Media Release Route de Genève 46 Case postale Communiqué aux médias CH-1260 Nyon 2 Union des associations Tel. +41 22 994 45 59 européennes de football Medien-Mitteilung Fax +41 22 994 37 37 uefa.com [email protected]

Date: 23/01/2003 No. 006 – 2003 EMBARGO - 20:00 CET

UEFA pledges support for Meridian Project

Meridian Cup 2003 launched in Cairo

UEFA, together with CAF, the African Football Confederation, today launched the 2003 edition of the Meridian Cup, describing it as a “symbol of the special friendship and co-operation which binds the two continents”.

Speaking at a joint UEFA-CAF Press Conference at the Marriott Hotel in Cairo, Senes Erzik, UEFA’s Senior Vice-President and Chair of the Meridian Board, said:

“Since the first co-operation agreement between UEFA and CAF was signed in Lisbon in 1997, we have been building important bridges between European and African football.

“The Meridian Project has played a key role in linking European and African associations and encouraging dialogue, visits and education between partner associations. In addition UEFA is proud to continue to provide direct support to two nominated football associations within CAF.

“The Meridian Cup itself is a symbol of the special friendship and co-operation which binds the two continents, bringing together the best of African and European youth players. This is truly an event for now and for the future.

“In addition we are very pleased that the tournament will be opened with a showcase gala match involving AFC Ajax of the Netherlands and Al-Ahly of Egypt. This demonstrates the commitment to this event and our heartfelt thanks are given to both of the clubs involved.

“For this tournament we are also delighted to welcome the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Egyptian Red Crescent as our official charity partners to help raise awareness of their humanitarian campaign - “Children in War” - designed to protect children in war-torn situations.

“There is a lot to be proud of in the work of the Meridian Project and UEFA is proud to be involved. We believe this will be a successful tournament and our thanks go to CAF and the Egyptian FA for all their hard work in preparing the event”. cont’d….

For further information: Mike Lee, Director of Communications and Public Affairs: ++41-79 250 53 71 UEFA Media Services: ++41-22 99 44 55 9

Note to Editors:

The eight-team tournament features the four best Under-17 national teams from both Europe and Africa and is running from 25 January until 2 February in Ismailya and Port Said. The African teams are Egypt, Burkina Faso, Mali and Nigeria, while Europe’s representatives are Switzerland, France, England and Spain – the top four at the 2002 UEFA Under-17 Championship. Each team will play the four representatives of the opposing continent over four match days – 25, 27 and 29 January and 1 February.

Dutch champions AFC Ajax and African Champions League holders Al-Ahly of Egypt will open the fourth UEFA-CAF Meridian Cup playing a Gala match in Cairo’s National Stadium on Friday 24 January at 14:45.

For further information: Mike Lee, Director of Communications and Public Affairs: ++41-79 250 53 71 UEFA Media Services: ++41-22 99 44 55 9