No. 34 – February 2005 2.05 division Associations New National and stress Football in Ostrava Futsal finals of beingfinals Worthy division Associations New National and stress Football in Ostrava Futsal finals of beingfinals Worthy 08 06 03 08 06 03 14 14 COVER IN THIS ISSUE Football and stress 08 In the absence of European Championship Media Officers’ Conference or World Cup finals this year, players of UEFA Champions League in Copenhagen 11 ties worthy of a final 03 the calibre of Thierry Henry will be seeking Foreign players in Eastern Europe 12 to make their presence felt in the club Futsal finals in Ostrava 06 competitions this season, particularly in New National Associations division 14 the UEFA Champions League. Meridian Cup in Turkey 07 News from member associations 17 PHOTO: EMPICS

A quietEditorial year in prospect?

The year that has just got under way is not going to see the excitement of an event on the scale of EURO 2004, but nor will it simply be a period of transition between the tournament in Portugal and next year’s World Cup finals in . On the field of play, as well as behind the scenes, the months ahead will be anything but quiet. No fewer than 13 UEFA champions will be crowned in 2005, starting with the Meridian Cup in February and followed by the European Futsal Championship, the men’s and women’s youth competitions, the UEFA Regions’ Cup, the European Women’s Championship and, of course, the club compe- tition finals, including, notably, the fiftieth champion clubs’ final. And by the end of the year, the World Cup qualifiers will have reached their conclusion. The year will be just as eventful off the field. In the first quarter alone, a conference of the presidents and general secretaries of UEFA member asso- ciations is being organised in February, and the UEFA Congress takes place in Tallinn in April. Apart from these two large gatherings, there will be all the usual committee and panel meetings, as well as events like European club and elite club coaches’ forums, not to mention all the various competition draws. EURO 2004 may still be fresh in our minds, but EURO 2008 is already under preparation and, given the complexity and scale of the event, already requires close attention. On top of that, if you add in UEFA’s ever-crucial relations with the European Union, the monitoring of the club licensing system, the protection of locally trained players, as well as refereeing matters, calendar issues and marketing business, it is not hard to see that, even without European Championship or World Cup finals, 2005 is not going to be an idle year, far from it!

Lars-Christer Olsson Chief Executive

we care about football EMPICS

02 uefadirect 2.05 UEFA Champions League Five ties worthy of a final

Real Madrid v Juventus: a tie worthy of being a final like the one in 1998, when Real (Manuel Sanchis and Fernando Redondo) beat Juventus (Didier Deschamps). EMPICS

“AT LEAST FIVE OF THESE PAIRINGS WOULD BE WORTHY FINALS”, have not had such a smooth ride.

SUGGESTED JUVENTUS VICE-PRESIDENT ROBERTO BETTEGA FOLLOWING THE DRAW Lagging behind in their domestic championship, Madrid had to wait FOR THE FIRST KNOCK-OUT ROUND OF THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE IN NYON. until Matchday 6 to clinch their WHO COULD ARGUE WITH HIM? place in the last 16. Will the arrival of Arrigo Sacchi (technical director) The current leaders of the Real Madrid – Juventus and Wanderley Luxemburgo (coach) Italian, French, English, German, Span- A clash of the titans between turn things around? ish, Dutch and Portuguese champi- the two clubs that have enjoyed the onships are all involved in this stage most domestic success in Spain and Manchester United – AC Milan of the competition. Between Italy. This tie between former Can Sir Alex Ferguson see them, the 16 teams left have winners is in fact a repeat of into the future? The day before the won the Champion Clubs’ the 1998 Champions League draw, the Manchester United man- Cup/Champions League on final. Real won on that occa- ager predicted that his team would 33 occasions. By way of com- sion, but Juventus gained their be paired with AC Milan! These two parison, last season that figure revenge in the semi-final five former winners have never faced was 24. But rather than past years later. Still awaiting the each other in the Champions League, glories, it will be the contrasts in style return of striker David Trezeguet, the although Milan knocked United out and the duels between the world’s best Turin team has built its excellent start of the Champions’ Cup in 1958 and players that will keep the spectators on to the season on a rock-solid defence, 1969. The contrast in styles between the edge of their seats. Here is a brief conceding only one goal in its six the Italians, for whom possession foretaste of the matches to be played Champions League group matches. of the ball is the key weapon, and on 22/23 February and 8/9 March. Real Madrid, despite all their stars, the English, who prefer a more

03 Werder Bremen Arjen Robben (Daniel Jensen, right) (Chelsea FC) and FC Internazionale penetrates (Andy van der Meyde) the FC Porto have so far been playing defence. better in the UEFA Champions League than in their domestic championships. EMPICS EMPICS direct route to their opponents’ ances with , FIFA Player goal, will be well worth watching. of the Year, playing out of his skin. And what can you say about the duel “This match will also be contest be- between two of the best centre- tween the world’s best two coaches, forwards in Europe, “Golden Ball” Frank Rijkaard and José Mourinho,” winner Andriy Shevchenko and said Joan Laporta. The Barcelona Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooy? president knows what he is talking about, since Mourinho was assistant Porto – Internazionale coach for many years at the Nou This is the third Camp, where he served under match in the round that and . brings together two for- mer winners of the trophy. Bayern Munich – Arsenal However, the Italians will This is the fifth of Bettega’s not be starting as under- worthy finals. Although Arsène dogs against the current Wenger has enjoyed frequent domes- holders. The Milanese club tic success since arriving in London were unbeaten in all in 1996, he has yet to prove himself competitions between at European level. Thierry Henry and August and the end of his team-mates face a tough battle December 2004. Although against Bayern Munich, four-time a host of drawn matches winners of Europe’s most prestigious (12 in 16) prevented the trophy. After a difficult start to the “Nerazzurri” from keeping season, the Bavarians have adapted up with Juventus and to the methods of new coach Felix Milan in Serie A, they ran Magath and went into the winter away with their group in break top of the German . the Champions League. In contrast, FC Porto, had to wait until the PSV Eindhoven – Monaco closing minutes of their final game Although PSV won the Cham- before securing qualification. pions’ Cup in 1988, they have never Despite their success in the Euro- reached the competition’s knock-out pean/South American Cup, the Euro- stages since it was restructured. Ronaldinho, FIFA Player of the Year, pean champions do not appear as They finally succeeded this year is certainly the solid as last season. The departure despite losing Robben and Kezman most exciting player of the moment. of coach José Mourinho and play- in the summer. Monaco, finalists last maker Deco, amongst others, are year, have also lost some key players. taking their toll. Following the departure of Giuly, Rothen, Prso and Morientes, Didier Barcelona – Chelsea Deschamps now has a completely After a fantastic start new forward line. After a few teething to the season both in England problems, he seems to have found and in Europe, Chelsea are the right blend, as demonstrated emerging as one of the by the resounding 5-0 victory in favourites for the Champions La Coruña on Matchday 6. League. However, the London club has been drawn against Liverpool – Bayer Leverkusen the other team that has been set- The English club with the ting Europe alight in recent months, most European Cup victories (four- Barcelona, who have been producing time winners) owe their place in the

EMPICS some dazzling, effective perform- last 16 to a Gerrard goal scored in

04 uefadirect 2.05 AS Monaco Arsenal (François Modesto, left) (Francesc Fabregas, left) ended the group EMPICS and PSV Eindhoven stage with a clear win are both still against in the running. Deportivo La Coruña (Walter Pandiani).

Werder Bremen – Olympique knocking out Valencia. Lyonnais, meanwhile, seem well on This is the only match in the the way to lifting their fourth consecu-

AFP/MARCOU last 16 not involving a former winner tive French league title. At European of the competition. However, it brings level, they are aiming to at least the closing minutes of the last together two reigning national champi- match their achievement of last year, group match against Olympiacos. ons. Werder, despite failing to shine when they reached the Champions The replacement of Gérard Houllier in this season’s Bundesliga, have been League quarter-finals. with Rafael Benítez has not yet excellent in the Champions League, Emanuele Saraceno helped the “Reds” to close the gap on the Chelsea-Arsenal-Manchester United trio. The serious injury to UEFA Cup wide open Djibril Cissé has undoubtedly held them back. Bayer Leverkusen, final- While the Champions League is already down to the last 16, ists in 2002, may not be at the top the new format of the UEFA Cup means that 32 teams will compete in of the German Bundesliga, but they the next round in February. Some 15 national associations are still won their Champions League group represented at this stage of the competition, proving that this has truly with some high-quality football. become a wide-open event. Indeed, the last six winners have all come from different nations. In this season’s competition, Spain lead the way with five teams The matches: still in contention, including holders Valencia, who have dropped out ■ Grazer AK – Middlesbrough FC of the Champions League. Of the eight Spanish teams involved in European competition this season (excluding the UEFA Intertoto Cup), ■ – Newcastle United FC only Deportivo La Coruña have fallen by the wayside. Germany, with ■ FC Basel 1893 – LOSC Lille Métropole three representatives still in the UEFA Cup and three in the Champions ■ Parma FC – VfB Stuttgart League, has achieved a similar feat, with Bochum the only club to have ■ failed to reach the February round of matches. Sporting Clube de Portugal – ES ■ TSV – AZ ■ FK Austria Vienna – Athletic Club Bilbao ■ FK Partizan – FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk FC Basel 1893 and Feyenoord qualified ■ Valencia CF – FC Steaua Bucharest from their group, along with ■ AFC Ajax – AJ Auxerre Schalke 04. ■ PFC CSKA – SL Benfica ■ Fenerbahçe SK – Real Zaragoza ■ Panathinaikos FC – Sevilla FC ■ FC Shakhtar Donetsk – FC Schalke 04 ■ Olympiacos CFP – FC Sochaux-Montbéliard ■ FC Dynamo Kiev – Villarreal CF

