UEFAdirect-80•E 19.11.20088:24Page1 No 5880 – FévrierDecember 2007 2008 Including final inRome A logoforthe in Nyon secretaries General Scheme Study Group racism united against Football final inRome A logoforthe in Nyon secretaries General Scheme Study Group racism united against Football 12.08 10 09 04 03 10 09 04 03 UEFAdirect-80•E 19.11.2008 8:24 Page 2

Message Photos: UEFA-pjwoods.ch of the president Equal treatment for all In football as in everyday life, absolute equality is wishful thinking: there always have been and always will be some clubs with more money than others. This is not an injustice but a reality. The real injustice is that conditions are not the same for everyone and, in particular, that some clubs deliberately go into the red to reinforce their teams by means of costly transfers. Legislation is stricter in some places than others and it is clearly beyond the means of an organisation such as UEFA to interfere in national procedures. This cannot, however, be used as an excuse to do nothing. We cannot advocate respect in every possible form and champion fair play without encouraging them in the financial domain too. The first step in this direction has already been taken: by introducing IN THIS ISSUE a compulsory licence for clubs participating in European competitions, Football united UEFA has already laid down criteria to guarantee the financial health of clubs against racism 03 and, by extension, the orderly running of its competitions. Study Group Scheme 04 Our task now – and we have to make this a priority – is to refine

Exhibition in Liverpool 08 the club licensing system and ensure equal treatment throughout Europe. It won’t be easy; we will have to overcome various obstacles caused General secretaries by customs and legal provisions that differ from one country to the next. in Nyon 09 and 22 The importance of financial stability was brought to the fore A logo for the final this autumn by the events that have wreaked havoc on the financial markets. in Rome 10 Needless to say, none of us wants to see the same things happen in Second for Spain football. And it is down to us to protect the game, by guaranteeing proper in futsal 13 financial fair play. News from member associations 15

COVER Michel Platini Samuel Eto’o in action UEFA President against FC Basel: FC Barcelona were one of the first teams to qualify for the UEFA Champions League first knockout round. Photo: Getty Images

02 uefadirect 12.08 UEFAdirect-80•E 19.11.2008 8:24 Page 3 FARE Action Week againstagainst racismracism Bozzani Fabio

FROM 16 TO 28 OCTOBER, FOOTBALL IN SOME 40 COUNTRIES ACROSS EUROPE Week and lots of top-division matches

SHOWED RACISM AND DISCRIMINATION THE RED CARD BY TAKING PART EN MASSE were dedicated to the campaign to eliminate racism from football, while IN THE NINTH FARE ACTION WEEK ORGANISED BY THE FOOTBALL AGAINST at grassroots level all sorts of activities RACISM IN EUROPE NETWORK, UEFA’S PARTNER IN THE FIGHT AGAINST RACISM. were organised right across the conti- nent, inside and outside stadiums, From grassroots football to For matchday 3, on 21/22 October, including concerts, the distribution of the highest levels of the professional the 32 participating teams were various resources, tournaments, game, numerous clubs, players and escorted onto the pitch by children educational initiatives and more. supporters all over Europe once again wearing Unite Against Racism T-shirts. This year, lots of events tar- took a stand against all forms of dis- There were announcements over geted homophobia or placed parti- crimination. Schools, NGOs and youth the stadium PA systems, messages cular emphasis on respect for ethnic and ethnic minority groups joined the published in the match programmes minorities. campaign, which has been growing and adverts on the giant screens. “UEFA policy is clear,” said and extending its reach year on year. The captains also wore Unite Against the UEFA president, Michel Platini, The UEFA Champions League Racism armbands. at the start of the club competition and the millions of spectators and Similar activities in the UEFA season. “Zero tolerance of violence, TV viewers it attracts provided an Cup also helped raise public aware- racism and discrimination.” ideal media platform from which to ness of the issue. National football The perfect message for the transmit the anti-racism message. associations joined in with the Action FARE Action Week.

03 UEFAdirect-80•E 19.11.2008 8:24 Page 4

The The delegations participants from Iceland were also and San Marino taken to in Switzerland. see sports facilities. ÖFB ASF Technical

StudyStudy Group to Schemeprogress

AS PART OF THE STUDY GROUP SCHEME LAUNCHED BY UEFA THIS Aspects considered SUMMER ON THE INITIATIVE OF ITS PRESIDENT, MICHEL PLATINI, THE SWISS FOOTBALL most beneficials ASSOCIATION ORGANISED A FOUR-DAY SEMINAR ON ELITE YOUTH FOOTBALL. by participants: Under the Study Group Scheme, The delegation also visited the ■ ”The organisation of work in the launched at the start of the current Payerne national training centre, whose youth categories at the Russian season and organised by UEFA’s Football sporting and academic programmes Football Union as well as the clubs Education Services, the national asso- have already enabled a number of young that we visited.” ciations are encouraged to visit each players to break through at national Comment from a Serbian delegation other in order to share their respective and international levels. The trip to visiting Russia. technical expertise and experiences. Payerne included a detailed presenta- tion of the structure and functioning ■ ”Practical aspects were very useful Football in Switzerland… of the centre, as well as participation in for understanding the full career It was in this context that practical sessions aimed at improving path from the age of 11 to 19, as well the Swiss Football Association recently the technique and tactical awareness as the playing philosophy of the hosted a seminar for 20 delegates of talented Swiss youngsters. national team.” from Iceland and San Marino from Finally, the delegates visited Delegation from the Scottish FA 3 to 6 November. the national sports centre at Macolin, about its visit to Croatia. The programme included a visit which promotes elite sport in general to the training centre of FC Lausanne- and football in particular through ■ ”The organisation and philosophy Sport, which offers top Swiss youngsters its sporting and scientific infrastructures of grassroots football, work on the a mixture of sports, academic and voca- and the expertise of its staff devoted pitch, the football passport, the tional training. to elite football. relationship with schools and the government’s involvement.” Comment from an Italian FA dele- The broad outline of gation following its visit to Finland the scheme is presented to the delegates in Switzerland. to study grassroots football.

The participants were also able to observe and analyse strength, speed and endurance tests for the Swiss national Under-17 team. These young players meet four times a year to undergo physical tests carried out by a specialist doctor under the supervision of the team coach. Having completed their observations, the visitors are expected to pass on their experiences in their home country in order to achieve the objective of improving standards

ASF throughout Europe.

04 uefadirect 12.08 UEFAdirect-80•E 19.11.2008 8:24 Page 5

The Study The delegation Group Scheme from was launched FYR Macedonia in Austria, in Austria. where the participants got to visit the stadium in Salzburg. ÖFB ÖFB

… and elsewhere take part in some seminars and the In the same week, three other host and visiting associations report Development seminars were held under the banner of back to UEFA. and Technical Assistance the UEFA Study Group Scheme. Greece Committee hosted delegates from Serbia, Austria Principles of the programme and Bosnia-Herzegovina in order to The Study Group Scheme Chairman: Per Ravn Omdal (Norway) discuss coach education. Meanwhile, is run according to the following Deputy Chairman: Franz Beckenbauer (Germany) Germany demonstrated its grassroots principles: a study group comprises 1st Vice-Chairman: Zvezdan Terzic (Serbia) football activities to the Swiss, Azerbai- between 5 and 11 members. Each 2nd Vice-Chairman: Istvan Kisteleki (Hungary) jani and Estonian associations, and Eng- visit lasts four days, including travel 3rd Vice-Chairman: Paul Philipp (Luxembourg) land shared its experiences of women’s time, and the purpose of the trip Members: Sir Trevor Brooking (England) football with Turkey and the must conform to the UEFA guidelines. Iljo Dominkovic (Bosnia-Herzegovina) at an event attended by Sir Trevor Brook- The visit includes briefings, observa- Jerzy Engel (Poland) ing, a member of UEFA’s Development tion of practical activities linked to the Janis Mezeckis () and Technical Assistance Committee. chosen football theme, discussions Ísak Mikladal (Faroe Islands) In all, UEFA aims to organise and drafting of follow-up activities. Campbell Ogilvie (Scotland) 52 seminars a year, which would mean There are four different subjects to Anton Ondrus (Slovakia) 156 potential visits as each seminar can choose from: coach education, grass- Mordechai Shpigler (Israel) accommodate delegations from three roots football, women’s football and Raimondas Statkevicius () member associations. Each association elite youth football. Once the visit can organise and host three visits a has been completed, the study group year, as well as visit three other associa- returns to its own association in order tions, each time focusing on a different to disseminate the information it has theme. In order to ensure the quality gathered. UEFA covers the cost of ac- Positive and, in particular, the continuity of the commodation, travel, meals and local feedback project, members of the Development transport. It acts as the coordinator ”Our group found and Technical Assistance Committee between host and visiting associations. the visit very interesting. What I found most interesting is the way The first visits the Swiss FA works with the coaches Theme Dates Host Visitor 1 Visitor 2 Visitor 3 in every region and the Youth 25-28.8 Austria Azerbaijan Hungary FYR Macedonia academies they have, Women’s football 16-19.9 Denmark Poland Moldova Republic of Ireland where they combine school education Grassroots 24-27.9 Sweden Northern Ireland Faroe Islands and football. Even Youth 29.9-2.10 Ukraine Armenia Belarus Moldova though the Icelandic Grassroots 29.9-2.10 Norway Lithuania Latvia Belarus system is smaller, Grassroots 30.9-3.10 Finland Italy Cyprus Austria I think that we can learn a lot from the system Youth 5-8.10 Russia Serbia Poland Israel in Switzerland in Coach education 13-16.10 Belgium Montenegro Hungary Israel terms of their coach Youth 14-17.10 Croatia Scotland England Cyprus education and Youth 27-30.10 Slovakia Lithuania Latvia Luxembourg how they support their coaches.” Youth 28-31.10 Czech Republic Ukraine Montenegro Liechtenstein Dagur Sveinn Youth 3-6.11 Switzerland San-Marino Iceland Dagbjartsson (Iceland) Coach education 4-7.11 Greece Serbia Bosnia-Herzegovina Austria Coordinator of the group of elite youth coaches Grassroots 3-6.11 Germany Switzerland Azerbaijan Women’s football 4-7.11 England Turkey Faroe Islands Coach education 11-14.11 Wales Cyprus Malta Youth 15-18.11 Scotland Greece Northern Ireland Russia Youth 17-20.11 Belgium Malta Austria

