Conference in Lisbon Greece Crowned Champions of Europe Club

No. 28 – August 2004 8.04 for nextseason Calendar resume competitions Club of Europe champions Greece crowned in Lisbon Conference for nextseason Calendar resume competitions Club of Europe champions Greece crowned in Lisbon Conference 06 03 06 03 10 10 11 11 COVER IN THIS ISSUE Special Olympics Football Week 08 In a EURO 2004 that passed without 2004/05 club competitions kick off 10 major incident and in a very Presidents and general Calendar for the 2004/05 warm atmosphere, Greece caught secretaries meet in Lisbon 03 club competitions 11 everyone unawares by winning the tournament. Greece take everyone Congratulations from FIFA 14 PHOTO: ALBERTO LINGRIA by surprise 06 News from member associations 17

HeadingEditorial down a new road

Following the dazzling proof of its popularity and good health witnessed during EURO 2004, it may seem absurd to want to defend national-team football. However, behind the recent success of the latest European Championship final round lurk many concerns thrown up by the famous Bosman ruling, which, at inter- national level, made it easier for players to move clubs and removed the limitations previously imposed by the national and international football authorities. One of the consequences of this explosion of transfers is that it has become more difficult in some countries for young players to work their way up to their club’s first team, a struggle which may make them turn their backs on football and take up another sport instead. Of course, a talented youngster always manages to make room for himself, but even he needs suitable training in order to develop and make the most of his skills. But training is expensive; it sometimes costs even more than talent scouting, and requires patience. Many clubs prefer scouting for and taking on promising young players from all over Europe and even beyond whom they can, if need be, loan to lower division or less ambitious clubs until they are trained. In the long or even medium term, this situation could cause our national teams serious problems in terms of rejuvenating their squads. In Portugal, it was clear that some are already suffering from this phenomenon, just as it was noticeable that national playing characteristics are becoming indistinguishable – another obvious effect of this major intermixing of players. So that is why, among other reasons, it is high time to find solutions conforming with European legislation that can compensate for these drawbacks in terms of training and national identity, not to mention the identification of clubs with their town/city or region as well. In response to this situation, we want to encourage local recruitment in all the countries of Europe, while assuming social and sporting responsibility for young players. This is the direction we want to take, with the support of the national associations, who gave us their full backing at the recent Conference of Presidents and General Secretaries in Lisbon. EMPICS Lars-Christer Olsson Chief Executive Wayne Rooney, one of the stars of EURO 2004, and an example of a player trained by his club, Everton FC. we care about football

02 uefadirect 8.04 Conference of Presidents and General Secretaries Promotion of player development EURO 2004, SA/COSME DURÃO 2004, SA/COSME EURO

IN LISBON ON 3 JULY, ALTHOUGH MINDS WERE ALREADY TURNING onships. The Executive Committee

TO THE FINAL OF EURO 2004, THE PRESIDENTS AND GENERAL SECRETARIES proposed to the delegates a possi- ble solution involving the notion OF UEFA’S 52 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS PLOUGHED THEIR WAY of home-grown players. Each club THROUGH A JAM-PACKED AGENDA AT THEIR 13TH CONFERENCE. would have to include a certain number of players (six or seven, A number of important issues population, an imbalance in competi- for example, of the 18 on the team were tackled at this meeting of national tions and the hoarding of players, sheet) brought up through their association delegates, including player i.e. major clubs’ acquisition of players own ranks or through those development, European social dialogue who clearly cannot all be selected for of another club from the same and access to information. the first team. This situation also national association. A combination The question of promoting causes difficulties for some national of these two categories would be player development at local level is a teams whose national championships possible. It might also be possible tricky one, insofar as the Bosman ruling no longer include a sufficient number to limit the number of players drastically changed the European foot- of locally developed players. in each squad, maybe to 25, for ball landscape by lifting all restrictions Solving these problems whilst example, as is already the case in based on players’ nationality within fully respecting the laws of a rapidly the UEFA competitions. the European Union. This has created growing European Union is a task that The delegates supported problems such as a lack of investment cannot be achieved simply by limiting this initiative, which still needs a lot in player development, a lack of identi- the number of non-EU players, as is of fine-tuning, particularly with fication between teams and the local the practice in many national champi- regard to the definition of a home-

03 EURO 2004, SA/COSME DURÃO

grown player. A broad consultation sation rather than limiting these programme will be opened this measures to the associations within autumn, involving all sectors of football the EU. as well as political authorities. It is hoped that the new rules will enter into Funding secure force in the 2005/06 season at national The commercial success and international levels. of EURO 2004 is good news for the national associations, since it guar- antees the funding of the HatTrick Social dialogue assistance programme which they Consultation and dialogue adopted at the Rome Congress in are not just fashionable terms, but 2003. Discussions in Lisbon focused essential features of modern European on one aspect of this programme, society. Involving discussions between i.e. the installation, as part of the employees and employers, social UEFA Golden Jubilee, of mini-pitches dialogue in football can be a three-way in order to promote participation process, since it can also include in football, particularly in large competition organisers. Under EU law, built-up areas where football can no social dialogue is a voluntary process longer be played in the street. Each for concluding agreements, laying national association has received down frameworks, preparing joint or will receive a prototype mini-pitch. opinions and for European Commis- Clubs are Five projects to install mini-pitches encouraged sion consultation concerning draft have already been approved in to focus legislation. on eduation. England, Georgia, Iceland, Norway Here, It is in UEFA’s interests to be English club and Sweden. The aim is to create at Fulham’s involved in this procedure, which is under-10s least 2,500 mini-pitches in Europe. in training. already familiar to the professional

EMPICS footballers’ union, FIFPro. This body Access to information has submitted to the professional foot- After a visual presentation ball leagues within the EU (EPFL) a list of the UEFA New Media company, of topics which it would like to discuss the national association representa- at European level. The list includes tives continued along the same lines themes such as the international trans- by discussing the issue of access fer system, standard player contracts, to sporting images. The situation image rights, fiscal harmonisation, has become more complex with the the international calendar and doping. growth of the Internet and, more Last January, the EPFL (Euro- pean Professional Football Leagues), FIFPro and UEFA signed a declaration recognising each other’s importance for European professional football and their desire to enter into a tripartite dialogue. UEFA now plans to set up an expert panel comprising employers’

EURO 2004, SA/COSME DURÃO 2004, SA/COSME EURO and employees’ representatives Antero Silva Resende was unable to be in Cyprus to receive the UEFA Order (leagues, FIFPro), in which UEFA would of Merit in diamond. President Lennart act as chair/mediator. UEFA therefore Johansson therefore presented it to him in Lisbon on the eve of the Conference. hopes to achieve Europe-wide harmoni-

04 uefadirect 8.04 The Executive Lennart Mini-pitches Committee Johansson can be on the podium and installed during the Lars-Christer in inner-cities conference. Olsson. to replace street football.

EURO 2004, SA/COSME DURÃO AGORESPACE

recently still, the transmission of EURO 2004, a huge success images via mobile phone. Under the pretext of the right to informa- A Conference of Presidents had shown towards the other tion, new media agencies are trying and General Secretaries held the continents, a solidarity for which to gain access to images sold day before the final of EURO 2004 it was now reaping the rewards would not be complete without in the form of numerous players exclusively by sports organisations. an evaluation of the competition. from other continents playing in However, twenty seconds of images Portuguese Deputy Prime the European leagues. transmitted via the Internet or mobile Minister José Luis Arnaut paid trib- UEFA Chief Executive, Lars- phone are a very different matter ute to the excellent collaboration Christer Olsson, also emphasised from the same quantity of images on between his government, the the success of the joint organisa- television. At a time when the EU and Portuguese FA and UEFA, as well tional structure, which would be the Council of Europe are both look- as the way in which the tournament repeated and further improved ing into this question, UEFA is inviting was organised. for the next tournament. He also its member associations to make their views known to their respective authorities and to defend the position of rightholders. UEFA, which is also making efforts to this end, is willing to coordinate the activities of its member associations. The participants also con- sidered a report on refereeing in the national associations. This survey of 49 national associations covered issues such as the structure of referees’ committees and the appointment of referees, as well as

the funding, training and observation A. SABATTINI UEFA President Lennart Johansson assisted by CEO Lars-Christer Olsson, of referees. presents the Henri-Delaunay-Cup. The report highlighted vari- ous shortcomings in a large number At a time when certain clubs mentioned the extraordinary of national associations. Having were demanding compensation for audience figures achieved by the been given the green light by the players they released for national tournament, both on television Executive Committee in May, the teams, UEFA President Lennart and on the euro2004.com Johansson reminded the partici- website. Referees Committee will now follow pants how important tournaments The Chief Executive also up the important issues raised. of this kind were for players’ public observed that change was a con- profile and market value. He also stant feature of the current era. thanked and congratulated the UEFA therefore needed continually Portuguese FA and authorities. to adapt its structures and, The FIFA President, Joseph S. amongst other things, would Blatter, was equally generous with be creating a new division to his congratulations, paying tribute support the national associations.