Matches to be played on 16/17 February (first leg) and 24 February (second leg). KURT SCHORRER KURT

05 Extra time Encounters In the semi-finals and consolation match, extra time will between Spain (Marcelo, not be played if the two teams are equal at the end of the in red) and Italy 40 minutes of normal playing time; the winners will be deter- (Pellegrini) are usually action- mined by penalty kicks. packed and Extra time is, however, possible in the final.

closely fought. UEFA European

Futsal ChampionshipFinal round in Ostrava

FROM 14 TO 20 FEBRUARY, THE FINAL ROUND AFP/LIN OF THE 4TH EUROPEAN FUTSAL CHAMPIONSHIP WILL BE TAKING PLACE IN OSTRAVA, IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC. FIXTURE LIST Out of the 33 teams that set Such performances show Group A out from the starting post last year, that European football is in a solid 14.02.2005 Czech Republic – Ukraine 14.02.2005 – Netherlands the final field is now down to eight, and stable situation, as also con- 15.02.2005 Czech Republic – Russia including hosts the Czech Republic, firmed by the fact that Italy, Russia 15.02.2005 Ukraine – Netherlands who are joined by Hungary, Italy, the and Spain have featured in all the 17.02.2005 Netherlands – Czech Republic 17.02.2005 Ukraine – Russia Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Spain European final rounds played to and Ukraine in the last stage. date, while the Czech Republic, the Group B 14.02.2005 Italy – Portugal Six of these finalists took part Netherlands, Portugal and Ukraine 14.02.2005 Hungary – Spain in the last final round, in Italy in 2003: will be making their third appear- 15.02.2005 Italy – Hungary Italy, who actually won the title, losing ance this year. The only newcomers 15.02.2005 Portugal – Spain finalists Ukraine, along with the Czech are Hungary, raising the number of 17.02.2005 Spain – Italy 17.02.2005 Portugal – Hungary Republic, Portugal, Russia and Spain. national associations represented in Five of them (excluding Russia) also the final rounds to 13, which is not Semi-finals 18.02.2005 Winner Group A – Runner-up Group B competed in the recent World Futsal very high, considering that there 18.02.2005 Winner Group B – Runner-up Group A Championships in Taipei at the end of have always been eight finalists, i.e. 20.02.2005 Consolation match last year, where they performed well 32 places in total in the four final 20.02.2005 Final as a whole, with all of them making it rounds staged from 1999 to 2005. All matches will be played in the past the first round, and Italy and Spain Consequently, some of the Arena hall, except Ukraine – Russia even reaching the final, which resulted ties in Ostrava are bound to have a and Portugal – Hungary, which will in Spain retaining their world title. familiar look to them, which does take place in the Sareza hall. not, however, make them any less interesting but, on the contrary, gives them the added spice of being “revenge matches” or even of “revenge for revenge”, notably the duel between world champions Spain and European champions Italy. Both landed in the same group in the world championships in Taipei; Italy won the group match but lost to Spain in the final. Their renewed encounter in Ostrava will therefore certainly be one of the highlights of the final round. ■ The first three European Futsal Championships were won by Spain Russia (1999), Spain (2001) and celebrate victory

in Taipei. AFP/LIN Italy (2003).

06 uefadirect 2.05 The Kusadasi The senior Turkish stadium. national team (Emre Belozoglu, in red) will be taking part in the gala match in Istanbul. TFF 5th Meridian Cup AFP/OZER

in Turkey The Meridian Cup gala match Bringing two continents together will be played at the Ataturk Olympic stadium in Istanbul on 9 February, TURKEY HAS BEEN KNOWN AS THE COUNTRY BRIDGING kicking off at 20.00, between Turkey, THE CONTINENTS OF EUROPE AND ASIA. NOW, HOWEVER, TURKEY WILL bronze medallists in the 2002 World BE BRINGING EUROPE AND AFRICA TOGETHER. Cup, and Tunisia, reigning African champions. The match will also be Two years after being held in Insurance, Mercedes-Benz, and Aqua- a dress rehearsal for this year’s UEFA Egypt, the Meridian Cup is now being fina are sponsoring the tournament. Champions League final in May. hosted and organised by the UEFA and the local organ- As the start of the Meridian Turkish Football Federation. ising committees started dis- Cup draws nearer, we are looking The best three teams from the cussing the Meridian Cup tourna- forward to welcoming our guests. 2003/04 European Under-17 ment in 2004. The first site visit Metin Tunçer Championship – , Spain was made in April by a delegation and Portugal – as well as hosts from the UEFA Administration. Turkey will participate from Europe, During this visit, they inspected the while their African counterparts will stadiums, training grounds and po- be the Under-17 teams from Egypt, tential hotels. Meetings were held Nigeria, Cameroon and Sierra Leone. to discuss the necessary steps These teams will face each other and requirements. After this between 4 and 11 February in Kusadasi, first site visit, preparations Soke, Aydin, and Odemis. These cities started to slowly take shape. are situated on Turkey’s mild-weathered On 9 September, a joint Aegean coast, a popular tourist desti- UEFA/CAF delegation visited nation. In recent years, this region Turkey for a final site visit and review. has been home to the Aegean Cup The local organising committees are international under-16 tournament, now acting quickly to implement the in which neighbouring European and latest UEFA/CAF recommendations. African countries have taken part. Kusadasi will also be the home base European Under-17 champions France for the Meridian Cup. , Anadolu () qualified for the Meridian Cup with vice-champions Spain, as well Fewer trophies as Portugal and In the youth competitions, the educational aspect is supposed hosts Turkey. to be just as important as the result. This is especially the case in the Meridian Cup, which was conceived for the purpose of encouraging players from Europe and Africa to make friends and share values. The regulations for the 5th Meridian Cup have been amended to place greater emphasis on this aspect, by abolishing the trophies rewarding

the best team of the tournament and the best team of each continent. UEFA Instead, just one single trophy, the Meridian Cup itself, will be awarded to the best confederation. Each European team will play each African team, with the winner earning three points for their respective confeder- ation, and one point going to each confederation in the case of a draw. A fair play trophy will also be awarded. 07 UEFA UEFA

FootballAn expert’s and view of thestress problem

PROFESSOR FLORIAN HOLSBOER IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S LEADING PSYCHIATRISTS. HE IS IN SUCH DEMAND

ALL OVER THE GLOBE THAT HE IS RARELY TO BE FOUND IN HIS OFFICE AT THE MAX PLANCK INSTITUTE IN MUNICH.

HE WAS DISCOVERED BY THE WORLD OF SPORT A YEAR AGO, WHEN IT EMERGED THAT HE HAD BEEN

TREATING SEBASTIAN DEISLER, BAYERN MUNICH’S GERMAN INTERNATIONAL, WHO HAD SUFFERED A SERIOUS

NERVOUS BREAKDOWN. IN CLOSE COOPERATION WITH HIS CLUB, HOLSBOER AIDED DEISLER’S RECOVERY.

Deisler’s breakdown hit the women and 15% for men. That’s what lost again. We could not have suc- headlines because he was already a the statistics say in any case.” ceeded without this treatment. He well-known player, but he is not the – Were you optimistic about also ate too much chocolate…. Since only one to have experienced psycho- Deisler? he is a sportsman, I stayed in contact logical problems. With pressure and – Yes, because he acknowl- with the Cologne Doping Institute to resultant stress on the increase, some edged that he was ill and talked ensure that I never prescribed him people are suggesting that clubs about it. He also got treatment imme- any banned substances. The main should employ their own psycholo- diately, which is vital. His treatment effect of the different medicines is gists. Respecting medical confiden- lasted a year. Medication is used the same, but the side effects vary: tiality, Prof. Holsboer gives us his alongside psychotherapy. Sometimes some make you put on weight, while opinion: “The Deisler case caused a the psychotherapy is provided by others cause drowsiness, which is sensation. He is a hero! He had the psychiatrist himself, but some- sometimes necessary if the patient is the courage to expose his problems times he sends the patient to a suffering from insomnia. to the press and the whole world. psychologist. – You stayed in permanent He hid nothing. He confronted his – Can depression really contact with Bayern Munich... situation as if he had fractured a be cured? – Deisler cost Bayern a lot of bone in his foot. People talk about – The patient remains more money. They helped him because, heart bypass operations, but not susceptible, just like someone who when he’s fit, he’s a superb player. depression. It is still not really has had a pulmonary infection. About and Uli Hoeness socially acceptable. The fact that 15% of patients have a second bout spent a lot of time with Sebastian. people are talking about it more of depression, but these figures do not They were extremely understanding gives the impression that it is more take into account the effectiveness of of his problems. Hitzfeld was common now than before. But that preventive measures. If Deisler fol- excellent, very sympathetic. He is isn’t true, despite the pressures of lows our advice, he is very unlikely to extremely considerate, has a great modern society, and not just in foot- suffer a relapse, although he might sense of humour and is very intelli- ball. The number of cases is not still have low days like everyone else. gent. Successful men are always rising, but it is easier to talk about – Antidepressants make very understanding. Hitzfeld is a now. It is thought that 10-15% of the you put on weight. Surely that is not typical example. Hoeness was also population are at risk, although recommended for athletes? very helpful. some experts are more pessimistic – He needed them. Sebastian – Your research suggests and suggest figures of 20% for put on eight kilos, which he has now that some people are programmed

