UEFAdirect-77-Sept•E 19.8.200814:56Page1 No 5877 – FévrierSeptember 2007 2008 at EURO2008 measures Anti-doping gets underway HatTrick II U19 men for Germany’s long wait End ofa for Italy women’s title First U19 men for Germany’s long wait End ofa for Italy women’s title First at EURO2008 measures Anti-doping gets underway HatTrick II 9.08 10 08 05 03 11 08 05 03 UEFAdirect-77-Sept•E 19.8.2008 14:56 Page 2

Message Photos: UEFA-pjwoods.ch of the president A change that heralds more to come

After 14 seasons, the UEFA Intertoto Cup has reached the end of the road. The discontinuation of this traditional season opener heralds changes that will be introduced next year, in particular the new UEFA Champions League format, which makes the competition accessible to clubs from a greater number of national associations. Combined with automatic UEFA Champions League qualification for three clubs from each of the top three associations in UEFA’s rankings, this change will also affect the domestic championships that are getting under way for another season. As you know, widening the door to the UEFA Champions League was one of the main objectives of my election manifesto, so, naturally, I am very pleased that it has been achieved so soon. This could not have been done so smoothly and quickly without the cooperation of the clubs, who were willing to discuss and IN THIS ISSUE seek solutions with us. First women’s title I thank them for this positive attitude, which football needs to maintain for Italy 03 its extraordinary popularity and vigour. Other important subjects remain on the agenda Germany win the and I am counting on this willingness continuing so that, by coming together men’s U19 Championship 05 around the same table, mutually suitable and acceptable solutions can be found for New step forward for the club all these important issues, such as sorting out the financial situation of the clubs. licensing system 07 As we embark on a new UEFA club competition season, let us remember HatTrick programme moves how EURO 2008 captivated football fans in June. It is this spirit that I would like to into its second period 08 carry into the new season, with a focus on attacking and entertaining play, but at the Anti-doping measures at EURO 2008 10 same time respecting the rules, the referees, opponents and the fans, who deserve Artemio Franchi memorial exciting, top-quality matches in return for their loyal support. match in Florence 15 News from member associations 16 Michel Platini COVER UEFA President Germany had been waiting for a youth football title since 1992. Now it is in the bag, after winning the U19 Championship in the Czech Republic. Photo: Sabattini

02 uefadirect 9.08 UEFAdirect-77-Sept•E 19.8.2008 14:56 Page 3 European Women’s Under-19 Championship FirstFirst women’swomen’s titletitle forfor ItalyItaly Sportsfile

AFTER FINISHING TWICE AS RUNNERS-UP IN THE SENIOR EUROPEAN WOMEN’S vent them finishing top of Group A. The runners-up spot went to Norway CHAMPIONSHIP, ITALY FINALLY WON THEIR FIRST WOMEN’S TITLE AS THEIR UNDER-19 thanks to their result against France, SIDE EMERGED VICTORIOUS IN TOURS (FRANCE) ON 19 JULY. who needed to win the match in order to qualify. The Norwegians managed It was the first time the Ital- Corrado Corradini. “We hope this vic- to open the score, but could not stop ians had reached the final of the Euro- tory will help women’s football in Italy. their opponents from equalising in the pean Women’s Under-19 Champion- I hope soon we can have professional second half. However, they valiantly ship and they made the most of the women’s teams in Italy.” held out under French pressure to opportunity by beating Norway secure the draw they needed to go thanks to a second-half penalty con- Easy qualification through. verted by Alice Parisi. The victory Italy actually finished was deserved, even in the opinion the tournament just as they Germans true to form of Norwegian coach Jarl Torkse: had started it, as they had In Group B, Germany, win- “I don’t think we created one beaten Norway by the same ners of the previous two editions of chance. How can you win like that? scoreline, 1-0, in their open- the European Women’s Under-19 All credit to the Italian team as they ing match. A win over tournament Championship, lived up to their role deserved to win, definitely.” hosts France then guaranteed them a as favourites by beating England in “We’ve worked hard for place in the semi-finals after just two their first match, but were then held three years and we’ve been improving games and even their defeat to Spain to a draw by Sweden. They took their all the time,” said Italian coach in the final group match could not pre- revenge on Scotland, beating them

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Sweden Germany’s Spain’s (Emmelie Josephine Henning Melanie Konradsson) tries to get past Serrano got as far Norway’s Ingvild tries to get as the Landvik Isaksen but the ball semi-finals. it was Norway that off France’s had the final say Gwenaëlle in the semi-finals. Butel.

tournament, which was played in the is going to be our day’ – and it Loire region of France from 7 to 19 was,” said a delighted Jarl Torske, July, was undoubtedly the semi-final while his German counterpart Maren between the reigning champions and Meinert lamented: “We were on Norway, a match that was broadcast top for 120 minutes but anything can convincingly in their last group match. live by , along with the final. happen in a knockout game… Behind the holders, Sweden deservedly The Germans maybe found it all too Maybe we were not fresh enough in took second place after easy at the start of the match against extra time.” defeating Scotland and a nervous Norwegian side, taking the The first semi-final, mean- drawing with England lead in the opening minutes. while, was a stroll in the park for Italy, to add to the point However, a defensive mis- who made short work of Sweden, they had won against take exploited by Norway’s Elise Enget opening the score at the end of the Germany. seemed to knock the Germans out first half before adding three more of their stride and gave new confi- goals in the second period. Contrasting semi-finals dence to the Scandinavians, who The end of Germany’s domi- One of the had adopted a more attack-minded nation of this competition will no highlights of this attitude. As they had already done doubt help to strengthen the ambi- against France, they managed to tions of their rivals in the next edition, hold their nerve as the Ger- which will start in September for 44 mans dominated the latter of the 46 teams involved. Twenty- stages, reaching the end three countries will go through to the of extra time without second round, where they will be conceding again before joined by Germany, who have quali- winning the subsequent fied automatically. The seven best penalty competition. teams will travel to Belarus next sum- “During the penal- mer to contest the European crown ties, I thought ‘this alongside the host nation.

Results

Group A 07.07 Italy – Norway 1-0 07.07 France – Spain 1-0 10.07 Spain – Norway 1-2 Norway’s 10.07 France – Italy 1-3 Ingrid Ryland 13.07 Norway – France 1-1 (in red) 13.07 Spain – Italy 3-0 against Italy’s Eleonora Bussu in the Group B final. 07.07 Sweden – Scotland 2-1 07.07 Germany – England 2-0 10.07 Sweden – Germany 1-1 10.07 Scotland – England 1-3 13.07 England – Sweden 1-1 13.07 Scotland – Germany 0-7

Semi-finals 16.07 Italy – Sweden 4-0 16.07 Germany – Norway 1-1** ** 4-2 after penalties

Final Photos: Sportsfile 19.07 Italy – Norway 1-0

The fair play trophy was won by Scotland, who topped the rankings ahead of France.

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Germany’s Hungary’s Germany’s Savio Nsereko Vladimir Richard goes to Koman Sukuta-Pasu tackle the beats Italy’s scores the Czech Fernando second goal Republic’s Forestieri of the final. Lukas to the ball Marecek. in the semi-finals. Sportsfile Sportsfile Sabattini

the tournament. This was a worthy final, with the drama of the yellow and European red cards and the late goal for the Ital- ians, but my players really fought for the title. They really showed how much they wanted to win today, and that gives me Under-19 a lot of pride,” said a delighted Hrubesch, who was famous for his aerial prowess as a player. Italian coach Francesco Rocca Championship was not so pleased: “I’m not happy of Germany’s youngsters course, because we didn’t play the way I wanted to – we just weren’t really on our end long barren spell game tonight at any point. Germany were better than us, and that’s a big WITH A 3-1 WIN OVER ITALY IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC, THE GERMAN regret – we played against ten players UNDER-19 TEAM WON THEIR COUNTRY’S FIRST UEFA YOUTH TITLE SINCE for a long time but we never really got into the match. Congratulations to THE 1992 EUROPEAN UNDER-16 TOURNAMENT. Germany because they were better tonight but we could have played a lot “This victory means a lot for 78th minute through Silvano Raggio. better. Maybe there was too much German football. The German Football Almost immediately, Timo Gebhart’s pressure on the players tonight and they Association has done many things header wrapped up a 3-1 victory. weren’t able to express themselves as to improve youth development they would have liked.” in Germany. All the Emotional reactions clubs have special youth devel- Horst Hrubesch, who Route to the final opment centres and all those enjoyed a successful career as a Italy almost lost their first match clubs have helped in the prepa- player, winning the European against Greece, scoring in the 89th ration for the tournament. It’s Championship in 1980 before minute to scrape a 1-1 draw. important to have a title to show finishing second in the World They then drew 0-0 with England and that your efforts are worth it,” Cup two years later and lifting needed to win their third match in said German U19 coach Horst the European Champion Clubs’ Cup in order to reach the semi-finals. The 4-3 Hrubesch following this important 1983 with Hamburger SV, said after the victory against the Czech Republic, triumph for the DFB’s youth develop- match that the best team in the tour- which secured the Italians’ place as ment programme. nament had won: “We’ve won all five group winners, was the most exciting as matches and deserved to win them all, well as the deciding match of Group B. Eventful final so we can say that we were the best in The English were unfortunate to Germany had to work hard for their victory in the Strelnice stadium in Jablonec, particularly since they were a man down for a long period follow- ing the second yellow card issued to captain Florian Jungwirth in the 37th minute. But the Germans, who had taken the lead ten minutes earlier with a goal by Lars Bender, withstood the Italian pressure and even continued to threaten themselves, with Richard Sukuta-Pasu scoring a second after an hour. Around 20 minutes from time, Italian Matteo Gentili also had to take an early shower after receiving a second yellow, although this did not prevent his team from pulling a goal back in the Sportsfile 05 UEFAdirect-77-Sept•E 19.8.2008 14:56 Page 6

Bulgaria’s Spain’s England’s Kirstian Daniel Parejo Daniel Rose Uzunov tries breaks into slips between to stop the Hungarian two Greek Germany’s defence. defenders. Rahman Soyudorgru from crossing the ball.

