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UEFAdirect-82•E 20.1.200916:12Page1 No 5882 –– February Février 2007 2009 Including 2.09 League UEFA Champions trilogy in England vItaly for EURO2016 Bidding opens draws inNyon Youth competition Tournament Under-21 Futsal winEuropean League UEFA Champions trilogy in England vItaly for EURO2016 Bidding opens draws inNyon Youth competition Tournament Under-21 Futsal Russia winEuropean 11 08 07 03 11 08 07 03 UEFAdirect-82•E 20.1.2009 16:12 Page 2

Message Photos: UEFA-pjwoods.ch of the president Three priorities for 2009 A new year is a blank page in the history of an organisation, but in the case of UEFA the first few months of 2009 will also see the close of several chapters in its history. First, in March, at the next ordinary UEFA Congress, the terms of six members of the UEFA Executive Committee come to an end, three of whom are not standing for re-election. In addition, the seat that has been vacant since the death of Mathieu Sprengers has to be filled, as do two additional seats, giving the Executive Committee an unprecedented injection of new blood. Then in May, the current club competition cycle concludes. In the UEFA Champions League, it will be the last final to be played on a Wednesday, thereby ending a tradition that dates back to the creation of the competition. In the UEFA Cup, it will be the last final ever under that name before the competition becomes the UEFA Europa League and takes on a brand-new format. This year also heralds the end of an era for the UEFA Women’s Cup, which is set to change format and be linked to the UEFA Champions League, with the finals of the two competitions to take place in future in the same city during the same week. IN THIS ISSUE 2009 will therefore be a year of transition, but of progress too, with the work that has started in a number of areas continuing to be the focus of close attention. UEFA Champions League Three topics in particular will be top of the list of priorities in the months ahead. round of 16 03 First of all, there is the matter of financial fair play, aimed at ensuring that the principle UEFA Cup round of 32 06 of equal opportunities applies in the broadest sense possible in our competitions. Russia win the Secondly, underage players have to be protected from international transfers that rip European Under-21 them from their roots. This protection must go hand in hand with encouraging Futsal Tournament 07 training, as promoted in UEFA’s club competitions by the rule on locally trained players. Media officers The third priority concerns EURO 2012. The choice of Poland and Ukraine as host meet in 10 countries is such a wonderful opportunity for opening up to eastern Europe that Bidding opens every effort must be made to ensure that it does not become a missed opportunity for EURO 2016 11 and thereby hold back the process of integration which is so important to the unity 100 years of the of European football and even of Europe as a whole. They know what we expect Football Federation 15 of them and when. They also know that they can count on our full support. News from member It’s going to be another busy year. associations 16

COVER AC Milan (21) will be trying to help his club to victory in the last ever UEFA Cup. Here he UEFA President is up against Brazilian Josué from VfL Wolfsburg, who have also made it into the final 32. Photo: Cacace/AFP/Getty Images

02 uefadirect 2.09 UEFAdirect-82•E 20.1.2009 16:12 Page 3 UEFA Champions League ItalyItaly vv England:England: aa trilogytrilogy

Internazionale will be hoping Zlatan Ibrahimovic can lead them to victory against titleholders Manchester United. Monteforte/AFP/Getty Images

THE DRAW FOR THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUND OF 16 WAS NOT EXACTLY Fourteen cups! KIND TO THE ENGLISH CLUBS, PAIRING THEM WITH THREE ITALIAN OPPONENTS Real and Liverpool have won 14 European Cups/Champi- AND REAL MADRID. COULD IT HAVE BEEN ANY HARDER? NEVERTHELESS, THESE ons Leagues between them: nine for FOUR TOP ENCOUNTERS SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO OVERSHADOW THE OTHERS, the Merengues and five for the Reds. WHICH ARE CERTAINLY NOT SHORT OF TALKING POINTS. However, recent history suggests that Rafael Benitez’ men are the favourites, “Manchester United are the ply out of his desire to win the “cup since they have regularly reached the opponents I wanted,” said José Mourinho with the big ears”, which has eluded latter stages whereas Real Madrid have after the draw, living up to his his club since 1965. fallen in the first knockout round for reputation as a with a ten- There are no such worries in the past four seasons. However, the dency to come out with the unex- Manchester. Led by the “eternal” English team, currently on the hunt for pected. The Portuguese knows Sir , the Red Devils their first national title since 1990, that his players love are the current holders and could feel the repercussions of Steven facing difficult opponents. But recently won the Club World Cup. Gerrard’s forthcoming court appear- the Special One, who will enjoy returning Last summer’s arrival of ance. The midfielder is the lynchpin of to England after a previous spell at has improved even further what was a team for which he was also the Chelsea, is also aware that he must get it already a top-class forward line. The duel leading goal scorer at the start of Janu- right. Inter’s president, , between Ballon d’or winner Cristiano ary. Real Madrid, meanwhile, seem parted company with Ronaldo and the outstanding Zlatan to have found a degree of stability. despite three successive Italian titles sim- Ibrahimovic will be well worth seeing. Despite winning the Spanish title,

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After Atlético Juventus (Mohamed de Madrid in the Sissoko, centre) and group stage, Real Madrid (Raul and Liverpool and their ) Spanish forward are in the round of Albert Riera now 16 again, against face neighbouring Chelsea and Liverpool heavyweights respectively. Real Madrid. Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images Ellis/AFP/Getty Images Desmazes/AFP/Getty Images

Bernd Schuster did not survive his Revenge for Ranieri? Cup/Champions League before, are team’s poor start to the current season. was one of known throughout Europe for the quality The team is making progress follow- Roman Abramovich’s first “victims”. of their football. With the ball on the ing the arrival of , who When he bought Chelsea, the Russian ground, a varying tempo and impeccable was more successful at Seville than at billionaire replaced the Italian coach technique at high speed, the playing phi- Tottenham. Despite an injury to Ruud with José Mourinho. Now in charge of losophy of Arsène Wenger and Luciano van Nistelrooy, with Raul, Higuain and Juventus, Ranieri has the chance for Spalletti is certainly positive. And yet Robben their striking power remains revenge. His combative, well-honed team their teams, at national level at least, are impressive. Will the defence reach the are emerging as Inter’s main rivals for not enjoying a great season. While Roma same high standard? The outcome the Italian title. Moreover, in February are improving after a nightmarish start, of the duel with Liverpool will the coach should be able to recall the young Gunners have lacked consis- depend largely on the answer Buffon, Trezeguet, Tiago, Poulsen tency and are in danger of paying a very to this question. and Camoranesi, who are all cur- high price for the injury to their key player, rently injured. And with Del Piero Cesc Fabregas, in this round of 16. Roma, apparently improving with age, on the other hand, should be able to hopes are high, especially since call on their captain . The Chelsea do not seem to be at their “giallorossi” will have the additional best. Of course, the Blues are motivation of knowing that the final will contending with Liverpool and be played in their own Olympic stadium. Manchester United for the English title, Fireworks but their Most observers agree that per- Barcelona produced the most flam- for- boyant football in the first part of the mances season. It only took a few weeks for have been far Barça to understand the demands of from convincing. former star player and new coach Pep Fortunately for new coach Luiz Felipe Guardiola. It is worth remembering that Scolari, who won the World Cup with the club has a host of exceptional per- Brazil in 2002, Nicolas Anelka has redis- formers, including the likes of , covered his scoring boots and been the Iniesta, Messi and Eto’o. Another mem- perfect replacement for the injured ber of this fantastic orchestra, Thierry Didier Drogba. With players such as Henry, who had a disappointing season Cech, , Alex, Ballack, Terry last time round, has rediscovered the and Lampard, Chelsea remain solo performances on which he built his strong in all departments. reputation at Arsenal. Lyon’s dream of However, there are no reaching the semi-finals for the first guarantees that this will time in their history will therefore be be enough to win the difficult to achieve. However, Claude Champions League, a Puel’s men have reasons for hope. As competition that the they seek their eighth successive national , club are desperate title, they can call on one of the world’s Chelsea’s ace player. to win, having never done most promising forwards, Karim Ben- so before. zema, as well as the magical free kicks of Juninho. Entertainment on the cards The clash between Winning back the plaudits Arsenal and AS Roma should Deprived of Champions League be an entertaining one. These football last season, Bayern München two teams, who have quickly got their house back in order by never won the European winning their national championship. Now the team currently coached by Jür- Getty Images gen Klinsmann, who replaced when he became Swiss national coach, intends to shine in Europe as well.

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Olympique (10) FC Porto’s Lyonnais and tries to get through goalkeeper, Bayern München Sporting’s defence: , both hope in the group stage up against to make it all the two teams Arsenal during the way. dominated Group C. the group stage. Leong/AFP/Getty Images Riopa/AFP/Getty Images Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images

Led on the field by French hotshot ing with the experienced Uruguayan Robert Pirès, as well as talented Franck Ribéry, they have two top goal Diego Forlan (29) – two players relatively youngsters such as Italian Giuseppe scorers in their ranks: and small in stature who cause problems for Rossi. Champions’ Cup finalists in . A powerful team which opposing goalkeepers and frequently 1971, Panathinaikos won their group is not always comfortable defending, put a smile on the face of their former ahead of Inter and Werder . they could find things tough against Mexico coach, Javier Aguirre. 2004 European champion Giorgios Sporting’s highly technical style of play. Karagounis, Austrian Andreas Ivan- Coached by the talented young Paulo Underdogs meet schitz and Brazilian (ex- Bento, the team has a strong Brazilian This round of 16 en- Arsenal) are the most prominent flavour, in terms of both its spine counter between Panathinaikos players in the side coached by (defender Anderson Polga, midfielder and Villarreal is the only one Henk Ten Cate, former assis- Fabio Rochemback and striker Liedson) between teams who have no tant to at and its attitude on the pitch. If they European trophies between Barcelona and Ajax coach. can impose their own style and rhythm, them, apart from two UEFA Emanuele Saraceno Sporting promise to be formidable Intertoto Cup successes by the opponents. Spanish side. Nevertheless, it is certainly not a A magical duo second-rate tie. FC Porto have won the Euro- Villarreal are pean Cup/Champions League twice and one of the finished above Arsenal in this season’s best teams group phase. Nevertheless, the Por- in Europe, tuguese are not necessarily favourites to as demon- beat Atlético de Madrid. Despite a quality strated style of play and balanced squad (from by their goalkeeper Helton to centre-forward semi-final Lisandro Lopez), the Portuguese cham- appearance in the pions do not appear to have the same 2006 Champions attacking force as their opponents. League. Coached since Atlético boast one of the best forward 2004 by Chilean Manuel lines in la Liga, particularly thanks to Pellegrini, the Yellow Sub- an explosive South American duo who marine have experience in complement each other superbly: young their ranks in the likes of Argentine Sergio “Kun” Agüero (20) European champion Mar- , has struck up an amazing understand- cos Senna and Frenchman the next big thing at CF Villarreal? The draw

■ Club Atlético de Madrid – FC Porto ■ – FC Barcelona UEFA’s general ■ Arsenal FC – AS Roma secretary, ■ David FC Internazionale – Manchester United FC Taylor, ■ Chelsea FC – Juventus conducts the draw. ■ Sporting Clube – FC Bayern München ■ Real Madrid CF – Liverpool FC

Bozzani ■ Villarreal CF – Panathinaikos FC The first legs of the first four ties will be played on Tuesday 24 February, with the other four on Wednesday 25 February. Getty Images The second legs will be played on Tuesday 10 March (last four ties) and Wednesday 11 March (first four).