08 uefadirect 2.05 EMPICS

to suffer from depression because of an overreaction to stress. – We need these protein hormones to deal with stressful situations, but some people over- react. They are at greater risk than others. All they need is a trigger. – Footballers’ lives are BONGARTS more stressful than before. Is that a factor? Professor Florian Holsboer. – They face two types of stress. Their job is physically – Do you think clubs should gist: not everyone would dare to go demanding. The number of matches employ psychologists? and see him in full view of their they play involves frequent travel- – No, and certainly not the team-mates. Rather, the manager, ling and separation from their fam- national team. Every club should have coach and staff should look out for ilies. They also have to deal with a psychologist they can consult, just the telltale signs in players who need the psychological pressure of the as every club knows an orthopaedic help. People must receive help as travelling as well as the demands surgeon, a rehabilitation specialist, and when they need it. If two players of playing. As multimillionaires, an eye specialist, an internist, etc. are at loggerheads, what can a psy- they are always open to criticism This person should be accepted and chologist do about it? Two people and have to perform well. The recognised by the players and avail- who are at odds do not use the same newspapers are full of reports able whenever the need arises. Many lawyer, so why should they consult about their performances or short- celebrities and important people have the same psychologist? What matters comings. The 18 players in a squad a psychologist but do not admit it. is that the clubs are prepared to ask are exposed to stress. Some of That is another reason why I have my for help when necessary. A national them cannot cope. reservations about a club psycholo- coach therefore does not need to worry about this aspect: it is part of the clubs’ everyday responsibilities. Why should a coach use a psycho- logist to motivate his players? That is his job. Coaches do not need such a big entourage, otherwise they will soon be out of a job. Coaches should be able to spot the symptoms of depression themselves. – For example? – Mental problems very quickly have an effect on the body, leading to difficulty sleeping, getting up in the morning and par- ticularly training early in the day. Players lack a fighting spirit, moti- vation, etc. BONGARTS

Press conference with Uli Hoeness. Pascale Pierard

09 France’s Marc Batta, elite referees manager in training of the elite in the forest. referees, runs a working session.

The preparationTop-class of elite refereeing French referees

TODAY’S DEMANDING GAME LEAVES LITTLE ROOM FOR TRIAL AND ERROR IN THE PREPARATION OF TOP-FLIGHT EUROPEAN

AND FRENCH FOOTBALL TEAMS. BY THE SAME VIRTUE, REFEREES NEED TO BE EQUALLY WELL PREPARED, A REALISATION WHICH

PROMPTED FRENCH REFEREEING TO ADOPT THE SAME APPROACH TO REFEREE PREPARATION A FEW YEARS AGO.

As a result, the physical, men- An altitude training course matches, the revitalising effects tal, technical and tactical preparation of held a few days before the start of of the different treatments help them referees now resembles that of a foot- the new season is designed to boost to relax and recharge their batteries. ball team, which is normal, given that physical fitness. Apart from the This get-together is also conducive they have to be top-class athletes too. sporting and biological benefits of to continued group cohesion at a key Nowadays, French referees oxygenization, combined with alti- point in the season. are raised on a rich annual diet of sum- tude training, fitness tests and video Between these two scheduled mer altitude training, winter spa rest analyses, the course also offers the gatherings, the season is punctuated and recuperation, a national end-of- chance to build up the team spirit with half-day technical sessions. season course, three fitness test/video and to define common objectives The national refereeing department analysis sessions during the season, with a view to ensuring uniform brings the 20 elite referees together as well as four occasional sessions, interpretation and application of the after every six or seven league after every nine league matches, to Laws of the Game. So literally just matches to check that the instruc- review performances. before the new season kicks off, tions issued before the start of the New technology plays an the clubs and the professional season are being properly applied – important role in this modern notion league know what objectives and ap- notably by means of video record- of the game. Video recordings of all proaches they have to be aware of. ings – and to correct any problems. French first-division matches are dis- Midway through the season, Recent performances are sum- sected on an ongoing basis, broken a week-long thalassotherapy break marised to indicate aspects that need down according to the type of action, revives those tired limbs. In between to be worked on individually and slow-motion replays, views from vari- video sessions which allow the ref- collectively. ous angles, watched several times over, erees to make an initial evaluation This extremely ambitious, then discussed in groups to agree on of how the season is going and also innovative approach to referee prepa- consistent, uniform decisions. to look ahead to the remaining ration is also partly down to the large professional support team, made up of a doctor, physiotherapist, fitness trainer, video specialist, kit and logis- tics coordinator and experts from The mountain air the national refereeing department. provides the setting for a summer training camp. And finally, none of this would be possible of course without the participation and support of the French Football Federation and the French professional football league. The presidents of these national bodies meet regularly with the refer- ees to exchange views, to discuss how the championship is going and to see what kind of improvements need to be made.

PHOTOS: FFF PHOTOS: Marc Batta

10 uefadirect 2.05 One of the conference and sessions. are enjoying the experience...

... as is Peter Schmeichel. ??????????????? Media Officers’

TheConference best ‘thankless job’ in the world! On the other hand, EURO 2004 pro- vided invaluable reference material

JUST BEFORE CHRISTMAS, THE 3RD UEFA CONFERENCE FOR MEDIA OFFICERS when it came to debating media strat- egy for the future, and the opinions WAS STAGED IN COPENHAGEN. THE NAME HAD BEEN SLIGHTLY MODIFIED, voiced in Copenhagen will undoubted- AS THE PREVIOUS DENOMINATION OF ‘MEDIA CONFERENCE’ GAVE THE MISLEADING ly help to shape UEFA’s media policy for EURO 2008. By that time, the me- IMPRESSION THAT THE EVENT WAS FOR THE MEDIA. dia and the technology they employ will have evolved even further and, in It was, in fact, for the press speakers, along with Ottmar Hitzfeld, terms of sheer weight, the burden on officers from top clubs and major Markus Merk and – in a specially taped top players, coaches and referees will national associations, along with UEFA’s interview – Arsène Wenger. In analysing not become lighter. A few months own squad of media officers. As much the role of the press officer, they all before Copenhagen, the national team of his or her work is hidden from the stressed that the foundations for suc- coaches, at their own conference in general public, the importance of the cess are the human qualities of trust Stockholm, unanimously agreed that press officer is generally undervalued. and respect, in addition to solid experi- coping with the media represented But, when it comes to selling TV rights ence within the media world. As Arsène their worst headache. In the future, or searching for sponsors, the market- Wenger commented, “the press officer the press officer will face even greater ing boys rely heavily on work done has to be like a fireman, staying calm challenges in helping them and all the by the press officer in terms of media when others are panicking. But pre- other major protagonists to relieve it. coverage and image. vention is also important because, What is more, since the previ- once a fire has started, it can be hard ous conference, held at Old Trafford, to extinguish”. This was endorsed by Manchester, the media market has Markus Merk – the referee of the EURO become even more competitive, heap- 2004 final in Lisbon – who helped to ing even greater demands on players, review media strategy in the case of coaches and referees. The press offi- severe incidents, such as ’s cer’s role is a balancing act between experience in Rome or the astonishingly serving the media in the best possible virulent campaign against way while, at the same time, offering launched by an English tabloid after last maximum protection to the ‘dressing- summer’s quarter-final against Portugal. room people’, the image of the club The conference struck a nice or national association and the game balance between attention to detail and of football itself. As Peter Schmeichel the broader view. On the one hand, remarked, “it’s an ungrateful job there was discussion on ‘nuts and bolts’ and I wouldn’t like it”. subjects, such as accreditation proce- The goalkeeper who won Euro- dures, photographers’ facilities or the

pean titles with Manchester United working of the mixed zone, which are UEFA PHOTOS: FC and Denmark was one of the guest rarely visible to the general public. Ottmar Hitzfeld was one of the guest speakers.

11 Nigerian export Becoming well Ayila Yussuf established with a (left, with club abroad can even Real Madrid’s result in a player Guti) has joining the national bolstered the team of his adopted Dynamo Kiev country, as Emmanuel team. Olisadebe (playing here in the 2002 World Cup) has in Poland. EMPICS

EasternForeign Europe players on the increase

THE WAVE OF PLAYER MIGRATION THAT SWEPT ACROSS WESTERN EUROPE

FOLLOWING THE BOSMAN RULING HAS SPREAD TO THE EAST,

ALTHOUGH SOME NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS CONTINUE TO RESTRICT

EMPICS THE NUMBER OF FOREIGN PLAYERS.

