no. 04 – july 2002 7.02 New UEFA Champions League format UEFALeague New Champions increase the on cases Disciplinary revenue the of share Leagues’ European Cup WorldReview the of 07 03 15 12 COVER IN THIS ISSUE Disciplinary cases and appeals 12 Germany turned out to be the best World Cup 03 New UEFA Champions European team in the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, but they Leagues’ revenue 07 League format 15 could not stop Brazil from winning their UEFA Champions League News from fifth world title, despite the best 08 member associations 18 efforts of Miroslav Klose, who here is in the East outmanoeuvring Brazil’s Roque Junior. Meridian Project 11 Calendar 23 PHOTO: EMPICS
confirmationeditorial and questions
The World Cup final in Yokohama, Japan, involved two of the most respected teams in world football, despite repeated upsets to the favourites from the opening match onwards. The fact that known quantities ultimately reached the final should not lull us into underestimating the lessons to be learned from this first World Cup to be played on Asian soil. Without going into detail or drawing peremptory conclu- sions, we can still say that, while it confirmed a gratifying trend, the tournament in Japan and Korea also raised many questions. It confirmed that football has become a truly global affair and that standards outside the traditional continents have definitely improved. The results achieved by the host nations, and by South Korea in particular, are certainly due in part to them having the home advantage, but, most of all, the quality of play displayed by these teams is clear proof that the efforts undertaken in recent years to improve standards of play, often under the guidance of European coaches, have well and truly paid off. The number of surprises thrown up by the competition should leave us to reflect on possibles causes. A congested calen- dar which left many star players tired when it came to the World Cup? A real levelling out in terms of quality? Mental exhaustion on the part of players who are so used to major competitions that they were unable to drum up special motivation for the World Cup? Refereeing, and in particular the problems encountered with the assistant referees? All these questions, and more besides, need to be discussed by all interested parties. However, it would be wrong to suggest that the tournament asks serious questions about European participation, technical abililty or standards. Indeed in some respects, most notably refereeing, it confirmed the importance of our framework. Nethertheless, there is a healthy debate to be had in Europe about the challenges ahead and the importance of developing an approach which gives the right balance to club and national team football and takes seriously the development of the star players of tomorrow.
Gerhard Aigner Chief Executive Kim (foreground) shows that Korea were RICHIARDI not phased when faced with European opponents. we care about football
02 uefadirect 7.02 revolution meetsWorld with traditionCup
The closing ceremony in Yokohama. AFP
AT THE END OF A WORLD CUP WHICH PROVOKED MANY DISCUSSIONS the shoulders of Bebeto and Romario,
ABOUT THE REFEREEING (WHICH WILL BE DEALT WITH IN THE NEXT ISSUE), within a team of many ball winners (Dunga, Mazinho and Mauro Silva). THE BEST TEAM WON. BRAZIL WON THEIR FIFTH WORLD CUP, THANKS To provide an outlet for all his ABOVE ALL TO THEIR SKILLS IN ATTACK. striking potential, Scolari actually did something revolutionary and, for the Luis Felipe Scolari, who is nor- denying that victory was bestowed first time in history, Brazil played with mally renowned for his down-to-earth on the team that sought it the most. three men in defence! A break in tra- nature, has adopted the philosophy of The re- dition which turned his famous predecessor, Vicente Feola placement of Jun- out to be more (World Cup winning coach of the inho with the ex- advantageous than “Auriverde” in 1958): “The first thing cellent Kleberson Lazaroni’s innova- I do when I have to select my team is (as good at retriev- tion in 1990 with to line up all my best players. Then ing as he is at creating – unquestion- the use of a libero (Mauro Galvão). I think about how to get them to play ably one of the revelations of this World They may not have enthralled together.” Applying this rule, “Felipão” Cup) for the last three matches does as in 1970, but Brazil still created put six real attacking players onto the not change the analysis. Scolari never many opportunities, and the technical field for the first four matches: the played defensively. Even when Brazil skill of their players in retaining the three strikers, Rivaldo, Ronaldo and were leading 1-0 in the semi-final, he ball ensured that they were never Ronaldinho, the number 10, Juninho did not give up his three strikers, sub- really in danger, even in the quarter- Paulista, as well as the backstage stituting Edilson and Ronaldo by Denil- final against England, when they players Cafu and Roberto Carlos, who son and Luizão. In terms of spirit and had to play 10 against 11 for almost often played as wingers. If, on top of entertainment, the current world cham- all the second half. that, you count that two of the three pions are far removed from the Brazil At the end of the day, individ- defenders, Edmilson and Lucio, are which won the World Cup in 1994, ual talent made the difference, start- quick to join the attack, there is no when all the attacking efforts rested on ing with Ronaldo, who scored eight Ronaldo’s first goal in the final.