05 UEFAdirect-80•E 19.11.2008 8:24 Page 6

From football Another original to wine growing for example of how to Christophe Bonvin. turn the page – player-turned-actor Eric Cantona has also put a lot of energy into promoting beach soccer. O.Maire/Keystone Scorza/AFP/Getty Images

but even though he now owns 600m2 of vineyards, he did not discover wine Footballer until the age of 23, at a wine-tasting event. "It made an impression on me. A wine-tasting session lasts an hour and a half, maybe two hours. It is one of the retraining rare occasions when you take your time. You talk about everything. At 27, I began What next for retired players? thinking about what I would do when I WHEN PLAYERS HANG UP THEIR BOOTS, THEY USUALLY LEAVE THE retired from playing. I began wine-tasting lessons and quizzed wine connoisseurs, SPOTLIGHT BEHIND THEM. SOME FIND RETURNING TO NORMAL LIFE AND but I did not attend the official courses. TRAINING FOR A NEW OCCUPATION EASIER THAN OTHERS. I taste with my body and soul more than with my expertise. I signed my last con- More and more ex-footballers Charles Bonvin Fils wine company, where tract when I was 30. When I went home, are staying in the game as coaches, man- he is assistant manager (no relation: I told my wife that I would be stopping agers or club spokespersons. Television Bonvins are as common in the Swiss can- two years later, but I did not breathe channels all over Europe have followed ton of Valais as Duponts are in France). a word to anyone else in case people the example of the BBC, one of the first He does not regret his previous thought my mind was already elsewhere. to employ a former player, Gary Lineker, life: "I never wanted to become a coach On the contrary, my last four years as a presenter. However, there are not or manager. My parents taught me to be were the best, winning three cups and enough of these jobs for everyone. realistic and my wife often reminded me the double in 1997 for FC Sion." Many players change career com- that I needed to spend time with the Although his own career change pletely, some more willingly than others. children. During my career, I played on was straightforward, he can understand Former Swiss international Saturdays, but I used to go climbing with why some of his former colleagues have Christophe Bonvin is flourishing in the friends on Sundays. They easily managed found it tough: "A footballer experiences wine growing industry. After retiring from level 8 climbs, while I struggled with level a lot of highs and is always in the spot- the game in 1997, he took a month's 6: it put my fame into perspective." light. He has to give all that up and get holiday, including a week in Angola as There are around 18,000 vine- used to stricter working hours. Not part of a UEFA-backed campaign against yard owners in Valais. Christophe was everyone has a home situation that en- antipersonnel mines. He then joined the predestined to take up this profession, courages him to think about the future. Another example: I have a business studies diploma, but what use is it to me having had it since I was 18?" Other unusual professions for retired footballers include that of Dane Per Frimann who, after a successful career at Anderlecht, spent four years working as an interpreter for the Euro- pean Community before becoming a TV commentator. AC Milan's Italian star Gianni Rivera went into politics and is currently a member of the European Par- liament. He is a member of the Commit- tee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality and the Delegation for Relations with the Palestin- ian Legislative Council. Many a positive example.

What support? Gary Lineker, with the England side Former players' associations do against Scotland, not always have sufficient resources to before he retired to the

commentary box. Bruty/Getty Images help footballers in difficulty. In order to

06 uefadirect 12.08 UEFAdirect-80•E 19.11.2008 8:24 Page 7

Patrick Kluivert invested in a restaurant. Blijdenstein/AFP/Getty Images

ensure they became more than just social clubs, the Sports Group of European For- mer Football Players Associations (EFPA) was founded in 2004. Its spokesperson, Noemi Mas, explains: "We try to help these associations to offer financial, social and institutional support to former play- ers. This is easier to accomplish at local level." Oriol Garangou, head of commu- nications for the Barça Veterans Associa- tion, explains that the foundation pro- vides practical help in order to ensure that former players enjoy a certain quality of life. "It was created in 1959 by a group of veterans. Each month, our social com- mittee considers requests as well as cases it has heard about from members, the press, etc. When it knows what the former player concerned really needs, it arranges a meeting with him. We never pay regular salaries, only an advance on what the person is entitled to from Hapless cases Unfortunately, some find it harder to turn the page than others, for example a former Belgian inter- Christophe Bonvin national goalkeeper who began his playing for Switzerland post-playing career as a coach. His at EURO ‘96. name was then mentioned in the Photos Empics Sport/PA betting scandal that rocked Belgian the government or another body. The to be managed. Patrick Kluivert owns football in 2005. Since then he has support is temporary. Most of our cases a restaurant, but not all players are only coached at low-level clubs. involve people looking for jobs. We as famous as him and many have Ruined by his gambling addiction and call on our network of experts. We also to work very hard to make their invest- discredited in the world of football, help elderly members or their widows ment pay off. he found a public relations job at a to find a place in a home and assist with Two projects are particularly tourist attraction. A few weeks later, expensive operations or other medical interesting. The first is interactive and burglars ran off with the takings. The treatment." involves retiring players undergoing discredited ex-keeper was suspected knowledge and personality tests. On of complicity and put behind bars. Interesting projects the basis of the results, an expert dis- Another former player FIFPro delegates these tasks to its cusses possible careers with the player opened a café in his home village members. The Dutch professional players' concerned, sometimes involving train- and went bankrupt. He also bought association (VVCS) is particularly dynamic, ing, depending on the individual. The some apartments while they were believing that "turning the page is some- VVCS Academy provides communica- still at the planning stage – an excel- times hard" but stressing that there are tion training, while a well known lent idea, especially considering the no real social difficulties in the Nether- Dutch college offers players an online tax rebates they would earn him. lands, even though players turn profes- course that they can follow in their Unfortunately, he forgot to check sional at a very early age and never have own spare time – they are past the age whether the work had been finished to look for work because they are courted of sitting behind a school desk. They and paid all the bills that were sent by their clubs. They have no idea how receive a diploma after four years. to him by unscrupulous contractors. to write a CV or what to say at an inter- Eighteen players are already following He lost everything. P.P. view. Similarly, you cannot open a café this relatively new programme. without training because the café needs Pascale Pierard

07 UEFAdirect-80•E 19.11.2008 8:24 Page 8

The four most prestigious UEFA trophies on display together.

force for people of different nationalities, languages and cultures. World Museum “The exhibition is a fantastic event for conveying the message that football is a family, altogether, without discrimination. In today’s society, football Liverpool wants to prove once again that, through the game, you have the right platform Only a Game? exhibition open to make a united front of human beings. ONLY A GAME?, AN INTERACTIVE UEFA EXHIBITION EXPLORING EUROPE'S It is a top platform for conveying the so- cial message,” UEFA vice-president Senes LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE BEAUTIFUL GAME FROM A CULTURAL, INTERACTIVE AND Erzik said at the opening of the exhibition. EDUCATIONAL PERSPECTIVE, HAS BEEN OPEN SINCE 11 OCTOBER AT Memorabilia from the National WORLD MUSEUM LIVERPOOL, WHERE IT WILL RUN UNTIL 1 MARCH NEXT YEAR. Football Museum will be featured in the exhibition, including shirts, medals and An interactive exhibition for the the game." This was echoed by the trophies from great European players whole family, Only a Game? invites captain of Liverpool FC, Steven Gerrard, such as George Best, Franz Beckenbauer, visitors to plunge into the emotions of who believes there is “no city in Europe Bobby Moore and Petr Cech. Visitors can football inspired by a selection of presti- where football means more than it does also discover the city’s own dramatic role gious artefacts, trophies and memora- to the people of Liverpool. So I think in European football with special items bilia from over 50 years of European it is great that we are having a European on display from the Everton FC Collec- football. football exhibition as part of Liverpool 08.” tion and the Liverpool FC Museum. In collaboration with the North- west Regional Development Agency Impact of sport Universal language (NWDA), the National Football Museum While providing a traditional Younger supporters can dip into and National Museums Liverpool, the museum-visit experience, Only a Game? the world of the media, mixing football UEFA exhibition is making its only UK ap- also aims to get visitors to consider footage with their favourite music to pearance in Liverpool, European Capital the social and cultural impact of the create their own video clip, or they can of Culture 2008 and arguably one of planet’s most popular sport. Giant figures show off their knowledge of the game Europe’s great capitals of football. Michel of and Kevin Keegan, by challenging friends to a quiz. Platini, the UEFA president, says he is among others, recount their own life All four of UEFA’s most presti- “delighted that UEFA is bringing this stories as part of the exhibition’s focus gious trophies are on display, represent- exciting exhibition to Liverpool (…), a on the human face of football from ing a very rare occasion when the city that loves its football and plays such the 1950s to the present day, and European Championship and UEFA a big role in Europe’s fascination with on how the sport can act as a uniting Champions League trophies can be seen alongside the UEFA Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup in the same place at the same time. Visiting World Museum Liver- pool on 24 November, Lilian Thuram, the official patron of the exhibition and winner of both the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League, said: “Football brings people together across Europe. It speaks a simple language that every- one understands. Only a Game? shines a light on all the actors that play a role: fans, schoolchildren, amateurs, as well as the professional players.”