finish only third, level on points with 65th minute. The Hungarians, who Czech striker Tomas Necid. The 2009 the Czech hosts, but can nonetheless were cheered on by a large group of final round will take place in Ukraine and console themselves with a place at the fans, certainly had their chances, but the draw for the elite round will be held FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Egypt in were unable to penetrate the some- at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon on 2009. Last year’s finalists Greece, whose times shaky looking Italian defence, 4 December. team included only two of the players unluckily hitting the post in stoppage who had reached the 2007 final, still time. The second semi-final between managed two draws and finished fourth. Germany and the Czech Republic was Results Group A was dominated by even closer. After goals by Marcel Germany, who defeated newcomers Risse and Tomas Necid, the score was Group A Bulgaria (3-0) and Hungary (2-1), as 1-1 after 90 minutes, so extra time 14.07 Bulgaria – Hungary 0-1 well as Spain (2-1), winners of the previ- followed. Both teams missed golden 14.07 Germany – Spain 2-1 17.07 Spain – Hungary 0-1 ous two editions and four of the last opportunities before substitute 17.07 Germany – Bulgaria 3-0 six European U19 Championships. The Richard Sukuta-Pasu, the son of 20.07 Hungary – Germany 1-2 Spaniards missed out on a semi-final Congolese parents, shattered the host 20.07 Spain – Bulgaria 4-0 place for once, although their convincing nation’s dreams in the 119th minute. 4-0 win over Bulgaria ensured they Group B went out in style and guaranteed them Growing interest 14.07 Czech Republic – England 2-0 the sixth and final place at the Under-20 In the wake of EURO 2008, 14.07 Greece – Italy 1-1 World Cup. Hungary finished second the European Under-19 Championship 17.07 Czech Republic – Greece 0-0 in the group, largely thanks to their 1-0 also attracted a great deal of media 17.07 England – Italy 0-0 win over Spain. In the semi-finals, Italy interest. The matches were not only 20.07 Italy – Czech Republic 4-3 20.07 England – Greece 3-0 were therefore paired with Hungary and broadcast by UEFA’s European broad- Germany with the Czech Republic. casting partner, Eurosport, but were Semi-finals also televised in the Near East, America 23.07 Italy – Hungary 1-0 Close semi-finals and even Oceania. Despite two goal- 23.07 Germany – Czech Republic 2-1* Italy managed a narrow 1-0 less draws, 37 goals were scored in the * after extra time win against Hungary. The only goal was 15 matches, an average of 2.47 per scored by substitute Fernando Forestieri match. The tournament’s top scorer Final after a wonderful combination in the with four goals was Slavia ’s 26.07 Germany – Italy 3-1

The fair play trophy was awarded to England.

Italy’s Alberto Paloschi puts the ball in the net from the penalty spot against the Czech Republic. Photos: Sportsfile 06 uefadirect 9.08 UEFAdirect-77-Sept•E 19.8.2008 14:56 Page 7

Meetings to share ideas and information. UEFA UEFA-pjwoods.ch

of European club football and of the club licensing system is being signifi- Club licensing cantly enhanced. A new benchmarking report underlining trends across Europe, as well as the launch of a club licensing database, will capture the knowledge system held within the licensing system and An important step forward make it available to the national associ- ations later in the year. FOOTBALL’S LARGEST GOVERNANCE PROJECT, THE UEFA CLUB LICENSING SYSTEM, Central to the football family HAS TAKEN AN IMPORTANT STEP FORWARD RECENTLY. In the last year, the importance of club licensing has been acknow- No fewer than 634 clubs all tinual improvement ethic, new electronic ledged through the creation of a speci- over Europe have for the first time been tools have been developed and will be fic club licensing unit in the National assessed under Version 2.0 of UEFA’s employed by the UEFA administration Associations Division of the UEFA club licensing manual, which includes and its external partners to improve the administration. Previously club licensing requirements for every club to submit efficiency of the compliance process. was taken care of by a sub-division of financial budgets and stricter controls the Sports Legal Services Unit and was on transfer and employee payables Benchmarking not a unit in its own right. among the 34 UEFA-defined criteria. The benchmarking of club The club licensing system con- When the dust settled on the latest licensing information has become a spe- tinues to have a high profile in political licensing cycle in June, 511 top division cific objective following the introduction circles, and in June a working group of clubs had successfully completed the of the new criteria. Thanks to the great the Club Licensing Committee met for licensing process and been granted a efforts undertaken by licensing managers the first time for an open discussion on licence by the national decision-making and financial experts, the transparency potential future developments. bodies.

Sharing experiences From June 2007 to June 2008, a number of seminars were organised and more than a quarter of the licensors were visited by the UEFA administration. During these visits, issues were discussed and action plans elaborated. Looking forward, in addition to further bilateral meetings, preparations are under way for autumn workshops with groups of licensors in Amsterdam, Paris, , and Minsk, as well as for a meeting in Geneva with representatives from the decision-making bodies of all 53 UEFA member associations. The wealth of practical experience gained by the national licensing departments and the sharing of that experience remains one of the licensing network’s strongest assets.

Compliance To ensure consistency of appli- cation across Europe, the 53 national Danmark/AFP Photos Sabroe/Scanpix licensing bodies will again undergo inde- pendent SGS certification audits and compliance audits. As part of the con- No licence, no place in the UEFA competitions.

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The HatTrick programme has enabled the national associations to construct many facilities. UEFA EPO UEFA

Social projects Social projects may be related to: HatTrick ■ a healthy lifestyle, i.e. projects aimed at educating and raising awareness of health risks, such as those linked to drug use, alcohol and tobacco abuse, diseases such as AIDS, obesity, etc. Programme ■ violence prevention and disaster A new cycle begins management, i.e. projects aimed at establishing a state of harmony in the THE FIRST CYCLE OF THE HATTRICK ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME WAS COMPLETED absence of hostility and danger; IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE UEFA EXECUTIVE ■ social cohesion, facilitating the inte- COMMITTEE'S PRESENTATION TO THE UEFA CONGRESS IN DUSSELDORF IN 2007, gration of minorities and their par-

A NEW CYCLE BEGAN ON 1 JULY AND WILL LAST UNTIL 30 JUNE 2012. ticipation in society; ■ integrity, ensuring that organisations For this new cycle, the projects in the aforementioned fields; are run properly and preventing any HatTrick Bureau has adopted a set of these projects must be approved by risk of corruption or abuse; regulations governing the investment the HatTrick Committee or Bureau. ■ environment, through projects linked programme, which is designed to Each national association may submit to sanitation and appropriate educa- meet the needs of the member associ- more than one project, but no more tion on subjects such as global warm- ations by financing projects aimed at than five in all. Furthermore, the fund- ing and species preservation. developing and improving football in ing from UEFA is meant to be a cata- general. lyst for attracting financial support Promotion of grassroots The following areas are from other sources, either the member football covered: association itself or third parties. As far as grassroots football is ■ administration concerned, the projects may involve pro- ■ training Promotion of sporting values and moting the training of women and ■ youth football principles youth team coaches, setting up national ■ infrastructure In order to promote sporting and regional youth training centres, ■ other tailor-made development values and principles, a minimum developing football schools, launching projects. of 20% of the total amount, i.e. EUR talent promotion programmes or Each association is entitled to 500,000, must be allocated to social developing community-based football a maximum of EUR 2.5 million to fund or grassroots projects. programmes. This category also includes the installation of mini-pitches, which was one of the three pillars of the first Hat- Trick cycle, along with financial assis- tance and education programmes. Financial assistance in HatTrick II still comprises annual solidarity pay- ments, which are divided into three cate- gories: ■ contribution to running costs (EUR 500,000 per association); ■ a payment to promote good gover- nance and licensing procedures; ■ assistance with participation in non-

UEFA elite UEFA competitions.

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The KISS Knowledge online platform sharing is a key is a much aspect of the appreciated tool. KISS programme.

management. This collection of know- Education programme ledge, which is accessible to all the asso- One of the pillars of HatTrick II is the education programme, ciations, is unique. It is very easy to which aims to ensure that the national associations have use and should be considered as a cata- the knowledge and expertise they need in order to operate in logue of evolving ideas which the asso- a professional manner. ciations can adapt to their own needs. It represents the pillar in which the know- The KISS programme solutions. This will take the form of how of the associations themselves is (Knowledge & Information Sharing small working groups (5-15 people) combined with that of UEFA experts Scenario) is one of the tools of this comprising representatives of different and the football family. education programme. Between mid- national associations working together All of this information will be 2005 and mid-2008, its objective was to meet various challenges linked to provided in as many European languages to help the national associations to football management (stewarding, as possible in order to ensure that it is improve their management skills. This crisis management, media operations, disseminated among and accessible to covered various fields related to foot- competition organisation, etc.). member association staff. ball management, such as communica- Around 30 groups are currently oper- tion and media, event management, ating. This will result in new practices ■ Support for other football sponsorship, etc. which will then be shared. family members In practical terms, around The third strand involves 40 interactive seminars were organised, ■ Development of exchange adapting the expertise gathered at an internet platform was developed and development tools meetings between national associations and working groups were set up. The second strand involves in order to make it available to other continuing to develop the KISS online members of the football family. To this Knowledge sharing platform, which already includes a end, the KISS online platform will be Clear priority was given to large number of videos (presentations, developed so that its content can be knowledge sharing, which produced real-life stories, interaction between organised into “packages” aimed at unexpected results as the associations association members, etc.) and practi- certain groups in accordance with their showed tremendous desire to share cal courses linked to good football respective needs. their experiences. A national associa- tions network is now in place. It is now a question of applying the lessons that have been learned to activities linked more directly with football events. This means that, rather than holding increasing numbers of theoretical courses, events such as Under-19 and Under-21 competitions, or media operations, will be used to provide training in real-life situations. Admin- istrative training, for example, will be associated with technical football training.

Three strands The next stage of the project comprises three main strands.

■ Support for the national associations network The first strand, based on the solidarity mechanism, involves

continuing support for associations Photos:UEFA that are trying to develop practical Football management topics are dealt with in small working groups.