Initially, Eastern Europe and Brazil were also well represented suffered a mass exodus of talented (22 players from each). In 2004, players, who took advantage of the FC Rostov, for example, had more new rules in the West by trying their than 20 foreign players on their luck in leagues that were generally books, while the reigning champions more lucrative than their own. The and UEFA Champions League partici- resources created by the sale of these pants, CSKA Moscow, had a dozen players enabled clubs to develop their players from other European countries facilities, although it was not long (mainly Russia’s neighbours) and before they were also able to look even from other continents (Argentina, abroad for new players. With Russia Brazil and Nigeria). and Ukraine leading the way, national championships in Eastern Europe are Competition from Ukraine now generally open to foreign players, Alongside the Russians, the often from neighbouring countries but most active clubs in the international also from Africa and South America; transfer market have been those from players from Western Europe remain Ukraine, particularly the two parti- in the minority for obvious economic cipants in the 2004/05 UEFA Champi- reasons, although in a small number ons League. With three Brazilians, of cases clubs have been able two Romanians, two Croats, an Argen- to compete with rival bids from tinian, a Moroccan, a Bulgarian, the West. a Latvian, an Uzbek, a Serb and a Bela- In 2003, more than 180 russian, Dynamo Kiev could easily foreign players were registered have fielded a team without a single in the Russian first division, Ukrainian player if they had had a a figure which rose to well foreign goalkeeper in their ranks! over 200 in 2004. In 2003, Following the example of the around half of these for- club from the capital, Shakhtar Donetsk Vagner Love, eigners came from the former have added considerably to their from Brazil to Moscow. Soviet Union countries nucleus of foreign players, to the extent (31 Ukrainians, 12 Belarus- that their squad included 18 non- sians, 11 Georgians Ukrainian players at the start of this and 11 Lithuanians). year’s UEFA Champions League cam- The former paign. Shakhtar had already benefited

EMPICS Yugoslavia from Romanian input for several

12 uefadirect 2.05 Slovakian Belgian player Vladimir Manuel Labant Godfroid had alongside done incredibly EMPICS/BUZZI referee well in . Romania.

seasons, particularly thanks to the Czech wisdom outstanding performances of defender Even though its economic Daniel Florea (who joined in 2001), situation is the envy of many East

and the arrival at the beginning of European states, the Czech Republic PHOTONEWS 2004 of Romanian coach Mircea Lucescu depends mainly on local talent to rep- & Herzegovina, local players continue has undoubtedly been the catalyst for resent its first division clubs. For his- to form the majority, aided sometimes the signing of four new players from torical reasons, it is no surprise that by a few older stars who have returned Romania. In addition to these and a the overwhelming majority of the 30 to the country after plying their trade small number of Ukrainians, the squad or so non-Czech players registered for abroad for many years. Apart from a includes three Brazilians, three players the current season were Slovakians. few African players, foreign footballers from Serbia & Montenegro, two Czechs, Sparta Prague, multiple national in these countries tend to be former a Croat, a Pole, a Russian, a Bela- champions and the Czech representa- Yugoslavian compatriots. russian and a Nigerian! tives in the 2004/05 UEFA Champions George Gisca Although other clubs, such as League, provide a good illustration of Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk, have tended this sensible policy: they kicked off to recruit more local players, there the current campaign with four Slova- were more than 120 foreign players in kians as their only foreign players. Ukraine, including nearly 30 from Romania has also been barely Africa and South America. affected by the boom in the interna- tional transfer market. A decade ago, Hungary and Poland there were only nine foreign players in In order to make up for the the top division, including seven Alba- departure abroad of many talented nians. Over the last ten years, this home-grown players, Hungarian clubs figure has only risen by a factor of have tended to go shopping in neigh- 2.5, with a third coming from bouring countries, especially Romania, the former Yugoslavia. The na- Slovakia and Serbia & Montenegro. tionalities of the other foreign players The Hungarian league is also graced in Romania are rather surprising, with by a handful of players from South the 16 first division clubs employing America, particularly Brazil. four Australians, two Senegalese, There were 37 foreign players a Cameroonian, in Hungary in the 2000/01 season, a Ghanaian, a figure which has virtually doubled a Nigerian, since then. Bekescsaba has the largest a Venezuelan number of foreigners, while clubs and a Belgian! such as FC Diosgyor and Ujpest tend Yugo- to rely on Hungarian players. slavia used to pro- Romanian Polish clubs, which have also duce a large number of talented Vladimir Stoican is had to deal with a mass exodus of youngsters, who would emigrate all a highly talented players, have also, albeit to a over Europe, and this pattern has rated player in Ukraine. lesser extent, recruited in countries barely changed since the coun- with limited buying power. The number try broke up. In of foreigners has risen from around Serbia & Mon- 20 at the turn of the century to approxi- tenegro, mately 30, with two clubs, Gornik Croatia, Zabrze and Pogon Szczenin, each Slovenia

employing five Brazilians. and Bosnia EMPICS/BUZZI

13 The Camp Nou stadium Philippe Le Floc’h, in Barcelona. director of UEFA’s new Marketing and Media Rights division. UEFA

BONGARTS Activities and Tsunami aid donation and competitionsNew National benefit match Associations division To raise funds for the victims of the tidal waves that devastated the coasts of South FOLLOWING ITS RESTRUCTURING IN 2000 AS A RESULT OF THE FORCE PROJECT, and Southeast Asia as well A FEW FURTHER ADJUSTMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE UEFA ADMINISTRATION as part of Africa, FIFA and UEFA are joining forces to stage a SET-UP AS THE NEW YEAR GETS UNDER WAY. special benefit match. The “Football for Hope” match The main change is the will take place at FC Barcelona’s UEFA Futsal Cup creation of a National Associations Camp Nou stadium on 15 Febru- Following the prelim- ary. The two teams will be led division, which has been formed inary round played in by AC Milan and Ukraine striker out of a concern to serve UEFA’s September and the Andriy Shevchenko, reigning member associations more effec- first qualifying round European Footballer of the Year, tively. It will constitute their point and Barcelona and Brazil’s ace in October, the 4th UEFA Futsal of access to UEFA and direct them player Ronaldinho, who recently Cup moves into its second quali- to the right unit for dealing with won FIFA’s World Player 2004 fying round in March. award. Shevchenko’s team will their issues (legal, commercial, be coached by Marcello Lippi etc.). The new division is headed (Italy) and Arsène Wenger (France), by Jacob Erel, until now director of while the Competition Operations divi- (Brazil) and Frank Rijkaard sion, the tasks of which have been (Netherlands) will manage the divided up between the new divi- Ronaldinho team. In addition, UEFA is con- sion and other units. tributing a million US dollars to There is also a new Mar- the International Committee of keting and Media Rights division, the Red Cross (ICRC) to help relief directed by Philippe Le Floc’h, who work with child victims in the joined UEFA in October 2000 as affected region, especially in Sri senior product manager in the Lanka and Indonesia, two coun- tries where the ICRC already had Professional Football division. a strong presence before the Other changes include the disaster due to the ongoing con- transfer of marketing and media flict situations. management to Philippe Margraff UEFA is also putting a million and his team, while everything to dollars into the solidarity fund do with the organisation of events, set up by FIFA and the Asian Foot- ball Confederation to assist the including EURO 2008, comes affected football associations and under the responsibility of Martin populations. Kallen.