Visitor information Address: World Museum Liverpool, William Brown Street, Liverpool Free admission Opening times: 10.00-17.00 (GMT) daily until 1 March

Photos: UEFA Information: +44 (0)151 478 4393

08 uefadirect 12.08 UEFAdirect-80•E 19.11.2008 8:24 Page 9

The Modern UEFA general technology secretary, gave the David Taylor, participants led the an opportunity discussions. to voice their opinions on the topics presented.

the UEFA Cup from next season. The new name of the competition was gen- Meetings and erally popular, while the Executive Committee’s recent decision to allow losing domestic cup finalists to be entered for the UEFA Europa League if the cup winners qualified for the UEFA other activities Champions League (which was the case General secretaries in the UEFA Cup) got an even higher number of votes in favour. meet in Nyon On the subject of illegal betting ON 28/29 OCTOBER, THE GENERAL SECRETARIES/CHIEF EXECUTIVES OF and corruption, the general secreta- ries/chief executives were keen for more 50 OF UEFA’S MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS ATTENDED A MEETING AT THE HOUSE action to be taken. The first day of the OF EUROPEAN FOOTBALL IN NYON INTENDED TO STRENGTHEN THE INVOLVEMENT meeting ended with a presentation OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS IN UEFA’S WORK. on the UEFA Study Group Scheme and on the experiment being conducted Only Albania, Poland and Spain monitoring body to evaluate exceptions with two additional referees, positioned were missing from the roll call. To make to such a rule. behind the goal lines. the meeting as interactive as possible and not just a series of presentations, the Positive feedback about the Variety of topics participants were equipped with elec- UEFA Europa League On the subject of national team tronic voting systems for the first time, The meeting also looked at football, presentations were made on allowing them to give their views anony- other issues related to professional foot- EURO 2012, double-header dates and mously on different questions. ball, such as the matter of the recogni- EURO qualifiers. Regarding the Euro- The presentation of current tion of the specificity of sport and the pean Under-21 Championship, the matters concerning professional football question of financial fair play in UEFA participants were invited to express their started with the topic of home-grown competitions, which the vast majority of preferences on various aspects of the players and the application of UEFA’s participants felt should be achieved competition. locally trained players rule. The vast through more control on how the finan- UEFA’s assistance programmes majority of the participants agreed that it cial criteria of the UEFA club licensing (HatTrick II, Top Executive Programme helped to improve youth development system were applied across Europe. and KISS) and FAME (Football Adminis- but also felt that further measures were The presentation concluded tration and Management Environment) necessary. with the topics of players’ agents and formed the subject of the last but one A ban (in principle) on the inter- relationships with leagues and clubs. main session, which was followed by national transfer of minors (under-18s) Attention then turned to the information on commercial matters and was generally thought to be a good club competitions and, in particular, the an open discussion to round off the idea, as was the creation of a special UEFA Europa League, which replaces meeting. Photos: UEFA-pjwoods.ch

09 UEFAdirect-80•E 19.11.2008 8:24 Page 10

John Delaney, In October, Michel Platini, chief executive of the FAI, the UEFA president, countersigned signs the the UEFA Grassroots Charter UEFA convention. in Nyon to complete the accession of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Cyprus. UEFA-pjwoods.ch UEFA-pjwoods.ch

Meeting of the payment to agents for transactions The FAI signed up at pro Professional Football involving minors and under-21 year old level, giving it full party status. players. However, the Strategy Council It first signed the convention at B-level Strategy Council could not reach a final agreement in May 2002. The FAI is the 38th The Professional Football on a recommendation to the Executive member association to have acceded Strategy Council met in Nyon Committee as a result of the FIFPro dele- to the convention at all three levels on 27 October to discuss various gation not being able to accept all of (B, A and pro). issues of importance to profes- the proposals. Discussions will continue. Apart from the Football Asso- sional football in Europe. Following these discussions ciation of Montenegro, whose applica- Top of the agenda was the a report was heard on the meeting of tion is currently being assessed, all package of proposals relating to the experts on financial fair play that had UEFA member associations are party protection of minors and training taken place in Nyon on 13 October. to the convention, meaning almost clubs which had been developed by a Finally, the agenda for the European 160,000 coaches from all over Europe special working group. The working Social Dialogue Committee meeting in have a UEFA-recognised diploma. group, comprising representatives of Brussels on 19 November was agreed, UEFA, the European Club Association and the ECA was formally accepted as ■ Also in Nyon at the end (ECA) the European Professional Foot- an employer representative organisation. of October, the national associations ball Leagues and FIFPro, had agreed of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Cyprus proposals in key areas such as imple- signed the UEFA Grassroots Charter. menting a ban on the movement UEFA convention Their accession was approved by the of minors (under-18s), both within and charter – Executive Committee at its meeting and into Europe; increasing stability Signatures in Nyon in in May. for players (and clubs) up to the age At the end of October, the Just four years after its cre- of 21; “dual training” (ie non-football Football Association of Ireland (FAI) ation, the Grassroots Charter already academic and vocational education) signed the UEFA Convention on has 33 signatory associations. for professional players to help their the Mutual Recognition of Coaching reintegration into society at the end Qualifications at UEFA HQ, of their playing careers; and restricting the House of European Football. Logo for Rome final unveiled The next UEFA Cham- pions League final will be held at the Olympic Stadium in Rome The logo for the on 27 May 2009. UEFA Champions League final projected onto the coliseum. As in recent seasons, the event will be given its own visual identity and the logo for the Rome final was unveiled at a press conference in the Italian capital on 24 October. The chosen logo combines that of the competition itself with a laurel wreath, an ancient Roman symbol of victory. The laurel wreath design is reminiscent of the famous coliseum and reflects the city’s history, architec- ture and passion for football. Tickets for the final will go

FIGC on sale on 16 February.

10 uefadirect 12.08 UEFAdirect-80•E 19.11.2008 8:24 Page 11

Antti Niemi, … and Satu Kunnas, ambassador shown playing in for the the 2005 Women’s EURO, 2009 Women’s EURO… will be promoting the final round in Finland. Getty Images Barker/AFP/Getty Images

Women’s EURO 2009 – tional side and kept goal for several European Under-21 Twelve teams chasing British teams, and Satu Kunnas, who Championship – played in goal for the Finnish national one title women’s team and participated in The picture is complete In 2009, the European the 2005 European Women’s Cham- The eight finalists in Women’s Championship pionship. the 2007-09 European Under-21 will conclude in Finland ■ In the European Women’s Championship are now known. with a tournament which, Under-19 Championship, 24 teams They will contest the final round for the first time, will qualified for the second qualifying in Sweden next summer. involve 12 teams rather round, the draw for which will be held Having qualified auto- than eight, an increase in Nyon on 19 November. The winners matically as final round that reflects the growing popularity and the best runner-up from the six organisers, Sweden will of women’s football throughout groups will contest the final round with host Germany, England, Europe. Belarus, who qualify automatically Belarus, Spain, Finland, The qualifying phase for this as hosts. Italy and Serbia from tournament was completed at the end In the European Women’s 15 to 29 May 2009. These seven qualifiers won of October. The winners of the six quali- Under-17 Championship, the 16 teams the play-off matches between the ten fying groups were the first to book that made it through the first qualify- winners and four best runners-up in their tickets: titleholders Germany, along ing round will be split into four groups the qualifying groups. with Denmark, England, France, Norway in a draw to be staged in Nyon on Some of these matches were and Sweden, joined hosts Finland, who 19 November. The four group winners extremely closely fought, will play the final round in Nyon qualified automatically. particularly the tie between (see .com The six runners-up and the Austria and Finland four best third-placed teams then faced for the results each other over two legs in order to of these determine the other five finalists. Iceland draws). (who beat the Republic of Ireland), Italy (who eliminated the Czech Republic), Russia (who defeated Scotland), Ukraine (who knocked out Slovenia) and the Netherlands (winners against Spain) all qualified. For Iceland, the Netherlands and Ukraine, this is the first time they have reached the final round of the competition, while Germany will be competing in the final round for the eighth consecutive time and will once again be defending the title that they have held since 1995.

The draw to determine the three Germany final round groups took place in Helsinki (Sandra Smisek, right), winners on 18 November and the outcome can of the last four be found on uefa.com. The top two in Women’s EUROs, and England each group will join the two best third- (Faya White) placed teams in the quarter-finals. The will both be playing in final round will be held from 23 August the final round to 10 September 2009 in the cities in Finland. of Helsinki, Lahti, Tampere and Turku. Langer/Bongarts/Getty Images ■ In order to help publicise the final round, two ambassadors have been appointed: Antti Niemi, who won 67 caps with the Finnish na-

11 UEFAdirect-80•E 19.11.2008 8:24 Page 12

England Germany and Italy’s (Jamie O’Hara) Under-17s in a friendly match. knocked out Wales Both have qualified for (Simon Church, the elite round of the European right) Under-17 Championship. in the Under-21 play-offs. Bongarts/Getty Images

Group 7: Norway, Switzerland Yokohama International Stadium on Group 8: Poland, Azerbaijan 18 December, when they will face the Group 9: Netherlands, Italy winners of the quarter-final between Group 10: Finland, Belarus the Asian champions and the winner Group 11: France, Scotland of the play-off match that will open Group 12: Turkey, Slovenia the tournament. The South American Group 13: Spain, England representatives, Liga Deportiva Univer- sitaria de Quito, will play their first Getty Images These 28 teams will be drawn match in the other semi-final. The into seven groups of four in Nyon on Ecuadorian club were the surprise which was decided on penalties, and 4 December. They will then play in mini- winners of the Copa Libertadores in the match between Spain and Switzer- tournaments, the winners of which July. They beat the Brazilian team land, which Spain won after extra time. will contest the final round in Germany Fluminense FC in the final, winning Only three of the eight teams from 6 to 18 May. The German team will the home match 4-2 before losing which participated in the 2007 final be the eighth finalist team. 3-1 in Rio de Janeiro. Since the away round in the Netherlands have quali- The current titleholders are Spain. goals rule that applies in European fied this time: Serbia, who reached club competitions is not used in the the final in 2007; Italy, who have won Copa Libertadores, the competition more times than World challenge the match any other country (five) and will be for Manchester United was set- participating for the sixth time in a By winning the UEFA tled by a row; and England. Champions League in Moscow in penalty com- Finland is the only one of May, Manchester United FC petition, in the finalists to have never previously earned the chance to win which goalkeeper qualified for a final round. Titleholders a world title in Japan, at the José Francisco the Netherlands were eliminated in FIFA Club World Cup. Cevallos was the the qualifying round. The competition hero of the day, The draw to determine the will be played from saving three Brazilian two final round groups will be held at 11 to 21 December shots. It was the the Svenska Mässan exhibition centre in the cities of first time an in Gothenburg on 3 December. Tokyo, Toyota Ecuadorian club and Yokohama. had won South Under-17 elite round Manchester American foot- United will ball’s main club The winners, runners- enter at the competition. up and two best third- semi-final placed teams in the stage at the European Under-17 Championship qualifying groups have secured Dimitar Berbatov and his team, their places in the elite round. Manchester United FC, hope to return In group order, the following from Japan as world teams qualified: champions. Group 1: Austria, Belgium Group 2: Denmark, Romania Group 3: Czech Republic, Hungary, Georgia Group 4: Portugal, Wales, Kazakhstan Group 5: Greece, Luxembourg Getty Images Group 6: Croatia, Serbia

12 uefadirect 12.08 UEFAdirect-80•E 19.11.2008 8:24 Page 13

The Yubileiny Sports Palace will be the venue for the European Under-21 Futsal Tournament finals.

