UEFA Congress – presentation of the 12 UEFA Executive Committee candidates
Ahead of the elections, all 12 candidates agreed to answer the following two questions:
A What do you see as UEFA’s top priority in the immediate future? Peter Gilliéron (Switzerland)
Images Born on 5 May sport for society as a whole. UEFA B 1953, he has will need to work with the national
If you are elected (or re-elected), what Getty been president associations, who also have an im- personal contribution do you think you via portant and decisive role to play in can make to achieving that objective? of the Swiss UEFA Football this regard. Association since 2009, having previously served as its general secretary from 1994 to 2009. B The UEFA Executive Commit Sándor Csányi Elected to the UEFA Executive tee is a team, and as in every Committee in 2011, he has sat team, the group is more important (Hungary) than the individual. However, in the on UEFA committees since 1998 event of my re-election, I personally and is currently chairman of Born on 20 March 1953, could make use of my strong ties the UEFA Fair Play and Social he has been president with all areas of the game. As the Responsibility Committee and president and former general secre UEFA of the Hungarian Football deputy chairman of the UEFA Federation (MLSZ) since July 2010 and is tary of a national association, I have Club Licensing Committee. made a lot of important contacts currently first vice-chairman of the UEFA over the years. If we in European National Associations Committee. He has sat A It is important for the health of football want to present a united on UEFA committees since October 2010. European football that all stake- front, we also need to build bridges, holders (national associations, clubs, and I am convinced that I would be A It is a positive tendency that football involves players, officials and referees) are able to contribute to that. In addi more countries in the world, but we have to involved in decision-making, so that tion, in my role as chairman of the secure the position of European football so that the we all work together to tackle the Fair Play and Social Responsibility spirit of the game and the traditions are correctly major problems that football faces Committee, I have worked very hard represented. (match-fixing, violence on the pitch to tackle racism and discrimination. I believe in solidarity in football. UEFA has a key role and in the stands, racism and dis The national associations could play in guaranteeing the balance between the different crimination) and highlight the politi a much bigger role in this, with help parties. cal and social significance of our from UEFA. l The strengthening of financial fair play is impor tant, and I fully support this progression. We must create a legal environment within the EU that focuses on the specificities of sport. Given that the current European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport comes from a Hungarian government that Fernando Gomes (Portugal) considers sport as a strategic target, UEFA should be
able to move forward in this matter. Images Born on women´s football and futsal should Coming from a country that has a great football 21 February continue to be among UEFA’s top heritage and as chairman of one of the largest banks Getty 1952, he has priorities. in central and eastern Europe, I am sure that the via been president Sports integrity and fair play are biggest challenge is to maintain the balance between absolutely essential to the future of UEFA of the Portu- sport values and money. Football has learnt a lot guese Football Federation (FPF) football in Europe. We need to keep recently from the financial world, but we have to enforcing zero tolerance against any since December 2011. He is keep the game as it was. sort of match-fixing. I also believe special advisor to the UEFA that an organisation such as UEFA Executive Committee in charge B The synchronisation of different motives and cannot grow stronger without firm sectors is crucial when you think about the of relations with all confede policies against violence, racism and success of a project. I have been involved in football rations, a member of the UEFA xenophobia. since the second part of the 1980s. I was a committee EURO 2016 steering group and member within the Hungarian Football Federation second vice-chairman of the B All my life I´ve been involved in and I have also had different roles in clubs. Thanks UEFA National Associations sports, in various areas, such as to my background and over 30 years of experience, Committee. He has sat on managing companies and clubs, and I have had the opportunity to understand the UEFA committees since 2004. working on development projects for mechanism of a sports association as much as that of stadiums and training centres. I think a government or company, while I also understood that those skills, along with my expe the workflows of the EU. I can mediate between all of A To support policies for asso rience of leading our national league these different stakeholders for the sake of European ciations with smaller investment and, now, our football federation, football. capabilities, both in terms of funding can help UEFA to achieve its objec Football has always improved when new sectors infrastructures and grassroots work. tives in the next years. of society have joined the game. We have to attract We need to help less-developed As an economist and a leader, I more people to play and support our game. The countries to grow stronger in order strongly believe that sports organi improvement of men’s football cannot happen with to keep European football the most sations should be led with vision, out involving women. It is time to consider women’s competitive in the world. Solidarity, imagination, detail, transparency, pas- football as equally as important as men’s. I would among countries and towards people, sion, courage, loyalty, dedication and support the countries where women’s football is not should also be a key word for UEFA a respect for history and tradition. so strong, to improve their activities in this field. in the next years. UEFA, as the leading body of Euro It would be a privilege to bring a lifetime’s worth of Every aspect concerning training, pean football, should always strive football experience to the UEFA Executive Committee. l youth development, development of for credibility and excellence. l