14 uefadirect 2.05 Report from Brussels UEFA Title-holders Boomerang Interviu. At their meeting in Decem- ber, European sports ministers The eight qualifiers have been of the Laws of the Game since the agreed to continue work on a ‘rolling agenda’ for future EU separated into two groups: end of the 19th century, is holding sports policy. First proposed by Group A: Boomerang its general assembly in Wales on the European Commission in Interviu FS, Sporting Clube de Portugal, 26 February. 2004, the ‘rolling agenda’ com- Action 21 Charleroi, KMN Litija. The board is composed of prises nine different areas for Group B: FC Dorozhnik Minsk, representatives from each of the four debate, which are intended to give structure and direction to El Pozo Murcie, MFC Dinamo Moscow, British football associations (England, the ministers’ discussions. FC Shakhtar Donetsk. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) Future action in the field The matches will be played and from FIFA. Each British association of sport is based on article 282 in the form of mini-tournaments being has one vote, while FIFA, which repre- of the EU’s new Treaty. Until the organised in Charleroi and Moscow sents all the other national associations, Treaty comes into force, when all respectively. has four votes. Six votes, i.e. a three- 25 member states have approved it in their national parliaments The winners of the two groups quarters majority, are required for an and referenda, no new European go through to the two-leg final. amendment to the Laws to be adopted. legislation is possible. Sports At its upcoming meeting, the ministers have agreed, nonethe- Meeting of the board will be discussing proposals orig- less, to begin discussions on the possible shape of future sports International FA Board inating from national associations, con- policy, which explains the crea- cerning, among other aspects, offside The International Football tion of a ‘rolling agenda’. as well as the possibility to make use of Association Board (IFAB), guardian Under the leadership of modern technology to assist the referee. Luxembourg, which took over the As its meeting in December, the UEFA EU’s rotating presidency on Executive Committee expressed its 1 January, ministers will begin to look at the ‘rolling agenda’ in opinion on the proposals put forward more detail. by UEFA member associations. At present, the first five ques- tions on the agenda are directly Tenth anniversary of the related to sport and its role in UEFA Intertoto Cup society: ■ the fight against doping; This UEFA Intertoto Cup enters its tenth season this year. ■ the promotion of healthy lifestyles; Since it was introduced, ■ sport as a tool for social Was it really offside? the competition format The application integration; of the Laws of the has undergone one ■ volunteer exchanges Game gives rise or two changes over the to many a discussion. between member states; years, and there may be more to come, ■ academic cooperation depending on the outcome of the at European level. current discussions. But for this year at The agenda’s remaining four least, it will follow the same format as topics look mainly at other areas last year, with 61 teams starting out at of EU activity, such as competi- ➜ different intervals. EMPICS 15 One of last year’s UEFA Intertoto Cup finals was ➜ a Spanish derby tion and broadcasting policy, between and examine their relationship Villarreal and to sport. Most important for Atlético Madrid. UEFA are the EU’s rules on the Single Market and how these are AFP/ARMESTRE applied to sport. The European Commission, for its part, is In the first round, 42 teams been played, and the whole lot will encouraging governments to ex- amine the financing of profes- will meet in home-and-away matches. have been completed by the end of sional sports clubs and the role The 21 qualifiers are then joined in October this year. of public aid. The free movement the second round by 11 seeded teams. ■ The qualifying competition of sportspersons is another The 16 successful teams from that of the 2007 Women’s World Cup area that will certainly appear frequently on the ministers’ round continue their campaign in gets under way on 20 and 21 August. agenda. the third round, alongside eight top Europe’s national associations had In their meetings so far, seeds, who only join the competition until 21 January to enter the compe- ministers have only agreed on at this stage. tition, which will culminate in a final the concept of the agenda and The semi-finals involve the 12 round in the People’s Republic of its basic structure; deep divisions third-round winners and, in August, the China. separate them on the real con- tent. While some member states finals will determine which three teams The draw for the qualifying are keen to discuss sports fi- go into the first round of the UEFA Cup. round is being made on 17 February. nance, for example, others The national associations have believe it should not even be on until 25 February to confirm their Notices the agenda. The fight against participation to UEFA. The number of doping appears to be one of the ■ The Danish FA has places allocated to each association few areas where governments moved to: House of Football, DBU Allé 1, are prepared to work together is based on the five-year coefficient DK-2605 Brøndby. and take action. rankings compiled by UEFA from the ■ In parallel to the ‘rolling club competition results, in this case The XXIX Ordinary UEFA agenda’, the European Commis- for the seasons from 1999/2000 to Congress will take place in Tallinn sion is making other prepara- 2003/04. In principle, the top 12 asso- (Estonia) on 21 April. tions for a future sports policy. Specifically, it will be looking ciations are entitled to two places at the results of four studies on each. However, if any places are vacant sport’s social role and consider- after the entry deadline, the best- ing how best to integrate ranked associations have first option. these findings into future policy. The draws for the first three The studies investigated the following areas: rounds will be made in Nyon on 11 April. ■ the education of young sportsmen and sportswomen and World Cup qualifiers their return to education and/or resume employment once their sporting careers have ended; Action in the eight Euro- ■ the teaching of sports- pean 2006 World Cup qualifying related professions from the groups resumes at the beginning point of view of job-creation; of February. ■ the contribution of sport The next series of matches to multicultural dialogue between kicks off on 9 February with FYR Mace- young people, and the part it donia v Andorra in Group 1, Greece plays in promoting the integra- tion of recent migratory flows; v Denmark and Albania v Ukraine in Group 2, and Spain v San Marino in ■ young people’s lifestyles and sedentariness. Group 7, and ends with an intense

week of double-header fixtures at the EMPICS The Commission has prom- ised to consult Europe’s sports end of March. By the end of last year, Portugal’s Costinha outpaces Luxembourg’s Daniel Huss in a match federations on all of these issues. 104 of the 276 qualifiers had already won by Portugal last November.

16 uefadirect 2.05 “I couldn’t believe that the collec- tion would be so successful. We had to stop collecting 20 days earlier than expected as we had already received 320 kg of kit and News had only planned for 100 kg. It’s fantastic to know that the boys are delighted with from member associations their presents,” said Muminovic. Looking at last year’s overall results for the various Bosnia and Herzegovina national teams, the senior side were the most successful, playing six matches, with one footballing nominations, such as best defeat against FYR Macedonia, two wins ARMENIA goalkeeper, defender and forward of the against Luxembourg and Finland, and three season. draws, against France, Spain, and Serbia and Arayik Manoukyan Montenegro. Despite only taking two points Football festivities in Yerevan from their first 2006 World Cup qualifying The Armenian capital has played host matches, drawing at home against Spain, to celebrations organised by the Football BOSNIA AND and Serbia and Montenegro, Blaz Sliskovic’s Federation of Armenia (FFA) to honour HERZEGOVINA players remain optimistic, as they put in first division champions FC Pyunik, who good performances in both games. With have won their seventh title in a row. Charitable gesture eight more qualifying matches left, the team During the ceremony, FC Mika and FC by Scottish fans have set their sights on reaching the play- Banants were also presented with silver offs via the runners-up spot. The team travel and bronze medals respectively. Many A show of generosity by Scottish fans has received wide coverage in Sarajevo and to Tehran on 2 February for a friendly distinguished guests were in attendance, against Iran, before their next World Cup including members of the FFA Executive throughout the country. Young players from the Bubamara football school, one of game away to Belgium on 26 March. Committee, representatives of the Fuad Krvavac Armenian government and parliament, as the first in the country, and also one of well as journalists and photographers. the largest, were presented with 800 foot- FC Pyunik received the winners’ ball kits collected from all over Scotland at trophy and gold medals from FFA presi- CYPRUS dent Ruben Hayrapetyan, while FFA Executive Committee members presented Preparing to host the silver and bronze medals. Edgar the UEFA youth conference Manucharyan, 17-year-old Armenian international and FC Pyunik player, was The first mini-pitch to be constructed with named Player of the Year. The poll had the support of UEFA’s HatTrick programme was inaugurated by Marios Lefkaritis, hon- orary president of the Cyprus Football Asso- ciation (CFA) and member of the UEFA Execu- tive Committee, in Nicosia on 8 December. Tomorrow’s football stars can now take their first steps on the mini-pitch, which is located in a park in the centre of Nicosia. “We plan

F. KRVAVAC to build 30 similar mini-pitches all over A generous gesture by Scottish supporters. the country under the same programme,” said CFA president Costakis Koutsokoumnis. In his address, Mr Lefkaritis ex- an event opened at the Zetra Olympic Hall pressed appreciation to UEFA for the support

FFA in Sarajevo by school manager Predrag it provides to all its member associations Ruben Hayrapetyan presents the trophy Pasic, the former FK Sarajevo and VfB and thanks to which the CFA will soon be to FC Pyunik. Stuttgart player. housed in new headquarters of its own. Credit for this initiative is due to Bill Austin, a keen Scottish football fan been conducted by the FFA press service who is also a member of the famous and included votes from eight first divi- national-team supporter’s club, the William sion chairmen, eight first division coaches, Wallace Tartan Army. Together with Mirza coaching staff and media representa- Muminovic, a fan from Sarajevo, Bill tives. The young star was unable to accept launched an internet appeal asking Scot- his award on the actual day as he was in tish supporters to donate football kits the Netherlands playing for AFC Ajax in a to the school. friendly against FC Barcelona. However, His request met with a good his father picked up the bronze boot on response in Scotland, particularly among his behalf. With 21 goals to his credit, supporters of Heart of Midlothian FC, the young striker was also Armenia’s who followed their team to Sarajevo two joint top scorer in 2004, alongside fellow years ago when they played FK Zeljeznicar FC Pyunik player Galust Petrosyan. The in the first round of the UEFA Cup and CFA ceremony was rounded off with other made friends with many of the home fans. Marios Lefkaritis inaugurates the mini-pitch.