Three finals in a row BONGARTS and two trophies for captain Cafu. goals, including two in the final, Valiant finalists despite not yet being as fast as he used Germany also deserve credit. to be. Something of a fairy story, after Before the start of the competition, four years of anguish, which started the bookmakers were offering odds of during the 1998 World Cup in France. 100-1 for Rudi’s Voeller’s men to reach Rivaldo was also an indisputable asset, the final. What a far cry from the time despite his tendency to simulate. when England’s gentleman striker His goal against Belgium in the first Gary Lineker described football as knock-out round was fabulous and, as “a game of 11 against 11 in which the well as the five goals he scored himself, Germans always win!” he was instrumental in the two goals It is true that Germany hardly in the final. Then there is Ronaldinho, looked in top form. Defeated by Eng- whose technical ease and vision land 5-1 at home, they had to contest of the game were a dream to behold. the play-offs to earn a place in the At just 22 years of age, he has quite a finals. And even before the tournament future ahead of him. Apart from got under way, they had to pull out those three outstanding individuals, three of their best players, Nowotny, there was Roberto Carlos, with his goal Scholl and Deisler, because of injury. against China, dangerous shots and And yet, the coach was confident, lightning sprints, adding to the theory firmly believing that a real team had that the “R factor” was crucial to the come together right at the moment of Brazilian victory. the play-off matches against Ukraine. He was right. While their foot- ball was not spectacular, the Germans displayed great solidity and team spirit every step of the way. A few individuals also stood out, like Kahn, the first RICHIARDI BONGARTS A scene from the final.
04 uefadirect 7.02 FLASH PRESS BONGARTS FLASH PRESS FLASH PRESS
goalkeeper to be named best player that for some years now top Turkish a real centre forward in his line-up, the of the tournament, Schneider, Klose players have been readily going abroad Batavian coach favoured extremely fast (especially in the first half of the tourna- to play. Their experience of difficult one-two play with his versatile players. ment), Neuville (in the second stage) European championships has definitely Their opponents never knew what to and Ballack, who scored in the quarter- borne fruit. Though the expected stars expect. And it is not by chance that In- final and semi-final but was suspended like Bastürk and Hakan Sükür did not ternet users elected South Korea as the for the final itself. There is no doubt really shine, others, like Rüstü, Emre most entertaining team of the compe- that Germany will be a force to be and Hasan Sas had an excellent tourna- tition by an overwhelming majority. reckoned with in four years’ time when ment. But it was the team as a whole Senegal, appearing in the they host the World Cup. who won everyone over with their tech- World Cup finals for the first time ever, nical play, on-the-ground passing com- clearly enjoyed themselves on the field Revelations bined with brilliant forward runs. and were delightfully refreshing to Taking part in the World Cup Even if South Korea were given watch. Their exploits in the opening finals for the second time only (their an advantage by the refereeing, notably match against France will go down in first appearance was as long ago as against Italy and particularly against history in the same chapter as 1954), Turkey were attractive and well Spain, the progress achieved by the Cameroon’s victory over Argentina in worthy of third place. The clear progress best Asian nation under the leadership the 1990 finals. It was a pity that they of Turkish clubs is now reflected at the of Guus Hiddink was staggering. Aware could not manage a repeat perform- level of the national team, as is the fact of the lack of power and the absence of ance against Turkey in the quarter- finals. The USA showed that they Guus Hiddink, a European coach Fair Play for a dazzling South Korea. trophy for have become a “soccer” nation. Their Belgium physical strength and rapid counter- Belgium won the attacks more than made up for their Fair Play trophy for the 2002 World Cup, ahead of Sweden and Japan. All the teams which qualified for the first knock-out round were taken into account in the rankings. BONGARTS EMPICS Turkey (Emre Belözoglu, in white) played very attractive football. Oliver No Steve Kahn, medal Staunton, best but a one player record for of the of the Paolo faithful tourna- Maldini. few. ment. FLASH PRESS EMPICS BONGARTS