Exclusive to the organisers, players, tech- Lars-Christer Olsson rights sales nical staff, referees and supporters. also underlined the virtues of must not be jeopardised He also took the opportunity dialogue and collaboration by the right to to mention UEFA’s Golden Jubilee, between all members of the information. highlighting the solidarity UEFA football family. UEFA

05 Two key architects Having lost EURO 96 of the Greek triumph, by a golden goal, coach Otto Rehhagel the Czechs went out and goalkeeper of EURO 2004 after Antonios Nikopolidis. a semi-final decided by a silver goal – the last before this system is abandoned – which left them no time to react. SVEN SIMON Final tournament

A. SABATTINI EUROin 2004 Portugal full of surprises

EURO 2004 WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. FOLLOWING DENMARK'S UNEXPECTED VICTORY IN 1992 (AFTER THE DANES WERE INVITED TO REPLACE YUGOSLAVIA AT THE LAST MINUTE), GREECE'S TRIUMPH WAS NOTHING SHORT OF A SENSATION. SWEPT ASIDE ONE BY ONE, THE MAJOR FOOTBALLING NATIONS FELL LIKE DOMINOES IN THIS COMPETITION. NEVER BEFORE HAVE THE UNDERDOGS ENJOYED SO MUCH SUCCESS. THE ERA OF SO-CALLED WEAK TEAMS IS WELL AND TRULY IN THE PAST.

Although one match can Faultless organisation be won thanks to good fortune, no Otto Rehhagel's protégés

AFP/SORIANO team becomes European showed no nerves whatsoever against Portuguese captain Figo (right) champions through the title holders. Then, with the fending of the Netherlands’ Giovanni luck. A quick glance momentum behind them, the Greeks van Bronckhorst in the semi-final. at the Greeks' caused another shock by eliminating route to glory a Czech side that many observers had clearly shows that expected to reach the final on the Angelos Charisteas of Greece they fully deserve basis of their attractive performances. gets ahead of France’s Lilian Thuram, their title. The bril- To top it all, Greece then defeated symbolising the handover from the old champions to the new. liance with which they Portugal in the final, a match which qualified for the finals by finishing the hosts were not expecting to lose above Spain despite two early for a second time. The Greek victory, defeats should have turned the thanks to a single goal from Charis- heads of those they subsequently teas, was achieved thanks to their brushed aside. Greece did not qual- faultless organisation. Reputed for ify for these finals by acci- their defensive solidity, the Greeks dent. After causing an gave their opponents a true lesson in initial shock by beating defending, with a central partnership host nation Portugal (Kapsis-Dellas) as solid as a rock. in the opening Blending together perfectly match, to form a highly impressive team, their individual qualities, which were more sub- Greece stantial than some had then proved it was no fluke insinuated, enabled them to play at by holding Spain to a draw. the highest echelon. Of course, this Their defeat to Russia was not historic victory bears the stamp of a enough to thwart their qualifi- certain Otto Rehhagel, a wily coach cation for the quarter-finals. with a lesser reputation in his native Those who thought that France country than in Greece, where he is would make short work of the treated like a king. The German coach Greeks at that stage of the has clearly got the most out of the competition could not have resources at his disposal. He has suc-

BONGARTS been more wrong. ceeded in ably channelling the some-

06 uefadirect 8.04 The crowds’ The goal enthusiasm that decided made a big the final. contribution to the success of EURO 2004. AFP/MESSINIS BEVILACQUA

times unbridled enthusiasm of his Iñaki Saez also bowed out performances had given them hope fiery-natured players and moulded after Spain's failure to qualify for the of avenging their defeat in the 1996 them into a team of winners. quarter-finals. Once more, as always final. However, a certain Greek team seems to happen, the Spaniards failed put paid to that, before plotting the End of France's reign to impress in a major competi- downfall of the Portuguese, who are Grasping victory from tion. Despite a good start against still awaiting their first victory in a the jaws of defeat in injury time Russia, the Spanish team failed major competition. Luiz Felipe Scolari, against England, before drawing to live up to that early promise world champion with Brazil, was wel- with Croatia and enduring some and their draw with Greece and comed like the Messiah. Despite los- difficult moments in an eventual particularly their defeat to Portu- ing in the final, Portu- victory over Switzerland, France gal signalled the end of their gal achieved their were on the decline and their hopes involvement. best ever European were ended at the quarter-final stage. Championship per- Despite a brilliant qualifying cam- Hopes dashed formance. President paign, “les Bleus” went out through Despite qualifying for Jorge Sampaio knew the back door, just as they did at the the quarter-finals, where they exactly what he last World Cup in Japan and Korea. lost on penalties to Portugal, was doing when This is clearly the end of the road for England must be disappointed he awarded the Por- this French team, which has made with their EURO campaign. tuguese players the football history over the years but They had high hopes of suc- Order of the Infante which, like its ageing stars, is not what cess, which seemed particu- Dom Henrique! it used to be. Even Zinedine Zidane larly justified thanks to emerg- did not escape the critics. Raymond ing talents such as Wayne André Winckler Domenech will need to rebuild. Rooney, who was sadly injured However, France is not the in the first half-hour against only “big nation” to leave this Euro- Portugal. England were there- pean Championship with its tail fore expected to do better between its legs. Italy's elimination in than they had in the “kick the group phase caused a great deal and rush” era. They of wailing and gnashing of teeth in put up a creditable Italian households. Despite a gallant performance, last stand against Bulgaria, the which can only “Azzurri” were knocked out of the have deepened Sven- tournament because of a 2-2 draw Göran Eriksson's between Sweden and Denmark, regrets. the worst scenario they could have While imagined. There also, a new chapter the Netherlands will begin following the departure seemed inca- of Giovanni Trapattoni. pable of pro- Germany's national coach gressing Rudi Völler also took the honourable any fur- step by resigning after his country's ther than elimination in one of the most difficult the semi- groups, from which the Czech Repub- finals, lic and the Netherlands eventually where they emerged. Unable to win a single match lost to Portu- (even against Latvia), the German gal, the team paid a heavy price for a lack of Czech creativity and their fighting spirit was Republic's not enough to carry them through. polished Czech fair play The Czech Republic not only produced high- quality football, but also proved to be the most sporting of the EURO 2004 participants, topping the fair play league for this final round. With 8,500 points, they finished ahead of the Netherlands (8,450), England (8,437), France and Sweden (8,312), Theodoros Zagorakis, named player A. SABATTINI Latvia (8,166), Portugal (8,083), Germany and of the tournament Greece (8,000). by the UEFA Technical Study Group.

07 Activities with Steffi Jones in Frankfurt (far), in Poland (centre), Latvia (left) and San Marino (below). SOEE SO POLAND SO LATVIA Special Olympics

NewFootball record participation Week

THE FOURTH ANNUAL SPECIAL OLYMPICS EUROPEAN FOOTBALL WEEK WAS HELD FROM 1 TO 9 MAY, WITH OVER 26,000 PLAYERS WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES TAKING PART IN EVENTS IN IN CLOSE TO 50 COUNTRIES. SO SAN MARINO SO SAN

This year’s focus was on local football days. In Lithuania, said Simonet. In Ukraine, during increasing opportunities for youth and 385 players aged 10-15 had a chance a 13-team tournament in Kiev, Boris female players, developing Unified to participate in local, regional and Voskresensky, vice-president of the Sports, where players with and without national tournaments. In Latvia, Ukrainian FA and member of the UEFA learning difficulties play on teams 600 mainly teenage players competed Football for the Disabled Panel, said, together, and involving mainstream in regional tournaments and a final. “We want to support disabled people, schoolchildren in Special Olympics foot- In Armenia, 110 footballers under 16 showing them solidarity and helping ball activities. SO Get Into It, a Special competed in a national tournament, them on a practical level.” In the For- Olympics school curriculum, was used and a memorandum of cooperation mer Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, as an awareness-building tool in con- was signed with the Armenian FA. Lazar Mitrovski, general secretary of junction with some football activities. In Georgia, 110 young footballers par- the football association, opened the In Serbia and Montenegro ticipated in a tournament in Tbilisi. 50-team tournament in Skopje. In San 3,000 schoolchildren joined 10,000 In Slovakia, over 400 players partici- Marino, Giorgio Crescentini, president Special Olympics participants in activities pated in 19 Unified matches. of the football association, presented throughout the country. In Poland In Austria, over 250 Special awards to all eight teams which par- 1,400 students aged 12-19 from special Olympics footballers participated in a ticipated in a tournament. In Malta, and mainstream schools participated full week of events, including a clinic the FA presented a Special Olympics in a one-day football festival in Warsaw. run by coach Regi Van Acker from trophy to mark the week’s events. In Norway, 120 pupils aged 12-14 Bundesliga club Bregenz. In Belgium, In Iceland, a tournament for 60 players participated in Fun Football Days with Special Olympics footballer Maarten was organised in cooperation with the children from special schools. Doktor, 18, made his debut as an football association. In Romania, over In Denmark, 850 players aged assistant coach at the “Happy Football 560 Special Olympics players partici- 7-18 competed in indoor and outdoor Day” involving 500 players. pated in events. Christian Bivolaru, tournaments. In Spain, over 465 players Across Europe, female players speaking on behalf of the Romanian FA, under the age of 18 participated in were out in force, with many new said that “the federation wants to teams participating for the first time. make a difference in the lives of In Germany, players had the chance children in Romania who have an to train for the second year at 1. FFC interest in sport.” In Azerbaijan, Frankfurt with coach Monika Staab, 12 mini football teams competed in Europe’s most successful women’s a tournament in Baku that received coach. Assisting Staab was 1. FFC and support from the football associa- national-team defender Steffi Jones. tion and the Ministry of Youth, Sport Support from the FAs was and Tourism. In Moldova, ten teams strong. In France, Claude Simonet, competed in Chisinau, and a coaching president of the French FA, attended seminar supported by the associa- a tournament in La Rochelle, one of tion also was held. In Kazakhstan, In France, 23 held for 1,600 footballers. “Football 1,300 footballers participated in Claude Simonet Week is a very important initiative and 14 regional events and a final, with all showed how

SO FRANCE it is done. I am happy that the FA supports it,” events supported by the association.

