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Extraordinary UEFA Congress in Zurich Sevilla FC Win the UEFA Cup Distribution of Club Competition Revenues Spain Win the U17 T

Extraordinary UEFA Congress in Zurich Sevilla FC Win the UEFA Cup Distribution of Club Competition Revenues Spain Win the U17 T

No 5863 – FévrierJuly 2007 2007 Including 7.07 in Zurich UEFA Congress Extraordinary the U17title win revenues competition of club Distribution UEFA Cup win the Sevilla FC in Zurich UEFA Congress Extraordinary the U17title Spain win revenues competition of club Distribution UEFA Cup win the Sevilla FC 10 06 04 03 10 06 04 03 Message Photos: UEFA-pjwoods.ch of the president Fresh impetus for UEFA Increasingly affected by a rapidly changing outside world, UEFA has in recent years sought, above all, to adapt to this situation, by improving its efficiency, its means and its flexibility. To do so, it opted to expand its administration and to enlarge its field of action and responsibilities. By electing me president of UEFA at the Congress in Düsseldorf, the delegates of the national associations showed their acceptance of my proposed programme, a programme which clearly expressed my desire to fully restore the importance and, more especially, the power of the elected representatives of the national associations. Why this rethink? Because although the development of UEFA's activities, their increasing complexity and the growing influence of the environment made it necessary to rely initially on people with specific know-how – the members of the UEFA administration – the conditions are now again met for the representa- tives of the national associations to fully resume their role of decision-makers. With an executive president and members who are widely available and kept constantly up to date, coupled with the advances in means of communication IN THIS ISSUE and information technology, the Executive Committee is back in a position to fully exercise its role, especially since it is now also equipped with a choice tool Xth Extraordinary UEFA Congress in Zurich 03 for assisting it to take its decisions, in the form of the Professional Football Strategy Council. This body completes UEFA’s democratic structure by offering all the Sevilla FC win the UEFA Cup 04 different stakeholders in professional football greater and more direct involvement AC Milan win the in the decision-making process, in which the final say remains the prerogative UEFA Champions League 05 of the Executive Committee. Distribution of The role of the committees is also being restored to full strength, UEFA Champions League so as to allow all the national associations to again participate actively in UEFA’s work and UEFA Cup revenues 06 by developing and drafting proposals within bodies that are directly linked Spain win European U17 title 10 to the Executive Committee and chaired by its members. Referee talents and It is not a question of taking a step backwards, but of moving forward. mentors meet in Nyon 13 The synergy with FIFA and its committees is not only essential to the unity to which News from member football aspires, but also proof of efficiency and harmony. associations 17

COVER A seventh victory for UEFA President AC Milan in the champion clubs’ competition and a fifth trophy for to get his hands on. Photo: PA Wire/PA Photos

02 uefadirect 7.07 Xth Extraordinary UEFA Congress ?????????????????????????United in change

Unanimous approval of the proposed amendments to the UEFA Statutes. UEFA-pjwoods.ch

THE XTH EXTRAORDINARY UEFA CONGRESS, HELD IN ZURICH The UEFA president continued

ON 28 MAY, UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS his closing address with an appeal to ’s big clubs: “I officially ask TO THE UEFA STATUTES THAT WERE PUT BEFORE IT. the traditional big clubs of European football... to join all the other clubs “The philosophy underlying 11 to 19. Each will in principle be to engage in fruitful, positive and dem- these changes,” the UEFA president, chaired by a member of the Executive ocratic dialogue with the other mem- Michel Platini, explained in his opening Committee and report directly to the bers of the European football family." address, “will continue to inspire our Executive Committee. The office The FIFA president, Joseph action in the future. I want to return of chief executive has been replaced S. Blatter, did not have far to travel from power to those who exercise it at by that of a general secretary, who the Zurich-based headquarters of world national level thanks to the fundamen- is responsible for running the adminis- football’s governing body to address tal democracy which lies at the root tration. The partially revised statutes the UEFA Congress. He complimented of the European sports movement.” also establish a new body, the Profes- the delegates on the unity they had The amendments adopted sional Football Strategy Council, thanks shown at the congress and stressed by the national association delegates to which, the UEFA president said, again the important contribution of Euro- clarify the powers and duties of the “we can put our quarrels behind us, pean football to world football. UEFA president, increase the number stop meeting in the courts, and stop Finally, Friedrich Stickler, presi- of members of the Executive Commit- making a spectacle of ourselves in front dent of the Austrian Football Associa- tee from 13 to 15 (from 2009) and of the whole of Europe. It is high time tion and chairman of the board of abolish the co-optation of members by that the entire football family united Euro 2008 SA, presented a status the Executive Committee. The number to defend the European sports model, report on preparations for next year’s of committees will also increase, from a model based on solidarity…”. major European sporting event.