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AC Milan and Ivica Krizanac and striker Andriy Zenit St Petersburg Shevchenko are are defending hungry for their UEFA Cup title. another trophy. Cacace/AFP/Getty Images Getty Images

of KKS Lech Poznan and .

UEFA Cup Fourteen associations On the road Clubs from 14 national asso- ciations are still involved in this final to the final in Istanbul edition of the UEFA Cup. France, Ger- many and have the most repre- HALF OF THE CLUBS WHO WILL BE INVOLVED IN THE UEFA CUP sentatives, with four each. England, ROUND OF 32 IN FEBRUARY HAVE PREVIOUSLY WON AT LEAST ONE UEFA the and Ukraine each COMPETITION, WHETHER THE EUROPEAN CUP/CHAMPIONS LEAGUE, have three, while , Spain and CUP WINNERS’ CUP OR UEFA CUP. Russia have two. The other partici- pants are from Belgium, Greece, AC Milan, six-time winners Current UEFA Cup and Poland, and . of UEFA’s most prestigious competi- UEFA Super Cup holders, FC Zenit St Eight of the teams involved tion and with two Cup Winners’ Cup Petersburg may have failed to qualify in the round of 32 entered via the victories also to their name, clearly for the Champions League knockout Champions League ( BK, top the list of former titleholders and stage, but they are still hoping to add FC Dynamo Kyiv, FC Girondins de will be doing their utmost to lift the to their burgeoning collection of Euro- Bordeaux, ACF Fiorentina, Olympique only European trophy that has so far pean trophies. Their encounters with de , FC Shakthar Donetsk, eluded them (they have also won the VfB will offer an immediate Werder Bremen and FC Zenit St UEFA Super Cup and, at interconti- opportunity to gauge their chances Petersburg), while another, Manchester nental level, the European/South of doing so. If they beat the Germans, City FC, qualified through the fair play American Cup and Club World Cup) the Russian side will face the winners competition. before the competition is renamed the UEFA Europa League. However, Carlo Fixtures Ancelotti’s team face a difficult task in the round of 32, where they will meet 1. Paris Saint-Germain FC – VfL Wolfsburg 9. ACF Fiorentina – AFC Ajax another former European competition 2. FC København – Manchester City FC 10. Aalborg BK – RC Deportivo La Coruña winner, Werder Bremen, who won the 3. NEC Nijmegen – Hamburger SV 11. Werder Bremen – AC Milan 4. UC Sampdoria – FC Metalist Kharkiv 12. FC Girondins de Bordeaux – Galatasaray AS Cup Winners’ Cup in 1992. The win- 5. SC – R. Standard de Liège 13. FC Dynamo Kyiv – CF ner of this two-legged tie will take on 6. Aston Villa FC – PFC CSKA Moskva 14. FC Zenit St Petersburg – VfB Stuttgart Olympiacos CFP or AS Saint-Etienne 7. KKS Lech Poznan – Udinese Calcio 15. – FC Twente in the next round. 8. Olympiacos CFP – AS Saint-Etienne 16. FC Shakhtar Donetsk – Tottenham Hotspur FC Matches will be played on 18/19 February (first legs) Seeking to emulate past glories and 26 February (return legs). Another club with a presti- gious past, having won three consec- utive Champion Clubs’ Cups between 1971 and 1973, followed by a fourth victory in 1995, AFC Ajax – the only club apart from FC Bayern München and Juventus to have won the Cham- pions’ Cup, Cup Winners’ Cup and UEFA Cup – will take on another club that is seeking to emulate past glories,

ACF Fiorentina, who have been enjoy- Bozzani ing renewed success in recent seasons The draw for the last 16 also took place on 19 December: under coach . The Winner 11 – Winner 8 Winner 13 – Winner 4 winners of this fascinating tie will Winner 6 – Winner 16 Winner 2 – Winner 10 face either Olympique de Marseille or Winner 7 – Winner 14 Winner 15 – Winner 9 FC Twente in the last 16. Winner 1 – Winner 5 Winner 3 – Winner 12

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A big crowd A goal by turned out Kolesnikov in support of was not Russia. enough for Ukraine, who were Italy’s Coco beaten by has the ball in Spain in the the final group stage. against Russia.

superbly prepared both physically and European tactically and the players’ technical abilities were impressive in a very closely fought tournament: none of the Group A matches, for example, Under-21 Futsal was decided by more than one goal. The top goalscorer was Spaniard Pola with five; a total of 71 goals were Tournament scored in the 15 final round matches, Promise for the future an average of 4.73 per match. The first edition of the European Under-21 THE FIRST UNDER-21 FUTSAL TOURNAMENT WAS A COMPLETE SUCCESS Futsal Tournament certainly promises much for the future of this relatively AND REACHED A MEMORABLE CONCLUSION WITH THE FINAL ROUND new sport. Some of the players who IN ST PETERSBURG. HOSTS RUSSIA WON THE TOURNAMENT THANKS TO particularly stood out in St Petersburg A 5-4 VICTORY AFTER EXTRA TIME IN THE FINAL AGAINST ITALY. are expected to be on show at the 2010 European Futsal Championship The final created absolute UEFA’s first futsal youth com- final round in Hungary. pandemonium and unbelievable petition can be described as a success drama in the Yubileyny Sports Palace. in every respect. The group matches St Petersburg, The score was 2–2 after 40 minutes, were watched by a total of around 8-14.12.2008 when the fireworks really be- 10,000 spectators and the Group A gan. The Russians’ 3–2 lead 7,700-capacity venue was Italy – Slovenia 2-2 was transformed into a 4–3 virtually sold out for the Russia – Croatia 3-3 Italian advantage within the space of semi-final between Russia and Ukraine Croatia – Italy 1-2 Russia – Slovenia 4-3 22 seconds, before Russia equalised and the final. Twenty-eight associa- Italy – Russia 2-2 and finally secured a wildly acclaimed tions had entered the competition Slovenia – Croatia 4-4 victory with a goal from the second and the hosts were joined in the final Group B penalty mark. This enthralling conclu- round by Italy, Spain, Ukraine, Slove- Spain – 4-0 sion to the match – and the ultimately nia, Croatia, the Netherlands and Ukraine – Netherlands 3-2 Netherlands – Spain 1-5 decisive penalty – was made even Kazakhstan, who had never before Ukraine – Kazakhstan 3-0 tenser by the fact that both teams qualified for the final round of a UEFA Spain – Ukraine 2-1 had already committed five fouls by national team competition. Kazakhstan – Netherlands 1-6 the time the ten-minute period of Semi-finals extra time began. Pleasingly high standard Spain – Italy 0-1 Russia – Ukraine 1-0 UEFA’s futsal officials were Final Best advert for futsal particularly pleased with the high Russia – Italy 5-4 a.p. The strain on both coaches’ standard of play. The teams had been nerves caused by the final was clear Victory for Russia. to see at the press conference. Russian coach Oleg Ivanov said: “It was a really spectacular match with many goals and great movement from both teams, who showed all the great compo- nents of futsal. Our opponents played well yet I was close to having a heart attack. We were a little bit luckier in the end.” His counterpart Paolo Miniucci said: “When it was 4-4 any- thing could have happened. The game was being played really fast which meant that it was played at the high- est level. The game was really beauti- ful and exciting and I’m happy we

showed such a game to all the fans.” Photos: Sportsfile

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England captain Under-17 Jack with friendly Jim Boyce and between Andy Roxburgh at the Under-19 and Russia. championship draw. Wagner/Bongarts/Getty Images for DFB UEFA-pjwoods.ch Young men and women already focussing on the 2009/10 season THE DRAWS FOR THE EUROPEAN UNDER-17 AND UNDER-19 CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR MEN AND WOMEN TOOK PLACE AT THE END OF 2008 AT THE HOUSE OF EUROPEAN FOOTBALL IN NYON.