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Every The doping delegation control signed an officers arrive anti-doping at the stadium charter. and draw the names of the players to be tested. Sportsfile

and urine samples. None tested posi- tive; moreover, the educational impact and the general desire to improve screening were two essential elements EURO 2008 of this pre-tournament testing pro- Rigorous gramme.

anti-doping programme Six teams of DCOs For EURO 2008 itself, six UEFA ORGANISED A RIGOROUS ANTI-DOPING PROGRAMME FOR EURO 2008, teams of two doctors were appointed INCLUDING OUT-OF-COMPETITION TESTING WHICH, APART FROM AN to carry out in-competition testing. INITIAL TRIAL AT EURO 2004, HAD PREVIOUSLY ONLY BEEN USED IN THE Each pair comprised a blood DCO and a urine DCO. UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE. From 5 June onwards, the 12 doctors were based in Lausanne, As had been announced at to provide blood and urine samples. near the Swiss anti-doping laboratory the workshop held in Vienna in March, The two doctors on duty, each in their in Epalinges, where the samples were each of the 16 teams was visited at specific role, carried out their tasks analysed under the supervision of its pre-tournament training camp by with no major problems and with total Dr Martial Saugy, in collaboration with two doctors acting as UEFA doping cooperation from the players and Günter Gmeiner, director of the control officers (DCOs). medical personnel. Vienna laboratory. Previously, DCOs had only The testing programme did A coordination meeting held in carried out urine tests. Since May, not run entirely without incident: the order to define the parameters of the however, they have been divided into French team were tested at the national whole testing programme was two different categories: B (blood) technical centre in Clairefontaine on attended by Dr Garnier, medical con- DCOs and U (urine) DCOs. The two the day on which President Sarkozy sultant of the World Anti-Doping categories worked together to conduct decided to meet the players, for Agency (WADA), with which UEFA tests at the team training camps. example, while there were problems worked very closely. The meeting was During each visit, almost half of the with transporting blood samples in followed by a visit to the anti-doping squad, i.e. 10 of the 23 pre-selected aircraft cabins due to civil aviation laboratory. players – or a slightly larger number regulations. prior to the deadline for naming final The Austrian laboratory in A demanding schedule squad lists – were chosen at random Seibersdorf dealt with the 160 blood On 6 June, the DCOs began their visits to the four Swiss host cities (Geneva, Basel, Berne, Zurich) and the four Austrian venues (Vienna, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Klagenfurt). Their aim was to return the samples as quickly as possible so that the results were available before the next match. For the trips to Austria, the DCOs left at 06.00 in order to call in at the anti-doping laboratory on the way to Geneva airport, before chang- ing planes in Vienna to fly to the other three Austrian cities. Depending on the kick-off time, they reached their hotel at around 01.00 or 02.00, before taking a taxi at 05.00 to Vienna or Frankfurt and flying back to Geneva, reaching the laboratory in Lausanne at about 10.00 and the hotel at around 11.00. The rest days between A chaperone waits for the players at the end of the tests. missions were very welcome.

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Preparing the documents.

taking of blood and urine samples, some of them even showing obvious interest in the process. Some players were tested several times without the slightest complaint. It was the chaperone’s job to escort the players Respect, one of the key slo- to the doping control station. Journeys in Switzerland gans of EURO 2008, was a permanent were made by car, with the samples feature in this area too. football, such as by creating the Anti- returned to the laboratory straight The UEFA Anti-Doping Unit Doping Panel and increasing testing in after the match. While the matches in received 30 requests for therapeutic all competitions, including youth tour- Geneva were fairly close to the lab- use exemptions concerning 28 players naments. oratory, the samples taken in Zurich, during EURO 2008; four requests There will always be dis- Berne and Basel did not reach the lab- were refused. gruntled people who think that foot- oratory until around 03.00 or 04.00 The anti-doping policy ball is not doing enough. However, the next morning. developed by UEFA reaped its reward the recognition shown by WADA and Each medical team undertook with all the tests carried out proving FIFA of the work carried out, as well two doping control assignments in negative. It also reflected the desire as that of journalists who monitor Switzerland and two in Austria, then expressed over several months to de- doping issues across all sporting disci- at the end of the group phase, the velop broader controls using techno- plines, is a source of encouragement number of teams was reduced to three logical advances initiated by the labo- to continue the work that has been and then two. The DCOs who con- ratories in Lausanne and Seibersdorf. started, in the knowledge that there ducted the tests at the final in Vienna Thanks to the constant commitment of must be no reduction of effort at any were needed for 26 days in all. the UEFA Anti-Doping Unit, the project stage. Keeping our sport clean and At each stadium, chaperones was implemented to maximum effect. tracking down the cheats must remain accompanied the players as soon as The Executive Committee has a constant objective of UEFA policy. they left the pitch, taking them straight shown unequivocal support for efforts Dr Jacques Liénard to the testing room without going to step up the fight against doping in Chairman, UEFA Anti-Doping Panel into the dressing rooms.

Negative tests At the end of each match, two players from each team and a number of targeted players were asked to pro- vide blood and urine samples. All 126 tests carried out were negative. A total of 286 samples were taken, although the most remarkable aspect was the high technological level achieved. For the first time, analysis of all the samples included testing for blood transfusions and human growth hormone – thanks to WADA’s support, which made this form of screening possible – and the use of IRMS analysis to improve the detection of testos- terone derivatives. And all these samples were analysed within 24 hours.

Under the banner of respect It is important to highlight the exceptional cooperation of all the

team doctors and the willingness with Photos: UEFA-pjwoods.ch which the players participated in the The team doctors (left) also contributed to the smooth running of the doping controls.

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Liepajas Girts Karlsons, Metalurgs Liepajas Metalurgs’ won the 2007 Latvian international, competition. was the top goalscorer in the 2007 Baltic Cup. Zigismunds Zalmanis Zigismunds Zalmanis

More teams, more tension The number of teams partici- pating in the TrioBet Baltic League will Baltic League be extended from 12 to 16. The top five Series of major reforms teams in each Baltic national champion- ship will qualify, along with an addi- THE TENSION IN THE BALTICS IS GROWING AS THE CURRENT SEASON OF THE tional club from the country of the pre- TRIOBET BALTIC LEAGUE HAS REACHED ITS DECISIVE PHASE AND BIG CHANGES vious season’s winners. TO THE STRUCTURE OF THE COMPETITION HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED. Latvian clubs on top Latvian clubs are dominating The Baltic club competition New autumn – spring this season’s TrioBet Baltic League. Three was launched in 2007 with four top play-off structure of the four semi-finalists in 2008 are clubs each from Estonia, Latvia and The calendar will be restruc- from Latvia, with FK Riga, Skonto FC Lithuania battling it out for the crown. tured: the current format, which consists Riga and FK Ventspils having qualified The aim of the competition was to of a group stage and a knockout round, for the decisive stage. Lithuanian side liven up football in the Baltics by offer- will be changed to a new system in FBK Kaunas are the only ones who can ing higher level international games in which the whole competition is played still spoil the all-Latvian party. order to develop the players and clubs on a knockout basis. This will help to and offer fans an enjoyable experi- avoid meaningless games and encourage Value already increased ence. In the first year, Latvian side SK clubs to field their strongest line-ups in Already this year, the organisers Liepajas Metalurgs lifted the trophy, every match. Moreover, the TrioBet Baltic have increased the value of the league, with FK Ventspils in second place, League will be played from autumn 2009 launching the league’s own e-magazine, while the competition itself faced vari- to spring 2010. Matches will start in Sep- re-launching its website, starting live ous problems linked to its structure, tember and will be played in the autumn web streaming of the semi-finals and match calendar and low media aware- until the quarter-final stage; the semi- broadcasting at least one semi-final ness. During the second season, the finals and finals will be played just before match and the final on television. three Baltic countries took major steps June/July next year. No matches will be The league’s new executive, to get the competition back on track. played in March because of the poor Christian Happel, stresses: “It is impor- One of these steps was to hire an weather conditions or in late July and tant to get partners on board for next executive manager for the league August, when teams are preparing for season who want to develop with us. from Germany. European competition matches. Football is a continuously growing mar- ket in all the Baltic countries, particularly among young people. We strongly believe that these changes will lay the foundation for the success of the com- petition in the future.”

The new format of the TrioBet Baltic League ■ 16 clubs instead of 12 ■ Played in knockout system ■ Season from autumn to spring (September - June/July) ■ Matches transmitted live on TV and/or internet ■ Increased importance and attractiveness with website (www.balticleague.com) and e-magazine

The final between Zigismunds Zalmanis ■ Liepajas Metalurgs Seeking potential and Ventspils. partners/sponsors 12 uefadirect 9.08 UEFAdirect-77-Sept•E 19.8.2008 14:56 Page 13

Aston Villa’s The draw Gabriel for the UEFA Agbonlahor (left) Women’s Cup in his team’s took place in third round UEFA Nyon on 3 July. Intertoto Cup match against . Getty Images UEFA-pjwoods.ch

UEFA Women’s Cup resumes in September Competitions The eighth edition of the UEFA Women’s Cup kicks off at the beginning of September with the first qualifying round fixtures. and other activities This season will see 43 Farewell to the UEFA clubs take part in the competition, seven of Intertoto Cup whom – Arsenal LFC, ASD CF Bardolino Verona, IT WAS LAUNCHED IN 1995 TO REPLACE THE INTERNATIONAL Brøndby IF, FCR 2001 Duisburg, 1. FFC FOOTBALL CUP, A SUMMER TOURNAMENT ORGANISED ON THE INITIATIVE Frankfurt, and OF EUROPE’S FOOTBALL POOLS COMPANIES. THIS SUMMER THE CURTAIN Umeå IK – have byes for the first quali- fying round. The winners of the nine FELL ON THE UEFA INTERTOTO CUP. first-round groups will join them for four mini-tournaments, from 9 to With changes to the club com- SC , Grasshopper-Club, VfB 14 October. petitions coming into force next year, , SC Vaslui, Stade Rennais FC, The quarter-finals will take the UEFA Intertoto Cup is being SK Sturm , Rosenborg BK, place within the first two weeks of absorbed into the UEFA Cup. In the Aston Villa FC and IF Elfsborg. November, with the semi-finals at the 14 years for which it has been run- For these clubs, the example to ning, the UEFA Intertoto Cup has follow – or indeed to beat – is end of March and beginning of April, adapted to experiences and needs. that of FC Girondins de Bordeaux, and the two-part final on 16 and Many clubs will remember it as their first who made it all the way to the UEFA 23 May. taste of European competition. Cup final from the first edition of the Since 2006 the UEFA Intertoto UEFA Intertoto Cup. First qualifying round Cup has sent 11 clubs a year into the Until 2005 each of the win- Group 1: Zvezda-2005, second qualifying round of ners (two in season one, three in subse- 1. FC Femina , Gintra Uni- the UEFA Cup. The last quent editions) received a trophy. versitetas, Klaksvikar Itrottarfelag; beneficiaries, ie this season’s French clubs took away the most and Group 2: ZFK Masinac Nis, winners, are RC Deportivo claimed over a third (12 of 32) of AZ Alkmaar, FC Narta Chisinau, La Coruña, SSC Napoli, the UEFA Cup Glasgow City LFC; berths up Group 3: AC Sparta Praha, for grabs in Levante UD, KVK Tienen, ZFK the UEFA Inter- Skiponjat; toto Cup Group 4: Røa IL, FC NSA Ricardo Osorio (in white) contributed between , FC Honka Espoo, FC Iveria; to VfB Stuttgart’s 1995 and Group 5: Valur Reykjavik, win against Saturne Moskovskaya Oblast 2005. Maccabi Holon FC, City LFC, and helped his FK Slovan Duslo Sala; club to qualify for the UEFA Cup for the Group 6: Alma KTZH, CFF third time since Clujana, NK Osijek, Glentoran 2000/01 and 2002/03. United; Group 7: SV Neulengbach, SU 1° Dezembro, ZNK KRKA Novo Mesto, Vamos Idaliou; Group 8: AZS Wroclaw, FC PAOK, Naftokhimik, FC Levadia Tallinn; Group 9: WFC Universitet Vitebsk, ZNK SFK 2000 Sarajevo, Stollarz/Bongarts/Getty Images FC Zürich Frauen, Galway LFC. Mini-tournament hosts in bold.