03 Goalkeeper Sevilla’s FC Andres Palop Luis Fabiano was the hero (in orange) of the penalty in a tackle with shoot-out. Espanyol’s Daniel Jarque. Empics Sport/PA Photos Empics Sport/PA Roca/AFP/Getty Images Fife/AFP/Getty Images

fate in 1988 against Bayer Leverkusen, when the final was still a two-leg fixture. For Sevilla FC and their coach Sevilla FC Juande Ramos, however, it was the third retain the UEFA Cup successive triumph in a UEFA competition final, following their victories in the 2006 EVEN THOUGH THERE HAVE BEEN A NUMBER OF UEFA CUP UEFA Cup against Middlesbrough FC FINALS INVOLVING CLUBS FROM THE SAME NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, and in the Super Cup the same year against FC . Hence Sevilla also THIS WAS THE FIRST FINAL BETWEEN TWO SPANISH CLUBS. became the only club, apart from Real , to successfully defend the UEFA At in energy making up for their numerical Cup. Spanish clubs now have five victories , which was host- inferiority. But their pride still burned between them in this competition and, ing its first UEFA Cup fiercely, and this fuelled an unexpected while still some way behind , who hold final, Sevilla FC, the title holders, faced equaliser, only for their efforts to be the record with nine successes (the last RCD Espanyol, who had enjoyed a in vain as Palop magically saved three out one going back to 1999), they are catch- remarkable run in the competition on the of four penalties. It was a cruel end for ing up with and , way to the final, the Catalans having the Catalan club, which had met the same who both have six titles under their belt. notched 11 wins and three draws with a positive goal difference of 32-9. Despite the falling rain, the final took little time to burst into life, a long kick from goalkeeper Palop allowing Adriano to open the score for the Andalu- sian team in the 18th minute. The Sevilla keeper would con- tinue to play a major role in the match, making a number of quality saves in open play and then, in particular, during the penalty shoot-out after extra time. Long before that, however, only ten minutes after the first goal, Espanyol equalised and kept the momentum going, dominating play until an hour into the game. But a second yellow card that meant expulsion for Moises changed the whole picture. Sevilla regained control of the match, though they had nothing to show for their domination by the end of normal time. In extra time Kanouté finally managed to beat the Catalan keeper and the result seemed a foregone conclusion, especially as Espanyol had depleted their

16 May 2007 Photos Empics Sport/PA Glasgow – Hampden Park – 47,602 spectators Sevilla FC – RCD Espanyol 2-2 (1-1, 1-1) Penalties 3-1 Goals: 18’ Adriano, 28’ Riera, 105’ Kanouté, 115’ Jonatas Referee: Massimo Busacca ()

Michel Platini hands the trophy to the Sevilla FC captain, Javi Navarro.

04 uefadirect 7.07 The three goals of the final, in chronological order, from left to right. PA Wire/PA Photos Wire/PA PA Photos Empics Sport/PA Photos Wire/PA PA

Inzaghi gave his team a crucial advan- tage to take into the second half. Despite more space opening UEFA up as expected after the interval, Liver- pool could not break down Milan or stop their counter-attacks. It was Inzaghi once again who, perfectly set up by Kaka, showed his coolness in Champions front of goal to net the second. When a header from Kuyt reduced the deficit, memories of the Istanbul final came flooding back, but this time the Milanese kept a firm League grip on their advantage for the little A seventh time that remained. Paolo Maldini soon title for AC Milan had the well-deserved privilege of going up into the stand to receive his