Italy’s Grana (2) in attack in the third-place play-off against Russia. RFU

In Japan, the final and the extra time (3-2) against a Spanish match for third place will be staged at side that had beaten them in the final the Yokohama International Stadium four years earlier. Italy nevertheless Almeida/AFP/Getty Images on Sunday, 21 December. found the resources they needed to Apart from Manchester United beat Russia 2-1 in the match for third Group A: Russia, Italy, Croatia, and LDU Quito, the participants in this place. Slovenia fifth edition of the Club World Cup Of the other three European Group B: Ukraine, Spain, will be Adelaide United FC (Australia), teams, Ukraine were the only ones Netherlands, Kazakhstan CF Pachuca (Mexico), Waitakere to reach the second round. Portugal United (New Zealand), Al-Ahly (Egypt) came very close to qualifying, finish- The match schedule is as and Gamba Osaka (Japan). ing equal on points with the top follows: Although this will be Man- two in their group, Paraguay and Italy. 8 December: chester United’s first visit to Japan for Finally, the Czech Republic also per- Spain v Kazakhstan, Italy v Slovenia, the Club World Cup, they previously formed admirably, recording two wins Ukraine v Netherlands, Russia v Croatia participated in the first edition of the and two defeats. 9 December: competition, held in Brazil in 2000. Netherlands v Spain, Croatia v Italy, As winners of the Champions League/ Ukraine v Kazakhstan, Russia v Slovenia Champion Clubs’ Cup, the British club 11 December: also twice contested the European / Spain v Ukraine, Kazakhstan v Nether- South American Cup, in which they lands, Italy v Russia, Slovenia v Croatia beat the Brazilians of Palmeiras in 1999. Last year’s Club World Cup 12 December: semi-finals was won by AC Milan, who achieved 14 December: final Europe’s first victory in this competi- tion. Two more qualifiers for the Futsal silver medal UEFA Regions’ Cup for Spain After Zagreb AMA (Croatia), The Futsal World Cup, Privolzhie AMA (Russia), Oltenia held in Brazil from 30 September AMA (Romania) and Bratislava to 19 October, was won by the AMA (Slovakia), two more teams host nation for the fourth time, have qualified for the final round. after victories in 1989, 1992 and Poland will be unable to 1996.

Almeida/AFP/Getty Images defend the title won by

Six European teams partici- Javi Rodriguez, captain of the Spanish side Dolnoslaski AMA in pated in the competition and they that came second in the Futsal World Cup. 2007. Wielkopolski AMA, generally performed well, winning the Polish representatives three of the semi-final spots. Under-21 final round in this year’s competition, Despite finishing second, were eliminated in the Group 7 mini- however, Spain cannot have been in Russia tournament, which was held in Nis and totally satisfied, since in doing so they The European Under-21 won by Savez Gradiska AMA, repre- relinquished the title that they had Futsal Tournament will take place senting Bosnia-Herzegovina. won in 2000 and successfully defended in December at the Yubileiny In Group 2, the battle between in 2004. The Spaniards showed Sports Palace in St Petersburg. three of the four participants was very plenty of character in the final against Along with close, with only goal difference sepa- Brazil, equalising twice (2-2) before Russia, seven rating Region I AMA of the Republic losing on penalties. teams quali- of Ireland from the Italian and English For Italy also, the bronze fied for the final tournament and representatives. medal was a bitter-sweet reward, since were split into the following two The final two groups will play they only lost their semi-final after groups: their matches in the spring.

13 UEFAdirect-80•E 19.11.2008 8:24 Page 14

FBK revel Christian Happel, in their success. CEO of the .

the CEO of the TBL, Christian Happel. “We are in the middle of negotiations regarding next year’s TV contract and are Final of the looking for potential sponsors for next season.” As announced previously, the TBL will kick off in a brand new format next season. The games will start in September Baltic League 2009 and will be played according to a Thrilling match takes Baltic play-off system with 16 teams – five from Estonia, five from Latvia and, thanks to football into 2009 Kaunas’ winning performance, six from Lithuania. Next season’s final will be THE SECOND SEASON OF THE TRIOBET BALTIC LEAGUE (TBL) ENDED WITH played in summer 2010. "This was an amazing final and A THRILLING FINAL IN LATVIA AT ’S SKONTO STADIUM WHERE LITHUANIAN promotion for football in the Baltics," said SIDE FBK KAUNAS BEAT THE LOCALS, SKONTO FC, 2-1. Happel. "7,000 spectators is a fantastic crowd and they witnessed a match which Seven thousand fans from all and thrilling final. Lithuanian side FBK was fascinating and thrilling until the three Baltic countries attended the final – Kaunas took the lead after 24 minutes end. I am sure that it will be remembered a record for the competition, which was when Luka Anicic struck the ball past for quite some time. We wanted to introduced in 2007. The TrioBet Baltic Germans Malins in the Skonto goal. Just finish this season on a high and now we League final also raised great media atten- three minutes later Tomas Miklinevicius will build upon this to strengthen the tion and was attended by all the top made it 2-0 to the Lithuanians. But TBL and establish it in the Baltic football football officials from Estonia, Latvia and Skonto showed that they were no calendar.” Lithuania. The notable attendance was pushovers and had already created vari- achieved through a big effort by the TBL ous great chances to come back by the Good example to follow office, personally inviting children from end of the first half. Skonto's efforts Until the next season starts with schools and orphanages to come with were finally rewarded in the 84th minute, the new format and restructured match- their friends, as well as businessmen, when substitute Vladimir Dvalisvili con- day calendar in September 2009, the TBL ambassadors and politicians – the office verted a penalty. The entire crowd were plans to carry out various pan-Baltic activi- pulled off a wide-ranging marketing and on their feet for the last minutes of the ties. “The greatest asset in football is PR campaign in the run-up to the final. match as Skonto came close, several the people,” says Aivar Pohlak, chairman The final match was also promoted at times, to sending the match into extra of the TBL board and president of the schools, companies, pan-Baltic super- time. But in the end Kaunas took the title Estonian FA, stressing that, during the last markets, the biggest shopping centre in of 2008 TBL champions. two seasons, the three football associa- Riga and sports bars and pubs. tions have moved considerably closer – Next season just around the corner even the calendars are being aligned to Kaunas crowned champions After the success of the final, the accommodate their league and national The great atmosphere inside the organisers are already looking ahead to teams. The TBL board member and stadium was transported onto the pitch, the next season. “For us the new season general secretary of the Latvian Football where the spectators saw an entertaining started straight after the final,” confirms Federation, Janis Mezeckis, agrees that the TBL had faced problems at the start, but Rome was not built in a day either and the TBL has learned from the problems of the past. “We have talented people in The final was the TBL team who are eager to work and full of goal-scoring opportunities. achieve results – this is what’s needed for the TBL’s future,” he emphasises. The idea of international tourna- ments for specific regions is not a new one, but one which could become more and more interesting in the future. “The TrioBet Baltic League can be a good example for other small federations to follow. We’re under close examination and trying out the best possible model for such a competition. Europe is watching us,” the president of the Lithuanian FA and TBL board member, Liutauras Varanaviãius, told the media at a press conference before the final.

Photos: LFF Martins Hartmanis

14 uefadirect 12.08 UEFAdirect-80•E 19.11.2008 8:24 Page 15

N EWS FROM MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

Champions League. The average age of the club’s players is 24 years and 3 months, and the head coach, Viktor Gon- charenko, is not only the youngest coach AUSTRIA BELARUS in the Belarus national league but also the • PETER KLINGLMÜLLER • • YULIA ZENKOVICH / ALEXANDR TOMIN • youngest head coach in the Champions League. The fact that such a young coach Success for Austria’s Under-19s Active development of youth is achieving so much success highlights The men’s and women’s Austrian Under-19 football in Belarus not only the positive development of the teams had reason to celebrate in September, The football events of this autumn team from Borisov (they are already very having both made it into the next round have been very significant for the history of close to winning their third national title), of their respective European Championship Belarusian football. but also the growth of Belarusian football qualifiers. The Under-21 team has reached the final as a whole. ■ The men, coached by Peter Persidis, opened stage of the European Under-21 with a 2-2 draw against hosts FYR Macedonia, Championship for the second time before overwhelming their Icelandic peers with in its history and will travel to their attacking force and winning 3-0 on Sweden for the final tournament matchday two. In their last qualifying group next summer. In the play-offs, match, a single goal by Rapid Wien’s shooting Belarus emerged as the winners of star Christopher Drazan and a 1-1 draw a two-leg play-off against their against Sweden were enough to secure a place Turkish peers, despite being con- in the elite round as unbeaten runners-up, just sidered the underdogs. It is inter- behind the Scandinavians. Incidentally, of the esting to note that Belarus will be 18 players in the Under-19 squad, four are the only representatives of the already making a name for themselves abroad: former Soviet states in Sweden. Dominik Hofbauer (Aston Villa FC), Dieter Elsneg (Frosinone Calcio), Georg Krenn (Ever- It is also the first time in the his- ton FC) and Andreas Weimann (Aston Villa FC). tory of Belarusian football that Ernst Weber’s women’s Under-19s also had BATE Borisov have made it through BFF an excellent run into the next round of their to the group stage of the UEFA The Under-21s of Belarus beat Turkey in the play-offs. European Championship qualifying campaign, making short work of Turkey (5-0), Armenia (3-0) and hosts Poland (5-1) to Federation and the city of Sarajevo. After a put Austria firmly at the series of unsuccessful seasons, the Under- top of Group 2. The side’s 19s have finally reached the elite round of top scorer was Lisa Makas the competition where they will compete for of SKV Altenmarkt, who BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA a place in the 2009 tournament in Ukraine. notched up six goals in the • FUAD KRVAVAC • At Sarajevo’s Grbavica stadium and the first qualifying round. ■ Asim Ferhatovic Hase stadium, the Under- Juniors reach elite round 19s of Bosnia-Herzegovina played Greece, Poland and Montenegro in Group 10. In their last two 2010 World Cup qualifiers, Zoran Bubalo’s squad produced a pleasant Peter Persidis and his Bosnia-Herzegovina had mixed success. Away surprise, beating the favourites, Greece, assistant, Franz Polanz (left), in Istanbul they were beaten 2-1 by Turkey, are leading the Austrian 2-1 and drawing with Poland (2-2) and