6 | UEFA •direct | 01-02.15 Yngve Hallén effect on promoting values of respect Borislav and understanding to our players and (Norway) fans in all of the national associations. Mihaylov (Bulgaria) Born on 14 March B My bid for election is founded on 1968, he became decades of experience as a football Born on president of leader and administrator at all levels of via Getty Images UEFA 12 February 1963, UEFA via Getty Images UEFA the Football Norwegian football, including top-level he has been president of the Association of Norway (NFF) in club management. The highlight of my Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) March 2010 and is currently a football life so far is being president of the NFF and having the privilege of since 2005, having served as member of the UEFA National vice-president from 2001 to 2005. Team Competitions Committee. working with UEFA and all its member associations. A former international footballer, I promise to work tirelessly in building he played 102 matches for the A Our top priority in UEFA for the closer and stronger ties to all of football’s Bulgarian national team. A coming years is to strengthen our governing bodies. As a member of the member of the UEFA Executive position, while continuing to develop the Executive Committee, I would seek UEFA’s Committee since 2011, he has sat game at all levels – grassroots, women’s advice, be attentive to its views and value on UEFA committees since 2006, and elite competitions. Building closer its opinions. My goal is simple: to bring and is currently chairman of the ties to all of football’s governing bodies my experience from a lifetime in football, UEFA Futsal and Beach Soccer and stakeholders will be vital in achieving together with the Norwegian culture of Committee and deputy chairman this aim. A proper balance between the peace and diplomacy, into the great leagues, clubs and associations has to be team that is the Executive Committee. of the UEFA Football Committee. found and maintained. We must empha Together, we can make UEFA a stronger sise our impact in the area of social unifying force in our own continent and A One of UEFA’s top priorities would responsibility, where football has a direct throughout the world. l be to make football even more popular among children. Through the efforts of UEFA, the grassroots movement has developed really fast, but by elabo rating a fine-tuned model of solidarity payments, more focused on the needs of the smaller European associations, it could gain additional impetus. Those national associations could be helped to make the game attractive and admired by schoolboys and schoolgirls. a team to be stronger from the grass- Another important immediate goal Trefor Lloyd roots to the top of the game. for UEFA in the coming years is to protect Hughes the integrity of the game. To reinforce B I have been involved in football for the principle of fair play – on the pitch (Wales) over 50 years, from being a player and in finance – is of utmost importance and club founder to becoming an admi for the even brighter future of football. Born on nistrator and president of my national UEFA 11 December 1947, association. I have worked across all B One of the pillars of the BFU’s and president of the Football aspects of football administration, from strategic plan for 2014–18 is the Association of Wales (FAW) since volunteer to club level, to the league and integration of football into school edu August 2012, he has sat on UEFA the association and through to the work cation programmes from the earliest committees since 2011 and is that I have done at both UEFA and FIFA age. As president of the BFU, I’m well currently second vice-chairman levels. But in all that time, I have never experienced in optimising the commu lost sight of my focus on youth devel of the UEFA Stadium and Security nication flows between the association opment. and the government, as well as in the Committee. Professionally I am a (retired) trained best practices of institutional interaction. ambulance paramedic, having served for It is essential for the smaller and medium- A Football first. First today, first tomor- 34 years in my local community and at sized national associations to get ever row. The top priority for UEFA is to football matches. I was a county coun more possibilities to organise UEFA youth ensure that we have a thriving tomorrow. cillor at the age of 19 and have over 30 and amateur tournaments, which is cur More players, better players! years’ experience. I was also mayor of my rently the trend, because it remains the Football’s future is dependent upon local town. I am a person who cares, a best way to stimulate government and stronger grassroots that offer a safe and person who brings a sense of perspective local authority support for turning secure environment, where football is to the decisions that need to be made, football’s development into a national played with respect and integrity. Excel which have often, as a professional strategic goal. Bearing in mind the com lent facilities, great coaching and a safe ambulance paramedic, been lifesaving plexity of the modern football infra environment to allow the next generation decisions. structure construction problem all over to prosper. My focus on the grassroots of the Europe, to host a UEFA tournament is Remembering the basics, some kit, a game and on youth development com one of the most appropriate approaches ball to play, a place to play and a coach plements those of my fellow Executive for inclusiveness in the European football to help, are key items that sometimes we Committee candidates, and, working family, as well as for further boosting the lose sight of. We must work together as together as a team, we can be stronger.l expansion of the game. l