IN ATHENS, AC MILAN WON UEFA’S FLAGSHIP CLUB COMPETITION fifth European champion clubs’ cup and his second as captain. The trophy FOR THE SEVENTH TIME, BEATING FC 2-1 IN THE FINAL. was presented by UEFA president Michel Platini, against whom Maldini Twelve of the players in the their opponents’ room for manoeuvre. played in the Italian league, the former starting line-ups (seven for Milan, five Chances on goal were therefore at the end of his career, the latter as for Liverpool) had taken part in the few and far between in the first half he was just starting out. unforgettable final in Istanbul two years and the result of defensive errors AC Milan’s victory brings the ago, in which the English club over- rather than well constructed attacks. number of Italian triumphs in the com- turned a three-goal deficit in the space Under such circumstances, petition to 11, putting them in joint of a few minutes before going on to the predatory instinct of a striker first place with the Spanish clubs. win on penalties. Memories of this such as is priceless. In addition, this was the 16th UEFA encounter, which received extensive Deflecting a free kick from team-mate competition won by AC Milan, an media coverage before this year’s final, just before half-time, unprecedented achievement. were too fresh not to have an influence on everyone present. On this Wednesday in Athens, caution was the order of the day. Seeking to prevent their opponents from producing their best game, Liver- pool proved the most adept for nearly the whole of the first half, hampering the Milanese in their movements thanks to an appropriate tactical for- mation. Milan, for their part, were also good at covering ground to reduce

23 May 2007 Athens – Olympic Stadium – 63,000 spectators AC Milan - Liverpool FC 2-1 (1-0) Sabattini Goals: 45’ and 82’ Inzaghi, 89’ Kuyt Referee: Herbert Fandel (Germany)

05 Club competition revenue Participating Sabattini UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2006/07 Group matches Final phase CLUBS Fix amount and Match Performance Market 1st knockout Quarter- Semi- Final TOTAL additional bonus participation bonus Pool round finals finals EUR

Group A PFC Levski 3 000 000 2 400 000 – 164 000 5 564 000 Chelsea FC 3 000 000 2 400 000 2 700 000 18 862 000 2 200 000 2 500 000 3 000 000 34 662 000 Werder Bremen 3 000 000 2 400 000 2 100 000 10 969 000 18 469 000 FC Barcelona 3 000 000 2 400 000 2 400 000 12 702 000 2 200 000 22 702 000

Group B FC Spartak Moskva 3 000 000 2 400 000 1 200 000 610 000 7 210 000 Sporting 3 000 000 2 400 000 1 200 000 1 161 000 7 761 000 FC Internazionale 3 000 000 2 400 000 2 100 000 19 882 000 2 200 000 29 582 000 FC Bayern München 3 000 000 2 400 000 2 700 000 15 932 000 2 200 000 2 500 000 28 732 000 Group C Liverpool FC 3 000 000 2 400 000 2 700 000 12 418 000 2 200 000 2 500 000 3 000 000 4 000 000 32 218 000 Galatasaray SK 3 000 000 2 400 000 900 000 7 658 000 13 958 000 Girondins de Bordeaux 3 000 000 2 400 000 1 500 000 9 220 000 16 120 000 PSV Eindhoven 3 000 000 2 400 000 2 100 000 19 400 000 2 200 000 2 500 000 31 600 000 Group D FC Shakhtar Donetsk 3 000 000 2 400 000 1 500 000 483 000 7 383 000 Olympiacos CFP 3 000 000 2 400 000 900 000 4 584 000 10 884 000 Valencia CF 3 000 000 2 400 000 2 700 000 9 801 000 2 200 000 2 500 000 22 601 000 AS Roma 3 000 000 2 400 000 2 100 000 18 886 000 2 200 000 2 500 000 31 086 000 Group E Real Madrid CF 3 000 000 2 400 000 2 400 000 11 026 000 2 200 000 21 026 000 FC Dynamo Kyiv 3 000 000 2 400 000 600 000 437 000 6 437 000 FC Steaua Bucuresti 3 000 000 2 400 000 1 200 000 1 786 000 8 386 000 3 000 000 2 400 000 3 000 000 12 047 000 2 200 000 22 647 000 Group F SL Benfica 3 000 000 2 400 000 1 500 000 893 000 7 793 000 Manchester United FC 3 000 000 2 400 000 2 400 000 16 033 000 2 200 000 2 500 000 3 000 000 31 533 000 Celtic FC 3 000 000 2 400 000 1 800 000 6 288 000 2 200 000 15 688 000 FC Kobenhavn 3 000 000 2 400 000 1 500 000 5 268 000 12 168 000 Group G Arsenal FC 3 000 000 2 400 000 2 400 000 9 274 000 2 200 000 19 274 000 FC 3 000’000 2 400 000 2 400 000 1 519 000 2 200 000 11 519 000 CSKA Moskva 3 000 000 2 400 000 1 800 000 674 000 7 874 000 Hamburger SV 3 000 000 2 400 000 600 000 8 327 000 14 327 000 Group H AEK Athens 3 000 000 2 400 000 1 800 000 4 147 000 11 347 000 RSC Anderlecht 3 000 000 2 400 000 1 200 000 4 812 000 11 412 000 LOSC Lille Métropole 3 000 000 2 400 000 2 100 000 8 345 000 2 200 000 18 045 000 AC Milan 3 000 000 2 400 000 2 100 000 17 392 000 2 200 000 2 500 000 3 000 000 7 000 000 39 592 000