17 Preparations for the 8th UEFA a first division club is therefore sure Youth Conference, which the CFA is proud of a place in the semi-finals. to be hosting, have been under way The Futsal Cup semi-finals and for some time. A UEFA delegate visited final will be held in Valkeakoski, about Cyprus at the beginning of December to 150 km north of Helsinki, at the end of inspect the conference venues and to February. Unfortunately local club meet the local organising committee for Valkeakoski have already been knocked this major event. out. The conference, to which each The competition will close with of UEFA’s 52 member associations will a gala awards ceremony to honour the be invited to send two delegates, will be best futsal teams and players of the held in Limassol from 28 November to season. 2 December, and will include a number Kalle Marttinen of workshops for youth coaches. THE FA Meanwhile, the CFA is currently Ray Olivier with one of the children gearing up to host the 9th International in the SOS village in Bamako. National Teams Tournament, in which four FRANCE nations will be competing from 7 to 10 “We at The FA are proud of our February. As a result of the draw con- expertise in the various areas of foot- Enough is enough! ducted by the CFA Executive Committee, ball development in England, particu- Although French football has, at various Cyprus will face Austria, and Finland will larly in the field of refereeing, and times in its history, experienced occa- play Latvia. Both games will be held on welcomed this opportunity to help other sional trouble caused by the excesses 8 February. The winners of each tie will countries whilst broadening our own and irresponsibility of disruptive sup- go through to the final, with the losers experiences.” porters, it has never had to deal with contesting the consolation match on The FA representatives also waves of genuine hooliganism, let alone 9 February. visited the SOS Children’s Village on the the tragedies that have befallen some Kyriakos Giorgallis outskirts of Bamako, where they presented of its illustrious neighbours. T-shirts and educational material to the Nevertheless, over the past children. few years, the stupid, reprehensible be- ENGLAND Ben Seeley haviour of a few groups of supporters in Paris, Marseille and elsewhere has tar- nished the image of the French first divi- Visit to Bamako FINLAND sion, leading Frédéric Thiriez, president The FA continued its work in Africa as of the professional football league, to 2004 drew to a close with a visit to declare war on the troublemakers and Bamako, Mali, in November and to Addis Futsal Cup final in February condemn the use of smoke bombs. Ababa, Ethiopia, in December, training Since the inclusion of futsal in the With the full backing of Claude over 40 senior international referees from Finnish FA’s programme in 1997, the Simonet, president of the French Foot- all over Africa in association with the game has enjoyed a steady rise in popu- ball Federation, he took the matter to the African Football Confederation, CAF. larity, most notably between 2001 and highest national authorities, as a result FA Head of Referees John Baker, 2003. Today, Finland boasts numerous of which the Minister of the Interior and together with regional managers Ian leagues and competitions, such as the the Minister of Justice recently took new Blanchard and Ray Olivier, ran two three- , first division and regional steps to combat effectively all forms of day seminars which included practical leagues for men, regional leagues and violence. sessions in local stadiums. The instructors tournaments for women and veterans, and The arsenal of new measures demonstrated exercises that help develop regional leagues and tournaments for includes stadium bans for known referees’ awareness and control, as well youth teams. troublemakers, who have to report to a as using video footage of games from The 2004/05 season kicked off police station or gendarmerie when around the world to demonstrate decision- with a new men’s competition, the Futsal matches are in progress. making and match control. Cup. Whereas last season’s competition These measures have been The delegates were also inspired was only open to premier league and first successfully introduced in other countries by the new teaching methods that have division clubs, this time round all 12 and will finally enable France to get on been developed in England, particularly Finnish FA regions were allowed to enter top of the problem. the focus on the importance of fitness the competition. The determination of the work, which involved their participation in As a result, 88 clubs from every national sports authorities and the sup- exercises used to help raise fitness levels region bar one signed up for this first port of club directors had already been within the context of referees’ needs. edition out of the 350 men’s teams in the evident for quite a while, particularly Overall, participants were able 12 regions. The first cup games took through the creation of a National Secu- to share experiences from their domestic place at the beginning of October, and by rity Committee and the requirement for leagues and learn from The FA’s instruc- round six in January there were only eight stadiums to be equipped with CCTV tors’ expertise, as FA International Devel- teams still left in the running, Ilves FS, cameras. opment Manager Ben Seeley explained: TP-Kaarle, TPK and Golden FT, which all All that was needed was the “The courses aimed to encourage the play in the premier league, Kuninkaat political will and truly effective means to exchange of ideas between top referees and MaKu, both first division clubs, and combat these problems. from Africa and England to help develop Härmä and LehPa, which play at regional Those missing elements are understanding and experience of the level. Since Kuninkaat and MaKu are due now in place. international game. to play each other in the next round, Philippe Tournon

18 uefadirect 2.05 pation of the first division coaches in the The award was accepted by GEORGIA aforementioned courses. As a result, the national coach Martin Andermatt, player number of licensed and qualified coaches in Ronny Büchel and Football Georgia is steadily increasing and presently Association president Reinhard Walser. Licensed coaches on the increase stands at 120, of whom 82 hold the UEFA Ronny Büchel explained why he had been Traditionally, the Georgian Football Federa- B licence. This year, the GFF hopes to obtain chosen to represent his team-mates: tion (GFF) holds workshops for its coaches the right from UEFA to issue A licences and “We drew straws to see who could go to twice a year. The management of the fed- to prepare its coaches at a higher level, the ceremony and who had to go on eration is doing its best to promote the thereby further promoting the development holiday, and I won.” organisation of coach education courses at of football in Georgia. the highest professional level. With this Bakar Jordania aim in mind, we regularly invite experi- enced specialists from abroad to deliver lectures at these seminars, such as Franco KAZAKHSTAN Ferrari (Italy), Roger Spry (Great Britain), Jacques Devismes, Jacques Crevoisier and Alain Giresse (France), head coach of the Awards time Georgian national team. The courses are Despite being the close season in Kaza- headed by GFF technical director Gaioz khstan, football remains in the spotlight. Darsadze, who chooses the topics and

Winter is normally the time to review the LFV draws up the curriculum, based on the season and honour the teams and individu- requirements of the UEFA coaching con- als who have delivered excellent perform- The team of the year. vention and its B licence. The sessions are ances. FC Kairat Almaty defender Samat a combination of theory and practice. Smakov, who also captains the national Martin Andermatt, who had never This year, the workshop parti- team, has been named Player of the Year by received a national award before, was cipants included the coaches of the Geor- the Football Union of Kazakhstan. In paral- absolutely delighted: “This sporting honour gian first division clubs and national lel, two sports magazines carried out inde- is the result of many different things. teams, as well as renowned former players pendent polls for the same purpose. The The team have great determination and such as Vladimir Gutsaev (former USSR weekly “Goal” also selected Smakov, whereas always look on the bright side,” he said and FC Dinamo Tbilisi player, winner of the “Prosport” newspaper voted for mid- after the vote. And it is also a real confi- European Cup Winners’ Cup, presently a fielder Ruslan Baltiyev, who plays for Russian dence-booster. “The award also shows Georgian MP), Otar Gabelia (former USSR club FC Moscow. that our efforts are appreciated and is and FC Dinamo Tbilisi player, winner of And indoors, away from the cold of an incentive for us. We are proud of this the European Cup Winner’s Cup, today winter, futsal activities are still in full swing. achievement and will do our utmost to one of the coaches of the Georgian natio- On 16 December, Kazakhstan Independence continue to be worthy of it,” he added. nal team), Gocha Tkebuchava (former Day, the 2004 Kazakhstan Futsal Cup final Roland Ospelt FC Dinamo Tbilisi player, currently head took place in Almaty between local team coach of Georgian Under-21 team), Temur Kairat and Aktubrentgen from Aktobe. With Ketsbaya (former FC Dinamo Tbilisi, the match standing at 2-2 at the end of MALTA FC Newcastle and FC AEK player), Kakha extra time, the winners had to be deter- Tskhadadze (former FC Dinamo Tbilisi mined in a penalty shoot out, which Kairat and FC player), among won 12-11. Kairat are coached by Brazilian Clearing the air others. Pauly Augusty Reeber. Constant cooperation between national One of the key reasons behind Alexander Keplin football associations, including member their participation is the fact that the GFF clubs, and the media is vital in these club licensing committee has seriously days of instant communication. It helps questioned the level of qualification of increase the game’s popularity. coaches, and from the next season, any LIECHTENSTEIN Referees, too, need to be assimi- club whose head coach does not hold a lated in this two-way equation with the licence issued by the GFF will not be Team of the Year media. While journalists have to comment granted a licence to play in UEFA competi- The Liechtenstein senior football team was in an objective manner on controversial tions and the domestic championship. named Team of the Year at the Sports Review incidents which give rise to referee action, It should be mentioned that the GFF club of the Year awards ceremony organised by the match officials are aware that the criti- licensing committee financed the partici- the national Olympic committee of Liechten- cism they are subjected to from the media stein in mid-December. This annual event is has to be accepted with professional held to honour the different national cham- dignity. pions, to bid farewell to sportsmen and Nevertheless, nothing should women who are retiring, and to pick the stand in the way of some form of dialogue sports personalities and teams of the year. between the press and the referees, and One of seven teams to be nom- the Maltese FA has taken a new initiative in inated for the Team of the Year award, the this regard. national football team emerged as outright An interesting point that emerged winners in the first round of voting by the from a round-table meeting between the 47 members of the voting panel. The team’s Malta FA and the press early last year was win against Luxembourg and draw against that of helping journalists clear the air in GFF EURO 2004 runners-up Portugal certainly certain episodes on and off the pitch Coach education course. clinched the award for them. which need clarification from the referees

19 people, handed over the national team for NORTHERN physically-disabled players to the KNVB, which will now be fully responsible for the IRELAND team and organise its matches as well. To mark this event, long-serving Dutch interna- Much-appreciated UEFA gift tional midfielder presented CP Northern Ireland’s first UEFA mini-pitch captain Stephan Lokhoff with an official was officially opened on 10 November at Dutch national team jersey. Mount Eagles, Dunmurry. The pitch, the In another ceremony, Dutch legend first of its kind in Northern Ireland, was and current national coach unveiled by Irish FA president Jim Boyce, pulled on their boots who also chairs UEFA’s Youth and Amateur again to officially present the first Cruyff Football Committee. Court KNVB pitch (CCKV) to the young resi- This event was extremely well dents of an inner-city area in Rotterdam. supported, with officials from the Irish