lack of spectacular play. Their young tion, and ill-prepared on the field. OF FIGURES striker Donovan is certainly a young France bowed out of the competition AND MEN player to keep a close eye on. without scoring a single goal. Now 1: a World Cup of firsts – first Last but not least, a word many of the players of that magical World Cup wins for South Korea, about Costa Rica. This small country generation will have to step down and Senegal, South Africa, Japan and of fewer than four million inhabitants make room for fresh blood. Ecuador. South Korea became the was a credit to the game of football. On paper, their striking poten- first Asian country to reach the semi-finals of the competition. Only a certain clumsiness in front of tial was comparable with that of Brazil, goal prevented them from getting the yet Italy preferred to play defensively 2: never before have two own goals been scored in the same better of Turkey, and they tried their to excess. In their four matches, the World Cup match. This first oc- luck to the full against Brazil, without “Squadra Azzurra” kept hold of the ball curred in the match between Portu- resorting to stonewalling tactics. a lot less than their opponents. The gal and the USA (Agoos and Jorge A team spirit worthy of admiration. referees certainly did nothing to help Costa were the unlucky scorers). them, but, on the other hand, as the 3: three different captains in one match for China in their match Disappointments saying goes, “fortune favours the against Brazil (Ma Myong, Qi Hong The nations of southern Europe brave”. Trapattoni’s men were far from and Li Tie). were those that really failed to live up that. 5: the number of goal posts to expectations. The titleholders looked Portugal paid a high price for and crossbars struck by France in tired, lacking in inspiration and motiva- their first match against the USA, which their three matches. they totally bungled both mentally and 8: the number of matches tactically. And just as they did in the that it took Mexico to get the better of a South American team EURO 2000 semi-final, the Lusitanian in the World Cup (win against players went to pieces (two players Ecuador). sent off against South Korea) when the 20: the first goalless draw going got tough. The golden genera- of the tournament (Uruguay- tion of the likes of Figo, Rui Costa France). and João Pinto are unlikely to ever be 100: Ireland’s captain ordained with the world title. Staunton earned his 100th cap against Germany. As an inter- Argentina, who started out national, he hasn’t missed as one of the favourites, came out with a single match played by his a team who looked attacking on paper team in the World Cup. at least, but who lacked imagination 131 : the number of appear- and were unable to change rhythm ances by America’s Agoos before walking on to World Cup when they neared the opposition’s turf. He was not selected for goal. The team’s lack of unity didn’t the 1990 or 1994 World Cups, help things either. while he was not fielded for a Finally, Cameroon disappointed single minute in the 1998 finals. too. The old demons reared their ugly In his World Cup debut, he played to the end against Portu- heads. Arriving a week late because gal (3-2), but scored an acro- of bonus-related problems was not the batic own goal. best way to prepare for a World Cup. 2188: the total number The game of the 2000 and 2002 of minutes spent on the field by African champions was therefore very Italian captain Paolo Maldini in different World Cups, a new physical but wanting in the speed and record (the previous record was creativity that the crowd are used to. held by Germany’s Matthäus, Jeff Agoos (No. 12) had a successful with 2010 minutes). World Cup debut. Emanuele Saraceno ES