08 uefadirect 8.04 Opening of the tournament in Kiev (left). Opposite, Brøndby’s Thomas Kahlenberg with Danish Special Olympics players. SO DENMARK Seven-a-side tournament Twenty nations took part in the Special Olympics European seven- a-side tournament held in Ettelbruck, SO UKRAINE Luxembourg, from 29 to 31 May. Organised by Special Olympics Luxem- bourg, 27 teams played matches on Football celebrities and clubs of support and Special Olympics seven grounds, with 45 referees pro- showed their support. Newly appointed footballers participated in the kick-off. vided by the national football asso- football ambassador for Great Britain, In Turkey, four Super League teams ciation officiating. The association has David James, Manchester City and wore Special Olympics T-shirts as been a strong supporter of Special Olympics Luxembourg for at least ten England goalkeeper, said: “I really enjoy part of pre-match presentations. In years. “The association has not only my work with Special Olympics Luxembourg, Special Olympics foot- provided technical support but, equally because the athletes are so enthusias- ballers were invited to major first tic about football.” Another Special division matches. In the Netherlands, Olympics football ambassador, Lawrie the Gouden Gids Divisie helped raise McMenemy, remained at the epicentre funds for disabled players. of the week’s activities in Great Britain. In Republic of Ireland, funds In Italy, former professional player Gianni earmarked by UEFA totalling EUR 25,000 Rivera continued his work as a Special were presented to Special Olympics Olympics ambassador. In Russia, Pre- Ireland to ensure the legacy of the mier League club Zenit St Peterburg 2003 Special Olympics World Games continued its support of Special Olympics held in Dublin. at the 33-team mini football tournament A Unified match with UEFA MARTHA JO BRAYCICH/SOEE MARTHA in St Petersburg. In Monaco, players staff and Special Olympics footballers Marc Feltgen, tournament organiser, wore Special Olympics T-shirts prior took place at UEFA headquarters and some of the players. to the top-division again this year. Special Olympics foot- important, has helped to ensure that match between ballers were welcomed by Markus Special Olympics athletes are part AS Monaco FC Studer, Deputy Chief Executive. of the larger football family,” said Marc and Stade Special Olympics players joined FIFA Feltgen, head of the organising Rennais FC. staff for a similar match, officiated by committee, member of the Special In Bulgaria, pro- Nicole Petignat, a FIFA and Women’s Olympics football committee and national director of Special Olympics fessional players World Cup referee. Luxembourg. wore ribbons Special Olympics footballers Eleven women’s teams competed were welcomed by Urs Linsi, FIFA against each other in the tournament, General Secretary, and FIFA President the first European Special Olympics Joseph S. Blatter. event for female players. “This is just The Johan Cruyff Foundation the beginning for women’s football,” said Andre Peeters, head of the foot- continued as Football Week’s European ball committee. “We will assess their partner for a third year. DisneyHand, needs and then create opportunities the worldwide company outreach pro- for them, including the possibility of an gramme for the Walt Disney Company all-woman tournament,” Peeters said. Europe, supported SO Get Into It “Right now, we see a very high level initiatives in four countries held in of skill among the female footballers conjunction with Football Week. and an even higher level of enthusiasm and passion for the game,” he said.

A young Romanian The participants

player. SO ROMANIA in Armenia. SO ARMENIA 09 After the A turning semi-final between point in Portugal and the UEFA Cup’s the Netherlands, thirty-three the José Alvalade year history. stadium will host the 2004/05 UEFA Cup final. AFP/SORIANO EMPICS European club

competitionsChanges afoot

A WEEK AFTER THE OPENING MATCHES OF THE UEFA INTERTOTO CUP, THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE AND UEFA CUP ALSO ENTERED A NEW SEASON ON 25 JUNE, WHEN THE DRAWS FOR THE FIRST TWO CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUALIFYING ROUNDS AND THE FIRST UEFA CUP QUALIFYING ROUND WERE HELD AT THE UEFA HEADQUARTERS IN NYON.

The main innovation for the or league, in accordance with the in the third qualifying round of the new season is clearly the obligation requirements of the new UEFA club UEFA Champions League. for the participants to hold a licence licensing system. This obligation These 80 teams will play granted by their national association has prevented some clubs which had two-leg first round matches, with the qualified through their results from 40 winners entering the first group embarking on a European adventure phase in the competition's history. this season. For example, no clubs These 40 teams will be drawn into from Kazakhstan will be involved in eight groups. Each team will face the UEFA competitions in 2004/05. the other group members once, In total, around 80% of the clubs playing two at home and two away. whose names were put forward The order in which these games obtained a licence, although not all are played is stipulated in the compe- Mohamed Sissoko, the associations and leagues applied tition regulations. one of the Valencia FC side that won the last the procedure at the same level: while The UEFA Cup will then UEFA Cup to be held some only considered clubs that revert to the direct knock-out formula. without group matches. qualified for UEFA competitions, The top three in each group will others assessed all their first division qualify for the last 32, along with clubs or even extended the process the eight teams finishing third in to second division clubs as well. the UEFA Champions League groups. Three more rounds will determine New UEFA Cup the two teams who will meet in the The other big change for the final at the José Alvalade stadium new season is the adoption of a new in Lisbon on 18 May 2005. format for the UEFA Cup, combining knock-out rounds and group matches. First qualified in UEFA Fifty teams, divided into three geo- Champions League graphical groups for the draw, are In the UEFA Champions involved in the first qualifying round. League, the following 16 clubs have Another 39 clubs will join the 25 already qualified for the group phase: winners of the two-leg matches in the FC Porto, the holders, Valencia CF, second qualifying round. FC Barcelona, Arsenal FC, Chelsea FC, The first round proper will AC Milan, AS Roma, Werder Bremen, then include the 32 winners from the Bayern Munich, Olympique Lyonnais, qualifiying phase, 32 other teams Paris St-Germain FC, Panathinaikos including the three UEFA Intertoto Cup FC, Olympiacos Piraeus FC, AFC Ajax,

FLASH PRESS winners plus the 16 teams eliminated Fenerbahce SK and Celtic FC.

10 uefadirect 8.04 A jubilant Monaco’s Olympiacos Grimaldi Forum make it into will draw many the UEFA observers for Champions the Champions League for League group the eighth match draw. time running. EMPICS SABATTINI

As has been the custom since 1998, the Champions League will be Calendar for the 2004/05 season officially launched at the Forum Grimaldi in Monaco, where the draw UEFA Champions League for the group stage will be held. Once ● 14 July 2004: first qualifying round, first legs again, the event in Monaco will act ● 21 July: return legs as a bridge between the old and ● 28 July: second qualifying round, first legs new seasons, featuring a top-class ● 30 July, Nyon: draw for the third qualifying round ● UEFA Super Cup encounter between 4 August: return legs ● 10/11 August: third qualifying round, first legs FC Porto, winners of the Champions ● 24/25 August: return legs League, and UEFA Cup holders Valen- ● 26 August, Monaco: draw for the group matches cia CF. In addition to the preparatory ● 14/15 September: group matches, match day 1 meetings for the new season and the ● 28/29 September: match day 2 draw for the UEFA Cup first round, ● 19/20 October: match day 3 the UEFA gala evening will provide ● 2/3 November: match day 4 an opportunity to pay tribute to ● 23/24 November: match day 5 the winners and top players of ● 7/8 December: match day 6 the 2003/04 season. Theodoros ● 17 December, Nyon: draw for the first knock-out round Zagorakis, named the best player ● 22/23 February 2005: knock-out round, first legs of EURO 2004, will also receive his ● 8/9 March: return legs ● award on that evening. 18 March, Nyon: draw for the quarter-finals and semi-finals ● 5/6 April: quarter-finals, first legs The plenary assembly of the ● 12/13 April: return legs European Club Forum, however, will ● 26-27 April: semi-finals, first legs not be held in Monaco this year, but ● 3-4 May: return legs at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon on ● 25 May, Istanbul: final 9 and 10 September. UEFA Cup First All-Iberian ● 15 July 2004: first qualifying round, first legs Super Cup ● 29 July: return legs On 27 August, the ● 30 July, Nyon: draw for the second qualifying round Stade Louis II in ● 12 August : second qualifying round, first legs Monaco will host ● 26 August: return legs the UEFA Super Cup ● 27 August, Monaco: draw for the first round for the eighth time ● 16 September: first round, first legs and for the seventh ● 30 September: return legs ● successive year since the event 5 October, Nyon: draw for the group matches ● 21 October: group matches, match day 1 became an established fixture ● 4 November: match day 2 in the European calendar. ● 25 November: match day 3 Although this will be the first ● 1/2 December: match day 4 Super Cup duel between clubs from ● 15/16 December: match day 5 the Iberian peninsula, neither FC Porto ● 17 December, Nyon: draw for the rounds of 32 and 16 nor opponents Valencia CF are new- ● 16/17 February 2005: round of 32, first legs comers to this competition, which ● 24 February: return legs they have both won in the past. The ● 10 March: round of 16, first legs Spaniards lifted the trophy at their ● 16/17 March: return legs one previous attempt in 1980, when ● 18 March, Nyon: draw for the quarter-finals and semi-finals the Super Cup was still played on ● 7 April: quarter-finals, first legs ● a home and away basis. They beat 14 April: return legs ● 28 April: semi-finals, first legs Nottingham Forest on the away goals ● 5 May: return legs rule (1-2 and 1-0) having qualified as ● 18 May, Lisbon: final holders of the Cup Winners' Cup.