TOTAL 96 000 000 76 800 000 57 600 000 271 000 000 35 200 000 20 000 000 12 000 000 11 000 000 579 600 000

06 uefadirect 7.07 Solidarity payments to the national associations for their clubs

ASSOCIATION Amount in EUR

ALBANIA 470 000 ANDORRA 230 000 ARMENIA 400 000 clubs' share 610 000 Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images 470 000 BELARUS 540 000 420 000 BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA 570 000 THE 2006/07 SEASON MARKED THE BEGINNING OF A NEW THREE-YEAR 630 000 CYCLE FOR THE MARKETING OF UEFA'S CLUB COMPETITIONS. FOR THE FIRST TIME, 470 000 THE MARKETING OF THE RIGHTS TO THE UEFA CUP WAS PARTLY CENTRALISED; 680 000 610 000 IT WAS ALSO THE FIRST TIME THAT ALL THE PRIZE MONEY WAS 560 000 CALCULATED IN EUROS RATHER THAN SWISS FRANCS. THE FIGURES, INCLUDING ENGLAND 350 000 ESTONIA 610 000 SOLIDARITY PAYMENTS, WERE ALSO INCREASED. FYR MACEDONIA 570 000 FAROE ISLANDS 500 000 For the UEFA Champions League, As far as the second half of the 500 000 however, the principles governing prize money is concerned, each club's 490 000 the distribution of revenue between share depended on the value of its GEORGIA 570 000 GERMANY 350 000 the participating clubs remained national market ("market pool"), 280 000 the same: half of the total as well as the number of clubs 470 000 amount is distributed in the form per association, their standing ICELAND 500 000 of fixed sums, while the other in the 2005/06 national champ- 510 000 half depends on the value of the ionship and the number of ITALY 280 000 commercial markets of the na- matches they played in this sea- 400 000 tional associations involved. son's UEFA Champions League. 640 000 With regard to the fixed sums: LIECHTENSTEIN 140 000 ■ each club received a participa- Solidarity payments 640 000 tion premium of EUR 2 million; the surplus A proportion of the revenue LUXEMBOURG 400 000 income generated over and above the from the UEFA Champions League MALTA 400 000 expected revenue meant that each club was reserved for solidarity payments 570 000 received an additional EUR 1 million; awarded to the clubs that participated 420 000 ■ each club also received in the Champions League qualifying NORTHERN IRELAND 400 000 EUR 400,000 per group match played, matches, the qualification phase 820 000 i.e. a total of EUR 2.4 million per club; and first round of the UEFA Cup and 610 000 PORTUGAL 210 000 ■ each group match victory was the UEFA Intertoto Cup. As far as 710 000 worth EUR 600,000 and each draw the Champions League is concerned: 420 000 EUR 300,000. Olympique Lyonnais came ■ national champions which did 210 000 closest to the maximum of EUR 3.6 mil- not reach the group stage of the Champ- 230 000 lion by earning EUR 3 million; ions League received EUR 160,000; 310 000 ■ each of the 16 teams that ■ clubs that participated in 610 000 qualified for the first knockout round the Champions League first and/or 610 000 received a bonus of EUR 2.2 million; the second qualifying round were awarded 640 000 eight quarter-finalists earned a further EUR 100,000 per round, except for SPAIN 280 000 EUR 2.5 million, while the semi-finalists the clubs that went on to qualify for the 610 000 were awarded another EUR 3 million. Champions League group matches; SWITZERLAND 890 000 AC Milan received EUR 7 million for ■ there were no solidarity pay- 520 000 winning the final and the runners-up, ments for the participants in the Champ- 280 000 Liverpool, received EUR 4 million. ions League third qualifying round; the WALES 470 000 These figures do not include income eliminated clubs played in the UEFA Cup, TOTAL EUR 25 080 000 from the sale of match tickets. where they qualified for solidarity pay-

07 Quicler/AFP/Getty Images Fife/AFP/Getty Images UEFA CUP 2006/07: DISTRIBUTION Group matches Final phase TEAMS Fix amount Performance Round Round Market Quarter- Semi- Final TOTAL and solidarity suppl. bonus of 32 of 16 Pool finals finals EUR