UEFA’s 53 member associa- tournaments, each involving four Group 10 tions are all involved in both men’s teams. The tournament winners will Scotland • Portugal • Cyprus • Georgia youth competitions. Apart from the qualify for the final round. Group 11 teams of the host associations of the Hungary • Slovakia • Albania • 2010 final rounds – Liechtenstein for Under-17s Luxembourg the Under-17s and France for the The draw for the 2009/10 Group 12 Under-19s – who qualify automatically European Under-17 Cham- Wales • Russia • Iceland • for the final phase, the 52 associa- pionship was conducted Bosnia-Herzegovina tions were split into 13 groups of four by Jim Boyce, first vice- Group 13 for the qualifying round. The top two chairman of the Youth and Switzerland • Czech Republic • in each group and the two best third- Amateur Football Committee, assisted San Marino • Belarus placed teams will progress to the elite by Danijel Aleksic, member of the Mini-tournament hosts in bold. round, which will be played in spring Serbian team that won last season’s 2010 in the form of seven mini- fair play award. The matches in this Under-19s qualifying round will be played in Sep- The draw for the European Under-19 tember and October 2009. Championship 2009/10 was also held Qualifying round on 3 December. This time, France v Jim Boyce was assisted by Republic of Group 1 Ireland in Jack Cork, a member of the an Under-19 Serbia • England • Azerbaijan • English team that won the qualifier Kazakhstan this season. Under-19 fair play trophy in Group 2 2008. The qualifying matches will take • Spain • Lithuania • place in October and November 2009. Faroe Islands As for the Under-17s, the top two in Group 3 each group and the two best third- Croatia • Belgium • Montenegro • placed teams will qualify for the next Denmark phase, the elite round, which in turn will Group 4 determine which seven teams will join Israel • Poland • Armenia • Austria the host nation, France, in the final round. Group 5 Turkey • Germany • • Qualifying round FYR Macedonia Group 1 Group 6 Rep. of Ireland • Italy • San-Marino • Albania Rep. of Ireland • Sweden • • Latvia Group 2 Group 7 Slovakia • England • Slovenia • Finland France • Ukraine • Slovenia • Estonia Group 3 Group 8 Turkey • Germany • • Netherlands • Northern Ireland • Luxembourg Andorra • Malta Group 4 Group 9 Switzerland • Croatia • Lithuania •

D.Aquilina Italy • Norway • Moldova • Greece Estonia

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Line Sigvard of All the Denmark helped draws were Viacheslav Koloskov, held in the a member of the auditorium UEFA Executive at the House UEFA-pjwoods.ch Committee, perform of European the draw for the Football Women’s Under-17 in Nyon, Championship. Switzerland. UEFA-pjwoods.ch

Group 5 1st qualifying round to 5 June) in FYR Macedonia, which will Greece • Serbia • Faroe Islands • Belarus Group 1 host the final round of a UEFA competi- Group 6 England • Wales • Belarus • tion for the first time in its history. Austria • Scotland • Armenia • FYR Macedonia Romania Group 2 Group 7 1st qualifying round Switzerland • Italy • Georgia • Group 1 Bulgaria • Iceland • Northern Ireland • Faroe Islands Bosnia-Herzegovina Rep. of Ireland • Finland • Croatia • Group 3 Group 8 Faroe Islands Hungary • Norway • Croatia • Greece Portugal • Spain • Wales • Group 2 Group 4 FYR Macedonia Czech Republic • Sweden • Estonia • Group 9 Rep. of Ireland • Denmark • Slovenia • Slovenia Turkey Hungary • Russia • Liechtenstein • Group 3 Group 5 Latvia Wales • Denmark • Bosnia-Herzegovina • Group 10 Poland • Belgium • Bulgaria • Moldova Romania Netherlands • Czech Republic • Group 4 Group 6 Malta • Cyprus Scotland • Italy • Northern Ireland • Group 11 Ukraine • Netherlands • Kazakhstan • Bulgaria Moldova Norway • Belgium • Kazakhstan • Group 5 Group 7 Andorra Netherlands • Poland • Israel • Lithuania France • Germany • Israel • Iceland Group 12 Group 6 Group 8 Sweden • Ukraine • Montenegro • England • Norway • Belarus • Georgia Finland • Sweden • Estonia • Latvia Slovakia Group 13 Group 9 Group 7 Poland • Israel • Denmark • Czech Republic • Scotland • Austria • France • Serbia • Georgia • Turkey Azerbaijan Lithuania Group 8 Mini-tournament hosts in bold. Group 10 Hungary • Belgium • Latvia • Armenia Spain • Russia • Serbia • Armenia Group 9 Mini-tournament hosts in bold. European Women’s Austria • Russia • Kazakhstan • Greece Under-17 Championship: Group 10 World Cup qualification European Women’s Under-19 Spain • Ukraine • Azerbaijan • Cyprus Forty national associations Championship Group 11 have entered the 2009/10 The draw for the first quali- Portugal • Switzerland • Iceland • European Women’s fying round of the 2009/10 Romania Under-17 Championship, European Women’s Under-19 the third edition of the Championship was held on Mini-tournament hosts in bold. competition. The draw for the first the same day as that for the qualifying round, held on 18 Novem- Under-17 Championship. A total of ber, divided the teams into ten groups 46 teams have entered the competition, of four. The matches in the first quali- including the final round hosts, FYR fying round will take place in Septem- Macedonia, and Germany, who have ber and October 2009. The group been given a bye for the first qualifying winners and the six best runners-up round. The draw therefore divided 44 will play in the second qualifying round, teams into 11 groups of 4. The matches Germany v Canada in the which will comprise four groups of will be played in the form of mini-tourna- FIFA U-17 four teams. As in the first two editions, ments in September 2009. The top two Women’s World Cup: the four group winners will travel to in each group, the best third-placed side the 2009/10 Nyon for the final round, which will be and Germany, who have qualified for the European Women’s organised by the UEFA administration. second round automatically, will play in Under-17 The 2009/10 championship will deter- the second qualifying round, comprising Championship will serve as mine the European representatives at six groups of four teams, at the end of the European qualifying the second edition of the U-17 Women’s March 2010. The six group winners and competition World Cup, to be staged in Trinidad and the best runner-up will contest the final for the next World Cup. Tobago in 2010. round at the end of May 2010 (24 May Getty Images

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Views are The time exchanged has come for to ensure Frits Ahlstrøm coordinated (center) action. to bow out.

focused on specialised areas, such as the fine-tuning of procedures at UEFA’s Media pre-match press conferences, the avail- ability of suspended or red-carded players or coaches for media activities, Officers or controlling the duration of post- match ‘flash interviews’ with a view to warm up for next season sharing the cake as evenly as possible ONE OF THE LAST EVENTS TO BE STAGED AT UEFA’S HEADQUARTERS IN NYON among broadcasters. The MOs were also confronted with some case histo- IN 2008 WAS A MEDIA OFFICERS WORKSHOP. IT IS A GET-TOGETHER THAT FEATURES ries, with the aim of establishing uni- REGULARLY ON THE UEFA FIXTURE LIST BUT NEVER MAKES HEADLINE NEWS. form responses to out-of-the-ordinary situations. Indeed, readers at clubs is so valuable, the latest gathering which have never played in the UEFA especially, as Frits Ahlstrøm, who Current trends Champions League or national asso- assembled and captained the current Markus Hörwick, a member ciations which have not reached EURO team, was bowing out and was deeply of the MO squad who is more fre- final rounds may never have encoun- touched by the tributes and gifts he quently seen performing as director tered UEFA media officers and have received as he handed the armband of communications at FC Bayern every right to make polite enquiries to UEFA’s head of media services, Münichen, gave his colleagues plenty about their role. Rob Faulkner. to think about by reviewing current The MO, as he or she tends trends in journalism, many of them a to be called in UEFA corridors, was Protecting the game direct result of the boom in online born with the UEFA Champions League Being an MO is very much a reporting. And there were fascinating in 1992 – which means the founder behind-the-scenes job pegged to the views from both sides of the fence members of the squad are now in their philosophy of protecting the game, the expressed by Graeme Le Saux who, 17th season. As for their role, they coaches, the players and the image of between two spells at Chelsea FC, might be described as the media sec- UEFA’s competitions while, at the same made his UEFA Champions League tor’s equivalent to referees in that their time, offering the best possible service debut with Blackburn Rovers way back approach to the job is coloured by dif- to the broadcast partners and support- in 1995 and is now blowing dust off ferent cultures and personalities, but ing club press officers – where they ‘poacher turned gamekeeper’ clichés their prime objective is to apply rules exist. You would be surprised by the as a TV commentator. and guidelines as uniformly as possi- number of top clubs who made their However, the prime objective ble. The current MO squad covers the UEFA Champions League debuts with- of the workshop was to use past expe- continent from Georgia to Portugal out a press officer on the payroll. rience as a foundation for a busy and from Norway to Greece, which is So the workshop, opened by future. Until now, the UEFA media offi- why the chance to meet at workshops UEFA’s general secretary, David Taylor, cer has featured mainly at UEFA Cham- pions League matches and in the cen- trally marketed sections of the UEFA Cup. With the play-off rounds of the former moving under the centrally marketed umbrella and the UEFA Europa League set to kick off in 2009, clubs less familiar with the media demands and expectations are likely to take part – and can expect to receive support from the UEFA media officers who will be joining forces with the venue directors at another workshop in June to prepare for exciting chal-

Photos: UEFA-pjwoods.ch lenges ahead.

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The Executive Committee holds its last meeting of 2008 in Nyon. UEFA-pjwoods.ch

at least 50,000 places, plus a possible Meetings and three reserve stadiums. New name for UEFA Women’s Cup Most European football associations are witnessing a boom other activities in women’s football and the UEFA Bidding opens for EURO 2016 Women’s Cup for clubs has also become more popular. As its eighth THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE HELD ITS FINAL MEETING OF 2008 season approaches its climax, the AT UEFA HEADQUARTERS IN NYON ON 11 DECEMBER, WITH THE UEFA PRESIDENT, Executive Committee has decided to MICHEL PLATINI, IN THE CHAIR. strengthen the position of this com- petition even further. To this end, Numerous decisions were Committee in May 2010. A few days following a proposal by the Women’s taken at this lengthy end-of-year meet- later, around 27 May, the Executive Football Committee, it has decided ing, including the adoption of the bid Committee will take its final decision, to change the competition’s name regulations for EURO 2016. on the basis of a presentation by the and format. The process will be divided candidates, overall analysis of the bids From the 2009/10 season, into three phases: in the first phase, and the written evaluation report the competition will be known as the launched in mid-December, any of the National Team Competitions UEFA Women’s Champions League. national association can express an Committee. The Executive Committee The eight best associations will be interest in hosting the tournament. will take its decision in a secret ballot able to enter two teams, a privilege Joint bids of two associations are per- in which only members – including that has previously only been granted mitted, while those from three associ- the president – who do not belong to to the association of the current tro- ations will be subject to special UEFA bidding associations will be eligible phy holders. approval. This initial phase will last to vote. The competition will begin until 9 March. Once all the bids have The 2016 final round will with a qualifying round of mini-tour- been registered, UEFA may decide to be the first involving 24 participants. naments. This will immediately be draw up a shortlist of three or four Candidates will need to nominate nine followed by knockout rounds from candidates. This decision will be com- stadiums, two with a net capacity of the last 32 to the final, which will be ➜ municated to all the associations concerned, in principle, at the begin- ning of April. The bid dossier develop- ment phase will then begin, with a workshop to be held for the selected candidates in Nyon in mid-April. Here, the requirements will be set out in detail, the bid dossier template will be distributed and all the necessary infor- mation will be presented. The bid dossiers will need to be submitted to UEFA by 15 February 2010. This will be followed by the evaluation phase, including visits to Rys/Bongarts/Getty Images the bidding associations. The UEFA administration and experts will exam- ine the dossiers and prepare an evalu- ation report which will be submitted to the National Team Competitions The UEFA Women’s Cup is changing name and format.