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UFC Münster – Germany Beverwijk in will lead the the preliminary European round of the delegation taking UEFA Futsal Cup. part in the Under-17 World Cup in New Zealand. UEFA-pjwoods.ch

FIFA Under-17 the quarter-finals (4-6), Portugal in the Women’s World Cup semis (4-5) and Italy in the final (3-5) – pushed the future world champions Vogel/Bongarts/Getty Images for DFB Vogel/Bongarts/Getty Europe will be represented hard, showing that they too had at the first FIFA Under-17 Women’s unmistakable skills. UEFA Futsal Cup World Cup at the end of October main round France, this year’s hosts and and beginning of November by the the world’s first ever beach soccer The UEFA Futsal Cup four teams that contested the champions in 2005, failed to make it preliminary round matches were final round of the European past the quarter-finals, where they played out in August and the six Women’s Under-17 Championship were held back by Italy. group winners have places in the in Nyon, Switzerland, in May. The tournament was hugely main round. There will be 16 teams in popular, with the final round’s 32 The matches will be New Zealand for the inaugural tour- matches followed by almost 180,000 contested between nament and the Europeans (European spectators. 6 and 14 September in champions Germany, plus France, The next edition, in 2009, the following groups: Denmark and England) were divided will take place in Dubai, in the United Group 1: SL Benfica, among the four groups by a draw Arab Emirates. Athina ‘90, KMF conducted in Wellington on 1 June. Municipium Pljevlja, KMN Gorica; The groups were completed by means Group 2: Luparense Calcio of a second draw held in Zurich on A5, KMF Ekonomac Kragujevac, 28 July for the CAF and CONCACAF National coaches PA Nova Gliwice, FK Nikars Riga; representatives. Group 3: Action 21 Charleroi, conference ACS Odorheiu Secuiesc, Viten Orsha, The groups are as follows: The national coaches of Roubaix; Group A: New Zealand, UEFA’s 53 member associations Group 4: FC Shakhtar Canada, Denmark, Colombia; will convene in Vienna from 22 Donetsk, HMNK Gospic, MVFC Group B: Costa Rica, to 24 September for the eighth Berettyóújfalu, Carillon Boys Germany, Korea DPR, Ghana; UEFA Conference for European Beverwijk; Group C: Japan, USA, France, National Coaches. Group 5: FK Era-Pack Paraguay; The aim of the exercise is to Chrudim, Iberia 2003 , Hapoel Group D: Brazil, England, review EURO 2008 and to analyse and Ironi Rishon Lezion, Nautara Kaunas; Korea Republic, Nigeria. discuss the technical aspects. The meet- Group 6: Araz Naxçivan, ing will also enable the national coaches Slov-Matic Fofo Bratislava, Skövde to strengthen their ties, exchange ideas AIK, FC Nadin Sofia. and share information. Mini-tournament hosts in bold. Brazil retains its beach The sides finishing first and soccer crown second in each group will enter the The final round of the elite round. FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup came Camps in Austria to Europe for the first time, taking and Switzerland Italy’s Paolo Palmacci place in Marseille from 17 to 27 EUROSCHOOLS 2008, the (in blue) and Brazil’s Duda in the final of July, but it was once again Brazil official EURO 2008 schools project, the Beach Soccer who took the crown. World Cup. did not end at the same time as The South Americans have the national teams’ competition. won the last three editions of this From 14 to 21 September, four-year-old competition but they will the schoolchildren involved in the have noticed real progress among project in Austria, Switzerland and their opponents in that time, espe- Liechtenstein will take part in two cially the European teams, three of EUROSCHOOLS 2008 camps which whom made it into the final four, with will bring together young people from Italy coming second and Portugal the countries of all 53 UEFA member taking third over Spain. associations. All Brazil’s opponents – Spain The two camps, one in

Mexsport/J.Reyes in the group stages (2-3), Russia in Switzerland and one in Austria, will

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Fair play was One of the order of the youth Tribute to Artemio the day for the tournaments EUROSCHOOLS held in the Franchi in Florence programme. Balkans to promote unity Twenty-five years after the and tolerance. death of Artemio Franchi, who had been UEFA’s president for ten years, Streetfootballworld Razimsu Ludia Proti a tribute was paid to him on 30 July in his home town of Florence. Organised by ACF Fiorentina encourage the different children to The event continued in and backed by UEFA, the event meet and get to know each other, Cetinje, Montenegro, where a youth got under way with a ceremony at highlighting Europe’s cultural diversity. camp was held in cooperation with the Palazzo Vecchio, the town hall, The participants of both camps will of Monte- where the current UEFA president, then gather in Liechtenstein for a fair negro. A festival against racism, chau- Michel Platini, and other prominent play tournament. vinism and intolerance and a football figures in politics and football tournament rounded off the pro- paid tribute to Artemio Franchi and gramme. Leaflets were also distrib- Promoting unity uted in which famous players spoke out against racism. in the Balkans In August, the Balkans Alps Adriatic Project (BAAP) organised two youth tournaments Action week against and a youth camp in association racism in October

with FARE (Football Against Racism The FARE network, UEFA’s Sabe in Europe) and with UEFA’s backing. partner in the fight against racism, Michel Platini and the president of ACF Fiorentina, Andrea della Valle. Activities got under way in is organising an action week against the Serbian town of Kragujevac with racism in Europe for the ninth year unveiled a commemorative plaque, a competition between youth teams in a row. to be hung at the Artemio Franchi from Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina From 16 to 28 October, stadium. “Artemio Franchi was and a Roma team from Slovakia. A activities will be organised in over 35 undoubtedly European football’s match between a multi-ethnic eleven countries to draw attention to the first modern-day leader,” said Michel Platini. “He had a sixth and a local women’s team, together need to root out racism and all other sense for major developments that with workshops and discussion forms of discrimination from society. would fundamentally change our groups, then provided an opportunity This year the spotlight will sport.” to exchange views on racism and be on the fight against homophobia It was to this very stadium nationalism. and sexism. that great numbers of Tuscan fans (over 40,000) flocked that evening to watch the gala match between Homeless World Cup in Melbourne then Milan ACF Fiorentina and willing oppo- nents FC Barcelona in honour of This year’s Homeless World Cup will be contested in Melbourne, Artemio Franchi. Barcelona came Australia, in November. away with a 3-1 win. The competition often has a significant effect on the lives of the participants, as highlighted by the impact report published after the 2007 edition, involving 381 players in Copenhagen. Carried out in the six months following the competition, the study found that: ■ 93% of players had a new motivation for life; ■ 83% had improved social relations; ■ 71% had significantly changed their lives; ■ 29% had got a job; ■ 38% had improved their housing situation; ■ 32% had gone into education; ■ 71% now played football on a regular basis; and ■ 118 players had overcome drug or alcohol addiction. In general terms, participation in the Homeless World Cup gave the majority of players a new lease of life. As for the 2009 edition, it will be hosted by Italy, with the matches being held at the Parco Sempione in the very heart of Milan. Some 700 players from 64 countries are expected. Sabe The gala match was very popular. 15 UEFAdirect-77-Sept•E 19.8.2008 14:56 Page 16

N EWS FROM MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

The Score for the Red Cross campaign was conceived by UEFA and the Interna- tional Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The ICRC will use half of the proceeds to AUSTRIA provide artificial limbs to landmine victims BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA • PETER KLINGLMÜLLER • in Afghanistan. The other half will finance • FUAD KRVAVAC • projects within national Red Cross societies. “The Austrian Red Cross uses its money EUR 7,700 to Score for the Red Cross Blazevic named to provide food vouchers, donations in new head coach A total of 77 goals were scored during kind and short-term financial assistance of the national EURO 2008, which is excellent news for the to people in need,” explained Wolfgang team Red Cross. Having pledged EUR 100 per Kopetzky. The Score for the Red Cross campaign By signing a two goal to the Score for the Red Cross cam- year contract with was a success across Europe. UEFA pledged paign, the Austrian Football Association is Ilija Dominkovic, making a donation of EUR 7,700. EUR 4,000 for every goal scored. The ICRC president of the FF “Not only can we reflect on a successful and landmine victims in Afghanistan can ■ BHZ, Miroslav Ciro first aid service during the EURO, but we therefore count on EUR 308,000. Blazevic officially be- are also pleased to have found a came the new head A new job for Miroslav Blazevic. strong partner in the Austrian FA, coach of the nation- F.Krvavac which is helping us help others,” al team of Bosnia said Wolfgang Kopetzky, secre- and Herzegovina, the country where he tary general of the Austrian Red was born 73 years ago, in Travnik. Cross. Alfred Ludwig, general Blazevic is the ninth appointment to secretary of the Austrian FA, this position. He follows in the footsteps emphasised the importance of of Fuad Muzurovic, Dzemaludin Musovic, assuming social responsibility. Faruk Hadzibegic, Drago Smajlovic, Blaz “It is a great honour not only for Sliskovic, Fuad Muzurovic, Meho Kodro our association, but also for our and Denijal Piric. players, who signed numerous Interestingly, Blazevic has already Score for the Red Cross balls to led two different national teams (those boost the campaign, to be able Pictures GEPA of Croatia and Iran) in matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina. With Croatia, to make a small contribution Goals and money for the International Committee towards its success,” he said. of the Red Cross. he beat his home nation twice in the qualifying competition for the 1998 World Cup, first in Bologna (4-1) in 1996 and a year later at the Maksimir stadium in Zagreb (3-2). Under Blazevic’s done by the AFFA aimed at the development leadership, Iran drew 2-2 with Bosnia of football in the country. Bernhard Lippert, and Herzegovina in Bihaç in 2001, the Under-17s’ and Under-21s’ technical then achieved a convincing 4-0 win in director, said that “the AFFA supports youth Teheran. AZERBAIJAN football in every possible way, for the good “I received the unanimous support of children and future players. We receive of the FF BHZ executive board, which is • MIKHAYIL NARIMANOGLU • full backing from the AFFA.” a great honour and privilege,” Blazevic Afterwards, the delegation visited the said. He has had an impressive coaching UEFA president visits Azerbaijan construction site of a youth football academy career, having also been head coach of which is being built on the site of the AFFA Switzerland, as well as of a number of On 5 July a UEFA delegation headed headquarters, with the financial support of by the UEFA president, Michel Platini, visited clubs in former Yugoslavia and elsewhere UEFA. “During talks with the UEFA president, in Europe. With Dinamo Zagreb he won Azerbaijan’s capital, , for discussions we have discussed new projects within our the Yugoslavian championship in 1982. with the Association of Football Federations association. We thank UEFA and Mr Platini As a player, he played for Sarajevo. of Azerbaijan (AFFA). UEFA’s vice-chairman, personally for their all-round aid and we “The call to take over the Bosnia and Marios N. Lefkaritis, and general secretary, hope that cooperation between our organi- Herzegovina national team came as a David Taylor, accompanied the head of the sations will remain strong in the future,” great surprise but it was an offer I could European football union on his visit. said Rovnag Abdullayev. not turn down. I know that hard work The UEFA president said: “I attended awaits me and that it may be the tough- the opening ceremony for the AFFA head- est job of my career so far. First we need quarters in October. This is my second visit to get the fans back behind the team, to Azerbaijan in a short time and the meas- and I will also urge them to stop boy- ures undertaken in this short period of time cotting the national team,” Blazevic said. have enhanced the development of the Bosnia and Herzegovina’s first match game in the country. Azerbaijan entered the in the 2010 World Cup qualifying compe- world football family relatively recently tition will be played in Murcia on 6 Sep- and still needs support. UEFA will continue tember, against the new European cham- its work on development programmes for pions, Spain. Four days later their next countries such as Azerbaijan.” opponents will be Estonia, whom they Azad Rahimov of the ministry of youth will play at home. Before the end of the