06 uefadirect 7.02 The high- profile media coverage of the UEFA Champions League brings in revenue that benefits the whole of the game. EMPICS BAUMANN/BOZZANI
Leagues represented in the UEFA Champions UEFA Champions League Germany 8 432 000 CHF Italy 7 302 000 CHF France 7 035 000 CHF the leagues’ share ofLeague the revenue England 6 418 000 CHF Spain 6 264 000 CHF Netherlands 1 925 000 CHF ALMOST 59 MILLION SWISS FRANCS FROM THE UEFA CHAMPIONS Scotland 1 433 000 CHF LEAGUE REVENUE FOR 2001/02 HAS BEEN PAID OUT TO THE TOP LEAGUES Portugal 1 419 000 CHF Turkey 1 371 000 CHF OF ALL UEFA MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS. Greece 1 241 000 CHF Belgium 1 012 000 CHF to the value of the domestic TV Norway 925 000 CHF market. Russia 889 000 CHF Czech Republic 783 000 CHF The leagues are responsible Ukraine 751 000 CHF for transferring this money to their TOTAL 47 200 000 CHF clubs according to certain rules. Clubs which took part in the UEFA Leagues not represented Champions League are not entitled Austria 729 500 CHF Switzerland 525 100 CHF to a share of this revenue, having Poland 483 100 CHF benefited directly from taking Sweden 442 800 CHF part in the competition. Denmark 442 800 CHF In addition, only clubs Rep. of Ireland 356 800 CHF Finland 356 800 CHF which have their own Hungary 338 800 CHF youth training programme Israel 338 800 CHF for all age categories (12 Romania 317 800 CHF Bulgaria 308 800 CHF upwards) qualify for funds Croatia 305 200 CHF from this source. Cyprus 297 900 CHF It is up to the leagues Yugoslavia 302 800 CHF Slovenia 287 100 CHF to decide whether payments should Malta 285 300 CHF be made to all member clubs Slovakia 281 700 CHF or just to the top division. Likewise, Bosnia & Herzegovina 280 500 CHF Georgia 279 900 CHF it is the league which decides if all
EMPICS Iceland 279 300 CHF the clubs concerned receive the Real Madrid (Raul) and Bayer Leverkusen (Boris FYR Macedonia 278 700 CHF Zivkovic) have already received their share of the UEFA same amount or whether payments Albania 278 100 CHF Champions League revenue (cf. uefadirect No. 3). are graded according to criteria Lithuania 274 500 CHF Belarus 272 700 CHF For this purpose, the leagues related to the quality of the youth Latvia 272 700 CHF were split into two categories: training provided. In any case, Moldova 272 700 CHF – the 15 leagues represented UEFA has to be informed of the Estonia 272 700 CHF Armenia 272 700 CHF by at least one club in last season’s final decision. Northern Ireland 272 700 CHF competition Where a national associa- Wales 272 700 CHF – the 36 other national asso- tion does not have a league, Faroe Islands 272 700 CHF Luxembourg 272 700 CHF ciations (Kazakhstan was not a UEFA it is the association which takes care Azerbaijan 272 700 CHF member association last season) of payments to top-division Liechtenstein 272 700 CHF In each case, the amount clubs, under the same conditions Andorra 272 700 CHF distributed was allocated according as those imposed on the leagues. San Marino 272 700 CHF TOTAL 11 617 200 CHF Basile Boli’s In the East goal against Milan AC as in the West, put Olympique the UEFA BONGARTS de Marseille first Champions on the list of League UEFA Champions trophy is an League winners. object of great desire. EMPICS UEFA Champions emulatingLeague the west
OLYMPIQUE DE MARSEILLE, MILAN AC, AFC AJAX,
JUVENTUS FC, BORUSSIA DORTMUND, REAL MADRID CF
(THREE TIMES), MANCHESTER UNITED, BAYERN MUNICH:
IN THE TEN YEARS THAT IT HAS EXISTED, THE UEFA
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TROPHY HAS NOT LEFT WESTERN
EUROPE AND THE EIGHT CLUBS THAT HAVE WON
IT TO DATE REPRESENT ONLY SIX OF THE 52 MEMBER
ASSOCIATIONS OF UEFA. EUROPE’S FLAGSHIP CLUB
COMPETITION HAS NOT, HOWEVER, BEEN LACKING IN REPER-
CUSSIONS THROUGHOUT THE CONTINENT, INCLUDING EASTERN EUROPE,
AS ROMANIAN CORRESPONDENT GEORGE GISCA RECOUNTS BELOW.