GEPA Pictures GEPA Under-19s in their ascent. but then at the Bilino Polje stadium in Zenica, Montenegro (0-0). Greece took first place Miroslav Blazevic’’s squad beat Armenia 4-1. in the group with 6 points, ahead of Now the Bosnians are in the running for sec- Bosnia-Herzegovina on 5, Poland on 4 and ond place in Group 5 next year, which would Montenegro at the bottom on 1 point. take them to South Africa. In other news, FK Slavija Sarajevo recently The new competition system for the Un- celebrated their centenary with a good der-19 and Under-17 categories in Bosnia- game and are performing well in the pre- AZERBAIJAN Herzegovina has also proved successful. The mier league and cup competitions. A cele- • ULVIYYA NAJAFOVA • young hopefuls of Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Un- bratory match was organised against Ser- der-19 and Under-17 teams are competing in bian champions FK Partizan of Belgrade. Under-17 tournament two separate groups, divided along geograph- The hosts won 2-1. Before this, Slavija had ical lines. The quality has risen subsequently, During the Association of Football Federa- already played friendly matches against as demonstrated during the Under-19 Euro- tions of Azerbaijan (AFFA) executive committee Serbia’s FK Crvena Zvezda and FK Vojvodina, pean Championship qualifying tournament meeting on 5 July, it was decided to hold a and announced visits from Croatia’s HNK hosted by the Bosnia-Herzegovina Football ■ tournament for Under-17 teams from premier Hajduk Split and NK Dinamo Zagreb. league clubs. Two other teams, Azeri and MKT Araz, who are not from clubs, are also participating in the competition. The teams were therefore divided into two groups of eight. FK Qarabag, a regional club, are play- ing their matches in the capital, Baku. Together with representatives of the capital city, they make up the Baku zone. The other clubs are competing in the regions’ zone. Azeri, despite being from Baku, are also playing in the re- gions’ zone. The first-round matches started on 9 October and ran until 18 November. The second-round matches will be played next year. It is a round-robin tournament, the main aim of which is to identify talented young foot- ■ FK Slavija celebrated their centenary with a series of friendly matches.

ballers for the national teams. F.Krvavac

15 UEFAdirect-80•E 19.11.2008 8:24 Page 16

N EWS FROM MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

loan for five years before it becomes the property of the investor,” says Otakar Mestek, director of the CMFS grassroots project. Each of the 14 regional districts of the CZECH REPUBLIC CMFS proposes two or three possible, appro- FAROE ISLANDS • VACLAV TICHY • priate investors during the planning stage. • INGI SAMUELSEN • This guarantees equal and even development Sixty mini-pitches in four years within the whole of the Czech Republic. Another first-time champion The Football Association of the Czech The 20x 40 m pitches must have floodlights to make it possible to use them in autumn Even if the match on Saturday, 25 Octo- Republic’s approach to upgrading the condi- ber could not be played due to a major tions of the most popular sport in the country and winter. The artificial pitches can also be used for training sessions in bad weather. storm, EB/Streymur were still able to cele- involves building mini-pitches all over its terri- brate as Faroese champions. tory. For four years, the CMFS, in cooperation The mini-pitches are not reserved for orga- nised club use. “Mini-pitches enjoy great The championship was secured the week with UEFA and the ministry of education, before, when EB/Streymur defeated Skála IF. has been building these artificial, all-weather popularity with recreational players and are used free of charge by local schools. Free This is the first time that the united pitches. side has won the Faroese championship. access for both recreational players and “Since 2005 we have installed 60 mini-pitches EB/Streymur was established in 1993 as schoolchildren is one of the main conditions with artificial turf. The financiers are football a fusion of Eidis Bóltfelag (EB) from the vil- clubs, cities or regions. The CMFS is arranging for construction of a mini-pitch,” adds ■ lage of Eidi at the north end of Eysturoy and the installation of the turf, which remains on Otakar Mestek. Ítróttarfelagid Streymur from the villages of Hvalvík and Streymnes on either side of the Sundini, the narrow sound between the The radio spots are the result of a pilot main islands of Streymoy and Eysturoy. project with Team Danmark and the sports EB/Streymur joined the top division in federation of Denmark (DIF) which focuses on 2001, where they have established them- ethics and values in sport. The radio campaign selves as one of the strongest Faroese sides. DENMARK is also a natural step for the FA to take. In 2006 EB/Streymur lost the championship In the past couple of years, the DBU has been • PIA SCHOU NIELSEN • to HB Tórshavn under dramatic circum- working on guidelines and actions to revolu- tionise the way adults think about children’s stances – a huge disappointment for the Parents told to shut up! and youth football. More ball possession, team and people of the area. In 2007 The Danish FA want parents to behave smaller pitches and teams are among the EB/Streymur again finished as runners-up, at children’s and youth games. A radio guiding principles of the project. but they won the cup final for the first campaign is taking the next step in getting “Fortunately there are lots of children’s and time ever. This year EB/Streymur managed spectators to behave. youth games where the atmosphere is very the double. “Ah, referee, come on – you stupid positive. But unfortunately, we also come The team is trained by the duo of Sigfrí- amateur! Well done, just kick him in the across some coaches and especially parents dur Clementsen and Magni Mohr, who knees, Christoffer!” who totally misunderstand their role when together won the championship with B36 This is taken from one of the provoking they are part of children’s games, yelling Tórshavn in 2005. EB/Streymur’s strength lies radio spots which the Danish Football Associa- loudly near the touchline. We hope that this in a group of young skilful players – Arnbjørn tion (DBU) has provided to all radio stations not very traditional, provocative campaign Hansen, Bárdur Olsen, Hans Pauli Samuelsen, nationwide as part of a national campaign will cause much-needed debate, not just in Marni Djurhuus, Leif Niclasen and Rene aimed at getting especially loud and yelling the clubs, but among parents, coaches Tórgard – who have all played for the senior parents to behave better when attending chil- and players,” says Enrique Cordova Jensen national team, together with experienced dren’s football games. from DBU Fair Play. ■ players such as Egil á Bø, Mikkjal Thomassen and the Romanian Sorin Anghel, who has been playing for EB/Streymur since their The FA has made a commitment to assist promotion to the top division and is staying the British and French governments’ drive with the team. to get 16 million African youngsters into Behind EB/Streymur were HB and B36 from Tórshavn, who came second and education by 2010. ENGLAND third this year, while last year’s first-time Eddie McCluskey was impressed by the champions, NSÍ Runavík, ended in fourth • NADA GRKINIC • efforts of the candidates, who all successfully place. B71 Sandur and Skála IF will play in completed the course and received their FA the second division next year and will be FA boosts football in Botswana Level 1 coaching certificates. replaced by the new united side from the The Football Association sent a two-man He said: “The group were really enthusias- island of Vágar, 07 Vestur, and AB from team to Botswana in September to deliver tic and applied themselves throughout the Argir, a suburb of the capital, Tórshavn. an FA Level 1 coaching award to school week. There was a real mix of ability but all In the women’s championship, KÍ Klaksvík teachers and local coaches as part of The FA’s the candidates passed the course and some won the title for the ninth year in a row. ■ cooperation agreement with the Botswana showed real potential for becoming tutors Football Association. with some more training. Eddie McCluskey and Steve Stone jetted “The Botswana Football Association and off to Africa with the task of helping a the staff were extremely helpful and wel- group of 29 aspiring coaches get their first coming. The association is in good hands and coaching badge. hopefully the relationship with The FA will The week-long course forms part of The FA’s continue to flourish, with more courses GEORGIA ongoing commitment to developing football planned for next year.” ■ ASHA ODUADZE in its partner countries in Africa, with Lesotho • L G • already having received the same training work- FIFA distinction awarded shop in April this year and Malawi set to benefit Eddie McCluskey assesses a participant from the scheme in November. in the week-long workshop. posthumously to Nodar Akhalkatsi Botswana first division coaches attended The FIFA president, Joseph S. Blatter, the workshop, and teachers were specifically made an official visit to Georgia and visited invited to receive the training so that when they , the capital. return to their schools they can deliver good The FIFA president started his visit at the quality coaching and hopefully encourage more Georgian Football Federation’s technical children to attend classes. centre in Saguramo, built within the FIFA