D. AQUILINA These pitches are the result of the mini-pitch Football Association, Sports Council for Working with the media to improve project that UEFA launched in its jubilee Northern Ireland, Lisburn City Council and understanding of refereeing decisions. year. UEFA, the professional football clubs local community associations all in atten- and the Johan Cruyff Welfare Foundation dance. All were equally delighted with this with regard to their subsequent deci- are financially supporting this large project. gift from UEFA and very positive about the sions. The two former football stars are members benefits this pitch could bring to the local As a result, journalists are now of the board of the CCKV, which is chaired community. being asked to put written questions on by KNVB president Mathieu Sprengers. The Ownership of the pitch was offi- a specific form, whereby they can seek pitches will help youngsters to take social cially handed down from UEFA to the local clarification from the referees on some of responsibility, to play together and to mix community, which, through a local child, their decisions. An important proviso is with young people of other nationalities and promised to “maintain and protect the that judgement of the officials’ interpreta- from other social backgrounds. Ernie Walker, pitch and make sure that everyone could tion of the Laws of the Game does not former chairman of UEFA’s Stadium and use this great facility”. fall within the scope of this exercise. Security Committee, attended the ceremony. Lee Carroll (IFA development The media is then able to manager) said, “Such facilities affirm explain to the public why, for example, UEFA’s commitment to promote grass- a free kick or penalty was awarded when roots football throughout Europe. These the infringement was unclear, or the mini-pitches will not only capture the reason behind a booking or sending-off imagination of children and encourage when the offence was not obvious from them to play football, but also provide the stands. Verification could also be an excellent arena for them to play in a sought on the identity of a sanctioned safe and secure environment”. player or goal-scorer in cases of doubt. Incidents needing the interven- tion of the match officials such as the delay or abandonment of a match, the dis- missal of a team official or a reserve KNVB player from the bench, or other happen- Johan Cruyff and Ernie Walker. ings of an extraordinary nature, may also be clarified. The Johan Cruyff Welfare Foundation en- Having started on a trial basis dorses sport for youngsters in urban areas almost four months ago, this exercise is irrespective of physical fitness. The cooper- turning out to be a step in the right direc- ation between the Cruyff Foundation and tion. Thanks to the wholehearted support KNVB will result in approximately 100 pitches of the Malta FA’s Referees Board and the being completed in the next three years. caution of the media, the Maltese FA’s All these pitches are meant to bridge the gap IFA policy of transparency, even in matters of between unorganised street soccer and Jim Boyce (second left) led the inauguration refereeing decisions, is paying dividends. organised club football. ceremony. Alex Vella Lastly, the organising committee of the annual football tournament for disabled Through UEFA’s HatTrick assis- players in Barendrecht received great praise tance programme and the donation of one NETHERLANDS for its initiative at the KNVB general assem- million Swiss francs, the IFA hopes to build bly in December. During this tournament, many more of these facilities throughout initiated by the federation of professional the country. These pitches will be an KNVB supports grassroots events football coaches, teams take on the name invaluable commodity in helping the devel- During the last weeks of 2004, the atten- of a professional club and sport the club’s opment of grassroots football in Northern tion of the Dutch FA (KNVB) turned to a colours as well. The head coaches of the Ireland. number of grassroots activities. clubs are in charge of their respective teams Closing the proceedings, children First of all, there was the incor- during this festive day, and professional ref- from the local ‘Christ the Redeemer’ poration of the national CP (cerebral erees officiate the matches. As a result, school played an enjoyable and exciting palsy) team. NEBAS/NSG, the organisation the tournament has been a success for game in front of a very appreciative that has been the centre of sports activi- more than a decade. audience. ties for physically or learning-disabled Rob de Leede Lee Carroll

20 uefadirect 2.05 in the national press before the end of formed the 2003/04 first division. POLAND the year 2004. AS Odorheiu Secuiesc won the popular The position of Chief Executive competition, which attracted no fewer Officer became vacant following the than 750 teams and 15,000 players. Magnificent history departure of Fran Rooney in November, The 2003/04 futsal season was and promising future while the financial post is a new opening, dominated by Bucharest side AFC Bodu, In December, the Polish Football Association recommended in the findings of the Gene- who won the double – the championship (PFA) celebrated its 85th anniversary. Our sis Report into the affairs of the associa- and the domestic cup. Futsal has captured association was founded on 21 December 1919 tion after the World Cup finals in Japan in the public’s interest, with sports halls in Krakow. In 1923, the PFA became a mem- 2002, when Irish team captain Roy Keane often full and one game per championship ber of FIFA, and since 1954 has also been a was sent home by team manager Mick match day (and more from 2005) shown member of UEFA. The greatest moments in McCarthy. live on television. the history of Polish football have been finish- Following Fran Rooney’s depar- Romania currently has three futsal ing third in the 1974 and 1982 World Cups, ture, current FAI honorary treasurer John divisions: the first division consisting of taking part in the World Cup finals in 1938, Delaney has stepped in to fill the role of 14 teams, the second division made up of 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986 and 2002, winning CEO on an interim basis, although he has three Olympic medals (1972, 1976, 1992) intimated that he would be willing to and victories in the European youth champi- occupy the position in a full-time capacity. onships (U16 in 1993, U18 in 2001). In its advertisement, the associa- Michal Listkiewicz has been re- tion outlines the requirements expected elected president of the Polish Football Asso- of any applicant interested in the position ciation, a position he has held since 1999. of Chief Executive Officer. The main goals set for the new term are to “Candidates should have a pas- develop infrastructure and improve the youth sion for sport and its place and impor- training system. “I am happy that my work tance in society as well as a knowledge has been valued so highly and that the and understanding of football,” the delegates decided to put their trust in me advertisement states. FRF again. I know there is still a lot to do to It further goes on to outline that National futsal team. improve Polish Football, but I have never the Chief Executive Officer “will have been afraid of difficult challenges. I will do overall responsibility for a significant two groups of 12 teams (although there my best to fulfil the expectations,” number of staff and for managing the Listkiewicz said. is currently only one group) and the third Association’s finances. division comprising two groups of 10. Scouting for young talent should “He/she will also have responsi- become more efficient thanks to the PFA’s The national futsal team bility for building solid working rela- played their first match on 19 June 2003 project launched in the autumn to create 14 tionships with a variety of stakeholders football schools throughout the country. – a friendly against Bulgaria – which and will be required to actively engage they won 4-3. To date, they have played with the board of the FAI, Government, 35 matches and won 20. In 2003/04 staff, sponsors and the media.” the team took part – although without Regarding the position of Finance much success – in the European and Director, the association states that World qualifying competitions. However, “candidates should have a proven, suc- the 2004/05 season looks like being cessful track record of financial man- an outstanding one, as out of the 14 agement, team leadership of a finance matches played up to the end of 2004, department, evidence of meeting goals, Romania won 13 and drew against strong written and spoken communica- Cyprus in Larnaca. The national side tion skills and strong decision-making also won a futsal tournament organised ability.

PZPN by The FA in Manchester. Two players “Candidates must be qualified stand out in particular from the 35 inter- Michal Listkiewicz has been voted back accountants from a recognised profes- in as president. national matches, Robert Lupu and sional accountancy body. It would be Florin Matei. Matei is currently top scorer advantageous for candidates to have with 32 goals. experience of managing finance in a Dan Petrescu, president of the We hope that as a result it will not be too commercial service or sports enterprise.” long before the Polish national team com- Romanian Futsal Committee and former prises a new generation of players in the Brendan McKenna international referee, commented: same class as Deyna, Lato, Boniek and “Futsal has witnessed astonish- Lubanski. ing growth over a short period. As Michal Kocieba/Bartek Marks ROMANIA well as the three domestic divisions, most regions organise their own futsal championships, where the winners REPUBLIC Futsal – a promising start qualify for the play-offs to try for pro- OF IRELAND Futsal was officially launched in Romania motion to the third national division. in January 2003 with the organisation of The results of AFC Bodu in the UEFA Advertisements for two posts the first edition of a national competition, Futsal Cup and of the national team In keeping with the wishes of the Irish Gov- the Discovery Cup, which kicked off with are quite promising, as Romanian fut- ernment, of Ireland local tournaments, followed by regional sal players possess the necessary (FAI) placed advertisements for the posts of stages and culminating in a final tourna- qualities of skill, pace and creativity.” Chief Executive Officer and Finance Director ment involving 12 teams, which then Dan Cristea