Since it was launched Financial aspect in 1992/93, the UEFA Champions The strong attraction that League has aroused keen interest the competition provokes has caused among all clubs in Europe, for two a veritable onslaught by clubs in main reasons: first because of its former communist countries, some of prestige, as successor to the Euro- whom have excelled themselves to pean Champion Clubs’ Cup; and sec- reach the lucrative group phase of the ondly because of the considerable UEFA Champions League, which for financial rewards at stake, thanks to them is a real godsend in that it can a new concept of marketing linking bring in the equivalent of a club’s total the broadcasters and the sponsors. budget, if not more! It is therefore Since the number of participants clear that these clubs pull out all the was expanded, the UEFA Champions stops each year. And their efforts pay League has ceased to be a competi- off. At least one club from this part of tion reserved exclusively for cham- Europe has taken part in each edition pion clubs, and other prestigious of the competition to date. teams have also had the chance to Apart from the money they take part. While the competition has bring in, matches in the UEFA Champi- become a priority for the most pow- ons League constitute a real showcase erful clubs in Europe, it is easy to in which the less well-to-do clubs can imagine the desire it prompts among show off their most talented players,
Andrei Shevchenko’s the less well-to-do clubs, like those who, one day or another, will head outstanding skills with Dynamo Kiev in Central and Eastern Europe, to off to pastures new and play in major have resulted in
EMPICS his transfer to Milan AC. follow in their footsteps. European championships.
08 uefadirect 7.02 UEFA Viacheslav Champions Shevchuk (left) League matches of Shakhtar give spectators Donetsk and the chance Arsenal’s to see stars like Nwankwo Kanu Rivaldo and in the 2000/01 David Beckham UEFA Champions in the flesh. League. BONGARTS EMPICS EMPICS
The main beneficiaries of a lot of players and failed to qualify for nity to demonstrate something, to the financial manna of the UEFA Cham- subsequent UEFA Champions League learn a great deal and to break their pions League are Spartak Moscow, group stages, like Steaua Bucharest, players in at the top level. And let us Dynamo Kiev and Sparta Prague, who one of the teams that stood out in the not forget the fans, who are thrilled regularly take part in the group first editions of the competi- to be able to watch clubs who matches and have achieved a stability tion, qualifying three years in have written the history of the that means they do not have to sell a row, but whose last appear- competition in action on their best players at any price. When ance dates back to 1996. home ground, as well as to they have done so, after a few succes- see legendary players like sive appearances in the UEFA Champi- Sporting aspect Zidane, Raul, Roberto Carlos, ons League, these clubs have made Of course, money Kahn, Effenberg, Owen, good deals, as Dynamo Kiev did when must not obscure the sporting aspect Beckham, Totti and Batistuta, to name the Ukrainian club sold Shevchenko, of the competition, which remains the but a few, in the flesh. Rebrov and Kaladze. And these same keenest in the world as far as club com- clubs continue to follow a wise policy, petitions are concerned. Once qualified Facilities by investing in training centres, recruit- for the group matches, Central and Another aspect is that of the ing young home-grown talent or play- East European clubs are sure of a mini- venues that host UEFA Champions ers from other countries or even other mum of six top-level matches against League matches. The European foot- continents (Africa, for example). In con- European big guns – something which ball scene, broadcasters and spon- trast, other clubs have not been so suc- was not possible under the direct sors turn each match into a real media cessful in managing their income from knock-out system. Clubs from this part event, a real show, for which no the UEFA Champions League, have sold of Europe therefore have the opportu- detail has been overlooked. The clubs