AFFA and sport added: “We believe that con- year, Bosnia and Herzegovina have fur- struction of this football academy will be of ther matches scheduled away against A souvenir jersey for the UEFA president, Michel Platini. primary importance in the development of Turkey and at home against Armenia. football in Azerbaijan.” Rovnag Abdullayev “It’s a tough group. We have to face presented the UEFA president with a football the European champions, Spain, in our In the afternoon of Sunday 6 July, Rovnag shirt of the Azerbaijan national team bearing first match and then Turkey, who reached Abdullayev, the AFFA president, met the the number 10 and the name Platini. “I hope the EURO 2008 semi-finals, not long after UEFA president and his delegation at the that this academy will train youngsters to that. And both away from home. But AFFA headquarters. During the meeting, the be good football players who will perhaps we will do our best,” Blazevic said, em- visitors watched a video clip about the AFFA’s become great players like you one day,” said phasising that good results can only be activities over the past year. The AFFA’s Abdullayev. achieved with joint efforts by the FF BHZ general secretary, Elkhan Mammadov, then At the end, the presidents gave a media leadership, the coaching staff, players, informed the delegates of the work briefing. ■ fans, and media. ■

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next season, the first division will have 16 clubs, assuming that the eligible clubs satisfy very demanding licensing terms. The six years of work carried out until now by the licens- CROATIA Focussing ing department and its working bodies has on preparation. HNS been producing very good results and all the ANTE PAVLOVIC • • competitions monitored by the CFF are will qualify for the fourth time in a row. showing significant improvements. Success and new obligations We are also hoping for great things of our During the last transfer period, a number The Croatian national team’s participation Under-21 team, which has a good chance of players went abroad, but we expect new, in the recent European Championship final of qualifying for the European Under-21 young ones to replace them successfully. round was its third so far and altogether the Championship final round. Courses have been held for football most successful. We are grateful to UEFA for entrusting referees, who showed excellent physical The executive committee of the Croatian us with the organisation of qualifying mini- condition and test results. Football Federation (CFF) rewarded the tournaments. In the U17 qualifying compe- The main focus of the year ahead is youth players and coaches headed by Slaven Bilic. tition, we will host Moldova, Serbia and and grassroots football. All the questions All our national team matches were Sweden. The mini-tournament will take concerning these spheres of activity are cur- followed with huge interest from the home- place on the Istra peninsula, a very nice rently being analysed and suggestions are land and by Croats all over the world. A setting in preparation to be presented at a special record number of supporters attended the In the 6th UEFA Regions’ Cup, meanwhile, congress of the federation. matches and thousands more watched we will be welcoming Slovenia, Netherlands This year’s traditional youth camp will again the matches on TV screens in the superbly and Switzerland for a mini-tournament that take place at Thermae Tuhelj near Zagreb. well-organised fan zones. will take place in the Zagreb region. We will As usual, it will involve all the national youth Now, we are optimistically awaiting the do our best to justify UEFA’s confidence in us. teams and numerous talented young players start of the 2010 World Cup qualifying com- Preparations for next season are also who are to be included in this year’s working petition and hoping that our national team under way at all competition levels. From programme with their coaches. ■

Respect will comprise four practical steps: 1. Codes of conduct for all football par- ticipants: ■ young players ENGLAND ■ adult players ■ spectators and parents/carers • ED COAN • ■ coaches, team managers and club officials ■ referees. The FA aims for Respect Crucially, each code includes possible in high-profile campaign measures for if the code is broken. The Football Association in England is set 2. Designated spectators’ area: a demar- to launch a wide-ranging programme of cated area along the touchline within which The FA activities under the banner of Respect to spectators must stay. The referees are also part of the Respect campaign. support its drive to improve behaviour across 3. Captains taking responsibility: a drive the grassroots and professional games. to enhance captaincy skills. briefing meeting between the referee and “Respect is our response to the findings 4. Referees managing the game: a similar managers/captains, a team handshake before of extensive research which pinpointed the drive to enhance referees’ match manage- kick-off and the upholding of behaviour challenges faced by the national sport,” ment skills. standards in the technical area. says the FA’s chief executive, Brian Barwick. All the above steps apply to the grass- Respect will feature England’s head coach, “The top issues were player behaviour roots game, and the English professional Fabio Capello, and a host of celebrities have towards referees and, in youth football, game is also engaged in Respect with addi- also lent their support to the campaign and parental behaviour towards children.” tional initiatives, such as a pre-match will appear in and on various materials. ■

competition consists of two rounds: the regional football federation of Adjara. first is played locally to find the best schools Huge assistance was also provided by Pepsi, in the regions; the best 16 then contest the the tournament sponsor. final round, with 5 schools from Tbilisi and The winners of the 2008 School Ball GEORGIA 11 from the regions. will now start preparing for the next interna- The best 16 were among 1,600 Georgian tional tournament in Barcelona. LASHA GODUADZE • • schools that entered the 2008 School Ball in ■ A film entitled “Ours” about the Ambrolauri wins 2008 School Ball the hope of winning the Pepsi Cup. The final Georgia national A team has been produced round of this year’s competition was played at by Formula Creative in cooperation with The Georgian Football Federation (GFF), the Adeli stadium in Batumi from 26 to 29 the GFF and with financial backing from in cooperation with the ministry of educa- June. The finalist teams were school No25 Madneuli JSC. tion and science, the ministry of culture, from Tbilisi and school No1 from Ambrolauri. At the premiere, film producer Nika monument pro- The final was very interesting and full Kavtaradze addressed the audience: tection and sports of exciting moments. Ambrolauri won the “There is a barrier between the supporters and the city of 2008 Pepsi Cup after having opened the and members of the Georgia national A team. Tbilisi, has organ- score in the 15th minute with what turned I think this film will help to start breaking ised the annual out to be the only goal of the match. down this barrier. I believe supporters will School Ball since Mention should be made of the great enjoy the film.” 2006. This state assistance provided by government bodies “Ours” was filmed during international schools football in the organisation of the 2008 School Ball, friendlies in Estonia and Portugal and will namely the ministry of education and science, introduce supporters to life behind the scenes the ministry of culture, monument protection with the Georgia team. and sports and the city of Tbilisi. Special This 80-minute production is the second The Ambrolauri thanks also go out to the ministry of educa- film about the Georgian A team. The first schoolchildren won tion and sports of the autonomous republic one, “We are One Team”, was a GFF initia- GFF the trophy. of Adjara, the city of Batumi and the tive in 2006. ■

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a city invaded by fans of one particular nation but in Plzen everyone was sporting red, white and green flags. After some security checks, the Hungarian HUNGARY FA distributed the free tickets at the pavilion next to the stadium to everyone who wanted • MARTON DINNYÉS • to support the Hungarian team (even those Mathias Imre mlsz.hu Mathias Imre from outside the country). They also received Joy and sorrow shared in Plzen Hungary’s Under-19s received strong support. T-shirts that had been made especially for the The Hungarian Under-19 team achieved event to guarantee a standardised appear- real success in July at the European Under- FA to give out for free to those who took ance. It was a real united success as embassy 19 Championship in the Czech Republic. the six-hour trip from Hungary to Plzen, the employees from Prague and players’ rela- Tibor Sisa’s side qualified from a hard group, semi-final venue. “The spectators created a tives helped the football association staff beating Bulgaria and Spain to reach the warm atmosphere and they supported the at the tent. semi-finals and equal the hosts’ achievement. team as a 12th player so they deserved a The team really enjoyed the support of The further the team progressed, the more treat in Plzen. Also, we are a responsible FA the Hungarian fans and sang the national Hungarian fans travelled to the Under-19 that wants to look after its supporters,” said anthem together with the crowd after the competition, creating a great atmosphere. István Kisteleki, Hungarian FA president and final whistle, although everyone in Plzen fin- Reflecting on this, the Hungarian FA decided one of the inventors of the Hungarian wel- ished with tears in their eyes as they lost on site to buy 2,000 tickets from the Czech come tent. It is rare, at youth events, to see 1-0 to Italy. ■