Group A Rangers FC 170 000 140 000 70 000 70 000 450 000 Maccabi FC 170 000 100 000 70 000 70 000 410 000 AS Livorno Calcio 170 000 80 000 70 000 320 000 AJ Auxerre 170 000 60 000 230 000 FK Partizan 170 000 20 000 190 000 Group B Tottenham Hotspur FC 170 000 160 000 70 000 70 000 3 553 000 300 000 4 323 000 FC Dinamo Bucuresti 170 000 100 000 70 000 340 000 170 000 60 000 70 000 70 000 895 000 300 000 1 565 000 Besiktas JK 170 000 40 000 210 000 Club Brugge KV 170 000 40 000 210 000 Group C AZ Alkmaar 170 000 140 000 70 000 70 000 611 000 300 000 1 361 000 Sevilla FC 170 000 100 000 70 000 70 000 2 441 500 300 000 600 000 2 500 000 6 251 500 SC Braga 170 000 80 000 70 000 70 000 390 000 FC Slovan Liberec 170 000 80 000 250 000 Grasshopper-Club 170 000 – 170 000 Group D Parma FC 170 000 120 000 70 000 360 000 CA Osasuna 170 000 100 000 70 000 70 000 1 329 000 300 000 600 000 2 639 000 RC Lens 170 000 60 000 70 000 70 000 370 000 170 000 60 000 230 000 Odense BK 170 000 60 000 230 000 Group E Rovers FC 170 000 140 000 70 000 380 000 AS Nancy-Lorraine 170 000 100 000 70 000 340 000 170 000 80 000 – 250 000 Wisla Kraków 170 000 40 000 210 000 FC Basel 1893 170 000 40 000 210 000 Group F RCD Espanyol 170 000 160 000 70 000 70 000 2 441 500 300 000 600 000 1 500 000 5 311 500 AFC Ajax 170 000 100 000 70 000 340 000 SV Zulte Waregem 170 000 80 000 70 000 320 000 AC Sparta Praha 170 000 60 000 230 000 FK Austria Wien 170 000 – 170 000 Group G Panathinaikos FC 170 000 100 000 70 000 340 000 Paris Saint-Germain FC 170 000 80 000 70 000 70 000 390 000 Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC 170 000 80 000 70 000 320 000 AFC Rapid Bucuresti 170 000 80 000 250 000 FK Mladá Boleslav 170 000 60 000 230 000 Group H Newcastle United FC 170 000 140 000 70 000 70 000 450 000 RC Celta de Vigo 170 000 80 000 70 000 70 000 390 000 Fenerbahçe SK 170 000 60 000 70 000 300 000 US Città di Palermo 170 000 60 000 230 000 170 000 60 000 230 000 Werder Bremen* 1 692 000 300 000 600 000 2 592 000 SL Benfica* 387 000 300 000 687 000 * Club from the UEFA Champions League TOTAL 6 800 000 3 200 000 1 610 000 910 000 13 350 000 2 400 000 2 400 000 4 000 000 34 670 000

08 uefadirect 7.07 Last year, Newcastle (Steven Taylor, No. 27) made it from the UEFA Intertoto Cup into the last 16 of the UEFA Cup. De Souza/AFP/Getty Images

ments from the first round onwards; for the first time this year, as well as they were also able to keep the the final and the Super Cup. The rev- payments received for the first two enue was also distributed to the clubs qualifying rounds. that played in the group matches. ■ Each participant in the As regards the UEFA Cup: group matches received a fixed sum ■ each club received of EUR 70,000. EUR 70,000 per round played, from the first qualifying round to the ■ Each victory in these matches first round proper, i.e. a maximum was worth EUR 40,000 and each of EUR 210,000; draw EUR 20,000. ■ part of the aforementioned ■ The teams that qualified for surplus revenue from the Champions the knockout stages were awarded STR/AFP/Getty Images League was awarded to the 80 clubs EUR 70,000 for the round of 32 and that played in the UEFA Cup first the same amount for the round of 2007 UEFA round. Each of these clubs received 16 (these sums were not paid to the EUR 100,000, i.e. a total of EUR 8 million. teams that came out of the Champ- Intertoto Cup ions League after the group matches). As for the UEFA Intertoto Cup: kicks off ■ Each quarter-finalist ■ each participating club received EUR 300,000; the semi- THE 2007 UEFA INTERTOTO CUP received EUR 50,000 per round played, finalists were each paid EUR 600,000. i.e. a maximum of EUR 150,000; the GETS UNDER WAY AT THE END OF JUNE Sevilla FC's victory was worth clubs that qualified for the UEFA Cup UNDER THE NEW THREE-ROUND EUR 2.5 million, while Espanyol (from the second qualifying round FORMAT INTRODUCED LAST YEAR received EUR 1.5 million. stage) were allowed to keep these WHICH SEES 11 TEAMS CONTINUING payments. ■ In addition to these pay- SUBSEQUENTLY IN THE SECOND ments, the quarter-finalists received QUALIFYING ROUND OF THE UEFA CUP. UEFA Cup revenue a sum depending on the value of The UEFA Cup quarter-finals their national market and whether Fifty associations are rep- and semi-finals were marketed centrally they qualified for the semi-finals. resented in this 13th edi- tion, in which of Monte- negro is making its debut in the UEFA club competitions. Follow- ing the draw conducted at the House of European Football in Nyon on 23 April, the associations communi- cated the names of their participating clubs at the beginning of June. The schedule for this year’s competition is as follows: 23/24 June: first round, first legs