16 uefadirect 12.08 The FA UEFAdirect-80•E 19.11.2008 8:24 Page 17

“Goal” project. Top officials of the Geor- someone who has never been part of a gian Football Federation (GFF), Nodar DFB committee. “Bernd Trautmann was a Akhalkatsi, president; Ucha Ugulava, general legend of English football in the 1950s,” secretary; George Kavtaradze, Revaz continued the DFB president, “and he is a Arveladze and Dimitri Ramishvili, vice-presi- GERMANY great ambassador for Germany as both dents, hosted the guests of honour. • MICHAEL HERZ • a sportsman and a human being. The way Mr Blatter was shown around the tech- he conducted himself contributed much to nical centre and also saw the artificial pitch DFB honours Bert Trautmann German-English reconciliation after the built as part of the “Goal II” project. Second World War.” Bernd Trautmann’s He said: “It is not an exaggeration to say Goalkeeping legend Bernd “Bert” Trautmann will be receiving a rather special goalkeeping ability was discovered by Eng- that I am really impressed. Having a techni- birthday present from the German Football lish first division club Manchester City at a cal centre like this will greatly assist the devel- Association (DFB). Trautmann, who cele- British prisoner-of-war camp near Liverpool, opment of Georgian football. I am proud brated his 85th birthday on 22 October, where he had been taken in 1945. The club that FIFA is contributing to the develop- will be the DFB’s guest of honour at the recruited the “Kraut” despite strong initial ment of football infrastructure in Georgia.” international against England in Berlin protests from fans and the press. In the 1950s, After visiting the technical centre, the on 19 November, when he will be awarded Trautmann became a true goalkeeping FIFA president gave a press conference at the DFB diamond award. legend of English football. In a memorable the Tbilisi Marriot hotel, from where he “The game at the Olympic Stadium is Cup final on 5 May 1956 he helped Man- headed to the national the perfect occasion to honour Bert chester City to victory at London’s Wembley stadium to watch the 2010 FIFA World Cup Trautmann for the tremendous work he did Stadium, despite playing the last 15 minutes qualifying match between Georgia and to enhance the reputation of German foot- with a serious neck injury, which was diag- Cyprus. Before kick-off, he presented the ball in England,” said the DFB’s president, nosed a few days later as a diagonal crack FIFA Order of Merit awarded posthumously Theo Zwanziger. The Bremen-born in the second vertebra. He was subsequently to Nodar Akhalkatsi to the president of ex-goalkeeper will receive the highest considered a hero in England and became the GFF, Nodar Akhalkatsi Jr, who was on award available under the DFB statutes for an idol for many generations. ■ hand to accept the award on behalf of his late father. “In recognition of Nodar Akhalkatsi’s efforts to promote Georgian football, FIFA ation is proud to join this project as part decided to award the FIFA Order of Merit of its contribution to the community.” to Nodar Akhalkatsi, who would have been All income from the event will go to the 70 years old now,” the FIFA president said. diabetes association’s research fund, to ISRAEL finance the continuing search for a cure for • SUZIN NIMROD • juvenile diabetes. ■

The Israel FA and Juvenile Diabetes Association joint bike ride The Israel Juvenile Diabetes Association has held its annual bike ride in aid of finding a cure for children with diabetes, under the banner “Riding for a Sweet LATVIA Future”, in collaboration with the Israel • MARTINS HARTMANIS • Football Association. This year the ride was led by Israel’s Under-16 football team. As part of its contribution to the com- Latvian champions revealed munity, this year the Israel Football Associa- The champions of the LMT Virsliga, for tion is supporting the Juvenile Diabetes the third consecutive year, are FK Ventspils, Association and earlier in the year held who drew 2-2 away to Skonto FC, but a joint fundraising evening which raised the point earned was enough for the club ILS 170,000 (almost EUR 36,000). to take the title. The runners-up contest The ride set off from Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv, was not decided until mid-November when after the bikers had launched a cloud of blue Baltic League ex-champions SK Liepajas balloons. There was a challenging 35 km Metalurgs and Skonto FC, champions route, as well as a family route of 10 km, 13 years in a row, finished the season. Vits ending with a huge event with entertainment Rimkus (FK Ventspils), Kristaps Grebis and activities for all the family. After the ride, a friendly mini-football (Liepajas Metalurgs) and Olegs Malasenoks (FK Jurmala) were the best scorers of the

GFF match was held between television stars and children with juvenile diabetes, and the championship. JFK Olimps were relegated. Nodar Akhalkatsi accepted the posthumous The 2008 women’s football champi- award from Joseph S. Blatter for his late father. children were given footballs signed by the players of the Israel national team. onship also ended in mid-November, with Ori Shilo, CEO of the Israel Football Skonto FC/Ceriba-46.vsk at the top of Nodar Akhalkatsi’s greatest success on Association, said: “This is a natural combi- the table. With two matches still to go, the pitch came when he was coach of nation for us, and the Israel Football Associ- the team had already matched up 58 FC Dinamo Tbilisi, which was the best time goals and conceded just one, which is a in the club’s history. Dinamo Tbilisi won the The IFA helps children with diabetes as part remarkable all-time record in Latvia. The championship of the Soviet Union in 1978, of its social contribution. runners-up were SK Imanta/FK Riga, and and the USSR Cup in 1976 and 1979. The Saldus FK Lutrini took third. The best player club’s most important achievement under of the championship was announced as Nodar Akhalkatsi’s leadership was winning being Oksana Fetlistova-Zandere of the the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1981, winning team. which was a victory for Georgian football The first league, the second highest as a whole. In 2001, Nodar Akhalkatsi was Latvian division, has been tough. Until named best Georgian football and sports the last matches on 8 November, the top coach of the twentieth century. ■ three clubs – FK Jauniba, FK Tranzits and ➜ IFA IFA

17 UEFAdirect-80•E 19.11.2008 8:24 Page 18

outside the sporting sphere too. During the Documents and forms can be down- event everone had the chance not only loaded for a more efficient service to clubs to play football, but also to participate in and their officials, and to the media. The various football-related events. The main website’s user-friendly database includes thing was that there were no winners or records and statistics which, like all other losers – everyone was on a par and the sections, are kept up to date. motto was “different, but equal“. Of Regular meetings for the Malta FA’s staff course the principle of sport was respected to familiarise themselves with the website and the teams competed for the titles are intended to improve efficiency. of most sociable, youngest, jolliest and The website design, done by a local most active. firm, is attractive and very modern. Football fiesta matches were played Mark Muscat, head of communications on artificial pitches and organised by the in the Malta FA’s media department, has LFF with the help of volunteers. All the been instrumental, together with his team, participants got special presents of foot- in upgrading the website. ■ balls and other football gifts. “Now 70 artificial pitches have been installed all over Lithuania, the federation wants to make maximum use of them. Most yourgsters like to lead an active life. They want to spend their time doing sport so we must allow them to play football. MOLDOVA If we want to prepare our children for a full • VICTOR DAGHI • and rewarding future, we must to create the right environment. Young players A step forward must understand that they can indulge LFF in football but that the main thing is not The Football Association of Moldova A trophy and a record for the women’s team to be in the best team or to win. These (FAM) pays special attention to the national Skonto FC/Ceriba-46.vsk. things are important, but not the top coach licensing system that is imple- priorities,” the LFF’s president, Liutauras mented in Moldova in accordance with UEFA requirements. ➜ FK Daugava 90 – all had 60 points, and Varanavicius, said. ■ the fourth-placed FK Jelgava were just During the last four years, the FAM has, three points behind. in conjunction with UEFA, organised many This year’s second league champions coaching courses for UEFA A and B-licences. are FK Kauguri-PBLC, who won the last Recently, important steps were taken in decisive match against Preilu BJSS 1-0. the first series of UEFA Pro-licence courses Third place was taken by FK Viesulis. MALTA in Moldova. The top two teams will be promoted to The first UEFA Pro-licence course involves the first league in 2009. • ALEX VELLA • 13 participants, all holders of the UEFA The TrioBet Baltic League final was A-licence. Among them are Igor Dobrovolskiy, contested in Riga by Latvia’s Skonto FC A revamped website head coach of the Moldova A-team, Serghei and Lithuania’s FBK Kaunas. The visitors Chirilov, head coach of the Under-21 natio- The Malta FA has recently launched won the title 2-1. ■ nal team, and Vlad Goian, head coach of its new-look website, featuring information the Under-19 national team. They have under various streamlined sections. successfully followed all the theoretical and practical sessions so far and all actively en- A glimpse gage in group discussions in order to acquire of the association’s the UEFA Pro licence. new website. Another Pro-licence candidate is Mikhails LITHUANIA Zemlinskis of the Latvian Football Federation. He got approval from UEFA to follow the Pro- VAIVA ZIZAITE • • licence course in Moldova. The venues for the theoretical and practi- Football fiesta generates cal parts of the course are the FAM’s technical good feelings centre in Vadul lui Voda, the Sheriff sports The autumn of 2008 was far from dark complex in Tiraspol and the premises of CSCT and dismal for Lithuania’s young foot- D. Aquilina Buiucani and FC Zimbru Chisinau. ballers. The Lithuanian Football Federation The UEFA Pro-licence course consists in six (LFF) organised a football fiesta, the main stages and will run until June 2009; the appli- purpose of which was to give children from cants will then have to sit the final exam. 7 to 10 years of age a good, fun time. Based on their results, the Jira Panel will an- The football fiesta was a great chance The new site will be a mine of informa- nounce the names of the Pro-licence holders. for young players to show off their skills tion on the association and its activities, The lecturers on this course are eminent figures in European football: Jozef Venglos, its day-to-day work through the council president of the Alliance of European Football and its various boards and committees, plus Coaches’ Associations and founder of the international news, round-ups of domestic Venglos Football Academy; Piotr Maranda, competitions and national team matches, head of coach education at the Polish Foot- the Malta FA’s facilities, information on the ball Association; Erich Rutemöller, chief in- association’s member clubs, press releases structor at the German Football Association and other useful data. (DFB) and member of the DFB competence The latest news from the association will team; and Mircea Radulescu, head of the feature prominently, while other interesting Romanian Football Federation’s coaching items will be feeds from UEFA and FIFA, school. The activities of this course are being A festival introducing young people new sections on coaches and referees, as coordinated by Ivan Daniliants, the FAM’s to the joys of football. well as news on Maltese players under con- coach education director, and Ghenadie LFF tract with foreign teams. Scurtul, his deputy. ■

