in June. team in the 2008 tournament. The youth Karolina Ducka teams which have enjoyed success in recent years are to train more intensively SWEDEN and with clearer objectives in an attempt to achieve the rather ambitious aim Gunilla Axén appointed of reaching at least the quarter-finals. Development Manager There is also a willingness to try new Former international Gunilla methods in order to reach this goal. Axén has been appointed In future, for example, goalkeepers will to the new position of Develop- not be the only players to receive spe- ment Manager of the Swedish FA. Axén cialist coaching (from Burgener and will now take on the task of shaping the Brunner): the strikers will also benefit FA’s Development Unit. from expert advice as they attempt Targeting club and district associ- to correct one of Swiss football's major ation development matters, the Develop- problems, i.e. finding the back of the ment Unit will employ a staff of three net. Kubilay Türkyilmaz, Switzerland's to begin with. The work of the unit will, record goalscorer, has already taken to a large extent, be project-oriented a training session with a number and it, together with its advisory panel, of national youth team players, assisted will evaluate future projects on an ongoing on a temporary basis by Stéphane basis. Clearly, issues like youth and Chapuisat. Türkyilmaz said after the women’s football will be dealt with (e.g. the first session that he was impressed SWEDEN existing Youth Council and “Damprojek- by the ability and commitment shown Development tilen”). Axén, capped 29 times as a player, by the up-and-coming internationals. Manager has been in charge of the successful “We can look forward to the future with Gunilla Axén. women’s football project “Damprojektilen” optimism. Many promising young players since 2000. The project’s aim is to boost are coming through in Switzerland”, recruitment and education of both officials said the former striker.

BILDBYRÅN and players, as well as club development. Pierre Benoit

22 uefadirect 3.03 PHOTO NEWS PHOTO

New publications birthdays – calendar ALMANACCO ILLUSTRATO communications DEL CALCIO 2003 The “bible” of Italian football needs no introduction. Volume 62 is available for purchase from publishers Panini S.p.A Congratulations Oguz Sarvan (Turkey, 18.4) (Viale Emilio Po n. 380 – Sekip Mosturoglu (Turkey, 20.4) IT-41100 Modena). The collection, Former UEFA committee member, Carlo Vitor M. Melo Pereira (Portugal, 21.4) for which Fabrizio Melegari de Gaudio (Italy) celebrates his 75th birth- is responsible, has been given a face-lift and Alexandru Burlac (Moldova, 21.4) now sports colour illustrations. day on 1 April, while Control and Disci- Patrick Fenech (Malta, 22.4) plinary Body member Jean Appietto Morgan Norman (Sweden, 22.4) Younger, but no less vital to the would-be (France) turns 70 on 20 April. Paolo statistician, the ANNUARIO DEL CALCIO Martin Bodenham (England, 23.4) Bergamo (Italy), a member of the Referee MONDIALE 2002/2003, compiled Roland Tis (Belgium, 23.4) Observers Panel, will be 60 on 21 April. by Salvatore Lo Presti, is into its fifteenth Mehmet Binnet (Turkey, 23.4) edition. This guide to world football José Ignacio Saez Ruiz (Spain), a member is available from publishers S.E.T. Dimiter Shoilev (Bulgaria, 24.4) of the Technical Instructors Panel and (BVGia Fattori, 3/c – IT-10141 Torino). Alfred Sengle (Germany, 27.4) of the Youth Coaches Panel reaches the Henk van de Wetering same milestone on 23 April. And finally, (Netherlands, 27.4) BIALO-CZERWONI 1921–2001 two Danish members of the Referee From Poland, and in Polish, this Conal Hooper Observers Panel arrive at the half-century work by Andrzej Gowarzewski (Republic of Ireland, 28.4) mark in April: Jan Damgaard (22 April) lists all of the matches played Zdzislaw Krecina (Poland, 28.4) by the Polish national team and Jan Carlsen (27 April). UEFA also between 1921 and 2001, Ingi Jonsson (Iceland, 29.4) wishes many happy returns of the day to: providing, in each case, details Moshe Avivi (Israel, 30.4) of the team line-ups and Jan Peeters (Belgium, 2.4) the other usual data (venue, Kaj Østergaard (Denmark, 3.4) referee, scorers, spectators, etc.). This Upcoming events abundantly illustrated (B/W and colour), Markus Schaper (Liechtenstein, 3.4) production is published by Wydawnictwo GIA William Attley (Republic of Ireland, 5.4) (Jaracza 14 – PL-40-580 Katowice). Jan Ekstrand (Sweden, 5.4) MEETINGS From the same address, ROCZNIK Arie van Eijden (Netherlands, 5.4) 7.4.2003, Vila Real, Portugal 2002-2003, from the “Encyklopedia pilkarska Régis Pukan (France, 5.4) Draw for the final round of the Fuji” collection, is presented as the first Lennart Wangel (Finland, 5.4) European Under-17 Championship official Polish yearbook. It contains a host Damir Matovinovic (Croatia, 6.4) of information, not only on Polish football 7.4.2003, Nyon and its competitions, but also on all the Gisela Gattringer (Germany, 7.4) Draw for the UEFA Intertoto Cup European domestic championships and the Isak Mikladal (Faroe Islands, 7.4) international competitions. Jacques Devismes (France, 8.4) 9.4.2003, Nyon SCHWEIZ – SUISSE – SVIZZERA (1905-1940) Professional Football Committee Jim Fleeting (Scotland, 8.4) Dedicated to the matches of the Swiss Zoran Petrovic 14.4.2003, Nyon national team between 1905 and 1940, this (Serbia and Montenegro, 10.4) Medical Committee work produced by the International Mart Tarmark (Estonia, 10.4) Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS – Graf-von-Galen-Str. 72, DE-65197 Vlastibor Minarovjech jr (Slovakia, 10.4) COMPETITIONS Wiesbaden) remains true to the principles of Umberto Gandini (Italy, 11.4) 8-9.4.2003 quality for which this collection is renowned. Eduard Dervishi (Spain, 11.4) UEFA Champions League: quarter-finals Chingiz Ismaylov (Azerbaijan, 12.4) (first legs) Announcements Rodger Gifford (Wales, 12.4) 10.4.2003 José Romão (Portugal, 13.4) Ralph Zloczower has been voted back UEFA Cup: semi-finals (first legs) in as President of the Swiss FA for another Jean-Paul Houben (Belgium, 14.4) two-year term. Georgios Bikas (Greece, 15.4) 22-23.4.2003 UEFA Champions League: quarter-finals Armen Minasyan is the new General Dusan Fitzel (Czech Republic, 15.4) Secretary of the Armenian FA. He takes Pierre Schmit (Luxembourg, 16.4) (return legs) over from Arman Hovhannisyan. Béla Brünyi (Hungary, 17.4) 24.4.2003 In February, the Yugoslavia FA officially Peter Buckley (Republic of Ireland, 17.4) UEFA Cup: semi-finals (return legs) became the FA of Serbia and Montenegro.

we care about football Editor André Vieli The views expressed in signed articles are not necessarily the Produced by Atema Communication SA, CH-1196 Gland official views of UEFA. Official publication of the The reproduction of articles Union des associations or extracts of any information européennes de football Printed by Cavin SA, CH-1422 Grandson published in uefadirect is authorised, provided the Communications and Public Affairs Division Editorial deadline: 14 March 2003 source is indicated. 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