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The Among Under-21s other things, are off to the HatTrick Denmark programme for their helped to set 2011 finals. up lots of mini-pitches. F.Krvavac Getty Images

➜ played as a single match at a neutral stadium. Convention and charter: new members This final will be linked to the At its December meeting, the Executive Committee approved the UEFA Champions League final and will new version of the convention contract relating to the UEFA Convention be played in the same city (Madrid in on the Mutual Recognition of Coaching Qualifications. It also approved 2010), but different stadium, on the the admission of the national associ- Thursday prior to the UEFA Champi- ations of Turkey at Pro level, Albania and Georgia at A level and Mon- ons League final which, from 2010 tenegro at B level. Following Mon- onwards, will be played on a Saturday tenegro’s admission, all 53 UEFA evening. member associations are now mem- The UEFA Women’s Champi- bers of the convention. ons League final will therefore form In addition, the associations part of the activities designed to make of the Netherlands and the Czech the week of the final a true festival Republic were admitted for the

of football. elite youth diploma. UEFA With regard to the Grassroots Charter, the Executive Committee approved the admission of the following national associations: 2010 Congress in Israel One-star membership: Bosnia-Herzegovina, Italy, Czech Republic, The Executive Committee Slovenia; two-star membership: Andorra, Belarus; three-star membership: also awarded the hosting of various Iceland; five-star membership: Northern Ireland. events: ■ the XXXIV Ordinary UEFA Congress is being held in March 2010 ■ the final round of the procedure for the group matches in this in Tel Aviv. It will be the first time the 2009-11 European Under-21 Champi- competition; Israel Football Association has hosted onship was awarded to the Danish ■ the 2008/09 edition of the general meeting of European Football Association; the Executive the Futsal Cup is being wrapped up in football; Committee also approved the draw April in Ekaterinburg, where the semi- finals and finals will be played over four days; the current holders, MFK Viz-Sinara Ekaterinburg, will be one of the teams involved.

HatTrick II programme The Executive Committee also heard a report on the launch of the HatTrick II programme for 2008-12 and approved the distribution criteria for the annual solidarity payments. Between August and December, each national Jean-Paul Turrian association received EUR 900,000. An (left) and his successor at the head of the additional sum of up to EUR 400,000 Services Division, will be paid in June. The total amount Steve Aeschlimann. UEFA-pjwoods.ch of EUR 1.3 million is split into a fixed Changes to the UEFA administration sum of EUR 500,000 for running costs plus variable amounts for improvement After spending the past eight years as director of UEFA’s Services of association governance (up to EUR Division, Jean-Paul Turrian reached retirement age in January. However, 100,000), accession to the Grassroots he is not stepping down completely, as he has taken on the part-time role of presidential adviser, with specific tasks including supervision of Charter (up to EUR 100,000), being the construction of the new UEFA administrative building. party to the Coaching Convention (up Steve Aeschlimann, aged 37, is the new director of the Services to EUR 100,000), implementation of Division. the club licensing system (up to EUR

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Viz-Sinara Ekaterinburg are defending their title at home.

News from Brussels

The conclusions of the Presidency of the European Council meeting held in Brussels on 11/12 December included in its annexes a brief declara- Sportsfile tion on sport which stressed, among other points, the importance of the 250,000) and participation in UEFA regulations of the qualifying competition specificity of sport. women’s, youth and futsal competitions have been adapted accordingly; The declaration reads: (up to EUR 250,000). ■ approved the new Regulations “The European Council recognises The Executive Committee also: for Licensed UEFA Match Agents, which the importance of the values attached ■ approved a new version of the entered into force on 1 January 2009; to sport, which are essential to Euro- UEFA Anti-Doping Regulations in order ■ heard positive feedback con- pean society. “It stresses the need to take to bring them into line with the changes cerning the first experiments with five account of the specific characteristics to the World Anti-Doping Code and FIFA match officials, conducted in UEFA youth of sport, over and above its economic regulations; competitions, and noted that the subject dimension. ■ agreed that a medical sympo- would be submitted to the International “It welcomes the establishment sium should be held in Sweden in 2010; FA Board at its spring meeting. of a constructive dialogue at the first European Sport Forum organised by ■ approved “desirable minimum the European Commission. requirements” for the statutes of national “It calls for the strengthening of associations; the Executive Committee Anti-racism conference that dialogue with the International will ask the national associations, when in Olympic Committee and represen- tatives of the world of sport, in par- they next revise their statutes, to take On 3/4 March, the third Unite ticular on the question of combined into account these minimum requirements, Against Racism Conference is being held sports training and education for which were drawn up by the National in Warsaw, bringing together represen- young people.” Associations Committee and the Legal tatives of all UEFA member associations Apart from stressing the need to Committee in close cooperation; as well as anti-racism experts, media take account of the specificity of sport ■ noted that one place at the representatives, supporters and other in European Union policies and law, 2011 Women’s World Cup in Germany stakeholders, particularly FARE (Football the declaration calls for consultation and dialogue to be strengthened will be contested by a European team Against Racism in Europe), which has between sports organisations and EU and a CONCACAF representative; the been working with UEFA for several years. ➜ institutions. It also emphasises the importance of ‘dual training’ (also known as the ‘double project’) where- by the sports training of young players should be combined with general edu- cation and/or vocational training, so that other employment prospects are open to them once their playing days are over. The European Council comprises the heads of state or government of the 27 EU member states, who attend council meetings with their ministers of foreign affairs, and the president of the European Commission, who is accompanied by another member of the commission. Although it has no formal powers, the European Council is an important EU Body in that it provides the EU with

Gallup/Bongarts/Getty Images the necessary impetus for its develop- Representatives of the nine German cities that are hosting the 2011 Women’s World Cup. ment and defines its policy agenda.

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Footballers gets round take a Diego Calderon of LDU. stand against The England forward was racism too. the most successful scorer in the competition. Sportsfile Getty Images

➜ This conference will be an Manchester United complete a treble opportunity to review the progress that Manchester United FC ended a memorable 2008 on 21 December by has been made in the fight against winning the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan and allowing Europe to draw level racism, to share experiences and to with South America on the honours list. outline new measures to combat the When the competition was switched to its current format in 2005, Brazilian scourge of racism and discrimination. clubs twice lifted the trophy at the expense of Liverpool FC and FC Barcelona. But AC Milan struck a first blow for Europe in 2007 and a solitary goal by Wayne The first two conferences were Rooney in the 2008 final completed a European double. held in London in 2003 and Barcelona However, United were made to sweat for victory in Yokohama by Liga in 2006. Deportiva Universitaria (LDU), the club from Quito who had made history by winning the Copa Libertadores and becoming the first team from Ecuador to compete for intercontinental glory. As in previous editions, Europeans and South Americans successfully negotiated the semi-finals with LDU beating the Mexicans of Pachuca 2-0 and United posting a 5-3 victory over Japanese opponents Gamba Osaka, who Afghanistan win won the play-off for the bronze medal. Homeless World Cup The Homeless World Cup, staged in Melbourne, Australia, from 1 to 7 December, was won by Afghanistan, who beat Russia 5-4 in an exciting final. Around 350 matches were played in this UEFA-backed competi- tion, which gives players a chance to change their lives for the better. Studies carried out after previous editions of the competition show that more than 70% of the players were able to improve their living conditions. For the first time, this tourna- ment, which involved participants from 56 nations, included a women’s tourna- ment, which was won by Zambia. Images Yamanaka/AFP/Getty United forged clear chances during a first half which they dominated, but faced an uphill task after the dismissal of Nemanja Vidic shortly after the break, prompting Sir Alex Ferguson to remove striker Carlos Tévez and shore up the defence with Jonny Evans. “It meant we had to be very careful not to concede a goal,” he commented afterwards, “because if we had done, it would have been very difficult to come back.” As he had done in the UEFA Champions League final in Moscow, needed to perform heroics between the posts and Rooney’s 73rd-minute winner for ten-man United helped him to take the adidas Golden Ball award, as he had also come off the bench (after an injury) to score twice in the semi-final and top the tournament scoring chart. The 1-0 win allowed United and Sir Alex Ferguson to take the intercontinental trophy for the second time, as a single goal by had given the Reds the European/South American title against SE Palmeiras in 1999. , who came on as 85th-minute sub in Yokohama, was the only United player to have taken part in both finals, though and were on the bench against LDU. Edwin van der Sar also took the title for a second time, having been champion with AFC Ajax in 1995. United are the only European team to have taken part in both tournaments during the same season as, a few weeks after celebrating the 1999 Toyota Cup victory in Tokyo, they were on their way to Brazil to compete in the inaugural edition of the FIFA Club World Cup – and controversially so, as it entailed the club’s with- drawal from England’s FA Cup. On that occasion, they returned home unexpectedly early after winning only one of their three group games. The Reds’ trip to Japan almost nine years later to compete in the competition for the second time will create happier memories, as they made history by becoming the first English side to win the trophy and were able to end 2008 on a triple high note as champions

Photoworx of England, champions of Europe and champions of the world. The next challenge The Afghan captain, Sayeed Reza, when the UEFA club competitions resume in a few weeks time will be to become lifts the trophy. the first team to make a successful defence of the UEFA Champions League title…

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Jean-Claude Juncker, Paul Philipp, president prime minister of the FLF, offers a gift to the of Luxembourg. UEFA president, Michel Platini.