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women’s football and grassroots pro Campbell Davor Šuker grammes. Ogilvie (Croatia) (Scotland) B As a former player and a current Born on 1 January football executive, I believe I have the necessary experience, knowledge Born on 1 May 1950, 1968, he is a HNS former Croatian and passion to work successfully on Scottish FA he became president international footballer, has been achieving these goals. I would be a good of the Scottish Football Association ambassador for the sport at European in June 2011. He has sat on UEFA president of the Croatian Football level, promoting positive football values committees since 2004 and Federation (HNS) since 2012 and and pointing out negative trends. I can is currently a member of the UEFA is currently a member of the UEFA also bring fresh ideas in safeguarding National Team Competitions Football Committee. and improving our game. I have dedi Committee. cated my life to football and it is my per A UEFA’s top priority is protecting the sonal goal to protect the game that is so game of football. It is, on the face important to everybody involved, from A UEFA’s commitment to financial fair play provides a catalyst for future of it, a simple goal but it involves dealing the players and coaches to the officials, discussions on achieving a fairer competi with many different challenges. The supporters and community in general. tive balance, helping to bridge the gap for financial crisis is threatening our game I have learned how important teamwork clubs in smaller territories. I believe if we and we must keep applying and further is in football, and I would cooperate get the football decisions right, finance improving the financial fair play rules. intensely with the UEFA President, the will follow. Proper care and education of youth play other members of the UEFA Executive The ever-changing European landscape ers is another key objective for UEFA, and Committee, the national associations, will also allow us to debate future oppor we must encourage the local training of clubs, players’ associations, sponsors, tunities to expand the game’s reach and young players. Protecting the game also broadcasters and all other UEFA stake attractiveness. Equally important to the means dealing with match-fixing issues, holders on improving and developing our identity of member clubs and national tackling fan violence and racism in the game. I would personally support all associations is a more focused approach stadiums and protecting sports intellec worthy, positive and feasible projects, to home-grown talent identification and tual property rights. Football attracts and would share constructive ideas on development. New initiatives will maxim large sums of money, and our goal how to safeguard football by keeping it ise the development opportunities for our should be to distribute a significant part simple, attractive, understandable and young professional players. of that to player development, coach playable by everyone at all levels with the UEFA will also continue to be a model education, infrastructure improvements, same rules. l of great governance amid growing inter national challenges in the areas of match- fixing, anti-doping, racism and all other forms of discriminatory or unacceptable behaviour.
B I have been involved in some of football’s most significant develop have proved the timeliness and effective ments domestically, across Europe and Grigoriy ness of those UEFA reforms. Now the internationally during my 45 years in the Surkis national team competitions are on the game, and in that time have worked for agenda. The increase in the number of the national league body, two of its major (Ukraine) EURO participants, the geographic expan- clubs and, of course, the national associa sion of the host countries, and the crea tion. Born on 4 Septem- tion of the UEFA Nations League repre As president of the Scottish FA, I have UEFA via Getty Images UEFA ber 1949, he sent new challenges and also show that chaired our board of directors through an UEFA keeps in step with the times. unprecedented programme of moderni was president of the Football sation on the field and off it. I believe I am Federation of Ukraine from 2000 to 2012 and is now the B I am determined to use the experi a forward-thinker, as demonstrated with ence I have gained over more than my involvement in the creation and ulti federation’s honorary president. two decades in football to make every mate execution of the original UEFA Having been a co-opted member effort to meet the expectations of all Champions League format. of the UEFA Executive Committee UEFA members, and to work together I pride myself on attention to detail from 2004 to 2007, he was elected with my colleagues for the benefit of the and forward planning, and believe I have as a full member in 2007 and noble mission of our organisation by the qualities and skills to contribute across as vice-president in 2013. He is developing the sporting aspects of its the spectrum of issues that influence and currently chairman of the UEFA activities, expanding its geographical affect the game. Stadium and Security Committee reach and promoting its great humani It would be a privilege to bring a life and deputy chairman of the UEFA tarian mission. time’s worth of football experience to the Marketing Advisory Committee. I have said many times that UEFA UEFA Executive Committee. l EURO 2012 in Poland and Ukraine was my lifework. However, following this A Europe is at the forefront of world great event, I acutely felt the unique football and leads the way for the social, cultural and integrative role of development of the game. UEFA pro football for hundreds of millions of peo motes the continuous evolution and ple. From my current position as UEFA modernisation of football, both at club vice-president, I appreciate the honour of and national team levels. Having replaced ‘Creating History Together’, a concept the European Champion Clubs’ Cup and which acquires special significance for the UEFA Cup, the UEFA Champions the whole of Europe in the current turbu League and the UEFA Europa League lent times. l