11 AC Milan, with Ruud Gullit Colombia’s (holding the Champion Once Caldas, EMPICS Clubs’ Cup), twice pulled surprise off the Champion Clubs’ winners of Cup, Super Cup and the Copa European/South American Libertadores. Cup trophy treble. AFP/ACOSTA

FC Porto also won their first Portuguese side also won the Monaco this year would give them UEFA Super Cup encounter when, European/South American Cup to the chance to become the last club as holders of the Champion Clubs' achieve a treble which only AC Milan to achieve such a feat, since the Cup, they beat AFC Ajax both in (1989, 1990), AFC Ajax (1995), intercontinental competition is due Amsterdam and in Porto (1-0 each Juventus (1996) and Real Madrid to be abolished in 2005. In Tokyo, time) in 1987. That season, the (2002) have matched. Success in the UEFA Champions League winners will face the Colombians of Once Caldas, who proved that it is not only in Europe that the underdogs are thriving this year by winning the Copa Libertadores in early July, beating the Argentinian holders Boca Juniors, who also won the last European/South American Cup. After a 0-0 draw in Colombia, the teams were still level after the return in Argentina (1-1) and, since the South Americans

Filippo Inzaghi do not use the away goals rule slips past Jorge Costa or extra time, the winners were in last year’s UEFA Super Cup. decided through a penalty shoot- out (2-0). FC Porto contested the UEFA Super Cup for the second time last year as UEFA Cup holders. However, this time they lost to AC Milan, winners of the Champi- ons League.

Final round in Finland Final round of the third European Women's Under-19 Championship to be held in Finland from 28 July to 8 August. In Helsinki on 18 may, the eight teams which have qualified were drawn into the following two groups: A: Finland, Germany, Spain, Switzerland; B: Norway, France, Italy, Russia. The group matches will be played in Loviisa, Kauniainen, Hämeenlinna and Hyvinkää. Spain and Switzerland will contest the ALBERTO LINGRIA ALBERTO 12 uefadirect 8.04 Finalists in Karen Espelund the last European of Norway, Championship, chair of the Germany and Women’s Football Sweden will Committee, take part in the conducted Olympic women’s the draw football tournament for the UEFA in Athens. Women’s Cup. AFP/BECK UEFA-RAY opening match in Loviisa on 28 July First round of the UEFA matches involving the group winners and the group matches will con- Women’s Cup and runners-up from the second tinue until 2 August. The top two qualifying round. The quarter-finals in each group will qualify for the The mini-tourna- will be played in November, the semi- semi-finals, to be held in Hämeen- ments in the first finals in April 2005, and the final – linna on 5 August. The winners of qualifying round also over two legs – in May. group A will face the group B run- of the 5th UEFA Notable absentees from the ners-up and the winners of group B Women’s Cup new competition are 1.FFC Frankfurt, will play the group A runners-up. take place at one of the leading clubs in the The final will take place in the end of July first four editions, winners in 2002 Vantaa's Pohjola stadium on Sunday according to the programme and finalists this year, who have 8 August. The title is currently determined by means of a draw lost their German championship title held by France, the 2003 European made at UEFA headquarters in to 1.FFC Turbine Potsdam. champions. Nyon on 15 June. The four semi-finalists The 36 participating clubs will also compete in the Under-19 have been divided into nine groups of Women's World Championship to four teams each. Only the group win- be held in Thailand from 10 to 27 ners qualify for the second qualifying November. The following groups round, where they will be joined by were drawn in Bangkok on 11 June: the seven seeds, including titleholders A: Thailand, Europe 2, Umeå IK from Sweden. The second Australia, Canada qualifying round will also be played B: Africa, China PR, in the form of mini-tournaments, Europe 4, Brazil ; scheduled to take place in four groups C: Korea Republic, USA, between 13 and 19 September. BILDBYRÅN Europe 3, Europe 1 The competition will then Cup-winners Umeå IK will The USA won the first World continue with direct knock-out be back to defend their title. Championship in Canada in 2002. Olympic women's More yellow but tournament In Athens on 9 June, less red FIFA held the draw for the group The referees at EURO 2004 showed 148 yellow cards, an average stage of the Olympic women's of 4.77 per match. This figure represents an increase of 31 compared tournament. to EURO 2000, when the average was 3.77 cards per match. Europe will be represented On the other hand, there Sanctions at this tournament by the European were two red cards fewer than in champions, Germany, and runners- 2000 (six instead of eight, i.e. an up Sweden, as well as the host average of 0.19 per match instead country, Greece. of 0.26). Five of these resulted The groups were drawn as from a second yellow card in the follows: same match, while the other was 1. Sweden, Japan, shown because of a foul that Nigeria; denied a goal-scoring opportunity. 2. Germany, China PR, The Control and Discipli- Reprimand 1 Mexico; nary Body dealt with 47 cases, Suspension 27 Warning 3 3. Greece, USA, Brazil, mostly relating to players shown Fine 15 Australia two yellow cards, improper Other 1 The tournament will be held conduct by a team (more than five cautions in the same match) from 11 to 26 August. or supporters, or a violation of the regulations.

13 A party atmosphere at UEFA.

CongratulationsUEFA Jubilee from FIFA

ALTHOUGH THE UEFA GOLDEN JUBILEE IS BEING CELEBRATED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, 15 JUNE WAS A PARTICULARLY

SPECIAL DAY, SINCE IT WAS THE ACTUAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF UEFA.

In order to mark the occa- “Exactly 50 years ago, the development courses, thereby mak- sion, some 2,500 balloons were re- Hotel Euler in Basle played host to ing a telling contribution to the glob- leased at UEFA headquarters in Nyon what would be a key meeting of alisation of the game. Conversely, by the UEFA administrative staff. leading European football figures, players from all around the world National football associations as it was at this meeting that continue to impress with European from all over Europe were invited UEFA was founded. clubs. to do likewise. Balloons were “Since its foundation, “During the first five decades also released in Portugal at the UEFA has helped European foot- of its existence, UEFA has certainly venues of the two EURO 2004 ball to acquire an enviable repu- had its fair share of hurdles to over- matches held that day in Porto and tation. UEFA’s competitions at club come, but under your leadership Aveiro. and national team level, such as and that of your esteemed predeces- The UEFA President, Lennart EURO 2004, which has been success- sors, most notably the Honorary Johansson, also received, on UEFA’s fully launched in Portugal, enthral President Jacques Georges who sadly behalf, a letter of congratulations and thrill football fans all around passed away recently, UEFA has signed by the President and General the world. Your organisation can continually risen to these challenges Secretary of FIFA, Joseph proudly look back upon fifty very and even shown others the way S. Blatter and successful years. forward in many areas. Urs Linsi. “At the same time, UEFA may “On behalf of the FIFA Execu- also rest assured that it has helped to tive Committee and the worldwide strengthen the world game. Countless football family, we would like to offer European experts have passed on you, and the whole European foot- their knowledge and experience ball community, our very warmest to people in Africa, Asia and congratulations. May UEFA continue all other parts of the world along the path of success!” through FIFA’s ■ In August, continuing its presentation of the UEFA member associations as part of the Jubilee celebrations, the uefa.com website will be focusing on the national associations of Luxembourg, FYR Macedonia, Malta and Moldova. PHOTOS: UEFA-RAY PHOTOS:

14 uefadirect 8.04 Dave Michael Vlatko Richards van Praag Markovic EMPICS UEFA UEFA Report from Executive Brussels

On 18 June, the EU’s 25 govern- Committee meeting ment leaders finally agreed on a new Constitutional Treaty. After Committees and consultative 12 months of tough negotiations, the Irish Presidency of the EU body appointed was able to find a compromise that satisfied everyone. THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MET IN LISBON ON 29 JUNE, WITH ITS Most importantly, the new Treaty: TWO COOPTED MEMBERS, GILBERTO MADAÍL (PORTUGAL) AND GREGORIY SURKIS ● creates the post of President (UKRAINE), IN ATTENDANCE FOR THE FIRST TIME. of the European Council, serving for a term of up to five years, replacing the rotating six-month presidency; ● creates the post of EU Foreign Minister; ● gives new powers to the Euro- pean Parliament; ● enables national parliaments to ensure EU law does not injure member states’ rights; ● introduces simplified majority voting in the Council of Ministers Ernie Walker (a ‘yes’ vote requires at least 15 mem- on one of his many stadium ber states comprising at least 65 per inspection tours. cent of EU population). For the first time in the history of AFP/DE ALMEIDA the EU, the Treaty includes provisions on sport. The most important parts of Article 182 are as follows: “The Union shall contribute to the promotion of European sporting issues, One of the main tasks of – Assistance Programmes while taking account of its specific the meeting was to approve the Committee: Jan Peeters (Belgium); nature, its structures based on volun- composition of the committees – Futsal Committee: tary activity and its social and educa- and panels, which are so vital to the Petr Fousek (Czech Republic); tional function… functioning of UEFA, for the 2004-06 – Medical Committee: …Union action shall be aimed at: period. There will still be 11 commit- Dr Urs Vogel (Switzerland); g) developing the European dimen- tees and all the national associations – National Teams sion in sport, by promoting fair- will be represented among their Committee: Lars-Åke Lagrell (Sweden); ness and openness in sporting members. However, in accordance – Referees Committee: competitions and cooperation with the amendment to the UEFA Volker Roth (Germany); between bodies responsible for Statutes adopted at the recent Con- – Women's Football sports, and by protecting the gress in Limassol, the membership Committee: Karen Espelund (Norway); physical and moral integrity of five of these committees has been – Youth and Amateur Foot- of sportsmen and sportswomen, increased from 11 to 13. Continuity ball Committee: Jim Boyce (Northern especially young sportsmen will be helped by the fact that Ireland). and sportswomen.” most of the committees will keep the The other three committees For UEFA, this final text is not perfect, but satisfactory. The fact that same chairperson. This is the case will have a new chairperson: in the the article now mentions the “specific with the: Stadium and Security Committee, nature” of sport is a significant – Club Competitions Michael van Praag (Netherlands) improvement on the initial proposal Committee, chaired by Friedrich will replace Ernie Walker (Scotland), of 2003. Stickler (Austria); a universally recognised expert in