Luxembourg Commemorative book The publication of an offi- Football Federation cial centenary book entitled 100 Joer FLF, which retraces Last celebration the history of football in Lux- embourg, was without doubt of the centenary one of the highlights of the centenary. ON 22 NOVEMBER 2008, THE LUXEMBOURG FOOTBALL This book FEDERATION (FLF) OFFICIALLY DREW ITS YEAR-LONG CENTENARY retraces the his- CELEBRATIONS TO A CLOSE BY HOLDING AN ACADEMIC SEMINAR tory of the na- tional team, con- AT THE LUXEMBOURG CONFERENCE CENTRE. tains a full page on each club in Exactly 100 years after the FLF several thousand visitors, who were Luxembourg and was established on 22 November 1908 in fascinated to find out more about the describes the a café in , the FLF’s senior 100-year history of the FLF. highlights of the ■ officials were honoured and delighted As far as activities on the 100 years of football in Luxem- to welcome a delegation from UEFA, led pitch are concerned, the FLF organised bourg. by its president, Michel Platini, as well as several international matches and tour- In the book, which con- representatives of the other European naments for the different national tains 384 pages and more than football associations and representatives teams, culminating in the gala match 400 photographs, the authors of the Luxembourg government, includ- between the national teams of Luxem- describe the early days of foot- ing the prime minister, Jean-Claude bourg and Belgium on 19 November, ball in Luxembourg, recount the Juncker, to this academic seminar, which a closely fought match which ended in successes of the national teams can be considered to have been the high a 1–1 draw. and clubs through the decades ■ point of the FLF’s centenary festivities. Other initiatives that formed and present an extensive collec- part of the FLF’s centenary celebrations tion of detailed statistics for Numerous celebrations included the organisation of a special facts and figures enthusiasts. Throughout the year, the cente- evening for former internationals, the Anyone wishing to obtain nary committee, under the chairmanship release of a commemorative postage a copy of the centenary book of Norbert Konter, honorary president stamp and participation in various cul- can do so via the FLF's website, of the FLF, had already organised a large tural events. www.football.lu. number of sports and cultural events held Joël Wolff under the “100 Joer FLF” banner, some of which are mentioned below: ■ At the Luxembourg Cup final between CS and Victoria Rosport (4–1), which took place on 24 May, the FLF decided to grant free entry to all spectators as part of an enormous programme of special events. ■ For the Football Family Festival held on 6 July, the FLF invited representa- tives from each of its 109 clubs as well as the members of its committees to an evening event held at the FLF headquar- ters in . ■ The exhibition on the history of football in Luxembourg, held in a hypermarket in Luxembourg City from Photos FLF 22 October to 6 November, attracted Distinguished guests at the academic seminar.

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award and the best player of the national championship award. Victor Goncharenko, who led BATE Borisov to AUSTRIA the league title, was voted coach of the year. BATE Borisov players also won • PETER KLINGLMÜLLER • the best goalkeeper award, with Sergey New coach education director Veremko finishing the poll way ahead in Austria of his rivals, and the best defender award, which went to Sergey Sosnovskiy. In Thomas Janeschitz, the Austrian The only non-BATE player to pick up a Football Association (ÖFB) has recruited a Pictures GEPA statuette was Oleg Strahanovich (MTZ- renowned expert as its new director of Thomas Janeschitz. RIPO), who was voted best midfielder. coach education. The 42-year-old UEFA The footballer of the year award Pro licence holder (born on 22 June 1966) After Paul Gludovatz joined SV Ried went to Alexandr Hleb, who joined FC previously coached at Rapid (youth in July, the role of ÖFB coach education Barcelona last summer after a brilliant team from 1999 to 2001), Admira Mödling director was filled temporarily by ÖFB tech- spell with Arsenal. He received 851 (academy from 2001 to 2002), the Frank nical director, Willi Ruttensteiner. Between points from the 456 journalists and Stronach Academy (2002 to 2005) and 1991 and the end of 2007, the position football experts who cast their votes. Austria Vienna amateurs (July 2006 to was held by Gerhard Hitzel, who is now Vitaliy Rodionov finished second (472 December 2008), as well as working as working for Lokomotiv Moscow. points) and Alexandr Kulchiy third assistant coach of the FK Austria Wien Thomas Janeschitz took up his post (450 points). The polls were organised professional squad in the 2005/06 season as ÖFB coach education director on 2 Jan- by the BFF with the national football ■ (champions and ÖFB Stiegl Cup winners). uary 2009. newspaper Vsyo o futbole (“All about football”). In his opening speech, the BFF presi- dent, Gennadiy Neviglas, said: “Thanks bearing a personal code. The information to the players of BATE Borisov, this sea- on the cards will be taken from the data- son has been incredibly interesting for base. all football fans around the country. We AZERBAIJAN At present the programme is at the will definitely see another exciting foot- player-registration stage. In future, how- ball season next year because all the • ELCHIN MAMMADOV • ever, it is planned to register not only other teams have a lot to prove and are players but also coaches, club officials, Player registration begins doing everything to succeed and to and so on. follow in the footsteps of BATE. Our In mid-November, the Football Associa- In this way, in the near future the youth teams have also been very success- tion of Azerbaijan (AFFA) embarked on AFFA will have full information on every- ful in 2008. Our Under-17 and Under-19 the process of registering all players in the ■ one involved in football. national teams qualified for the elite country who are over 11 years of age. rounds of their respective European championships, while Yuri Kurnenin and his Under-21 team are going to be taking part in the final round of the European Under-21 Championship in Sweden”. BELARUS He closed his address by wishing • YULIA ZENKOVICH • good luck to all the youth teams and a spectacular 2009 football season to all Player of the year awards the fans. ■

AFFA On 24 December, From the age of 11 every player is registered. the Football Associ- ation of Belarus Before setting up this programme, (BFF) closed the the AFFA general secretary, Elkhan Mam- 2008 football sea- madov, acquainted himself with similar son with its tradi- databases in leading countries such as tional awards cere- Germany. mony. The database will offer numerous It was no surprise advantages. For example, it will be possi- that the players of ble to produce an analytical report on BATE Borisov swept the numbers and ages of goalkeepers, up a host of stat- defenders, etc. playing in any clubs or uettes. With 16 regions of Azerbaijan. goals apiece, Vitaliy It will also present a major obstacle Rodionov and for players who want to lower their age Gennadiy Blizniuk artificially. A player’s is established shared the award when he or she turns 11 and it would for top scorer in the then be impossible to change their age national champi- ABFF in the database. onship. Rodionov Gennadiy Neviglas, president of the Belarus At the beginning of each season, all became the star of the evening as federation, presents BATE Borisov’s Vitaliy players will receive plastic licence cards he went on to collect the best striker Rodionov with one of his three awards.

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N EWS FROM MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

The executive board of the Football Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FFBHZ) met recently for the main purpose BELGIUM BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA of electing a new FFBHZ general secretary. However, no one was appointed, as none • PIERRE CORNEZ • • FUAD KRVAVAC • of the three candidates – former general Justine Henin and Kim Gevaert, Vedad Ibisevic, sportsman secretary Munib Usanovic, Fuad Colpa and World Cup ambassadors of the year Nijaz Merdanovic – received enough votes. Therefore, new elections will take place As part of their joint application to Vedad Ibisevic, Hoffenheim’s striker, before the end of February. Eva Pasquier host the 2018 World Cup, the Nether- was in the spotlight in Bosnia-Herzegovina from FIFA and Theodore Theodoridis from lands and Belgium are currently promot- in December. Both Ibisevic and his club UEFA attended the meeting. ing their bid and putting together a team have been a revelation in the The second part of the of ambassadors for this purpose. On this season. At the end of the first half of season starts on 28 February and runs 18 December, two top sports personali- the season, the league newcomers were until 23 May. ■ ties known throughout the world were sitting at the top of the table, with Ibisevic unveiled as the first Belgian ambassadors. as the top scorer in the German champi- Alain Courtois, coordinator of the onship with 18 goals on his sheet, six 2018 World Cup bid in Belgium and the more than second leading scorer, Bayer Leverkusen’s Patrick Helmes. A number of news stations in Bosnia- Herzegovina organised a person of the year 2008 contest, in which Ibisevic was voted sportsman of the year, an award he certainly deserved. Besides many foot- ball fans, the most satisfied supporter of Ibisevic’s play and goals is Miroslav Blazevic, head coach of the Bosnia-Herze- govina national team. Ibisevic will be the strongest link in the next World Cup qualifying matches. “Being the top scorer in the Bundesliga Photo News after the first half of the season is a huge Alain Courtois with Justine Henin (left) and Kim Gevaert. honour but also a commitment for the future. I didn’t expect it, but now that I’m Netherlands and former director of EURO in the lead I want to stay there. I have a 2000, was very proud as he presented significant advantage, and I hope to score the two ambassadors: Justine Henin, for- even more goals in the next half of the mer elite tennis player and world number season. However, the most important thing one, and Kim Gevaert, a top-class sprinter is to play and avoid injury. My team-mate, who reached the pinnacle of her profes- Sejad Salihovic, who also plays with me in the national team, has been a huge support

sional career by winning silver in the F.Krvavac 4x100 metres at the 2008 Olympic Games and has contributed to the results I have A fantastic first half of the season in Beijing. achieved,” Ibisevic said. for Vedad Ibisevic. Justine Henin, a big football fan, did not hesitate for a second when she was asked to become an ambassador for the bid and the same can be said of Kim assessment. The current two-year course Gevaert, who was unable to hide her is approaching the halfway stage and will pride at being given the opportunity to be finish with a final exam in December 2009. part of such an ambitious project. Both CZECH REPUBLIC Among the students are former interna- tionals Zdenek Svoboda, Karel Kula and of them insist that Belgium is a country • VACLAV TICHY • with enormous potential and talent and Martin Kotulek. The course is taught by they share a deep-seated belief that the Coach education system assessed well-known coaches such as Karel Vecera, Belgian-Dutch bid for the 2018 World UEFA’s technical director, Andy Roxburgh, Karel Jarusek, Jaroslav Hrebík, Petr Ulicny, Cup will be successful. has told the leadership of the Football Asso- Verner Licka, Stanislav Levy and Josef These two great ladies recently finished ciation of the Czech Republic that the edu- Csaplár. The participation of the head coach their professional careers as athletes, but cation of Czech football coaches meets all of the Czech national team, Petr Rada, their example demonstrates that a small the criteria of the UEFA coaching convention. and other league coaches is expected in country such as Belgium is capable of Both pilot projects got the thumbs up – the spring. achieving great things. Clearly, they en- the youth coach education and the UEFA UEFA also appreciates the fact that the joyed their success in sports other than Pro licence course. “Once approved by the Czech system includes, as a first in Europe, football, but through their commitment UEFA Executive Committee, our youth coach an international exchange programme and the enthusiasm they showed as they education will serve as a basis for youth with neighbouring countries such as Ger- took on their new roles, they have proven coach education in Europe,” said Jiri Zal- many, Slovakia and Poland. Cooperation that this project extends beyond the abakthe, technical director responsible for with Austria is in preparation. UEFA has world of football and should be a true coach education. recommended this international dimen- advertisement for Dutch and Belgian sport The coach education system for the sion to all the signatory associations of as a whole. ■ UEFA Pro licence received a similarly positive the UEFA convention. ■