A spectacular duel between Dynamo Kiev’s Andrei Husin (left) and Bayern Munich’s Carsten Jancker in the 1998/99 UEFA Champions League
semi-finals. EMPICS Thanks to their seven appearances in ten years, Spartak Moscow are After their good run in last season’s UEFA Cup, the East European club that has derived the most revenue from the UEFA Champions Slovan Liberec (Tomas League: a total of 52,556,125 Swiss francs altogether. Dynamo Kiev are not far Janu, right, and Martin Zbonczak, against behind, with CHF 50,281375, Sparta Prague are in third place with CHF 34,866,125, Borussia Dortmund’s ahead of Steaua Bucharest (CHF 2,584,250) and NK Dinamo Zagreb (CHF 1,289,750). Marcio Amoroso) will be By way of comparison, Bayern Munich have earned the most revenue trying their luck in the UEFA Champions League from the competition so far: some CHF 211,133,875 from their six appearances. this coming season. EMPICS
are therefore obliged to make every who have built a sports complex that finals in 1998/99, after eliminating effort to ensure that their stadiums matches their lofty ambitions! Real Madrid in the quarter-finals. Good meet UEFA standards as far as seat- campaigns have also been achieved by ing, lighting, safety and security, Performances Hajduk Split (1994/95), Legia Warsaw access and communication systems As already mentioned, and Spartak Moscow (1995/96 in both are concerned. We have had one Central and East European clubs have cases), who reached the quarter-finals. or two close calls, when seats have appeared in all editions of the UEFA Competition became even been installed overnight so that the Champions League to date, although fiercer when the great powers of Euro- match could take place according their performances have sometimes pean football obtained the right to to UEFA requirements. On other oc- been wanting. Fourteen clubs from enter up to four clubs. Since the intro- casions, clubs have had to play their nine associations have played in UEFA duction of the expanded format matches elsewhere because their Champions League group matches: (involving 32 participants), clubs from own stadiums were not big enough. Moscow clubs Spartak (7 times), CSKA Central and Eastern Europe have As a result, facilities have improved, (1) and Locomotive (1), Ukraine’s rarely made it through to the second for example those of Moldova’s Dynamo Kiev (6) and Shakhtar Donetsk group stage. Only Sparta Prague (in champion club, FC Sheriff Tiraspol, (1), Croatia’s NK Dinamo Zagreb (2) 1999/2000 and 2001/02), Dynamo and Hajduk Split (1), Poland’s Legia Kiev (1999/2000) and Spartak Moscow Warsaw (1) and (2000/01) have made it that far. Widzew Lodz (1), Czech club Sparta Prospects Prague (4), Romania’s In view of the great success Steaua Bucarest (3), and financial stakes of the competi- Slovenia’s NK tion, many East European clubs nur- Maribor (1), ture great ambitions for future editions Hungary’s of the UEFA Champions League. While Ferencváros new Czech champion club Slovan (1) and Slo- Liberec are already in the competition vakia’s FC thanks to the UEFA coefficient of Kosice (1). their national association, other clubs Only are preparing to fight hard for a place two associa- in the competition proper. tions have man- For example, after winning aged to propel their sixteenth domestic title, Dynamo two clubs into Bucharest, the great rivals of Steaua, the same edi- have rediscovered their colours and tion of the ambitions. The officials and technical competition: staff of the club are making no secret Ukraine (Dy- of the objective for this coming season namo and and are sparing no effort to achieve it. Shakhtar They have already bought some key Donetsk) in 2000/01 players to strengthen the squad and and Russia (the in- have decided to realise the plans evitable Spartak and concerning Dynamo’s stadium at last.