15 Referees Anders Frisk, Noisy but Markus Merk peaceful and Lubos Michel fans at contributed to EURO 2004. the ICRC campaign in a number of ways, including a visit to Sierra Leone. UEFA-BOZZANI EMPICS Red Cross security issues; Ernie Walker has been understanding with FIFPro, the trade honours UEFA a member of this body since it was union for European professional UEFA used EURO 2004 as a plat- set up in 1986 as the Stadia Commit- footballers. It also intends to open form to give widespread promotion tee and has chaired it since 1990. social dialogue with FIFPro and the to its joint “Protect Children in War” Josef Venglos (Slovakia), who has professional leagues, as advocated campaign with the ICRC. Four leading chaired the Technical Development by the European Union. international referees – Pierluigi Committee since 2000, will pass the The meeting also considered Collina, Anders Frisk, Markus Merk and Lubos Michel – are acting as baton to Vlatko Markovic (Croatia), the report of a working group respon- ambassadors during the campaign, although he will remain a vice-chair- sible for redefining UEFA's global which was the focus of particular man of the Committee. Dave Richards strategy in the fight against doping. attention at the quarter-final between (England) will take over as chairman The working group's conclusions Portugal and England on 24 June. of the Professional Football Commit- and proposals will be discussed at a tee, which has been chaired by Pedro later date. The Executive Committee Tomas (Spain) since 2000. expressed a firm intention to step There are no changes to the up the fight against doping in part- Control and Disciplinary Body and the nership with FIFA and the World Appeals Body, whose members were Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), not appointed for four years in 2002. forgetting preventative measures.

Consultative body Convention for coaches The Executive Committee Following the recommendation

UEFA-BOZZANI also approved the creation of a tripar- by the Jira Panel and the Technical Lars-Christer Olsson and Lennart Johannson tite consultative body, in which repre- Development Committee, the Executive received awards from President of the Portuguese Red Cross, Jose Luis Nogueira sentatives of the Executive Commit- Committee approved the addition of de Brito (centre). tee, the professional leagues and three new associations as full members clubs will discuss issues common to to the UEFA Convention on the Mutual As a mark of gratitude to UEFA all three. The Executive Committee Recognition of Coaching Qualifications. for its continued support of the International Committee of the Red will be represented by the four UEFA The associations of Northern Ireland, Cross over the years, and in particular vice-presidents: Senes Erzik, Per Ravn Romania and Ukraine will now there- for UEFA’s readiness to publicise Omdal, Angel Maria Villar and Geof- fore be able to award the Pro licence; the campaign during EURO 2004, frey Thompson. meanwhile, the associations of the Portuguese Red Cross presented Keen to promote dialogue FYR Macedonia and Serbia and Monte- medals to the UEFA President, Lennart between all members of the football negro were given permission to award Johansson, and CEO Lars-Christer community, the Executive Committee the A licence, having previously been Olsson. The FARE (Football Against Racism also approved a memorandum of accepted for the B licence. in Europe) network also made use of EURO 2004 to continue to draw public In summary attention to the scourge of racism and to carry out various actions to The Executive Committee also: prevent it arising. ■ unveiled the new logo for the UEFA Cup, which will be presented in Monaco in August; ■ approved the regulations of the 2004 UEFA Super Cup; OBITUARY ■ noted with satisfaction the excellent results of EURO 2004 in terms of TV ■ Michele Pierro (Italy), member of the audiences and visits to the official website, euro2004.com; it also welcomed the Youth Football Committee from 1986 to 1990 and from 1992 to 1996, passed incredible level of interest shown in the competition in Asia where, in China for away on 30 June aged 70. A lawyer by example, up to 50 million TV viewers had been watching each day; profession, he also served as vice-president of the Italian Football Federation. ■ was updated on the progress of the implementation of the club licensing system and welcomed the excellent cooperation of the national associations and leagues; ■ The General Secretary of the Portuguese Football Federation, Manuel Quaresma, ■ approved the regulations of the Meridian Cup to be played in Turkey in early who was a member of the UEFA Security Officers Panel and Match 2005; only two trophies will be awarded: the Meridian Cup itself, awarded to Delegates Panel, died on 11 July aged 49, the best confederation, and the fair play trophy. In order to reflect the spirit of only a few days after the end of the competition, there will therefore no longer be trophies for the best team from EURO 2004. As Deputy Tournament Director, he made a major contribution each continent and the best team overall. This change has also been approved to the success of the event. by the African football confederation.

16 uefadirect 8.04 BELARUS BELGIUM Up, URBSFA up and away. President Jan Peeters (centre) at the presen- tation of the digital card. BFF NEWS PHOTO ??????????????? ???????????????

to a bank card, displaying the holder’s surname, first name, date of birth and membership number. The card also contains a microchip, which stores certain News fixed and variable data (club/transfers, from member associations etc.). In the long run, the URBSFA will even be able to use the card as a means of identification. We have already taken the first step in this direction. The card ARMENIA BELARUS has many advantages for URBSFA mem- bers. For example, different commercial Armenia joins the Celebrating UEFA’s partners keen to reach active footballers jubilee festivities Golden Jubilee will be able to offer certain benefits to On 15 June, the Armenian To celebrate the 50th members. In other words, the commercial FA’s football school marked UEFA’s 50th anniversary of the foundation of UEFA, the partners will provide financial incentives anniversary with four simultaneous matches youth players of FC Smena Minsk released for URBSFA members. involving some 300 8-14-year-olds. 50 special jubilee balloons from the new We are pleased to announce that Before that, the young footballers prototype mini-pitch. the URBSFA will be working in partnership released special UEFA jubilee balloons in On 27 June, veteran teams from with Euro Shoe Unie SA of Diest. Euro the presence of the FFA leadership and various regions took part in a tournament Shoe Unie SA owns the big retail names Executive Committee, representatives from dedicated to Belarus Independence Day Primo Stadion SA, Shoes in the box, top-division clubs, journalists and Bruno and UEFA’s jubilee. A team from Barano- Avance and Shoe Discount. All URBSFA Wolfisberg from UEFA, who is responsible vichi won the tournament. members will receive significant discounts for the HatTrick project in Armenia. Alexander Tomin when making purchases from any of the In his address to the gathering, aforementioned chains. FFA Executive Director Armen Minasyan said The card will be a genuine that the FFA will do its best to ensure that URBSFA membership card. This means Armenian football comes up to UEFA’s BELGIUM that other commercial partners (as long as expectations, starting with youth football, they are not competitors of the URBSFA’s Digital card other partners) are warmly invited to offer the development of which is the subject of for each member scrupulous attention in Armenia. benefits to URBSFA members. As more Apart from this celebration, sets The Belgian Football Associa- commercial partners join the scheme, our of the UEFA Golden Jubilee books were tion (URBSFA) is Belgium’s members will make increasing use of their presented by the FFA to Armenian football largest sports federation, with 450,000 URBSFA membership cards. In this way, clubs, sports newspapers and three of registered members. Managing such a they will identify more with their sport. the country’s biggest libraries (National huge membership list is quite a challenge. The membership cards will be sent to the Library, Republican Library and National From the 2004/05 season, each member clubs by mid-August 2004 at the latest. Children’s Library). will be issued with a digital URBSFA The clubs will then be responsible for dis- Arayik Manukyan membership card. The card will be similar tributing them to their members. François Vantomme

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA Preparing for the World Cup qualifiers At the recent assembly of the Football Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, held at the Olympic Museum in the Zetra sports centre, the main items on the agenda were reports on achievements since the last meeting and the adoption of the budget for 2003/04. In his introduction, FF BHZ President Milan Jelic was pleased to be able to state that the picture was gener- ally positive. The national team had got within a step of EURO 2004, and other national teams, notably the futsal team, had achieved good results too. In terms of organisation, the club licensing exercise was in its final stages.