have been flying in and attacking football a chance to reach the finals through the has been the norm. The championships con- play-offs. clude on 27 September, a day that could Goalkeeping and defensive skills have become the most memorable in the history certainly been there as the team have only ICELAND of Icelandic football to date. conceded two goals in their seven qualifying On this day the women’s national team games so far and only four goals in their • THORVALDUR INGIMUNDARSON • will play their last qualifying game for the last thirteen games. The team also has quite European Women’s Championship final a remarkable goalscorer in their ranks. Women’s team have the final round in Finland next year. Their opponents, Margret Lara Vidarsdottir, 22 years old, round within their sight France, will need to win this game on their has scored 42 goals in 43 games, which is This summer, as every summer in Iceland, home turf to secure their place in the finals. some feat. football has been a major topic of conver- As everyone knows, France has one of the One major factor in the team’s favour sation. From this season, the top three men’s top women’s football teams. But the Ice- is, of course, the attention they are getting divisions now have 12 teams each. In the landic team need only a draw to go through from a football crazy nation. Close to 6,000 top division, the Landsbankadeildin, the goals to the final round. If successful, it would be spectators attended each of the last two the first time that an Icelandic national team home games, all of which are also shown had competed in the final round of a major live on national television. For the game in football competition. For a nation of only France at the end of September, the whole approximately 300,000 people, it would be Icelandic nation will be in front of their a remarkable feat but not one that would televisions. surprise the coach, Siggi Eyjolfsson, and his Meanwhile, a team from Gardur, a town players. When Eyjolfsson took over as coach with a population of approximately 1,500, in December 2006, the team’s sights were will be in France in August. Vidir Gardi will set on Finland right away. Thanks to good be the first Icelandic team to compete in the support from the Icelandic FA, this target is UEFA Futsal Cup. Futsal has only been played now within reach. in Iceland for one year and Vidir finished The first women’s national game was the first domestic competition in 2008 in played in 1981 but in the five years that fol- the runners-up spot. The champions, Valur, lowed, only nine international matches were could not compete in the UEFA competition, played. Now, 27 years later, in 2008, the which opened the door to Vidir. The first KSI women’s national team will play at least ten timers will face teams from France, Armenia Margret Lara Vidarsdottir (9) is congratulated games. If the results in France do not go Ice- and , and will no doubt learn a lot from by her team-mates after one of her many goals. land’s way, Eyjolfsson’s team would still have more experienced futsal players. ■

minister, Galeb Majadle, as well as repre- The national A team coach, Dror Kashtan, sentatives of all the football clubs in Israel. said farewell to the national coaches who The draw to determine the match sched- had recently completed their tenures: Zeev ule for the 2008/09 season in the three Zeltzer, Hanan Azulay, Alon Schreier, Guy ISRAEL senior leagues was computerised for the Levi, Avraham Bachar and Vicky Peretz. ■ first time. • SUZIN NIMROD • Emmanuel Scheffer, former national team coach, drew the balls for the premier 80th anniversary league matches. Itzhak Schneor conducted The Israel Football Association (IFA) cele- the draw for the national league matches brated its 80th anniversary with a festive and Zahi Armeli, a former member of the ceremony which was attended by represen- national team, performed the state league tatives of all the teams in Israel. Prizes were matches draw. awarded to players and teams for fair play The national youth team coaches, Eli and to champions and cup holders in all Ohana and Tal Banin, awarded shields to categories. A draw was also conducted to players from the children’s and youth teams determine the match schedule for the three who won the title of most fair and sports- senior leagues in the 2008/09 season. manlike player at the end of the season. The IFA chairman, Avi Luzon, and the The FA prosecutor, Shalom Even-Ezra, IFA CEO, Ori Shilo, delivered opening speeches. awarded shields to the teams who won the Avi Luzon (right), president of the IFA, Participants also included the Israel sports fair play competition. with Dror Kashtan, national coach.

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KAZAKHSTAN LATVIA • ALEXANDR KEPLIN • • MARTINS HARTMANIS • LFF

UEFA president in Kazakhstan New stadiums in Daugavpils and A farewell match in a brand-new stadium On 4 and 5 July, a UEFA delegation Salaspils for Aleksandrs Isakovs. visited Kazakhstan. The delegation included This summer, new stadiums have been the UEFA president, Michel Platini; Marios opened in two cities. In Daugavpils, the ing a one-month training camp in Staicele. N. Lefkaritis, vice-president; and the gen- second largest city in the country, a superb The LFF was able to organise the camp thanks eral secretary, David Taylor. The visit was inauguration ceremony was organised by to the great support of the major of the city, arranged when the president of the Foot- the stadium’s home club, FC Daugava, who Janis Bakmanis. “The conditions are great. ball Federation of Kazakhstan, Adilbek play in the top division. In Salaspils, close International matches have been held there, Dzaksybekov, visited UEFA headquarters in to Riga, the new stadium is sited between and top LFF executives, as well as national A April for discussions with the UEFA president. two high schools. The construction of both team coaches visited the camp,” said Alek- The UEFA delegation visited Astana. stadiums was supported by the city councils sandrs Starkovs, national head coach. On 4 July, Michel Platini and Marios concerned and by the Latvian Football Fed- A new football academy has been opened Lefkaritis had a meeting with Nursultan eration (LFF). in the seaside city of Jurmala by the Kauguri Nazarbayev, president of Kazakhstan The opening ceremony for FC Daugava’s football centre and the city council, close to and honorary president of the football new Jauniba stadium included a match the city stadium. From 1 September, children federation. between former players, which was also the aged seven and over will start studying there. farewell match for the FC Daugava director, Besides traditional school lessons, the pupils Aleksandrs Isakovs, a former Latvian national will receive tuition in football. Jurmala city team defender. After the match, Isakovs was council is financing the project. Next year, presented with a golden badge of honour by the academy plans to apply for accreditation Guntis Indriksons, the LFF president. from the ministry of education and to invite In other news, all Latvian national youth professional trainers from the LFF to work teams have been working on their skills dur- with the children. ■

LIECHTENSTEIN LITHUANIA • JUDITH FROMMELT • • VAIVA ZIZAITE •

Vladimir Shapovalov Youth footballers take centre stage Beach soccer soars in popularity Liechtenstein is hosting a European Michel Platini and, on his left, Marios Lefkaritis, Beach soccer has grown enormously in watched a schools’ tournament. Under-17 Championship qualifying round popularity in Lithuania this year. mini-tournament from 17 to 20 September The Lithuanian Football Federation (LFF) and, to coincide with this event, the Liechten- and its futsal department have been organ- In the course of the discussions, the stein Football Association (LFV) is inviting UEFA representatives congratulated Kazakh- ising a lot of beach soccer tournaments and young footballers from all over Europe to a local championships. stan on the tenth anniversary of Astana, youth camp in the principality. As many as 424 the country’s capital, and wished Kazakh- Before there was just one competition 13 to 15-year-old boys and girls will travel to and one beach soccer division. Now there stan further development and prosperity. Liechtenstein, with 106 accompanying adults, On the football side, Nursultan Nazar- are two divisions, the A league and the first to be part of this festival of football. league, each consisting of a three-round bayev, Michel Platini, Adilbek Dzaksybekov The LFV is celebrating its 75th anniversary and Marios Lefkaritis discussed strategic next year and in the run-up to this celebration, lines of cooperation between Kazakhstan it wanted to give European footballers of and UEFA. tomorrow the opportunity to indulge in their A plan to implement a national domes- favourite sport for four days in an informal tic football development programme was setting. Boys and girls from all 53 UEFA mem- also discussed, both at UEFA’s meeting ber associations will compete with 53 delega- with the head of state and during its talks tions from Switzerland, Austria and Liechten- with the president of the football federa- stein. Each delegation comprises two girls, two tion, Adilbek Dzaksybekov, on 5 July. boys and an accompanying adult. The priority of the programme is the For the LFV, this youth camp is about creation of a favourable environment for more than just sport; it is primarily an opportu- youth training. Firstly, it envisages four nity for different cultures and languages to professional academies equipped to inter- meet and mingle. The youth camp is designed national standards, and better qualifica- to encourage the youngsters to show respect tions for coaches, managers, and adminis- and regard for their opponents out on the pitch, as well as providing a platform on which LFF trative staff. Secondly, the programme to help them learn to be tolerant of different A new development in beach football in Lithuania. foresees the building and reconstruction of appearances, languages and mind-sets. sports facilities. Measures to promote foot- For many of these young people, it will ball and increase its popularity are another be their first trip to Liechtenstein. Alongside championship. The A league has ten teams – key aspect. the football, it is therefore very important the top ten teams in the national beach At the end of its stay, the UEFA delega- to the LFV that the players have time to dis- soccer rankings – while the first league is tion visited FC Astana’s academy, where cover the country and its people. Of course, made up of another ten teams who were the presidents of UEFA and the Football Fed- a trip to an Under-17 match is also on the interested in playing in a national beach eration of Kazakhstan presented the prizes agenda. The players involved in the Belgium soccer league. Traditionally beach soccer to the winners of an Astana schools tour- v Austria qualifier can therefore expect a big, tournaments take place in the resort of nament. ■ vociferous crowd. ■ Lithuania Palanga. ➜

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➜ Both championships are now played He reminded those present that one of according to the international beach soccer Moldova’s best goalscorers ever, Sergey rules. So for most players this means getting Rogachiov, came from the Glodeni district. used to a lot of new practices. The FMF president presented gifts to foot- The LFF is delighted that beach soccer is MOLDOVA ball past masters from Glodeni and a set attracting more attention and gaining in • VICTOR DAGHI • of footballs to the Glodeni regional football popularity. Many famous Lithuanian football association. players have already signed up to take part Vitalie Gdey, a student from the local in this new sport. All Together programme promotes football academy, had the honour of taking The first Lithuanian national beach soccer development of football the first kick on the new mini-pitch. The team has also been established. Although The Football Association of Moldova opening ceremony was followed by a youth they did not fare so well in the qualifying (FMF), in cooperation with the Glodeni dis- football tournament. ■ competition for the FIFA Beach Soccer World trict of Moldova and with the support of Cup, the LFF believes that they will improve UEFA, has recently opened a mini-pitch in as time goes on and that they have great the northern part of the country. It is the potential. 41st mini-pitch to be installed in Moldova Two Lithuanian beach soccer referees since 2006 as part of UEFA’s HatTrick pro- who have been on the FIFA list for several gramme and the FMF’s All Together pro- years running have been invited to officiate gramme. at various international tournaments, both ■ The opening ceremony was attended by in Europe and at world level. Pavel Cebanu, FMF president; Ion Movila, head of the Glodeni district; Iurie Efteev, mayor of the Glodeni district; Vitalie Mahu, president of the Glodeni regional football association; and other officials. Pavel Cebanu said he was sure that the mini-pitch would allow many local chil- FMF dren to practise football all year around. The Glodeni mini-pitch. MALTA • ALEX VELLA •