21 SERBIA AND The Slovenian mini-pitch was built in The memorial was unveiled by FA Sezana, as agreed between the NZS and the president Lars-Åke Lagrell in the presence MONTENEGRO local sports institute. of representatives from some of the associ- ation’s 24 founding clubs, all of which are Mini-pitch inaugurated still active. Like many other European member associa- Designed by artist Annie Winblad- tions, the Football Association of Serbia and Jakubowski, the bronze sculpture depicts Montenegro has taken advantage of UEFA’s the early leather-laced football, while the jubilee gift and installed an artificial mini-pitch plaque is in the form of a football pitch. within the agreed timeframe. This prototype Press office mini-pitch (21m x 13m) has been built at the Jelena Cetkovic primary school in Belgrade. It was officially opened on 10 December by the president of the FA of Serbia and Montenegro, NZS UKRAINE Dragan Stojkovic. The inauguration ceremony The Under-10s prepare for kick-off. was also attended by officials from the FA Refereeing under the spotlight of Serbia and Montenegro, and representa- The inauguration took place on a On 10 December, the Football Fed- tives from the Ministry of Sport and Educa- sunny and windy Friday in December. Besides eration of Ukraine (FFU) organised the first- tion, the local authorities and the media. young football players eager to try out the ever meeting to discuss the refereeing of new pitch, some important personalities of first division matches played during the first Slovenian and European football attended half of the 14th Ukrainian championship. the launch, including Mathieu Sprengers The session was attended by FFU president (member of the UEFA Executive Committee Grigoriy Surkis, UEFA Referees Committee and president of the Dutch Football Associ- member Nikolai Levnikov, as well as referees, ation), Rudi Zavrl (president of the NZS), club chairmen, coaches and players. Andreas Kuhn (Head of the UEFA Assistance Mr Levnikov, from Russia, outlined Programmes) and Davorin Tercon (MP and the objective of the meeting, describing deputy mayor of Sezana). how a growing lack of confidence in the ref- Mathieu Sprengers wished the chil- dren many happy and carefree times on the pitch, and Rudi Zavrl promised 30 more FS SCG such pitches throughout Slovenia. Srecko Inaugural match on the mini-pitch. Katanec, coach of the Slovenian national team from 1998 to 2002, kicked off the The opening of the mini-pitch was opening boys’ under-10 game. a major event for the pupils of the Jelena Irena Ilesic Cujovic Cetkovic primary school, who now have a superb pitch where they can play football and other games and which, with its green SWEDEN artificial turf and ideal size, is perfectly suited to its playground setting. To celebrate the opening, pupils played an inaugural match Centennial celebrations wearing the national team colours. The FA draw to a close FFU president presented gifts to all players and Left to right: Grigoriy Surkis, Nikolai Levnikov The Swedish FA celebrated its centenary in and Ravil Safiullin, president of the Ukrainian announced the player of the match. The FA style last year. As well as taking part in professional league. of Serbia and Montenegro has also donated EURO 2004, the European Under-21 Cham- five footballs to the school. pionship and the Olympic Games, the asso- ereeing of matches in Ukraine and Russia As a result of the wide media ciation marked the milestone with banquets, had been attracting increased media atten- coverage given to the ceremony, many other jubilee matches and conventions. tion. “After the break-up of the former schools and sports centres have contacted The festivities were rounded off Soviet Union, we lost referee schools and the national association to enquire about on 18 December at 15.15 – the exact date training structures. What we’d like to con- obtaining similar mini-pitches. The Executive and time of the association’s anniversary – sider doing now is to create an interna- Committee of the FA of Serbia and Montene- with the inauguration of a monument in the tional referee training centre. There are gro will decide on the principles for allocating centre of Stockholm, close to where the many famous former referees in Ukraine further mini-pitches at its next meeting, in association was founded in 1904. and Russia who used to be well respected accordance with UEFA’s HatTrick programme. in the Soviet era.” Nebojsa Ivkovic Mr Surkis highlighted the need to improve relations between all areas of the game and proposed discussing ways of im- SLOVENIA proving this aspect. Although the national referees’ committee operates as an inde- pendent body, the FFU is responsible for First mini-pitch inaugurated refereeing activities as a whole. “We always Within the framework of its HatTrick pro- try to evaluate our work with total objec- gramme, and as part of its golden jubilee tivity. But we are aware of mistakes, prob- celebrations, each of UEFA’s member asso- lems and shortcomings that generate neg- ciations, including the Football Association BILDBYRÅN ative reactions from the players, coaches of Slovenia (NZS), received the special The president of the Swedish FA, Lars-Åke Lagrell, and clubs,” explained Mr Surkis. gift of a prototype mini-pitch from UEFA. unveils the memorial. Valeriy Nikonenko

22 uefadirect 2.05 Communications ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● wishes many happy returns to: on23February.his half-century UEFA also the Administrative ExpertsPanel,celebrates (England),memberof Richard N.Parry many), memberoftheJiraPanel,willbe60. while on8February, ErichRutemöller (Ger- of former committee members,turns70, Papaefstratiou (Greece), memberofthecircle 27 February. On12 February, Efstratios (Germany) celebrates his80thbirthday on UEFA memberEgidiusBraun honorary Birthdays we care aboutfootball uoéne efootball de européennes associations des Union Official publicationofthe Communications andPublicAffairsDivision (Portugal, 11.2) (Netherlands, 2.2) Eggert Magnusson(Iceland,20.2) Lars Arnesson(Sweden,20.2) Janis Mezeckis(Latvia,19.2) Pertti Alaja (Finland, 18.2) Patrick Kelly (Republic ofIreland, 18.2) Flemming Serritslev (Denmark,18.2) Borislav Alexandrov (Bulgaria, 18.2) Jozef Venglos (Slovakia, 18.2) Adalbert Kassai (Romania, 16.2) Svitlana Shkil(Ukraine,15.2) Katriina Elovirta (Finland, 15.2) Susanne Erlandsson(Sweden,15.2) John McBeth(Scotland,15.2) Georges Konrath (France, 15.2) Peter Bonde(Denmark,14.2) Manuel LopezFernandez (Spain,14.2) Marinus Engelsman(Netherlands,14.2) (Germany, 14.2) Heinz-Herbert Kreh (Germany, 14.2) Oleksandr Bandurko (Ukraine,13.2) (Netherlands,12.2) Nicolae Pantea (Romania, 12.2) Antonio Ferreira deSequeira William McDougall (Scotland,11.2) Dani Koren (Israel,10.2) Donald McVicar(Scotland,9.2) Rinus Michels(Netherlands,9.2) Fino Fini (Italy, 9.2) Yusuf Namoglu (Turkey, 8.2) Vaclav Krondl (CzechRepublic, 5.2) Nikolaos Zamboglou(Cyprus,5.2) Pascal Fratellia (France, 3.2) Steen Dahrup(Denmark,3.2) Trygve Bornø(Norway, 2.2) Leonardus vanderKroft Karen Espelund(Norway, 1.2) Huseyin Coskun(Turkey, 1.2) (Germany, 1.2) Birthdays –Calendar

??????????????? ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● UEFA Cup:round of32(return legs) round (firstlegs) UEFA ChampionsLeague:firstknock-out UEFA Cup:round of32(firstlegs) Meridian Cupgala match Meridian Cup Assistance Programmes Committee Under-19 Championship Draw for the2005/06European Women’s Meridian Project Board European ClubForum and GeneralSecretaries Conference ofPresidents Extraordinary Executive Committee Upcoming events Championship Final round oftheEuropean Futsal Editorial deadline: Printed by Produced by Editor (Portugal, 20.2) (Germany, 28.2) Zorislav Srebric (Croatia, 28.2) Allan Hansen(Denmark,27.2) Alfonso Moreno Gonzalez(Spain,27.2) Peter Jones(England,24.2) Vladimir Sajn (Slovenia, 22.2) Asim Khudiyev (Azerbaijan, 22.2) Fernando Gomes(Portugal, 21.2) Lidia Borska (Poland, 21.2) Ralph M.Zloczower(Switzerland,21.2) João F. DeMagalhães Marques 24.2.2005 22-23.2.2005 16-17.2.2005 14-20.2.2005, Ostrava (CzechRep.) 9.2.2005, Istanbul 4-11.2.2005, Kusadasi (Turkey) COMPETITIONS 24.2.2005, Nyon 17.2.2005, Nyon 9.2.2005, Istanbul 7-8.2.2005, Nyon 3.2.2005, Nyon 2.2.2005, Nyon MEETINGS André Vieli Cavin SA, CH-1422 Grandson Atema CommunicationSA, CH-1196 Gland 14 2005 January New publications Match Agents Email: [email protected] 6 –IT-20161 Milan.Tel/fax: +39026480397. tics besides.Soccerdata sas–ViaCiccotti, data onthereferees, andmany more statis- number ofminutes they played, aswell as tableslistingalltheplayers, the summary number ofspectators, etc).There are even all theotherusualdetails(venue, date, team line-ups,thereferee, goal-scorers and each match,information isprovided onthe season in1963/64 upto lastseason.For UEFA Cupfrom theclub’sfirstEuropean Clubs’ Cup/UEFA ChampionsLeagueand records intheform ofstatisticaldataonall the ambitiousproject ofcompilinghistorical Italian Marco d’Avanzo hasembarked on Arsenal FC(1963-2004) European ClubsinEuropean Cups a licensedUEFA matchagent. his UEFA licenceandistherefore nolonger George Koumas (www.gia.pl/[email protected]). book containingtheresults ofthe2003/04 has justreleased anew editionofitsyear- The Polish encyclopaedia pilkarska Fuji ROCZNIK 2004-2005 Email: [email protected]. fax: +41-31 95081 / 81. 11 Tel: 95081 +41-31 PO Box –3000Berne15, Switzerland. players, etc.).SwissFootball Association, top goal-scorers, number ofregistered members, various otherdata(honorary contain theresults, leaguetablesand but withoneortwo texts inFrench) also Swiss FA for 2003/04(mainlyinGerman, The businessandfinancialreports ofthe ASF2003/04 ANNUELS RAPPORTS source isindicated. is authorised,provided the published in or extracts ofany information The reproduction ofarticles official views ofUEFA. articles are notnecessarilythe The views expressed insigned results. Wydawnictwo GIA results. Wydawnictwo as well asthenationalteam domestic championships, tables ofalltheEuropean contains thefinalleague tinental competitions.Italso as oftheUEFA andothercon- Polish competitions,aswell Cities Fairs Cup,Champion club’s matchesintheInter- results ofalltheLondon FC Arsenalandcontainsthe page volume isdevoted to competitions. Thefirst,180- European clubsintheUEFA the matchesplayed by major (Cyprus) hasnotrenewed uefadirect

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