THE FA The delegates concluded that ENGLAND A highly appreciated course in New Zealand. results could be better, but devoted most

17 BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA The general assembly. F. KRVAVAC F. of their attention to youth football. The courses organised in conjunction FINLAND Executive Board has adopted a new youth with The FA at the OFC Academy in competition structure for Bosnia and Auckland, New Zealand. Six new quality Herzegovina. Under the new system, “The coaches have been excel- youth clubs four new leagues will be created by terri- lent and have gone way beyond my The Football Association tory. The top teams from each league expectations,” said Gillett. “Since the of Finland has nominated will go through to a play-off competition first course last year, we have modi- six clubs as the new youth football quality to determine the national champions. fied the content, made the delivery clubs in Finland. In June, FC YPA, Oriveden The new season kicks off on more user-friendly and the response Tuisku, Janakkalan Pallo, FC Jazz Juniors, 7 August, and all of the teams are busy has been positive as a result.” Puotinkylän Valtti and Gammalkarleby warming up. Many clubs have brought According to Gillett, the Bollklubben were given the youth quality in new head coaches, as has been the coaches are thriving under the mentor- club status. The quality club system has case in previous seasons, and only ing structure in place, which sees been developed by the Young Finland the current champions go into the new those that attended and passed last organisation with different sports asso- ciations. Over 300 clubs in more than season with the same head coach. year’s Level 1 course working in pairs 30 sports have already been awarded qual- In preliminary round of the with the new participants. The “buddy- ity club status. In football, the total number ing system” puts the emphasis more UEFA Champions League, NK Siroki of quality clubs, including the newcomers, on communication and interaction, with Brijeg will be led by Ivo Iztuk, the best amounts to 30. Quality club activities head coach in Bosnia and Herzegovina increased practical sessions, as opposed are one of the six main target areas of the at the moment. The Bosnia and Herze- to a classroom setting, thereby creating All-Stars football programme for children govina national team, led by head a better understanding of coaching and youth. coach Blaz Sliskovic and director Ahmet concepts. The courses aim to ensure Young Finland has defined com- Pasalic, are making their final prepa- that participants are qualified to tutor mon regulations for all quality clubs: rations for their first matches in the junior coach licence courses in their – Activities have to be diverse and 2006 World Cup qualifying competition, own countries, with those progressing educational; against Spain in September and against beyond Level 2 able to tutor the first – Clubs have to pay attention Serbia and Montenegro in October. stage of the Senior Coaching Licence to each individual child and youngster; Both are home matches for Bosnia and that OFC plans to implement after – Instructors and coaches have Herzegovina. its technical department is in place in to be qualified to work with children and Fuad Krvavac the near future. young people. “We are greatly indebted Based on these common guide- to The FA and to Alan”, said Acting lines, each sports association defines its ENGLAND OFC General Secretary, Tai Nicholas. own club standards. The Football Associa- “I have no doubt that the programme tion of Finland started its own quality Gillett praises we are putting in place will enable club system in 2001 within its grassroots Oceania coaches the participants to return home department. FA coach Alan Gillett praised and pass on the knowledge they There are five fields in which the attitude of the 18 have attained to a new generation quality clubs must meet the standards in coaches who attended the 2004 OFC of coaches in the islands.” order to be eligible for the award: Indigenous Senior Coaching Licence Kim Fisher – Education – Guidance – Fair Play – Communications – Economics and administration. In addition to these five quality standards, a club may have one or more standards which it defines itself to sym- bolise its commitment to its members and environment. They also act as guiding principles, helping each person working with the club to understand the different aspects of youth club principles. Quality control is carried out by the club individually. Trust is a keyword, but the system also controls itself through the promises made by the organisation. When a club is ready to meet quality club standards, it submits an application the Finnish FA’s grassroots department. This year, about 25,000 children and young people in Finland are playing foot- FINLAND Along with all young Finnish footballers, ball in the 30 youth football quality clubs, Finland’s Under-15s (in stripes, and the number is growing rapidly.

here against Poland) benefit AFP/SAUKKOMAA from training provided by quality clubs. Jukka Salasuo

18 uefadirect 8.04 GEORGIA ICELAND The Mini-pitches Club Licensing in response Committee. to the love of the game. GFF WITTERS

GEORGIA However, it is sporting merit UEFA’s contribution, which has made which counts in football above all else, this project as big as it has become. “The Magnificent and it would be a pity for a club that has First-rate, third-generation artificial turf Seven” done well on the field to be denied a will be laid on the pitches, the same kind The first licensing proce- place in the UEFA competitions because as has been laid in Iceland’s indoor dure in Georgia was it failed to meet the licensing criteria. football halls. The mini-pitch programme completed in early May. Only seven of Our clubs are supposed to take this fact will give youngsters in Iceland the oppor- the 12 top-division clubs obtained the into consideration and take the licensing tunity to play football in top-class condi- licence for the forthcoming season. process in general more seriously. tions at any time of the year, even during Like the famous characters in the well- The first licensing exercise has the coldest winter months. known American Western, the licensed been very hard and tense both for the Eggert Magnusson, President clubs differ greatly in their playing style, licensor and for the licensees, but the of the FA of Iceland said: “With UEFA’s sporting merits and financial possibili- main thing was that all the participants Jubilee mini-pitch programme, we ties, but, at the same time, they all understood that the main licensing have an even better chance to provide have one thing in common – a respon- objectives were aimed at the further children with the opportunity to prac- sibility to fulfil their licensing obliga- development and promotion of the tise sport in a protected environment.” tions. The “magnificent seven” are new football in our country, in compliance Ómar Smárason Georgia champions FC WIT Georgia, with the UEFA motto – “We care about vice-champions and cup winners football!” FC Dinamo Tbilisi, FC Sioni Bolnisi, Bakar Jordania FC Tbilisi, FC Dila Gori, FC Lokomotivi ISRAEL and FC Spartak, who, despite being Record high of relegated, fulfilled their obligations ICELAND 25,000 youth players towards the GFF Licensing Committee and met all the national requirements. Mini-pitch fever The 2003/04 season Unfortunately, not everything The launch of UEFA’s ended with many new went smoothly in this first licensing Jubilee mini-pitch pro- records and achievements from profes- exercise in Georgia. On account of the gramme earlier this year sional and popular perspectives. Over hard economic situation in the country, sparked a kind of mini-pitch fever in 25,000 youth players from the ages the majority of the clubs experienced Iceland. The programme was presented of 10 to 19 were involved last year in difficulties in solving infrastructural to local authorities all over the country 750 teams in 61 active leagues under and financial problems. At the moment and the response was excellent. In total, the umbrella of the Israeli Football Asso- there are only two stadiums available applications for over 100 mini-pitches ciation (IFA). The highest record ever of in Georgia which meet the UEFA licens- were submitted to the FA, which had more than 18,000 formal games were ing requirements, but we hope that this planned to build at least 40, and the played. With a strong correlation to number will increase quite soon, since target has was set at 60 mini-pitches these figures, an Israeli team of 12-year- the Georgian professional football within the next two years. The FA olds won the Fox Kids world cup on league is enforcing drastic and tough received the support of sponsors and 24 June, beating Brazil 3-2 in the final changes for the domestic championship. the local government to supplement and defeating Spain, the U.S., France and the Netherlands along the way. The team is coached by Israeli football legend Asher Almanie. Under the shadow of EURO 2004, four teams have begun their preparations for next season’s UEFA club competitions. For the first time, two of them, Maccabi Haifa and Maccabi Tel-Aviv, have their hopes set on getting through the UEFA Cham- pions League qualifying competition. In an historical achievement, an Israeli- Arab team, cup-holders Bnei Sakhnin, will be playing in the UEFA Cup for the first time, with enormous support from Israeli and Arab-Israeli fans. Early in June, the IFA launched its new website www.israel-football.org.il. Together with the English version which is currently being prepared, our web ISRAEL pages will serve as a useful resource Bnei Sakhnin for all football fans wanting to explore (Leor Assoulin, centre) the history of football in Israel and to have qualified for the UEFA Cup find online results and standing tables

via the Israel Cup. ?????????????? for almost 100 active leagues.

AFP/COHEN Alon Zager

19 LITHUANIA MALTA MOLDOVA A campaign Malta, captained The Gugutsa to attract by Noel Turner, youth youngsters No. 7, beat tournament. into football. Estonia in the 12th international tournament. D. AQUILINA FMF

LITHUANIA national tournament, with the partic- MOLDOVA ipation of the eventual winners, Football stadiums Belarus, Estonia, Moldova and host Return of Gugutsa instead of school classes country Malta. After a short break, the tradi- Throughout July, staff from Two months later the MFA met tional Gugutsa tournament the Lithuanian Football will officials of affiliated clubs, members for children aged 12-13 has be travelling around the country visiting of the media and other interested per- resumed. Twelve teams from all regions of various cities as the long-awaited project sons at a conference aimed at boosting Moldova had a wonderful opportunity to “Let’s get children back onto the football the popularity of the game in Malta in play on the fields of the national teams’ field” gets under way. the wake of a national survey carried technical centre in Vadul-lui-Voda. After Twenty schools in different out earlier in the season on the state of three days of very interesting encounters, parts of Lithuania are taking part. football on the island. Several positive the little footballers from Ialoveni defeated Each participating school has initiatives were taken to enhance inter- their counterparts from Nisporeni in selected two teachers who will attend est among the Maltese public. the final, while in the match for third a special football coaching course. Conscious of its role to lead its place, Drochia overcame Edinet by the Then the teachers will run training member clubs to adhere to UEFA’s same score of 1-0. sessions with interested pupils during licensing regulations, a campaign was In the opinion of the participants the summer holidays. launched to help clubs conform with and their coaches, these competitions The Lithuanian Football Federa- these standards. Cooperation from are very useful for improving technique, tion is pleased to have attracted a big clubs was most satisfactory as time physical training and tactics. supporter for this project –mobile phone frames were adhered to. An inde- All of the participants received card suppliers ECYS. pendent commission was set up to footballs and shirts from the FA of Moldova confirm that clubs had the necessary and the Olimpia sports club. Vaiva Zizaite requisites to obtain licences. Following Malta’s accession Vasile Vatamanu to the EU on 1 May, it was also necessary for the MFA to adopt new regulations MALTA regarding registration and eligibility of REPUBLIC An eventful season players from EU member countries and those from the EEA, who are now consid- OF IRELAND The 2003/04 season ered as non-foreigners. Looking forward has been an eventful one While conforming with the for the Malta FA, mostly to the World Cup laws, the association kept in mind that qualifiers from an administrative point of view. Maltese football, particularly the youth Pride of place goes to the re- After a somewhat troubled end to his first sector, had to be protected. Measures election of MFA President Joseph Mifsud year as the new Irish senior international to this effect have been taken. on the UEFA Executive Committee at manager, Brian Kerr was happy to set off Other areas covered were new the XXVIII UEFA Congress in Cyprus on his summer break in a much more policies for football nurseries and the in April. When his term of office ends, contented frame of mind than he might new MFA Doping Charter in the light of Dr Mifsud will have held that seat for have thought possible. 12 consecutive years – no mean achieve- the WADA regulations. A couple of morale-boosting ment for a country the size of Malta. The process for these changes, performances by his international squad in In January, the association together with amendments to the a series of end-of-season friendly games hosted a meeting for top football offi- association’s statutes, took some time were the reason why Brian set off for a cials from Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, to be finalised. Months of discussions quick trip to the European Championships Iceland and Sweden to set the fixtures by the various MFA boards were fol- in Portugal to have a look at two of the for the 2006 World Cup qualifiers in lowed by a seminar for member clubs countries he will have to face in the 2006 Group 8 as well as for the European and member associations in June to World Cup qualifiers when he ‘returns to Under-21 Championship. explain and clarify all points arising out work’ in the autumn. The Malta FA followed this event of these changes. France and Switzerland were the by organising the 12th biennial inter- Alex Vella main focus of the attention of the Irish