BONGARTS Spartak Moscow Locomotive Moscow) It’s a case of proving the strength of a (Nikolai Pisarev, last season. club which met the great Liverpool FC in white, tussling with Bayern Munich’s In terms of in the semi-finals of the Champion Jens Jeremies) are one of the most performances, the best Clubs’ Cup back in 1984. faithful participants record lies with Dynamo in UEFA’s flagship club competition. Kiev, who got through to the semi- George Gisca
10 uefadirect 7.02 Burkina Faso are also organising the CAN came third in the Under-17 World Championship in Trinidad and Juniors 2003, and their Under-19s participated in Tobago in 2001) won one tournament and finished fourth and May this year in three very competitive youth fifth in the other two respectively. Sides such as Ajax Ams- tournaments in the Netherlands. The group terdam, Vitesse Arnhem, Valencia CF and Ipswich Town were was coached by two of the regional staff amongst the opponents. During the tour in the Netherlands, coaches, assisted by Dutch adviser Mart Nooij. the team also played two friendly matches, against the United The talented group (some were in the team that States (2-0 victory) and Yugoslavia (1-0 win).
KNVB in December 2000. These 14 now serve as regional staff coaches, Netherlands and Burkina Faso who are the anchormen for football Meridian Project in the regions and organise all kinds of football development projects and strengthen ties can run basic courses by themselves. Out of the group of 14, IN THE YEAR 2000 THE ROYAL NETHERLANDS FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (KNVB) the FBF and the Ministry of Sports in AND THE FÉDÉRATION BURKINABÉ DE FOOTBALL (FBF) SIGNED AN AGREEMENT WITHIN Burkina Faso selected eight for the next important step in the co-opera- THE FRAMEWORK OF THE UEFA/CAF MERIDIAN PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMME. tion, which took the form of a three- week stay in the Netherlands to see The signing of the agreement 6. Assistance to be provided how football in the regions is organ- was not actually the start of the co- to set up training for referees and ised there. One very important as- operation between the two associations match officials. pect of this last stage of the training though, as the KNVB had already been 7. Workshops for clubs and was that the group of eight together to Burkina Faso three times for coaching FBF officials. had to write – under guidance of courses at basic level before the The (unofficial) co-operation Dutch instructors – a long-term foot- co-operation was officially sealed. between the KNVB and FBF started ball technical policy for Burkina Faso The moment, however, was memorable back in April 1999 with a fact-finding and, based upon that policy, prepare because the simple signatures made mission by the manager of the KNVB the contents of the basic courses it possible for football in Burkina Faso Academy, Henk van de Wetering scheduled within the project. to make a huge step forward in their (UEFA Jira Panel member), and two in- The project has now been development of the game. structors, who ran a coaching course running for nine months and the The signed agreement has for 24 coaches at a level comparable impact of the programme on society made it possible for the KNVB and FBF with the UEFA B diploma. In 1999 and in Burkina Faso is enormous. to intensify their co-operation by 2000, a total of almost 100 coaches National television and the many creating a project called ‘Technical participated in these courses, 30 of regional radio stations have reported Assistance for Football in Burkina Faso’. whom were selected for a higher level about the FBF coming into the The aim of the project is to create better course in August 2000. In principle, regions to provide football education, football infrastructure. The Dutch these 30 coaches form the ‘scouting’ and the first phase of the scheduled Government, through the Ministry of department of the FBF as they courses ended in February this Welfare, Health and Sports, and the run football in the regions and are year. More and more schools have Dutch Embassy in Ouagadougou were involved in talent scouting. asked through the Ministry of enthusiastic about the set-up and sanc- From the group of 30, another Education if they can be included tioned the funds for the project. An- 14 coaches were selected and received in the project. other important partner in the project is coach education training from the Johan van Geijn the Ministry of Sports in Burkina Faso.
Headlines of the agreement: 1. Dutch technical adviser to support football in the widest sense for two years (September 2001 to August 2003). 2. FBF technical director made available by the Ministry of Sports to work one on one with the Dutch adviser for the sake of continuation after the project. 3. Eight regional staff coaches made available by the Ministry of Sports of Burkina Faso to work with the TD and TA. 4. FBF/KNVB to run more than 80 basic courses for school teachers and volunteers in street projects to pre- pare local coaches for the organisation of small-sided games and tournaments.