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N EWS FROM MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

Hills said: “The girls in the national U17 team and the primary school girls that took part in coaching sessions showed NGLAND that there is a real love of football by girls RANCE E in the Caribbean. I was very impressed by F • JENNIE HAMBLETON • the level of skills I saw from some of the • MATTHIEU BRELLE-ANDRADE • Women’s course in Trinidad girls here. We sensed a real commitment Encouraging ex-players FIFA vice-president Jack Warner opened from the course participants to see foot- to become referees The FA’s women’s and girls’ football devel- ball develop for women and girls in their countries. It was fantastic to see such As part of increasing dialogue between opment course in Trinidad in December. the different parts of the French football enthusiasm.” Describing the future of football as family, the National Referees’ Department The workshop was the last of three feminine, Mr Warner encouraged all 23 par- (DNA) of the French Football Federation courses delivered by The FA in 2008 in the ticipants attending from the CONCACAF (FFF) hosted a meeting with the National CONCACAF region as part of the memo- region to take the lessons from the course Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP) at back to their respective countries to develop randum of understanding between The the FFF headquarters in Paris on 19 January. ■ the game for women and girls. FA and CONCACAF. The meeting provided an opportunity England’s women’s to discuss the possibilities for professional national U23 head players to become top-level referees, a coach Brent Hills and career path that very few French players exercise scientist take. The DNA is keen to make it easier for Dawn Scott delivered retired professional players to become the three-day course, referees. Marc Batta, national refereeing which focused on director, described the procedures that psychological and need to be followed in order to make the physiological consid- transition from player to referee. Around erations as well as 15 professional players interested in taking coaching methods, this step were in attendance, along with principally for girls Sylvain Kastendeuch, UNFP co-president, aged 8-15. and Philippe Piat, head of the European The course also division of FIFPro. included a demon- Several former Ligue 2 players have stration session led already shown a desire to become referees. by Scott with the The first, Silas Billong, who played for Brest Trinidad and Tobago before taking up refereeing, participated

women’s national The FA in the meeting on 19 January, when he U17 team. Jack Warner with representatives of The FA. described his own experience. ■

keeper Pavel Londak (FK Bodö/Glimt, association and the clubs, with the help of Norway) finished behind him in second specialists, to make strategic plans and set place, with midfielder goals. With the association and the special- (Tromsö, Norway) coming in third. ists, the clubs propose a bold and strong ESTONIA Kaidi Jekimova (FC Levadia) was named vision and then look at how it could be • MIHKEL UIBOLEHT • female player of the year. Youth player achieved. In this respect, the mutual under- of the year awards were presented to standing and assistance generated by the Estonian football welcomes (Karpaty Lviv, Ukraine) and programme are the key to turning those its centennial year Margarita Zernosekova (Pärnu JK). visions into a reality. ■ The Estonian Football Association (EJL) In addition, the EJL also awarded three is preparing to celebrate the 100th birthday orders of merit. Its highest award, the of football in the country in 2009. golden order of merit, was presented to The birth date of Estonian football is Arno Pijpers, former coach of the Estonian considered to be 6 June 1909, when the national team and FC Flora. Two silver orders first official game was held between of merit were presented to long-serving sides Meteor and Merkuur. Meteor won international Marek Lemsalu, who had this historical match 4–2. The EJL itself was announced his retirement from professional established later, on 14 December 1921. football, and Kristen Viikmäe, who has The EJL has planned a series of events played a remarkable 109 games for Estonia. in 2009 to celebrate the centenary and get The Estonian fair play compe- the whole country beating to the football tition was won by FC Flora, who left the rhythm. relegated Pärnu JK Vaprus and champions Before turning its attention to the new FC Levadia in second and third place year and announcing plans for 2009, the respectively. EJL rounded off 2008 with an awards In other news, the EJL, together with ceremony to honour the best players of the top clubs in Estonia, is taking big steps the year. to develop the local leagues and clubs. , the Estonian national team Following the good example of UEFA, the defender who plays his club football with EJL launched a Top Executive Programme FK in Norway, was voted player in 2008.

of the year for the third time in a row by The new programme consists of individ- EJL the EJL and the football journalists. Goal- ual meetings between top officials from the Raio Piiroja, Estonian player of the year.

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children and young people – particularly girls – from an immigrant background in an exemplary way. The winners will be GERMANY announced and presented with the inte- LITHUANIA gration prize at the international match be- • THOMAS HACKBARTH • tween Germany and Norway in Düsseldorf • VAIVA ZIZAITE • DFB honours exemplary on 11 February. Coach education course organised “Since people from foreign back- integration work Anatolij Buznik, an experienced coach grounds are currently under-represented in A jury containing national team educator from Ukraine, has been working football officialdom, tribute should be paid manager Oliver Bierhoff shortlisted socially with a group of 21 Lithuanian coaches to initiatives that result in immigrants tak- committed amateur clubs from Dormagen, at the national academy, where the sec- Naumburg and Duisburg, one of which ing up voluntary positions in football”, says ond part of the UEFA A licence course will be announced as the winner of the the DFB’s president, Dr Theo Zwanziger. took place. 2008 DFB and Mercedes-Benz Integration The integration prize is also awarded Prize in February. in school and project categories. As well For the second time, the German as Oliver Bierhoff, jury members include (DFB) and its general DFB’s integration manager, Gül Keskinler; sponsor Mercedes-Benz will award the the DFB president, Dr Theo Zwanziger; integration prize with under the motto the DFB vice-president, Rolf Hocke; Ursula “Football: many cultures – one passion”, Schwarzenbart, director of the Global honouring projects and activities that use Diversity Office of Daimler AG; Bettina football to foster the integration of Haussmann, senior manager for Branded

Entertainment at Mercedes-Benz Cars; LFF Prof. Maria Böhmer, the federal govern- Zeroing in on coach education. ment’s commissioner for integration; and Most of the lectures were delivered Burkhard Jungkamp, the chairman of the by Anatolij Buznik. He holds the UEFA Pro sports commission of the standing confer- licence and at present he is head coach of ence of German ministers of education the Ukrainian Under-19 team. and cultural affairs. The seminar concentrated on topics The winners in each category receive such as tactical intellection, tactical team a Mercedes-Benz Vito, a valuable addition selection and formation, and the main for any club or school, providing a safe, precepts of defending in zones. comfortable means of transport to take In addition to the esteemed guest from children and young people to their tourna- Ukraine, other lectures were given by the ments or league matches. The three run- doctor of the Lithuanian national team, ners-up each receive EUR 10,000 for their Laimutis Skikas, and by the director of the

DFB integration activities, while the three third- national football academy, Raimondas Oliver Bierhoff is all in favour of integration. placed clubs receive EUR 5,000 each. ■ Statkevicius, among other specialists. ■

establish a systematic method for building the next generation of Israeli footballers. Last month, the cornerstone was laid ISRAEL for the national teams’ complex that will MALTA comprise two football pitches, a guest- • SUZIN NIMROD • • ALEX VELLA • house, treatment and briefing rooms, and Intensive work during 2008 International youth tournament more. The aim is to create an ordered 2008 was a very busy one for the Malta The Israel Football Association (IFA) structure that will be supervised by a pro- fessional team of international renown. Football Association (MFA). There was hosted an international winter tourna- uninterrupted work in the administrative, ment for youth teams in December. The The second strategy is to bring crowds back to the football grounds by directly technical and infrastructural sectors. tournament, first held in the 1974/75 Administratively, the association updated season and halted at the beginning of subsidising the prices of tickets for pre- mier league matches. The direct contribu- several sections of its statutes, amended the present decade, was reinstated last regulations and competition rules, decided tion of the IFA to the subsidies is estimat- year by the IFA, and this year eight on matters of policy and carried out other ed at around four million shekels (approxi- national teams participated in two work through boards and committees. mately EUR 756,000). ■ age groups. The aim was greater efficiency for the The games were held at nine football benefit of football. pitches around the country. The German Embellishing the national stadium (U18) and Turkish (U17) national teams and the surrounding area, upgrading the won in their respective age groups. In a Centenary Stadium and the project to ceremony held at the end of the tourna- improve the facilities of member clubs and ment, trophies were awarded to the member associations were prominent national teams and to the outstanding during the year. players from each team. Over EUR 12 million was earmarked The IFA chairman, Avi Luzon, set out to be spent on this ambitious plan to im-

two strategies that the IFA will adopt in IFA prove playing facilities and club amenities the next two years. The first is a national Young Israelis take part in the international in Malta. UEFA is at the forefront in pro- plan to enhance the national team and tournament. viding the funds through its HatTrick pro- ➜