MOLDOVA The Gugutsa tournament was also an opportunity to campaign against racism. FMF 20 uefadirect 8.04 SERBIA AND SLOVAKIA SLOVENIA MONTENEGRO Football Drazen Zezelj The press officer for a good was top traces UEFA cause. scorer in the history before the 2003/04 balloons are championship. released. In the background, Stjepan Bobek and Rajko Mitic. FS SCG SFZ NZS

team manager in Portugal, and it gave him Bobek and Rajko Mitic, were honoured to take part. Blood is the most valuable a renewed sense of hope for the upcoming release the balloons. Both of them played liquid there is and it can help or even games against both nations in the World for their country (Bobek – 63 caps and save the lives of people who urgently Cup when their interest in EURO 2004 38 goals, Mitic – 59 caps and 32 goals), need it – maybe even footballers,” said ended sooner than both countries would winning silver Olympic medals and achiev- FC Artmedia Bratislava player Marek Krejci. have wished. ing their greatest successes 50 years ago, The defeat of reigning champions when UEFA was born. They played for Karolina Ducka France by Greece was the major shock of two biggest city rivals – FK Partizan and the games in Portugal, but the result would FK Crvena zvezda. have sent a smile filtering across the face As the balloons headed skywards, of the Irish manager. the EURO 2004 anthem, “Forç,a” sung by The Irish are due in Paris in Octo- Nelly Furtado, was played. All TV stations ber to face the French in the World Cup and daily papers reported on this event. qualifying campaign, and for Kerr and his squad it will be interesting to see how Nebojsa Ivkovic SLOVENIA the EURO champs of 2000 will have over- come their defeat by the Greeks. Changes to Slovenian Cup system Kerr’s hopes for those World SLOVAKIA The traditional post-season meeting is also Cup qualifiers were sent soaring in the used to plan for the next season. In one few games the Irish had to round off their Association supports day, the Football Association of Slovenia, end-of-season routine. a good cause in cooperation with the First League Clubs’ Following a heartening 2–1 home In June, the Slovakian Foot- Association, decided on the awards for victory over the Czech Republic in March ball Association celebrated the best clubs, players, etc. in 2003/04 and a scoreless draw away to Poland the UEFA’s Golden Jubilee and FIFA’s centenary. and organised the draw for the first- and following month, Kerr’s squad followed Primary and secondary school children second-division championships and the up those results with a victory over Romania learned about both of these sports bodies Slovenian Cup for 2004/05. in a friendly in Dublin, success against and, of course, football tournaments were The awards were given to the best Jamaica in a tournament in London and held. The children were given balloons scorer (Drazen Zezelj, Primorje) and to the a wonderful solitary-goal win over the with the UEFA Jubilee logo, which they clubs that won the Slovenian cham- Netherlands in Amsterdam. released into the skies at the end of the pionship (Gorica) and Slovenian The only set-back in what was celebrations. Cup (Maribor PL), as well as for a glittering run of encouraging results was Also in June, the Slovakian FA fair play (Gorica, a three-goal defeat by Nigeria in their first responded to a request from FIFA to sup- Rudar, game of the Unity Cup tournament in port World Blood Donor Day on Triglav, London, though it has to be said that that 14 June. The FA appealed on its Dravinja). particular game came just two days after website and in the media A special award the Romania game and the journey from to football academies, was made to Pri- Dublin to London the following day. clubs, personali- morje and CMC Pub- But overall, Brian Kerr was ties and likum for qualifying for extremely pleased with the performances football the UEFA competitions. of his squad and particularly by some fans. For next season, young new players he was forced to bring Several Slovakian football the FA has decided to in for the series of matches. personalities responded change the cup compe- to the appeal, including tition system to make Brendan McKenna Robert Tomaschek, the it more former national team attractive. captain, Marek Krejci, The First current international and League SERBIA player for FC Artmedia Clubs will AND MONTENEGRO Bratislava, and Vladimir now join the competi- Wänke, the FA’s sports tion at a later stage. Celebrating The final will comprise 50 years of UEFA director a regular blood donor. The blood just one match instead of As in all other European was donated at the two legs. countries whose national football associa- transfusion depart- The first- and second- tions are members of UEFA, the Golden ment of the Cyril division championships Jubilee of UEFA was celebrated in Serbia a Metod hospital remain unchanged, so and Montenegro on 15 June. Fifty helium- in Bratislava. both leagues continue to filled balloons were released near the “I didn’t think EMPICS offices of the FA of Serbia and Montenegro about it for a REPUBLIC in Belgrade in the presence of FA officials, second. When OF IRELAND as well as media representatives and I heard that Andy O’Brien local citizens. this appeal had (in green) At the beginning of the ceremony, been made, gets in front of Jamaica’s which started at noon exactly, the history of I immediately Keven Lisbie UEFA was briefly traced, after which two said that I was in the eminent football legends, old aces Stjepan prepared to Unity Cup.

21 SWEDEN UKRAINE A record FFU Dynamo Kiev’s number of captain, participants Valentin in the Belkevich, football holds aloft the schools. championship trophy. SvFF

play with 12 clubs. The first-division cham- more than 8,000 new leaders have been ceived as a festival of football based on the pionship kicks off on 1 August with the recruited to youth football and trained friendship of the continents and the coun- following line-up: CMC Publikum vs Kumho through the football school programme. tries and which does not produce a cup- Drava, Koper vs Gorica, Ljubljana vs winner. The goal is to promote good and Zagorje, Domzale vs KD Olimpija, Primorje Thomas Saleteg friendly relations among the young players. vs Bela Krajina, and Maribor Pivovarna Lasko We are now waiting with impatience vs Mura. The second division embarks on to welcome the new visitors from Africa as its championship one week later with TURKEY well as our old friends, who have visited the following fixtures: Supernova Triglav Aegean region Turkey before. The traditional curtain-raiser vs Rudar, Izola Argeta vs Aluminij, Svoboda awaits friends from gala game is expected to attract huge inter- vs Livar, Krsko vs Factor, Nafta vs Koroska Europe and Africa est from the people living in this region. Dravograd, and Smartno vs Dravinja. We are certain that the Meridian In February 2005, the Merid- Cup will provide friendship among the ian Cup will take place in the Aegean region Irena Ilesic Cujovic young players from different continents of Turkey, in the town of Kusadasi which is and from different cultures and that one of the most remarkable sites in Turkey, they will have the opportunity to share with its historical places and touristic high- experiences. lights, such as Epheseus Antic City, the SWEDEN We are looking forward to hosting Virgin Mary House and the Artemis Temple. our friends in the Aegean region in Turkey. Råsunda first choice The Turkish Football Association has been The Råsunda national stadium organising the International Aegean Cup Metin Tuncer in Solna is to be renovated and (U16 tournament) in this region for seven rebuilt in order to meet the years, with the tournament centre located at Swedish FA’s need for a mod- the Fantasia Hotel. As a result of the UKRAINE ern venue capable of hosting top interna- increasing success of the tournament, with tional football. This solution was preferred high-level organisation and comfortable In honour to the option of the city of Stockholm’s hotel facilities for the participating teams, of Victor Bannikov plans for a modern, multi-functional arena. we have been receiving more and more This year, the third interna- Now the FA is inviting the cities of Solna requests to take part in this tournament. tional youth football tourna- and Stockholm and other possible partners On account of the Meridian Cup, the ment in honour of Victor Bannikov, the first to discuss how to move on with the project. Aegean Cup will not be organised this year, president of the Football Federation of The aim is to have the decision-making and preparations for the Meridian Cup are Ukraine (FFU), took place in Kyiv and the Kyiv basis ready for the FA representatives’ already under way. A UEFA delegation has region from 14 to 19 June. Victor Bannikov meeting in December. A final resolution on already been on a site visit and held discus- was instrumental in gaining FIFA and UEFA the topic can then be made at the FA sions with representatives of the Turkish Foot- recognition for the independent Football annual general meeting next March. ball Association. It inspected the Kusadasi, Federation of Ukraine when it came into being. Råsunda (capacity 36,100) is cur- Söke, Ödemic and Aydın Mukan Perinçek The international tournament in rently owned by the FA. Inaugurated in stadiums, training grounds and the facilities commemoration of Victor Bannikov, an 1937, it has already been renovated several at the Fantasia Hotel. Since hundreds of play- unparalleled goalkeeper, is designed to times. The future arena is intended to ers and officials from two continents and establish fruitful, mutually beneficial con- meet all the demands of a top-of-the-range different countries will be staying at the same tacts between football associations – some- modern arena and to accommodate some hotel for ten days, good organisation is of thing Victor Bannikov dreamt of as the first 50,000 spectators. paramount importance as regards the hotel president of the national association. For Well over 70,000 youngsters in and transportation to and from the match the third such tournament, the Under-17 719 clubs took part in this summer’s FA-run venues. We will also try to highlight the teams of the Czech Republic, Poland, football schools throughout the country. cultural richness of the region and organise Moldova, Russia, Turkey, Slovakia, Lithuania Participation is over 6% higher than last sightseeing tours to nearby attractions. and Ukraine were divided into two groups, year’s record figures and the number of In the U17 final tournament in with the two group winners contesting clubs involved has increased by almost 10%. France in May, France, Spain, Portugal and the final. Off the field, the participants The football school package includes train- Turkey emerged as Europe’s representatives were able to pay their respects to Victor ing of new grassroots leaders; this year in the Meridian Cup, an event which is con- Bannikov and Valeriy Lobanovsky by visit- ing their graves at the Baikove cemetery. Turkey won the tournament, beat- ing Ukraine 3-2 on penalties in the final. In the play-off for third place, Slovakia beat the Czech Republic 3-1. The final day of the tournament coincided with the end of the Ukrainian top-division champi- onship, which saw FC Dynamo Kyiv collect- ing their 11th championship title. After- wards, the memorial tournament par- ticipants, the Ukrainian champions and FC Dynamo Kyiv supporters were treated to a celebratory concert at Dynamo’s Valeriy Lobanovsky Stadium, where many Ukrainian and Russian pop stars performed.