Fife/AFP/Getty Images 30 June/1 July: first round, return legs 7/8 July: second round, first legs 14/15 July: second round, return legs 21/22 July: third round, first legs 28/29 July: third round, return legs.

09 A scare Bojan Krkic Belgium had in front of was the most a successful the England prominent tournament goal in their player and qualified semi-final on the pitch. for the against France. U17 World Cup. ???????????????

Sixth title for Juan Santisteban European Under-17 For legendary Spanish coach Juan Santisteban, this was the sixth under-16 or under-17 title. The successful Championship in Belgium 70-year old was nevertheless overjoyed: "It's always a great joy to win a final and First European Under-17 title for Spain a title. Not just for me, but for the play- ers, as there are always new players and WITH A 1–0 WIN OVER ENGLAND, SPAIN WON THEIR FIRST EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP it's always great to take new players to TITLE IN WHAT HAS BEEN THE YOUNGEST AGE CATEGORY AMONG UEFA'S YOUTH win a final of a European championship, which is a big, big moment for those COMPETITIONS SINCE THE UNDER-16 EVENT CHANGED TO AN UNDER-17 COMPETITION players." England coach John Peacock, IN THE 2001/02 SEASON. INCLUDING THE UNDER-16 CHAMPIONSHIP, SPAIN HAVE who had every reason to be proud of his players despite the defeat, said: "It was NOW WON THE TOURNAMENT A RECORD SEVEN TIMES. always going to be a tough game, quite a tactical game in the first half, not many The final in the Luc-Varenne- by netting a magnificent last-gasp chances. But it just takes that one Stadion in Tournai was fiercely contested. equaliser against hosts Belgium. goal and unfortunately it wasn't us today." Both teams were rather cautious and the two defences were rarely faced with Spain v England: a fitting final Five European representatives major problems. One of the players of the Spain and England, who at Under-17 World Cup tournament, Bojan Krkic, scored the reached the final of the 2006/07 The European Under-17 Champ- winning goal for Spain shortly after European Under-17 Championship, ionship final round in Belgium was also half-time. Despite their endeavours were the two strongest teams of the a qualifying event for the Under-17 World and a few chances, the English team tournament. The parallels en route Cup starting in August in South Korea. were unable to find an equaliser. to the final were amazing: both Since Europe has five places in the finals, achieved maximum points in the a fifth-place play-off was contested by Shop window elite round, only conceding one goal Germany and the Netherlands, who had Once again, the final round in in the process, both won their final finished third in their respective groups. Belgium was a shop window for the round groups without losing a match After a thrilling match, in which the lead future stars of European football. The and both were severely tested in the changed hands twice, Germany finally brightest of them all was Bojan Krkic, semi-finals. The Spaniards, despite booked the last ticket to the World Cup son of a former Red Star player, having a man sent off, recovered from with a 3-2 win. The other two partici- who has come through the youth aca- a goal down against the hosts before pants in the tournament, Ukraine and demy at FC Barcelona and had already hit winning 7-6 on penalties. England, Iceland, found it tough going in their the headlines with five goals at the 2006 meanwhile, took an early lead against high-quality groups, although they finals in Luxembourg. He it was who France and had to battle hard to pro- were able to gather valuable experience. had also rescued ten-man Spain from tect their advantage after losing three For the North Europeans, who had sur- a precarious situation in the semi-final players through injury. prised everyone by knocking out holders Russia and Portugal in the elite round, reaching the final round was a great suc- cess in itself.