18 uefadirect 12.08 UEFAdirect-80•E 19.11.2008 8:24 Page 19

NETHERLANDS NORTHERN IRELAND

• ROB DE LEEDE • • SUEANN HARRISON • IFA Goalkeeper Alan Mannus is helping launch Women’s team joins New Development Centres new development centres. European elite programme Skills Development Centres will provide For the first time in the history of Dutch Northern Ireland international goal- children with fun and informal coaching to keeper Alan Mannus was on hand recently women’s football, the national team have learn new football skills and the benefits to help launch the new-look Co-operative managed to qualify for the final round of a healthy lifestyle. The Games Develop- Insurance Football Development Centres of the European Championship. By beating ment Centres will then give children the programme. Spain in the play-offs, the Oranje women opportunity to put into practice the skills The Co-operative Insurance Football achieved what they had failed to do before. they have acquired in a team-based playing , who has been the national Development Centres programme, formerly CIS Insurance Mini Soccer Centres, is a key environment.” team coach since 2004, finally saw her Aileen Walters, sponsorship manager for dream come true. During her playing days component of the Irish Football Associa- The Co-operative Insurance, said “The she appeared for the national team tion’s grassroots development strategy and Co-operative Insurance Football Develop- 89 times but never managed to make the will provide boys and girls aged between ment Centres are a very exciting new spon- final step into the top European ranks. 6 and 12 with an opportunity to play football and develop their skills regardless of ability. sorship for The Co-operative Insurance and Ian Stewart, national coordinator for underline our commitment to the game The Co-operative Insurance Football Devel- at all levels in Northern Ireland. Over the opment Centres, commented: “The new past two years the programme has pro- look Co-operative Insurance Football Devel- vided fun and informal coaching to over opment Centres will see the continued 4,000 boys and girls across Northern development and expansion of the hugely Ireland and this has provided us with an successful CIS Insurance Mini Soccer Cen- ideal platform to extend our strong tradi- tres which focused on skills development tion of supporting football at grassroots and the establishment of new Co-operative level across the United Kingdom. Insurance Games Development Centres. “The Co-operative Insurance Football “Each Co-operative Insurance Skills and Development Centres, through their focus on Games Development Centre will provide skills and games development, will continue a safe, pressure-free environment aimed at to represent many children’s first serious intro-

KNVB enhancing the learning and playing experi- duction to football in a fun, enjoyable, safe, The Dutch women’s team are now ences available to young footballers. The and rewarding environment.” ■ part of Europe’s elite.

The Dutch had to face Spain in Madrid sised the positive atmosphere that was first. The Netherlands were without top created and said how pleased he was with scorer . She is playing for the seminar programme. “It was a top event Ldb FC Malmö in Sweden, where she fin- with top coaches. The programme was ished as joint top scorer in the league with PORTUGAL very well prepared, it was excellent quality Brazilian Marta. Melis broke her jaw dur- • FILIPE FÉLIX • and the coaches responded very well.” ing a league match and was not available Andy Roxburgh, UEFA’s technical director, for either leg of the play-off. Her injury was Renewing knowledge who taught the first modules of the seminar, one of the first items on national primetime underlined the importance of the exchange news on Swedish TV. Having scored 7 of Portugal has hosted its first UEFA Pro of experience promoted by this event. the 12 Dutch goals in the qualifying com- training seminar for professional coaches. “The course allowed very close interaction petition, she certainly was sorely missed. The 15-hour event took place in Oeiras on among the participants. These were first- However, Karin Stevens, last year’s top 9 and 10 October. class coaches, with very different personal scorer in the newly founded Dutch premier- The specific objectives of the seminar experiences and who had something to add ship for women, took over up front. were to certify the coaches in the first and to the knowledge of those with whom they ■ The surprising 2-0 win in Spain (goals second professional leagues for 2009/10 shared this training seminar.” by Karin Stevens and ) UEFA competitions, did not put the women in a comfortable to renew the pro- position since Spain had always beaten the fessional licences of Dutch in the Netherlands on previous coaches who com- occasions. In Volendam, 4,200 spectators pleted the 2005 gathered on 31 October to witness a his- UEFA Pro course toric feat. Again it was Karin Stevens who (national level IV) took the honours. She scored either side and to give the of half-time to make sure that the Nether- UEFA Pro seal of lands would go to Finland next year. approval to the The president of the Dutch Football other coaches who Association, Michael van Praag, was among had reached na- the football personalities attending the tional level IV or its match in Volendam. “At last we have a equivalent, in women’s final round to look forward to accordance with next year,” he said. He was full of praise for the regulations. the coach and players. “They have worked Jozef Venglos,

so hard for this result. I really admire them member of UEFA’s FPF for their determination.” ■ Jira Panel, empha- Jozef Venglos surrounded by seminar participants.

19 UEFAdirect-80•E 19.11.2008 8:24 Page 20

N EWS FROM MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

He worked for many years as a recreation At the end, Karadzic gave the greatest officer for St. Joseph’s School for the Blind, domestic award – a diamond ball – making a huge impact on the lives of so many to the FIFA president for his work in build- visually impaired children. He was much loved ing up the football family. ■ REPUBLIC OF IRELAND at St. Joseph’s for the humanity and kindness • FRAN WHEARTY • that allowed him to make a genuine differ- ence in the lives of young people. His passing at just 60 years of age has Noel O’Reilly left a huge void in so many lives. Since Noel O’Reilly’s sudden and tragic He will never be forgotten. ■ passing on 26 September much has been said of his incredible qualities as a football coach and the success he achieved with the Republic of Ireland Under-16s, Under-18s and senior team, as well as with Belvedere Boys and St. Patrick’s Athletic. However, while Noel’s record as a coach SERBIA was remarkable, there was more to this great man than his knowledge of football. • ALEKSANDAR BOSKOVIC • Born and raised in North Charles Street, just off Mountjoy Square, Noel had the Presidential visit to Belgrade ability to make a lasting impact on every- For the first time ever, the president www.fss.org.yu body he met. His humour and personable Tomislav Karadzic presents Joseph S. Blatter of FIFA, Joseph S. Blatter, has made an offi- with the diamond ball. nature endeared him to all who were lucky cial visit to the Football Association of Serbia. enough to know him. He was a guest in Belgrade on 9 and 10 October and during this time he visited the association’s headquarters and had a meeting with domestic football leaders, but was also invited to meet the Serbian SLOVAKIA government, where he spoke to the prime • JANA PERACKOVA • minister, Mirko Cvetkovic. During an official dinner, Mr Blatter also met Serbia’s deputy prime minister and minister of police, Seminar on grassroots football Ivica Dacic, and other important Serbian In October, the Slovak Football Associa- sports and political leaders. tion (SFA), as a signatory to the UEFA The main points of Mr Blatter’s different Grassroots Charter, organised a seminar for discussions were cooperation on the build- teachers, school coaches and representatives ing of a Serbian “house of football” and of school sports associations on grassroots current world football issues and chal- football and Slovakia’s UEFA-endorsed grass- lenges. Mr Blatter took the opportunity to roots programme in Bratislava. The main aim present his “6+5” proposals and projects of the seminar was to present the basics – relating to the forthcoming 2010 FIFA the philosophy, goals and intentions of the World Cup, and to discuss other questions programme and how it is adapted to Slovak regarding the football family with the Foot- conditions. Besides the theoretical part, ball Association of Serbia’s president, practical demonstrations and exercises by Tomislav Karadzic. the national youth team coaches earned a FAI During a press conference after the great response from the audience. The event Noel O’Reilly. meetings, Mr Blatter said: “I am delighted was brought to a close with an extensive with everything which I have seen and discussion about the future of youth and If football is the arena in which he made heard in Belgrade. Serbia is a real football school football in Slovakia, where 45 partici- his name, it was perhaps to the detriment country and I have had a chance to see that pants shared their visions and views. of the music world. Noel was rarely seen for myself. At the moment, Serbia is on The workshop was followed, a week without his guitar and, although close track for South Africa in 2010 and I believe later, by an Under-12 mini-tournament with friends would admit that his abilities were that your national team will participate in an international twist courtesy of two Polish limited at first, he soon became a master of the tournament. I know that Serbia sup- the instrument. ports all FIFA projects and I am really proud When Noel was around, songs from the when I see that this country is always put- likes of Jimmy McCarthy and Christy ting more and more top players on the Hennessy were never far away. For years, as world scene. Also, in Serbia you use only he travelled the world with his various players who were born in Serbia for your teams, his guitar was as essential a part of national team and this maintains a specifi- the team kit as the jerseys or the footballs. cally local spirit and pleases the supporters.” Noel’s love of football was pure and self- Karadzic added: “We had a brilliant less. From his playing days in the junior and very constructive conversation. The FA leagues of Dublin, right through his entire of Serbia knows that, in FIFA, we have a life, Noel’s passion for the game stemmed friend and partner for every project. At from his desire to improve young players. domestic level, we will continue with the Whether he was organising an underage final preparations for the construction tournament in inner city Dublin or helping of our house of football and the recon- the senior international team prepare struction of domestic stadiums, and at for a World Cup qualifier, Noel’s one desire international level we will do everything was to impart his knowledge of the game we can to win a place in the World Cup in to others. South Africa.”