A successful venture The Malta FA’s initiative four years ago to launch a TV programme has turned out to be a popular one, as football followers NETHERLANDS in Malta have realised the importance of • ROB DE LEEDE • • SUEANN HARRISON • such an unusual venture by a national asso- ciation, aimed primarily at educating the sporting public. Two worlds join at last Unsung heroes honoured MFA Magazine, transmitted weekly during The segregated worlds of professional Unsung heroes from the world of football the last four seasons, has also been a source football and amateur football seem to in Northern Ireland were honoured by the of useful information for the Maltese public have finally come together with the pro- Irish Football Association (IFA) at the associa- as well as a valuable supplement to other posal to have the bottom team of the first tion’s Football for All awards night. TV football programmes. division relegated to the ranks of amateur The aim of the event, which was sup- As was clear from the outset, the pro- football at the end of the 2008/09 season. ported by Invest NI, Renewing Communities, gramme, which is regularly put together by For the first time since the introduction YENI (Young Enterprise Northern Ireland), a sub-committee of the MFA’s public relations of professional football in 1954 the team the Northern Ireland Community Relations and publications committee, was not in- at the bottom of the table will be relegated Council and Podium 4 Sport, was to reward tended to monopolise or compete against unsung heroes and volunteers who have automatically. In the Netherlands there has made a special contribution to football and to similar sports programmes on TV stations in always been a strict separation between Malta, but to complement the valuable input praise the innovative and hugely successful these other programmes are giving to the the two professional divisions and the non- BASE (Business and Sporting Enterprise) pro- overall promotion of football in the country. professional competitions. gramme which combined business with foot- The question remains as to whether this ball to encourage young people to recognise gap can be filled by an amateur club. Even the strong relationship between the two. though the general meeting of amateur The awards ceremony was hosted by football accepted the proposal to create an Northern Ireland’s very own Radio One DJ opportunity for the overall amateur cham- and Channel Five football presenter Colin pion to be promoted to the first profes- Murray and local actor and director Dan Gor- sional football division, this promotion is don, with former rugby international Trevor not compulsory. Ringland as the guest speaker. Over 400 The winner of the play-offs has the op- people attended the event, including North- tion to go up, but if they do not want to ern Ireland international manager, Nigel Wor- be promoted, the loser automatically gets thington; the chief executive of YENI, Valerie the chance to go up. Six clubs – the cham- Ingram; the IFA president, Raymond Kennedy; the IFA chief executive, Howard Wells; MP D.Aquilina pions of each of the six regional amateur leagues – are eligible for promotion. How- Kate Hoey; and the minister for culture, arts Exclusive pictures for the MFA Magazine. and leisure, Gregory Campbell. ever, if none of them is willing to move up Host Colin Murray said: “Once again, it The following that MFA Magazine has a rung, no club will be promoted that par- was an honour to volunteer my services as attracted over the years attests to the respon- ticular season. Football for All ambassador and it was a sible manner in which the planners have The assembled amateur clubs earlier down-to-earth, humbling experience as usual. managed to present it to the Maltese public rejected a proposal to install three top divi- For me, it is brilliant to see people from the and to the improvement of content from sions on top of the current six regional first supporters groups, development squads and one season to another. divisions. Irish league clubs being given the recogni- The MFA has indicated its intention to The clubs proposed, however, that the tion they so richly deserve. These are the continue producing this programme for years restructuring of the top level of amateur guys who continue to make the Northern to come and is proud that such a venture is football in the Netherlands should be Irish footballing landscape a place we can achieving its objectives. ■ investigated further. ■ become more and more proud of.’’

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“We realise that this is an investment – the best one possible,” Listkiewicz added. IFA Among the activities organised are the Well-deserved awards for the unsung heroes Marek Wielgus tournament and “From the of Northern Irish football. POLAND yard to the stadium”, which attract almost 40,000 participants. The PZPN supports many The Football for All award winners were: • MICHAL KOCIEBA / BARTEK MARKS • tournaments held in Poland during the sum- FFA Lifetime Achievement Award – Eliza- mer holidays, such as the Remes Cup. ■ beth and Mervyn Bryson; FFA Development Investing in the future Unsung Hero – Thomas Coyle (Belfast Deaf The favourite time of the year for chil- United); Women’s FFA Unsung Hero – Maura dren are the long summer holidays. To make Muldoon; Women’s International FFA Unsung them even more enjoyable, the Polish Foot- Hero – Sara Booth; Community Relations ball Association (PZPN) organises football FFA Unsung Hero – Matthew Brown; Com- tournaments which are attended by thou- munity Relations FFA Unsung Hero – Kyle sands of boys and girls all over the country. Bradley; Boys FA FFA Unsung Hero – Jimmy “That’s how football grows. A love of Davis; Green and White Army FFA Unsung football must be cultivated in children from Hero – Our Wee Country; Irish League the youngest possible age. We therefore Forums Supporters Group FFA Unsung Hero have to support their tremendous enthu- – Gerard Lawlor; NI International FFA Unsung siasm and sense of fun,” said Michal List- Hero – Terry Hayes; NI International FFA kiewicz, president of the PZPN. Unsung Hero – Derek McKinley; World United The PZPN also organises football training PZPN FFA Unsung Hero – Thomas Mockey; Grass- camps where children have the possibility to roots Football FFA Unsung Hero – Gerry train with professional coaches and to meet Football provides an enjoyable way to spend Colhoun; Child Protection FFA Unsung Hero top Polish footballers. the school holidays. – Valerie Martin; Referees FFA Unsung Hero – Malcolm Moffatt ■

performance director. The 48-year-old, who is currently working for the Dutch Football Association (KNVB), will take up his appoint- ment on 1 September. REPUBLIC OF IRELAND In this position, Koevermans will be • FRAN WHEARTY • responsible for the development and delivery NORWAY of the FAI’s high performance strategy and he will play a significant role in maximising • YNGVE HAAVIK • FAI holds week-long festival the potential of Ireland’s young elite players of football to produce a consistent supply of better qual- Fair play greetings The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) ity players for the senior international teams before every game moved its activities to Mayo in the west of over the long term. His role will include head- The Norway Cup involves around 30,000 Ireland for the annual general meeting of the ing up the new FAI national academy for elite players from all over the world. This year association, which was preceded by a week- youth players and working closely with the every player exchanged a fair play greeting long festival of football during the last week technical department and other stakeholders with the players of the other team before of July. Appearances by football personalities to develop policies and strategies. ■ each match. such as Giovanni Trapattoni, Marco Tardelli, The Norway Cup is the biggest football Packie Bonner, Liam Brady and were welcomed by those who are working on tournament in the world and this year the ground in the west of Ireland to propagate around 30,000 boys and girls from 50 dif- the game, improve facilities and playing stan- ferent countries took to the Ekebergsletta dards and establish a progressive programme pitches in Oslo, the capital of Norway. In of development of all aspects of the game. total, 1,430 teams played 4,400 matches To mark the hosting of its AGM in Mayo, the before the tournament ended at the begin- FAI also allocated €100,000 in grants for local ERBIA ning of August. clubs in the county of Mayo. S As part of the Norwegian Football Associ- • ALEKSANDAR BOSKOVIC • ation’s efforts to promote fair play in both professional and grassroots football, this A new president year, for the first time, there were fair play greetings before every game. At the meeting of the “The Norway Cup is a fantastic tournament Football Association of Serbia in July in , where children and youngsters from all over A the world share their love of the game and Tomislav Karadzic was make new friends. For us, it’s important to elected president of the Serbian F set the focus on good values such as respect national association. He will hold this position for Tomislav Karadzic. for each other, the opposite team and the FAI referees, and I’m convinced the fair play the next four years. greetings will have a positive effect on the Giovanni Trapattoni, national coach, shows off Karadzic replaces Zvezdan Terzic, who had players and the eager adults on the sidelines,” his skills to his assistant, Marco Tardelli. handed in his resignation four months previ- said the Norwegian FA’s president, Sondre At its AGM, the FAI reported a €19.4m ously. His election is very important to the FA Kåfjord, before the tournament. (78.4%) increase in turnover, to €44.1m, the of Serbia’s daily business, because the organi- The president also took part in delivering highest turnover figure in the association’s his- sation is now restored and has the legal right parent guidelines during the tournament, tory. The FAI was also successful in obtaining to move forward. to give tips on how to be good role models higher subventions from the Irish Sports Coun- Guests at the meeting in Belgrade included for the young players. ■ cil (up €1.05m, to €4.3m) while grant funding Per Ravn Omdal, UEFA Executive Committee of €0.2m was obtained from the government member, and Theodore Theodoridis, director department of arts, sport and tourism. After of the UEFA National Associations Division. taking all income, expenditure, investment and Karadzic is 69 years old. In the last 30 other income and grants into account, the years he has worked for the Serbian FA, as association ended the year with a retained sur- vice-president and as a member of Executive plus of €4.3m. Committee, and he was president of Football Young people The Football Association of Ireland also Association of Serbia and Montenegro from from all over appointed Wim Koevermans as international 2005 to 2006. After the FIFA World Cup in ➜ the world joined by a shared love 21 of football in Oslo. NFF UEFAdirect-77-Sept•E 19.8.2008 14:56 Page 22

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➜ Germany and the end of the Serbia and Mon- the project with the TFF’s medical committee tenegro union, Karadzic stepped down. and academics from the universities of Karadzic then worked as president of FK Cukurova and Ankara. Partizan, a position he has now given up. The chairman of the TFF medical com- After the meeting, Karadzic said: “My mis- TURKEY mittee, Mehmet Binnet, said the project was sion will be to make one strong football family steered by the FIFA Medical Assessment and TÜRKER TOZAR across Serbia. If we work together, everything • • Research Centre (F-MARC) and it aimed to will be much easier and better. This is not my evaluate the effects of measures taken in victory; this is a victory for Serbian football. Hot-weather connection with football in hot weather. The From tomorrow, we will start creating new football tests continue project ended with a test match in Adana programmes and preparing ourselves for new Research into hot-weather football by on 7 August. challenges. We have put a stop to the crises the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) in col- On completion of the research, the data and are starting out on a new route.” laboration with FIFA is ongoing. The first collected will be analysed at the School of In describing his second main plan, Karadzic two test matches in the three-part scientific Sport and Exercise Sciences at Loughborough said: “We will continue to work closely with research project were played on 10 and University, in England, in the final weeks of UEFA and FIFA. I must say that in the last few 24 July in the Turkish city of Adana. Three August. The reports produced will be for- years we have made some big steps in that scientists appointed by FIFA are working on warded to the FIFA Executive Committee. ■ field and we cannot stop now. I know very well, from my own experience, that these two organisations are open to everybody and we will use that cooperation for a better future.” From a competitions perspective, Serbia is looking forward to the Olympic Games and starting the qualifying round for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. ■ UKRAINE • ANDRIY ZAYTSEV / IVAN DYVAK •