Belgium, 2-13 May 2007 Group A France – Spain 0-2 Germany – Ukraine 2-0 Spain – Ukraine 3-1 France – Germany 2-1 Ukraine – France 2-2 Spain – Germany 0-0 Group B Iceland – England 0-2 Netherlands – Belgium 2-2 Belgium – England 1-1 Netherlands – Iceland 3-0 England – Netherlands 4-2 Belgium – Iceland 5-1 Play-off for fifth place Germany – Netherlands 3-2 Semi-finals Spain – Belgium 1-1, 7-6 after penalty kicks

Photos: Sportsfile England – France 1-0 Final Spain – England 1-0 10 uefadirect 11.067.07 Left to right: Leo Windtner, Austria’s Andreas vice-president of the under-19s Herzog, ÖFB, Hermann Stadler, will try tourna- in charge of the under-19s, to go one ment tournament director Willi better than ambas- Ruttensteiner, Andreas the semi- sador. Herzog and Ludwig final stage Scharinger, managing they reached director of the tourna- last year. ment’s principal sponsor.

Stickler also considers the Under-19 Champ- European ionship to be a highlight of the 2007 foot- ball calendar: "I am very confident that the European Under-19 Championship in Upper Austria represents an ideal launch Under-19 event in relation to EURO 2008: I have great hopes that the tournament will help to raise awareness amongst the people Championship and generate a feeling of football euphoria Top youngsters come throughout the country!" to Austria Peter Klinglmüller THERE IS TREMENDOUS ANTICIPATION IN AUSTRIA AHEAD OF THE Key dates EUROPEAN UNDER-19 CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL ROUND, STARTING ON 16 JULY. 14.7: Launch party at the Hauptplatz in Linz 16.7: Presentation of the For months now, a wide range Championship is more than just a warm- "Der Österreichische Weg – Challenge 2012" of promotional activities have been held up for EURO 2008. Our objective is to First matchday with a double-header all over the country, the highlight being perform so well that a genuine European in Linz and further matches in Ried and Steyr a roadshow touring through Upper Championship atmosphere is gener- 17.7: Dinner with all delegations and VIPs in the Marmorsaal at the St Florian Austria and stadiums all ated in Austria a whole year before monastery over Austria. In the country's most- the big event. This tournament 18.7: Second matchday with a double- capped player Andreas Herzog, the should set new standards, both as a header in Pasching and further matches Austrian Football Association (ÖFB) sporting highlight and as a top event in Ried and Steyr has also found a perfect crowd- for the people." ÖFB technical direc- 19.7: Social day in Ried 20.7: Panel discussion with international puller for the European Under-19 tor Willi Ruttensteiner, who will also coaches in the RLB Forum Linz Championship, which is expected to act as tournament director for the Under- 20/21.7: International coaches' attract a total of more than 40,000 specta- 19 Championship, can hardly wait for the symposium with star guests in the Linz tors to the 15 matches being played in event, which will also include numerous Design Centre four different stadiums. activities with schools and clubs in the 21.7: Third matchday with matches in Linz, Pasching, Steyr and Ried Andreas Herzog, who wore the region, to begin: "The European Under-19 22.7: Austrian Copa Pele team with red and white of the national team more Championship will set new standards in Herbert Prohaska & Co plays a "Best Of Upper than 100 times and, as personal assistant Upper Austria; no football fan should miss Austria" team in Steyr. Preceded by a match to national coach Josef Hickersberger, these matches!" ÖFB president Friedrich between the Austrian national women's team and a business, politics and media team is an important member of the coaching 24.7: Semi-finals in Pasching and Steyr staff for the team who will attract enor- 27.7: Final in Linz mous attention at EURO 2008 in Austria 28.7: Farewell party in Linz and Switzerland, said in his capacity as ambassador for the European Under-19 Championship: "I am doing all I can to ensure that the stadiums are jam-packed in July 2007. Unfortunately, I never played in a European Under-19 Championship myself, since such events can be an ideal springboard for young players, whose good performances can demonstrate their ability to play at a higher level." Matches will be staged in the Up- per Austrian cities of Ried, Steyr, Pasching and, of course, Linz, where the final will be played on 27 July. Leo Windtner, presi- dent of the host regional association in Upper Austria, is looking forward to the tournament: "The 2007 European Under-19 et Lui/ÖFB Pictures Photos: GEPA