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aspects of the game,” said Jonny. ”If children and young players are going to develop as footballers, and more impor- ORTHERN RELAND tantly as people, they need to participate N I in a secure environment that is free from • SUEANN HARRISON • abuse and harm. I hope that by sponsor- Jonny Evans backs safeguarding ing this campaign, I can contribute in poster campaign some way to the development of children and young players throughout Northern Irish FA child/player welfare ambas- Ireland.” sador Jonny Evans has generously spon- Jim Grattan, IFA child/player welfare sored a safeguarding children and young manager, praised Jonny’s gesture: “Jonny’s players in football poster campaign by contribution to football is proving to be as donating half his international match

D.Aquilina significant off the field as on it. His volun- fees to the IFA’s Child/Player Welfare Malta’s national stadium. tary donation to the department, which ➜ Department. will be used to produce resources that gramme, while the MFA, through bank The Manchester United and Northern will help to safeguard the welfare of our loans, will also help in this respect. Assis- Ireland star specifically requested that his young players, reflects his continued tance will also be forthcoming from the donation be used to kick-start a campaign support and commitment as ambassador Maltese government. that will communicate a very important to the programme.” ■ Renewals of three-year sponsorship message to children and young players: agreements with the Bank of for “You have the right to feel safe and have the national league competitions and fun while playing football.” with Maltco Lotteries Ltd for the U*BET The posters, which are being distrib- FA trophy and the knockout competitions uted to schools, clubs, mini football centres, of the lower divisions were other high church/youth groups and leisure centres points during 2008. throughout Northern Ireland, are designed Commitments for all Malta’s national to encourage children and young players teams kept up the MFA’s momentum of to seek help if they have a problem, either activity, while the technical centre was by confiding in a trusted adult, for exam- fully engaged in providing useful service. ple, a parent/guardian, teacher, coach or Coaches, referees, women’s football, club child welfare officer, or by contacting futsal and grassroots football were other a children’s charity helpline/website.

busy areas of work for the MFA, making “As a footballer, I realise that safety IFA 2008 an intensive and fruitful year. ■ and fun are two of the most important Jonny Evans and Jim Grattan.

The national U21 team received the team (Most Valuable Grassroots Football Event of the year award, while FC took 2008), Congaz special school (Best Dis- the 2008 fair play award. Mihai Andronic ability Football Event 2008), Chisinau MOLDOVA (CSCT Buiucani) received the youth coach veterans’ team (Best Veterans Football award, Serghei Turcan (CS Tornado) the Event 2008), CF Aset-Unita Straseni (Best • VICTOR DAGHI • futsal coach award, Petru Nicora (UTM) the Futsal Event 2008), the British Embassy Gala for award winners female coach award and Vladimir Colbasiuc in Moldova (Development of Grassroots Vitalie Bordian, midfielder of FC Metalist the futsal referee of the year award. Football) and, last but not least, Iurie Bul- Kharkiv in Ukraine, received the 2008 player Victor Bulat (FC Dacia) won the gareanu (Development of Beach Football). of the year award at the awards ceremony people’s football personality of the year The FA of Moldova also introduced a held in December in front of an audience of award from the Sport Curier newspaper new award, Gentleman of the Year, which 2,500. This traditional event is when the FA and the Vremea newspaper honoured went to former referee Valeriu Sidenco. of Moldova recognises the outstanding Alexandru Onica (FC Dacia) for the best His story is simple but very captivating. football personalities of the year. debut in the Moldovan national team. As a taxi driver he returned a lost bag At the gala, other awards were presented Other awards from UEFA and the FA of containing EUR 15,000 and became very in the categories of best coach (Vlad Goian, Moldova went to: Ciobruciu sports school well known in Moldova. ■ FC Iskra-Stali and U19 national team), best referee (Valeriu Sorochin), best futsal player (Ian Iacovenco, JLC Chisinau), best female player (Svetlana Ceban, Roma Puhaceni), best beach football player (Ruslan Coberman, Real Succes) and best football-tennis player (Maxim Leghezin, CS Varnita). Former FIFA referee Ghenadie Orlic was recognised by UEFA with a diploma for his six-year international refereeing career. In the remaining categories, (Stanislav Namasco (FC Sheriff) was named best goal- keeper of the domestic championship, Igor Armas (FC Zimbru) best defender, Alexandru Suvorov (FC Tiraspol) best midfielder, Oleg

Andronic (FC Zimbru) best forward and Igor FMF Picusciac (FC Sheriff) best goalscorer. Pavel Cebanu addresses an audience of 2,500 at the awards ceremony.

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N EWS FROM MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

aspects in what for us is a new sector. We for the transport and accommodation both hope and believe it will be a success. of the 12 teams which compete in the Futsal is played in most UEFA member Romanian league. NORWAY nations, and we want to participate,” said In January and February, the first • YNGVE HAAVIK • the NFF president, Sondre Kåfjord. schools’ cup for girls under 13 is taking Regional elite futsal divisions have also place. After the local and regional phases, Elite futsal established in Norway been set up, and further down the road a final round will take place in Bucharest Elite futsal for men has been intro- the goal is to develop local divisions. in March. The best players will be selected duced by the Football Association of Nor- The NFF also wanted to establish elite for the existing clubs playing at local and way (NFF), and the historical kick-off in futsal for women, but because of a lack regional levels, where they will play mixed November marked the start of an impor- of interest in participating at a national football. The aim is to increase the num- tant commitment. level, two regional divisions have been put ber of clubs. The best of those players In 2007, the board in the NFF decided together for this season. However, the will then be selected for the above-men- to introduce futsal, and through qualify- effort to establish elite women’s futsal will tioned regional centres, where they will ing rounds in 2007/08, ten teams quali- continue. play in a youth championship which is to fied for the elite men’s futsal league, The NFF hopes to have a national be created. The most talented girls will the Telekiosken Futsal Liga, which was men’s futsal team in place by the end of be picked for the Romanian national launched at the end of November. 2009, and the objective is the World Cup Under-15 team. “I think futsal is a sport that is develop- qualifiers that will hopefully take Norway Interest among schoolgirls is high, and ing well and that we will experience new to the final round in 2012. ■ it is expected that once that interest has been demonstrated by the girls’ Under-15 schools’ cup, negotiations will begin with the Romanian ministry of education in opment of football in Ireland. Record order to have at least one women’s foot- investment in the association’s technical ball class in every school. development plan has enabled the FAI to It is only the first step, but it is a very EPUBLIC OF RELAND roll out best practice strategies in intercul- important one, in order to raise the level R I turalism, schools, colleges and universities of interest in and financial support for • FRAN WHEARTY • and the amateur sector, which has pro- women’s football in Romania. ■ FAI carry out underage review vided a significant long-term benefit to the grassroots of our sport. In addition, During November and December, the the FAI intercultural strategy – the first of Football Association of the Republic of any national governing body in Ireland – Ireland (FAI) held a series of 14 consulta- is taking the lead by using the world sport tive workshops around Ireland as part of of football as a tool for integration and its far-reaching underage review. social inclusion in our country. ■ SERBIA • ALEKSANDAR BOSKOVIC • A new national centre Finally, after so many decades of dreams, the FA of Serbia (FAS) and Serbian football are going to get a real home of their own, ROMANIA the FAS sports centre. The centre will be • PAUL ZAHARIA • built on land belonging to the municipality Mixed football of Stara Pazova, 30 km from the centre of . On 26 December, in Belgrade, Aware that, at the moment, Romanian the contract for the construction of the clubs are not very interested in women’s centre was signed by the FAS president, FAI or mixed football, and that, consequently, Tomislav Karadzic, and the mayor of Stara John Delaney, chief executive of the FAI, and the prospects are not good if this situation Pazova, Goran Jovic. Des Tomlinson, the FAI’s intercultural coordinator, continues, the Romanian FA has unveiled at an event on interculturalism. It will be huge complex, covering a project led by Raluca Sandu (general 10 hectares, with a whole range of facili- As a sport, football has grown signifi- manager of this project) and Daniel Robe ties, including pitches with natural and cantly in Ireland over the past decade and (representative of the women’s football artificial grass, a closed pitch, hotel and is now the largest participation sport in clubs on the executive committee of the hall. The main idea is to build a home for the country despite keen competition Romanian FA) and under the guidance of Serbian football as a whole, including ➜ from other team games such as rugby, Mircea Sandu, president of the Romanian Gaelic football and hurling. This underage FA and member of the UEFA Executive review will enable the association to Committee. improve existing structures and put in The main target of the project, place new structures fundamental to the launched on 16 December, is to have as continued growth of our game. The many regional mixed football training review will encompass all age groups from centres as possible from 2010 where girls U18 level down and the steering com- under 14 will be able to play. From 14 mittee contains representatives from the onwards, girls’ and boys’ football will be major football affiliates as well as Genesis kept separate. “It remains to be seen if Consulting, the country’s leading sport the Romanian FA will be able to finance consulting agency, whose staff acted as the whole project or if we will also use facilitators at the workshops. European Union funds,” Mircea Sandu www.fss.org.yu From left to right: Goran Jovic, mayor of Stara In recent years, such review strategies said at the press conference. The Roman- Pazova, minister Snezana Markovic-Samardzic, and have proved very beneficial to the devel- ian FA already provides financial support the president of the Serbian FA, Tomislav Karadzic.