20 uefadirect 12.08 UEFAdirect-80•E 19.11.2008 8:24 Page 21

teams (MOSP Jagiellonia Bialystok boys’ team and MUKS Praga Warszawa girls). The two teams had won a big Polish youth tournament known as the mini-champions league (with 20,000 teams involved) and the SWITZERLAND first prize was a trip to Bratislava with their • PIERRE BENOIT • senior national A-team. In the afternoon before the evening’s 2010 World Cup quali- Looking back and, fying match (Slovakia v Poland), six teams more importantly, ahead

took part in the Under-12 mini-tourna- ASF-SFV ment. Four boys’ teams, FC Ruzinov, The Swiss Football Association’s 1. Liga Inter Bratislava, FC Artmedia and MOSP celebrated its 75th anniversary at the Kurt Zuppinger (left) and ex-international end of October at the Stade de Suisse. Stéphane Chapuisat alongside representatives Jagiellonia Bialystok, and two girls’ teams, of 1. Liga clubs with the most youth players. SK Slovan Bratislava and MUKS Praga It was an opportunity to cast minds back Warszawa, played in two groups (one girls’ but also, most of all, to look ahead. team in each) in a 5+1 system using half When the 1. Liga clubs decided, on successfully resisted the plan and made the pitch. The final, between Poland’s 15 July 1933 in Vevey, to form their own sure that it would remain off the table for MOSP Jagiellonia Bialystok and Slovakia’s division in between the national and good. Many now support the president of FC Artmedia, saw FC Artmedia lose 6-0. amateur leagues, they had no idea how im- the 1. Liga, Kurt Zuppinger, and agree Individual awards for best player and best portant the decision would be for Swiss that the third tier helps raise the level of goalkeeper in both categories (boys and football and its development over the next football throughout the country, not least girls) were presented against a backdrop of 75 years. As the third tier of the Swiss Foot- because it allows room for the best Under- smiling young faces. ■ ball League and a bridge between the pro- 21 teams from Swiss Football League clubs. fessional and amateur game, the 1. Liga The decision to allow no more than five has greatly benefited the balance of players not trained in Switzerland in 1. Liga powers at the Swiss FA. teams in future is, without doubt, a step When a study group proposed a two-tier in the right direction and another example system at the turn of the century, the 1. Liga of the 1. Liga promoting Swiss talent. ■ SWEDEN • ANDREAS NILSSON • “Safety and security aspects are the number one priority for us because they are Sweden opts for professional essential for football’s wellbeing,” said the referees vice-president of the Ukrainian FA, Boris KRAINE The Swedish FA and the professional U Voskresenskiy. “Today we face an increase league clubs have decided to offer a number • BOGDAN BUGA • in cases of disorder and violence in of referees full-time employment for the stadiums in the whole world. That’s why seasons from 2009 to 2011. Security and safety priority we have to start providing the most effi- “This will be a great opportunity for cient security measures in and around sta- The Ukrainian FA’s stadium and security referees to come better prepared, to focus diums as we consider the forthcoming committee, in cooperation with the premier fully on the game at hand, just like players and EURO 2012.” coaches can,” says former FIFA referee Bosse league, has brought together various par- The event provided an opportunity Karlsson, who is now head of refereeing at ties in Kiev to discuss safety and security to exchange best practices and to review the Swedish FA. issues related to matches in the current the concept of security planning. Topics “We don’t know yet how many of our football championship and the forthcoming such as stewarding and successful policing referees are willing to leave their current EURO 2012. of football matches dominated the agenda. full-time careers only for three years. The packed seminar was held at the Law enforcement remains a key ally in We will discuss that with those involved, Ukrainian FA’s headquarters and attended working towards safer football stadiums, but this decision is in any case a milestone by representatives of the ministry of but there is a tendency towards reducing that shows our willingness to help referees home affairs, the emergency ministry, the the number of policemen inside the cope with the increasing pressure and security service, the health ministry, and grounds. This emphasises the need for demands.” the ministry for youth, family and sports, stewards to receive comprehensive training The cost of the project will be shared by as well as the security officials of all league as well as for the clubs to boost their the association and the clubs. ■ clubs and fan club managers. cooperation with fan clubs. ■

Inter Cardiff, Barry Town, Bristol Academy and Keynsham Town, among others. She received her golden cap from the Football Association of Wales president, WALES Peter Rees, before kick-off. ■ • CERI STENNETT •

Golden cap for a woman Prior to the 2010 FIFA World Cup quali- fying match between Wales and Liech- tenstein in October, the Football Associa- tion of Wales presented a golden cap to the first women’s international to earn 50 caps for her country. Former Wales defender Kathryn Morgan A ended her international career with tournament for 51 caps, to her name, won between 1995 FAW

SFZ Under-12s. and 2008. At club level, she played for A golden cap for Kathryn Morgan.

21 UEFAdirect-80•E 19.11.2008 8:24 Page 22

Meeting of general secretaries in Nyon 28/29.10.2008 Photos: UEFA-pjwoods.ch 22 uefadirect 12.08 UEFAdirect-80•E 19.11.2008 8:24 Page 23 UEFA-pjwoods.ch

Notices

■ On 30 October, Grzegorz Boleslaw Lato was elected president of the Communications Polish Football Association. Birthdays – Calendar ■ The San Marino Football Federation’s new address is: Strada di Montecchio 17, 47890 San Marino.

Birthdays ● Bernard Carrel (Switzerland, 28.12) Match agents ● Martial Saugy (Switzerland, 28.12) Four new UEFA match agent licences ● Andrea Manzella (Italy), member of Otakar Mestek (Czech Republic, 28.12) have been issued to: ● Einar Halle (Norway, 29.12) Sergio Vieta the circle of former UEFA committee ● members, celebrates his 75th birthday on Gordon Smith (Scotland, 29.12) MEDIA SPORTS MARKETING SL ● Fernand Duchaussoy (France, 30.12) Imagina Centre Audiovisual 8 December, while on 17 December, Karel ● Vertongen (Belgium), member of the Berti Vogts (Germany, 30.12) Avinguda Diagonal 177-183, 14th Floor ● Jean Fournet-Fayard (France, 31.12) 08018 Barcelona, Spain Stadium and Security Committee, will be 70. ● Tel.: +34 93 272 23 23 – Fax: +34 93 272 23 24 On 30 December, Wolfgang Thierrichter Fuad Asadov (Azerbaijan, 31.12) ● Horst Brummeier (Austria, 31.12) Mobile: +34 649 878 179 (Austria), one of UEFA’s match delegates, ● [email protected] turns 60. Reaching their half centuries Christian Moroge (Switzerland, 31.12) ● Liene Kozlovska (Latvia, 31.12) Yogesh Joshee are Miroslav Liba (Czech Republic), MATCH WORLD LTD referee observer, on 4 December, 52 Briarwood Drive, Northwood, Vitaly Mutko (Russia), vice-chairman of Forthcoming events Middlesex HA6 1PN, England the National Associations Committee, on Tel.: +44 20 8868 4300 – Mob.: +44 7720 291 241 [email protected] 8 December, and Rainer Koch (Germany), Meetings member of the Control and Disciplinary Abdelkader Bessedik 3.12.2008, Nyon GLOBUS INSTITUT LTD Body on 18 December. 1st Floor, Cube Buildings, 3-5A Park Road In addition, UEFA extends birthday Draws for the 2009/10 youth competition qualifying rounds (U19/U17) Lytham St Annes, Lancashire FY8 1QX, greetings for this month to: England ● Wolfgang Wassmund (Germany, 1.12) 3.12.2008, Gothenburg Tel.: +44 7988 977 089 – Fax: +44 1253 768 101 Mobile: +33 6 79 56 81 15 ● Charles Agius (Malta, 2.12) Draw for the final round of the European Under-21 Championship [email protected] ● Ligita Ziedone (Latvia, 2.12) ● 4.12.2008, Nyon David Currie Juan Antonio Fernandez Marin David Currie Agency (Spain, 3.12) Draws for the 2008/09 youth competition 70 Pall Mall, Liverpool L3 7DB, England ● Alan Hodson (England, 5.12) elite rounds (U19/U17) Tel.: +44 151 236 9966 – Fax: +44 151 236 9578 ● Maurizio Montironi (San Marino, 5.12) 11.12.2008, Nyon Mobile: +44 7831 298 888 ● Leszek Rylski (Poland, 6.12) Executive Committee [email protected] ● Franco Carraro (Italy, 6.12) 19.12.2008, Nyon The licences of João Almeida (Portugal) ● Andreas Akkelides (Cyprus, 7.12) and Hervé Cros (France) have been Draw for the first knockout round withdrawn. ● Michel D’Hooghe (Belgium, 8.12) of the UEFA Champions League ● Les Reed (England, 9.12) and for the UEFA Cup rounds of 32 and 16 ● Ioan Angelo Lupescu (Romania, 9.12) New publication ● Alain Hamer (Luxembourg, 10.12) Competitions ● Alvaro Albino (Portugal, 12.12) INTERNATIONAL CASES ● Kaj Natri (Finland, 13.12) 19.11–7.12.2008, Chile FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup IN THE BUSINESS OF SPORT ● Gilberto Madaíl (Portugal, 14.12) The professionalisation of sport and ● Antonio Mortagua (Portugal, 14.12) 3/4.12.2008 its resultant commercialisation require ● Ged Poynton (England, 15.12) UEFA Cup: group matches (matchday 4) ever more specialist knowledge on the ● Michael Riley (England, 17.12) 8–14.12.2008, St Petersburg part of administrators. This book, ● Hansruedi Hasler (Switzerland, 18.12) Final round of the European published by Simon Chadwick and Dave ● Guntis Indriksons (Latvia, 18.12) Under-21 Futsal Tournament Arthur, presents about 30 case studies ● Niklas à Lidarenda (Faroe Islands, 18.12) from which anyone working or wanting 9/10.12.2008 ● Ori Shilo (Israel, 18.12) to work in this field can learn a lot. UEFA Champions League: group matches ● Ludvik Georgsson (Iceland, 19.12) The case studies relate to various sports, ● (matchday 6) including European football, with topics Yves Bourgnon (Luxembourg, 21.12) such as the commercial development ● Laszlo Vagner (Hungary, 24.12) 11–21.12.2008, Japan FIFA Club World Cup of FC Barcelona and Manchester ● Guy Goethals (Belgium, 26.12) United FC and the internationalisation ● Rudolf Repka (Czech Republic, 26.12) 17/18.12.2008 of Club Atlético de Madrid ● Dusan Tittel (Slovakia, 27.12) UEFA Cup: group matches (matchday 5) (www.books.elsevier.com).

WE CARE ABOUT FOOTBALL Chief editor André Vieli The views expressed in signed articles are not necessarily the Produced by Atema Communication SA, CH-1196 Gland official views of UEFA. Official publication of the The reproduction of articles Union des associations or extracts of any information européennes de football Printed by Artgraphic Cavin SA, CH-1422 Grandson published in uefadirect is authorised, provided the Communications Division Editorial deadline: 17 November 2008 source is indicated. UEFAdirect-80•E 19.11.2008 8:24 Page 24

UEFA Route de Genève 46 Union des associations CH-1260 Nyon européennes de football Switzerland Phone +41 848 00 27 27 Fax +41 848 01 27 27 uefa.com