Michel Vautrot Lecture Michel Vautrot In June, the Ukrainian FA headquarters explains was visited by a famous retired referee, FFU how it’s done. Michel Vautrot, former member of the UEFA SLOVAKIA Referees Committee and technical director The rules and regulations of the game should • IVAN CEREDEJEV • of the French FA’s referees committee. The remain a reference point for all of us.” well-known guest gave a special lecture to Stressing the importance of cooperation Over a thousand children on the ball Ukrainian referees. between match officials during the game, An impressive 1,500 or so young foot- He paid special attention to aspects such Vautrot gave an example from his own expe- ballers paraded through the western Slova- as technical training principles, physical train- rience: “Once I refereed an Intercontinental kian town of Senec on 20 June to compete in ing of referees, concentration and methods Cup match in Japan with local assistants. the traditional Senec district and its friends of achieving it. Referring to the particular In the first half, one of the players broke the summer football festival – a three-day inter- role of the referee in contemporary football, rules and had to be awarded a yellow card. national youth tournament and probably the the Frenchman admitted that, these days, But when I reached into my pocket, I discov- biggest event of its kind anywhere in central referees had become the target of criticism ered it was empty. It turned out that I’d left the from all angles. cards in the dressing room. Perhaps the time “The main task for referees during any difference confused me, but my Japanese match is to protect the game and the action colleagues should have reminded me to take on the pitch,” he emphasised. “However, a my cards and a coin to toss. So this illustrates referee is a public figure and should only how vital cooperation between referees and accept justified criticism. There are more im- their assistants is.” portant aspects of the job than just awarding The second half of the seminar was a penalty kick or a corner. The main thing is devoted to the subject of technical preparation. that a referee demonstrates certitude in his Vautrot used a set of video clips to analyse

SFZ actions and is able to explain his decisions contentious situations. Each of the referees after the match. To do this, he must apply present expressed his thoughts and the French An invasion of young footballers in Senec. the laws and feel the spirit of the game. expert commented on each situation. ■ Europe. The tournament, organised by local football club SFM Senec and overseen by the Slovak Football Association, welcomed an incredible 73 teams in nine categories, includ- of the legendary ) and Stuart ing 25 teams from abroad, from countries Williams (West Bromwich Albion FC). such as Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Czech Re- There will be a formal dinner before the public, France and Poland, thereby turning match, followed a presentation on the pitch the three days into a real celebration of the WALES at half-time. In 1958, Wales reached the wonderful game. quarter-finals of the tournament, only to be In the course of its ten-year history, the • CERI STENNETT • beaten by Brazil. The winning goal was tournament has spread across the whole re- scored by a 17-year-old Pelé, who has often gion. This year, well-prepared pitches in nine Wales mark 50 years described it as his most important goal for local towns and villages provided top-class ■ conditions and opportunities for children to The Football Association of Wales will be his country. show off their undisputable talent and skills. marking their only appearance in the World A local primary school in the small town of Cup finals – in Sweden in 1958 – by inviting Velky Biel provided participants with accom- all surviving players to the Wales v Georgia modation and local agricultural companies international friendly at the Liberty Stadium, supplied the food and drinks. Volunteers had . The game will be played on to work hard to satisfy the appetites of hun- 20 August. dreds of voracious young players but the end There are only eight members of the result was some happy winners and a lot of 1958 squad still alive, including Cliff Jones, satisfied participants, all of whom took away and (all from excellent memories and promised to come the famous Tottenham Hotspur FC “double” back next year. ■ side), (Arsenal FC, brother The Welsh team at the 1958 World Cup. 22 uefadirect 9.08 FAW UEFAdirect-77-Sept•E 19.8.2008 14:56 Page 23 UEFA

Notices

■ Tomislav Karadzic was elected president Communications of the Serbian FA on 15 July. ■ Alexey Sorokin was appointed CEO of Birthdays – Calendar the Russian Football Union on 1 August.

Birthdays ● Prof. W. Stewart Hillis (Scotland, 28.9) Match agents ● Michel Girard (France, 28.9) ● Michael van Praag (Netherlands, 28.9) Giangiorgio Spiess (Switzerland), former member Six new match agent licences have ● Karel Bohunek (Czech Republic, 28.9) been granted, one renewed and two of the UEFA Executive Committee, will be 75 on ● Vassilios Nikakis (Greece, 28.9) 24 September. Mariano Delogu (Italy), a member ● Roland Beck (Liechtenstein, 28.9) withdrawn. of the circle of former UEFA committee members, ● Lufti Aribogan (Turkey, 30.9) The new agents are: celebrates the same birthday on 28 September. On 7 September, Antonio Laranjo (Portugal), member Alfonso Monclus of the Stadium Construction and Management Upcoming events Worldeleven España S.L. Panel turns 50, as does Helena Herrero González Pamplona 1, 3° B – 50004 Zaragoza – Spain (Spain), member of the Medical Committee, Meetings Tel: +34 976 23 96 44 – Fax: +34 976 23 80 00 on 21 September. Mob: +34 650 40 77 40 In addition, birthday greetings are extended to: 1.9.2008, Nyon [email protected] Fair Play and Social Responsibility Committee ● Gerhard Aigner (Germany, 1.9) Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee Javier Cordon ● José Guilherme Aguiar (Portugal, 1.9) TOUR SPORT S.L. – Avda. Jacinto Benavente 23-8 ● Manuel Diaz Vega (Spain, 1.9) 2.9.2008, Nyon 46005 Valencia – Spain ● Vassilis Gagatsis (Greece, 1.9) Youth and Amateur Football Committee Tel: +34 96 333 6005 – Fax: +34 96 316 1506 ● Players’ Status, Transfer and Agents and Helle Handler Petersen (Denmark, 1.9) Mob: +34 666 58 42 31 ● Match Agents Committee Marco Brunelli (Italy, 2.9) [email protected] ● Gérard Houllier (France, 3.9) Referees Committee ● David R. Elleray (England, 3.9) 2-4.9.2008, Nyon João Manuel Peres Martins ● Ulrich Grzella (Germany, 3.9) Referees Summer Course João Peres – Sport Lda ● Rudolf Bata (Czech Republic, 4.9) 3.9.2008, Nyon Urbanização Cidade Nova 19/5 ● Wilfried Kindermann (Germany, 4.9) 8900 209 Vila Real de Santo António – Portugal ● Victor Mintoff (Malta, 4.9) Club Licensing Committee Media Committee Tel/Fax: +351 281511370 ● Grigoriy Surkis (Ukraine, 4.9) Mob: +351 93 642 6818 ● Barry Taylor (England, 5.9) 4.9.2008, Nyon [email protected] ● Vassilios Chatziapostolou (Greece, 5.9) Marketing Advisory Committee ● Matthias Sammer (Germany, 5.9) 4/5.9.2008, Nyon Safia Belaidi ● Eija Vähälä (Finland, 6.9) Elite Club Coaches Forum 124 avenue du 8 mai – 25400 Audincourt – France ● Bernd Stöber (Germany, 6.9) Tel: +33 6 98 86 28 68 ● György Mezey (Hungary, 7.9) 10.9.2008, Nyon [email protected] ● Emmanouil Mavrokoukoulakis (Greece, 7.9) Draw for the qualifying stage of the ● Ali Huseynov (Azerbaijan, 7.9) European Futsal Championship Ad De Lepper ● Werner Helsen (Belgium, 7.9) 12.9.2008, Malmö Gole Soccer Activities ● Adrian Titcombe (England, 8.9) Draw for the play-offs of the European Mascagnihof 649 – 5049 BW Tilburg – ● Geir Thorsteinsson (Iceland, 9.9) Under-21 Championship Netherlands ● Tel: +31 13 455 9610 Franz Beckenbauer (Germany, 11.9) 17.9.2008, St-Petersburg ● Stanislaw Speczik (Poland, 13.9) [email protected] ● Draw for the final round of the European Jon Skjervold (Norway, 13.9) Under-21 Futsal Tournament Edward van Holk ● Ingrid Jonsson (Sweden, 13.9) ● 19.9.2008, Nyon Grandstand Sports B.V. Patrick Willemarck (Belgium, 13.9) Plataanstraat 31-33 – 2023 SB Haarlem – ● Per Andersen (Denmark, 14.9) Draw for the elite round of the UEFA Futsal Cup ● Netherlands Dejan Savicevic (Montenegro, 15.9) 22-24.9.2008, Vienna Tel: +31 23 528 3843 – Fax: +31 23 529 5609 ● Karl-Heinz Tritschler (Germany, 16.9) Conference for European National Coaches ● Antonis Petrou (Cyprus, 16.9) [email protected] ● Kelly Simmons (England, 16.9) 24.9.2008, Vienna Football Committee Joachim Zwerger (Germany) has had his ● Antero Silva Resende (Portugal, 18.9) licence renewed for eight years, while ● Senes Erzik (Turkey, 18.9) 25-26.9.2008, Bordeaux Jean-Claude Lagaisse (Belgium) and Antonis ● Milos Markovic (Serbia, 20.9) Executive Committee Antoniou (Romania) have had their licences ● Cornelis De Bruin (Netherlands, 22.9) withdrawn. ● Goetz Eilers (Germany, 23.9) Competitions ● Eugen Strigel (Germany, 24.9) ● Ionel Piscanu (Romania, 24.9) 16/17.9.2008 ● Matteo Frameglia (Italy, 24.9) UEFA Champions League: group matches Obituary ● Hans Reitinger (Austria, 25.9) (matchday 1) ● Dr Mogens Kreutzfeldt (Denmark, 25.9) 18.9.2008 Kurt Furgler (Switzerland) died on 23 July ● Paul Krähenbühl (Switzerland, 25.9) UEFA Cup: first round (first legs) aged 84. From 1994 to 1998, he was a special ● Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (Germany, 25.9) 30.9.2008 adviser to UEFA’s East European Assistance ● Stephen Lodge (England, 26.9) Bureau, then from 1998 to 2002, in his ● Ales Zavrl (Slovenia, 26.9) UEFA Champions League: group matches ● Adrian Porumboiu (Romania, 27.9) (matchday 2) capacity as member of the East European ● Gerardo Gonzalez Movilla (Spain, 27.9) 30.9-19.10.2008, Brazil Assistance Bureau, he was a member of ● Jens Kleinefeld (Germany, 27.9) Futsal World Cup the Development and Assistance Board.

WE CARE ABOUT FOOTBALL Editor André Vieli The views expressed in signed articles are not necessarily the Produced by Atema Communication SA, CH-1196 Gland official views of UEFA. Official publication of the The reproduction of articles Union des associations or extracts of any information européennes de football Printed by Cavin SA, CH-1422 Grandson published in uefadirect is authorised, provided the Communications Division Editorial deadline: 18 August 2008 source is indicated. UEFAdirect-77-Sept•E 19.8.2008 14:56 Page 24

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