8 | UEFA •direct | 01-02.15 vator and a solution-provider for the Geir game, by exchanging know-how inspiring Servet Thorsteinsson new ideas, and providing sufficient finan- cial support to create better facilities and Yardımcı (Iceland) a long-lasting legacy. (Turkey)
Born on Born on
UEFA During my career of more than 30 9 September B via Getty Images UEFA 26 December 1957, years in football, I have been a 1964 and president of the Football he is first vice-president of the Association of Iceland (KSÍ) since youth coach, referee, club secretary, association general secretary and now Turkish Football Federation (TFF) 2007, he has sat on UEFA president of the Football Association of and has been a member of the UEFA committees since 1998 and is Iceland. I have contributed at inter HatTrick Committee since 2013. currently second vice-chairman national level by serving on various UEFA of the UEFA National Team and FIFA committees, as well as a A At national level, the continued Competitions Committee. delegate, since 1998. I have worked at all development of national team foot- levels of the game, providing ideas and ball and delivering a successful EURO solutions, dealing with different stake 2016 in France is a priority. Beyond this, EURO 2020 will be a challenge but A UEFA should help the member holders, in all kinds of areas, ranging associations to prosper in today’s from technical, administrative and finan- provide a huge boost for European foot society and to run challenging football cial to strategic matters. ball, spreading the game to new host activities – on their own terms. UEFA’s Closest to my heart are the asso countries and cities across the continent. projects should aim to assist the asso ciations and working with everyone Successful sales of the centralised rights ciations to perform to the highest level, involved, professional or amateur. Using to European qualifying matches for the so that the clubs, administrators, players, my experience and knowledge, I am eager EURO and the World Cup are also vital educators, coaches and referees continue to contribute to the development of foot- for the finances of UEFA’s 54 member to improve for the good of football. ball in Europe. I am ready to serve as a associations. UEFA should encourage projects that competent representative on the UEFA At club level, the top priority remains endorse training sessions under the Executive Committee, and to face future club licensing and financial fair play, in instruction of qualified coaches at grass challenges with confidence, solidarity order to protect clubs while continuing roots level already, to benefit both the and active participation. to develop all UEFA’s club competitions. youngest footballers and the game of Together, we can achieve UEFA’s In terms of development, we must tomorrow. UEFA must be both an inno priorities. l continue training referees and promoting all areas of the game, including women’s football, youth football and futsal, to build a healthy future. A final top priority must remain the protection of the game against match- fixing, racism and violence through a strict policy of zero tolerance.
My love and involvement in football A Several problems come to mind B Ángel María which could jeopardise the future began back at the beginning of Villar Llona of football: this century when, as a founding mem Firstly, violence on the pitch. ber of Çaykur Rizespor Football Club as a (Spain) Secondly, the issue of racism and xeno company, I was involved in stabilising the phobia. club economically and turning it into a Born on 21 January And thirdly, the problem of integrity. successful business model.
UEFA via Getty Images UEFA 1950, Ángel María As a successful businessman and chair- Villar Llona played for Athletic man of the Yardimci Corporation, I under- stand the complex world of business, Club de Bilbao and the Spanish I think my extensive experience in national team before turning to B finance and football. I would put this European football as a player, as experience to good use as a member of football administration. He has president of a national association, as a UEFA’s Executive Committee, to ensure been president of the Spanish member of a wide range of international that the financial interests and future Football Federation since 1988 and committees, and through the many con well-being of all UEFA’s 54 member was elected to the UEFA Executive tacts I have made over the years with associations are protected. Committee in 1992, becoming stakeholders at all levels of European and Since I have served as a member of a vice-president in 2000. He is world football, will enable me to continue UEFA’s HatTrick Committee, I know the currently also chairman of the UEFA to hold meaningful and constructive importance of the central funding of exchanges with people from all spheres Referees Committee and deputy projects across member associations and of activity, to forge agreements and to chairman of the UEFA Players’ the need for full transparency and work in cooperation with other parties to accountability. Status, Transfer and Agents and see that those agreements are imple Match Agents Committee. He Since 2008, in my role as first vice- mented. I sincerely believe that this expe president of the Turkish Football Federa has been a member of the FIFA rience will help me to make a valid and a tion, I have undertaken important pro- Executive Committee since 1998 major contribution towards resolving the jects for the game, such as the recent and a vice-president since 2002. problems I mentioned earlier. l opening of our new headquarters and state-of-the art training facilities. I believe my strong international relationships, deep football experience and business acumen can make a contribution to the UEFA Executive Committee, and for the service of European football. l
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