TFF Valeriy Nykonenko

TURKEY The Kusadasi stadium hosted the second qualifying round in the 2003/04 22 uefadirect 8.04 European Under-19 Championship. Légende Légende Légende Lége Légende Lége Légende Légende Légende Lége Légende Lége Légende Légende Légende Lége Légende Lége Légende Légende ??????????????? ??????????????? UEFA

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■ The FA of Azerbaijan has moved to: Communications 37, Khojali Avenue – Silk Way Business Centre, 5th floor – AZ-1025 BAKU Birthdays – Calendar Tel: +994 12 908 308 or +994 12 908 721 / 23 Birthdays ■ The FA of Georgia’s new contact details are: ● Hermann Selbherr (Germany), member of the Juan Ansuategui Roca (Spain, 27.8) 76a Chavchavadze Avenue – GE-0162 TBILISI Match Delegates Panel, will be 70 on 16 August, ● Karl Hopfner (Germany, 28.8) and on 25 August, Dulberto Gloria (Portugal), ● Markus Wanger (Liechtenstein, 28.8) Tel.: +995 32 912 680 member of the Ticketing Panel, will be 60. ● Joseph Mc Glue (Republic of Ireland, 28.8) ■ The Portuguese Football Federation UEFA also wishes many happy returns to: ● Fredi Fiorentini (Croatia, 29.8) has also moved to: ● Theodore Theodoridis (Greece, 1.8) ● Tassos Katsikides (Cyprus, 29.8) ● Süheyl Önen (Turkey, 2.8) ● John Christopher McGinn (Scotland, 30.8) Rua Alexandre Herculano, 58, Apartado ● Peter Gans (Netherlands, 3.8) ● Leo Windtner (Austria, 30.8) 24013 – PT-1251-977 LISBOA ● Andreas Schluchter (Switzerland, 3.8) ● Pedro Manuel Correia Magro (Portugal, 30.8) Tel: +351 21 325 2700 ● Christer Fällström (Sweden, 31.8) ● Zdravko Jokic (Serbia and Montenegro, 4.8) Fax: +351 21 325 2780 ● Michael Skibbe (Germany, 4.8) ● Lamberto Perugia (Italy, 5.8) ● Yehuda Wilk (Israel, 5.8) Upcoming events ● Piet Hubers (Netherlands, 6.8) Match agents ● Pierino Lardi (Switzerland, 7.8) ● Simo Ruokonen (Finland, 8.8) MEETINGS The Match Agents Panel has granted ● Peter Donald (Scotland, 8.8) 25.8.2004, Monaco two new match agent licences to: ● Nico de Pauw (Belgium, 8.8) Club Competitions Committee ● Pierre Schiepers (Belgium, 9.8) Charlie Martin ● Odd Flattum (Norway, 9.8) 26.8.2004, Monaco 29A Sumatra Road – GB-London NW6 1PS ● Roy Hodgson (England, 9.8) Draw for the UEFA Champions League Tel : +44 7956 181111 ● Heinz Fahnler (Austria, 10.8) group matches E-mail: [email protected] ● Keith Burge (Wales, 10.8) 27.8.2004, Monaco ● Ettore Mazzilli (Italy, 10.8) Draw for the UEFA Cup first round Michael Josef Dürk ● Maurice Burlaz (France, 11.8) Arndtstrasse 55 – DE-44135 Dortmund ● Dr Urs Vogel (Switzerland, 11.8) Tel:+49 231 139 030 ● Alexis Dedes (Greece, 12.8) COMPETITIONS ● Fax: +49 231 139 0333 Roger Vanden Stock (Belgium, 13.8) 28.7–8.8.2004, Finland ● Joseph Mifsud (Malta, 13.8) European Women's Under-19 Championship: ● Cornel Cristian Bivolaru (Romania, 13.8) The panel has also renewed the licences final round ● Gevorg Hovhannisyan (Armenia, 13.8) of four agents for eight years each: ● Metin Tuncer (Turkey, 13.8) 4.8.2004 Gerbrand Maaskant (Netherlands) ● Markus Hörwick (Germany, 14.8) UEFA Champions League: ● Nikolay Ryashentsev (Russia, 15.8) second qualifying round (return legs) Maarten de Vos (Netherlands) ● Alan Hutchings (England, 16.8) UEFA Intertoto Cup: semi-finals (return legs) Lennart Norgren (Sweden) ● Arman Hovhannisyan (Armenia, 16.8) Lisa Davey (England) 10.8.2004 ● Jean Hardt (Luxembourg, 17.8) UEFA Intertoto Cup: finals (first legs) ● Dane Jost (Slovenia, 18.8) Alamgir Kashmiri (England), whose ● Vitalijs Liholajs (Latvia, 19.8) 10-11.8.2004 licence expired on 19 May, decided not ● Patricia Gregory (England, 19.8) UEFA Champions League: third qualifying to apply for renewal. Consequently, ● Hans Reijgwart (Netherlands, 19.8) round (first legs) ● Frantisek Laurinec (Slovakia, 19.8) in accordance with the Regulations 11-28.8.2004, Athens ● Per Ravn Omdal (Norway, 20.8) for Licensed UEFA Match Agents, UEFA ● Oleg Orekhov (Ukraine, 20.8) Olympic tournaments member associations, their clubs or other ● Carmelo Bartolo (Malta, 21.8) 12.8.2004 licensed agents who have complaints ● Hasan Ceylan (Turkey, 22.8) UEFA Cup: second qualifying round (first legs) regarding the activities of Alamgir ● Kazimierz Oleszek (Poland, 22.8) 24.8.2004 Kashmiri as a UEFA match agent ● Wilhelm Hennes (Germany, 23.8) ● Geoffrey Thompson (England, 23.8) UEFA Intertoto Cup: finals (return legs) have to file their complaints with ● John Economides (Greece, 23.8) 24-25.8.2004 the UEFA Administration in writing ● Enrique González Ruano (Spain, 24.8) UEFA Champions League: third qualifying by 29 October 2004. ● Nicolae Grigorescu (Romania, 24.8) round (return legs) ● Thomas Slosarich (Denmark, 24.8) The same procedure and the same ● 26.8.2004 Josef Poucek (Czech Republic, 25.8) deadline also apply in the case of Bozhin ● Leslaw Cmikiewicz (Poland, 25.8) UEFA Cup: second qualifying round ● Alex Manfré (Malta, 26.8) (return legs) Bozhinov (Bulgaria), who has decided ● Giancarlo Abete (Italy, 26.8) 27.8.2004, Monaco to return his licence before its expiry ● Charles Rubli (Switzerland, 27.8) UEFA Super Cup (expiry date 28.05.2006).

we care about football Editor André Vieli The views expressed in signed articles are not necessarily the Produced by Atema Communication SA, CH-1196 Gland official views of UEFA. Official publication of the The reproduction of articles Union des associations or extracts of any information européennes de football Printed by Cavin SA, CH-1422 Grandson published in uefadirect is authorised, provided the Communications and Public Affairs Division Editorial deadline: 14 July 2004 source is indicated. UEFA Route de Genève 46 Union des associations CH-1260 Nyon européennes de football Suisse Téléphone +41 22 994 44 44 Téléfax +41 22 994 44 88 uefa.com