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➜ the academies, a single place where every- to win free tickets. In addition, special body in Serbian football can come together. reports about the various national teams The construction of the centre will be and fans will be published. The fan club financed from two sources – there will be SWITZERLAND was set up by the Swiss Football Associa- funding from the FIFA Goal project and a tion (SFV) and the national team sponsors • PIERRE BENOIT • matching amount from the Serbian ministry Credit Suisse, Swiss Life, Kinder Nutella, of youth and sport. The contract signing SFV fan club launched Ochsner Sport and Puma. ceremony was attended by the minister of The new SFV fan club was founded The SFV hopes that the new fan club youth and sport, Snezana Markovic- at the end of 2008. Via the SFV website, will generate closer, more emotional ties Samardzic. In her words: www.football.ch, fans of the Swiss national with its supporters. “We are offering the “The FAS sports centre has been one of football team can register free of charge, fans an extra platform where they can find the priorities of our ministry. The interest of take part in regular joint events and benefit information about our national teams and this project goes beyond football. Our min- from exclusive offers. Before every home participate in joint events,” explained Peter istry will contribute EUR 3 million and with match, for example, there will be a chance Gilliéron, the SFV’s general secretary. ■ other help I believe that will be enough. In Serbia, everybody loves football and now everybody is happy. We will also continue with new projects and the next step is to Executive Committee from September build 35 mini-pitches, in cooperation with 2007 until December 2008. He described UEFA and FIFA.” this period as very complicated but quite The FAS president, Tomislav Karadzic, successful. “Grassroots and children’s added: UKRAINE football was and still is our priority and, “This is the biggest victory for Serbian • YVAN DYVAK/DMYTRO SOBKO • in this respect, Ukraine was awarded five- football in history off the pitch. This project star status under the UEFA Grassroots means more than any three points; it is a Congress concludes the football year Charter,” he said. pledge for the future, a concrete develop- The congress of the Football Federation The congress unanimously elected to ment for everybody. Now we will concen- of Ukraine (FFU) marked the end of the 2008 remove the former national team coach, trate on our quality, not only that of the football year in the country. The meeting of Oleh Blokhin, and the former president of players, but also of young coaches and the highest FFU governing body approved the Ukrainian professional football league everyone else who works in football. The changes and additions to the national asso- (PFL), Ravil Safiullin, from the FFU execu- next task of our association is build head- ciation’s statutes, accepted the annual tive committee. In their place, the newly quarters, a house of football, in an appro- financial report and received the latest infor- elected head of the PFL, Svyatoslav Syrota, priate location in Belgrade.” mation on preparations for EURO 2012. was elected as a member of the executive Work on the sports centre will start very In accordance with the new requirements committee, as was the future president of soon and everybody will be keen to see the of FIFA and UEFA, some changes and addi- the . finished product as soon as possible. ■ tions have been made to the FFU statutes. The head of the FFU’s EURO 2012 “Football associations in all countries have executive directorate, Ivan Fedorenko, to bring their statutes into line with the cor- reported that preparations for the tourna- responding documents of the international ment were gradually speeding up. “The football bodies. So we formed a working UEFA Executive Committee is expecting group to examine this matter and took all the third stage of the preparation plan to the requests and remarks of the international be completed by May 2009. Then the SWEDEN bodies into consideration in the final version list of host cities will be revealed. So I urge • ANDREAS NILSSON • of our statutes,” explained FFU first vice- our regional associations to step up their New tool for referees president Serhiy Storozhenko. action in order to help our country obtain The FFU’s executive director, Oleksandr the maximum number of EURO 2012 Swedish referees will get a lot more Bandurko, summarised the work of the venues,” he said. ■ than hot air out of their whistles next sea- son. The Swedish FA and manufacturer Spintso have developed a handheld elec- tronic organiser that attaches to the tradi- tional whistle. The device will be used to register information during the game, and offers the referee support through multiple func- tions. Practical testing was conducted throughout 2008, and following feedback from referees, wide-scale production and use will commence in the 2009 season. In other news, construction work on the brand-new arena in is almost complete, and the Swedish FA has announced that the women’s national team will call this stadium (16,500 capacity) its home. The first inter- national game at the Gamla will be played on 25 April, when the Brazilian A new refereeing women’s team has

tool. been invited to play FFU SvFF Sweden. ■ The FFU congress.

22 uefadirect 2.09 UEFAdirect-82•E 20.1.2009 16:12 Page 23 UEFA-pjwoods.ch

Notice ■ The Latvia Football Federation has a new address: Olympic Sports Center, Communications Grostonas Street 6b, , LV-1013. Birthdays – Calendar Its telephone and fax numbers remain unchanged.

Match agents

Birthdays ● Eggert Magnusson (Iceland, 20.2) Four more match agents have been ● João F. De Magalhães Marques (Portugal, 20.2) awarded UEFA licences: ● Ralph Zloczower (Switzerland, 21.2) Leonardus van der Kroft (Netherlands), ● Carlos Godinho (Portugal, 21.2) Serge Patrice Kuimi Tchatchoua a member of the circle of former committee ● Asim Khudiyev (Azerbaijan, 22.2) Kuim’s Sport World SL members, turns 80 on 2 February. On 5 Febru- ● Niels-Christian Holmstrøm (Denmark, 23.2) C/ Dos de Mayo 50, piso 5 ary, Nikolaos Zamboglou (Cyprus), a doping con- ● Maarten Fontein (Netherlands, 23.2) Mostoles (Madrid) 28934, Spain trol officer, celebrates his 60th. He is followed ● Peter Jones (England, 24.2) Tel./Fax: +34 91 664 6025 on 18 February by referee observer Patrick Kelly ● Juan Padron Morales (Spain, 25.2) Mobile: +34 659 289 236 (), and on 27 February by ● Manfred Amerell (Germany, 25.2) [email protected] Allan Hansen (Denmark), first vice-chairman of ● Miroslav Radoman (Serbia, 25.2) Peter Bint the Referees Committee. Vladimir Sajn (Slove- ● Alberto Lopez Moreno (Spain, 25.2) nia), a member of the Referees Committee, 61 Southfield Park ● Jens Erik Magnussen (Faroe Islands, 26.2) Harrow, Middlesex HA2 6HF, UK celebrates his 50th birthday on 22 February. ● Egidius Braun (Germany, 27.2) Birthday greetings also go out this month to: Tel.: +44 2084278733 or +82 1038041442 ● Xavier Lebray (France, 27.2) [email protected] ● (Germany, 1.2) ● Zorislav Srebric (Croatia, 28.2) ● Karen Espelund (Norway, 1.2) ● (Italy, 28.2) Jeroen Hoogewerf ● Kyros Vassaras (Greece, 1.2) ● (Germany, 28.2) Sports Entertainment Group ● Trygve Bornø (Norway, 2.2) ● John Beattie (England, 28.2) Tesselschadestraat 4-12 ● Mark Blackbourne (England, 3.2) 1054 ET Amsterdam, Netherlands ● Vaclav Krondl (Czech Republic, 5.2) Tel.: +31 20 589 4000 ● Gabriel Weiss (Slovakia, 6.2) Forthcoming events Fax: +31 20 589 4001 ● Erich Rutemöller (Germany, 8.2) Mobile: +31 65 206 5929 ● Yusuf Namoglu (Turkey, 8.2) Meetings [email protected] ● Alexander Slutski (Belarus, 8.2) ● Fino Fini (Italy, 9.2) 1-6.2.2009, Malaga Ilengiz Gürel ● Donald McVicar (Scotland, 9.2) Referees course Dr. van Londenstraat 15, ● Danilo Filacchione (Italy, 9.2) 4.2.2009, Aarhus 4064 EM, VARIK, Netherlands ● Zoran Lakovic (Serbia, 9.2) Draw for the qualifying round of the 2009-11 Tel.: +31 344 662 083 ● Luc Rabat (France, 10.2) European Under-21 Championship Mobile: +31 628 411 481 [email protected] ● Dani Koren (Israel, 10.2) 16.2.2009, Nyon ● William McDougall (Scotland, 11.2) Fair Play and Social Responsibility Committee ● Borislav Mihaylov (Bulgaria, 12.2) Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee New publication ● Oleksandr Bandurko (Ukraine, 13.2) ● (Italy, 13.2) 17.2.2009, Nyon Youth and Amateur Football Committee Le Guide du Respect dans le Football ● Heinz-Herbert Kreh (Germany, 14.2) UEFA is, thankfully, not alone in promot- ● Dieter Pauly (Germany, 14.2) Players’ Status, Transfer and Agents and Match Agents Committee ing respect: the head of the French Foot- ● Marinus den Engelsman (Netherlands, 14.2) ball Federation's ethics committee and ● Peter Bonde (Denmark, 14.2) 18.2.2009, Nyon former French international ● Club Licensing Committee Manuel Lopez Fernandez (Spain, 14.2) Dominique Rocheteau has ● Club Competitions Committee Georges Konrath (France, 15.2) teamed up with journalist ● John McBeth (Scotland, 15.2) 19.2.2009, Nyon ● Chérif Ghemmour to pro- Susanne Erlandsson (Sweden, 15.2) Women’s Football Committee duce this short guide, illus- ● Athanassios Machairas (Greece, 15.2) Football Committee ● trated by Aki and published Katriina Elovirta (Finland, 15.2) 20.2.2009, Nyon ● Svitlana Shkil (Ukraine, 15.2) by Calmann-Lévy. The guide Media Committee contains ten stories about a ● Adalbert Kassai (Romania, 16.2) Marketing Advisory Committee ● Gudrun Inga Sivertsen (Iceland, 17.2) team called Respect, corre- ● Jozef Venglos (Slovakia, 18.2) Competitions sponding to ten command- ● Borislav Alexandrov (Bulgaria, 18.2) ments of respect: for the coach, your ● 18/19.2.2009 team-mates, your own body and health, Flemming Serritslev (Denmark, 18.2) UEFA Cup: round of 32 (first legs) ● Pertti Alaja (Finland, 18.2) others, the referee, your opponents, diver- ● Anders Frisk (Sweden, 18.2) 24/25.2.2009 sity, the public, equipment and facilities, ● Jaroslav Vacek (Czech Republic, 19.2) UEFA Champions League: round of 16 (first legs) and the match. Each story is accompanied ● Janis Mezeckis (Latvia, 19.2) 26.2.2009 by a contribution from a big name in ● Lars Arnesson (Sweden, 20.2) UEFA Cup: round of 32 (return legs) French football, either a player or coach.

WE CARE ABOUT FOOTBALL Chief Editor André Vieli The views expressed in signed articles are not necessarily the Produced by Atema Communication SA, CH-1196 Gland official views of UEFA. Official publication of the The reproduction of articles Union des associations or extracts of any information européennes de football Printed by Artgraphic Cavin SA, CH-1422 Grandson published in uefadirect is authorised, provided the Communications Division Editorial deadline: 14 January 2009 source is indicated. UEFAdirect-82•E 20.1.2009 16:12 Page 24

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