11 Reykjavik, Germany will capital be defending of Iceland. the title they won in Switzerland last year. Mochet/AFP Keystone The stadiums European REYKJAVÍK The Laugardalsvöllur stadium was opened in 1957 and at that time had one main stand on the west side with no roof or Women’s U19 benches for spectators. The capacity of the west stand was then increased, a roof built and finished in 1970. A second stand was opened on the east side in 1997. In 2007, Championship the renovation and extension of the west stand was completed, and the stadium now has a total seating capacity of 9,800. Iceland welcomes finalists Fram FC have played their home matches at the Laugardalsvöllur stadium THE FA OF ICELAND IS CELEBRATING ITS 60 ANNIVERSARY IN 2007. ONE OF THE through the years, but the stadium has MAIN EVENTS TO COMMEMORATE THE ANNIVERSARY WILL BE THE HOSTING OF THE FINALS also hosted a few other Reykjavík teams for shorter periods. OF THE WOMEN’S EUROPEAN U19 CHAMPIONSHIP, A HUGE PROJECT FOR A SMALL ASSOCIATION. EIGHT TEAMS WILL PARTICIPATE, IN TWO GROUPS. THE TOURNAMENT IS A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY FOR FOOTBALL FANS ALL OVER THE COUNTRY TO SEE SOME OF THE CONTINENT’S MOST PROMISING WOMEN PLAYERS IN ACTION.

The draw for the final round took the showpiece to France in 2003. Norway place at the Football Association of and Denmark played in the same group Iceland’s headquarters at the Laugardals- in the second qualifying round and an The Laugardalsvöllur stadium. KSI völlur stadium, which will play host 88th minute goal by Norway secured The stand at the Víkingsvöllur stadium, to the final on 29 July. Assisting them a place in the finals as the home to Víkingur FC, was built in 2005 with the draw were the mayor of best runner-up. Denmark won their and has a total seating capacity of 1,150. Reykjavik, Vilhjalmur Vilhjalmsson, group and will arrive in Iceland with The KR-völlur stadium is the home ground of the black and whites of KR FC, and Margret Lara Vidarsdottir, Ice- their confidence on high. The Ice- with a seating capacity of 1,550, built land’s woman footballer of the year. landic team is well prepared and in 1993 and renovated in 2005. In Group A, Iceland will looking forward to playing against Orange and black are the colours of , the home team of the Fylkisvöllur compete against Norway, Denmark and the best in Europe. stadium, where 500 seats were installed reigning champions Germany, who will In Group B, losing finalists for in 2006. be the team to beat in this group. Having the last two seasons, France, are hoping GRINDAVÍK claimed their fourth title – and their sec- to do one better in Iceland. Spain, the The stadium in Grindavík, one of the ond since the competition changed from surprise winners in 2004, are also in this finest in the country, is home to the local an U18 event – with a 3-0 victory in the group, together with England who failed team, Grindavík FC. The main stand was built in 1999 and renovated in 2003 with final against France in Switzerland a year to qualify last season. Poland are also a seating capacity of 1,500 – quite a large ago, Germany have continued their omi- in Group B for their first appearance in the capacity considering that the town’s popu- lation is just under 3,000, but proximity nous form in the qualifying phase, scoring finals. By beating the favourites, Russia in to the capital means that visiting fans only 42 goals in six games and conceding just their final game, Poland are the dark horse have to make a short drive to the Grin- two. Norway have reached the finals for of this final round. davíkurvöllur stadium to watch their team. the first time since losing Thor Ingimundarson AKRANES The main stand at the Akranesvöllur stadium, built in 1995, renovated and extended in 2002 and 2007 to a current total seated capacity of 1,000, stands practically on the beach, where local foot- ballers have trained since football first made its mark in Akranes. KÓPAVOGUR The Kópavogsvöllur stadium is home to local football clubs and long-time rivals – HK and Breidablik. For the first time The draw in their history, both clubs are now playing was conducted in the premier division. The stadium has by the mayor two stands – the older one having been of Reykjavik and Margret Lara built in 1975 and renovated in 1997, and Vidarsdottir, a brand-new one having been opened Iceland’s woman in the summer of 2007. The total seating

player of the year. KSI capacity of the stadium is now 1,800.

12 uefadirect 7.07 Volker Roth, A training Pierluigi chairman session under Collina runs of the the super- an analysis Referees vision of session Committee. Werner Helsen. on a giant screen.

TalentsA wonderful and mentors investment

UEFA HAS SUCCESSFULLY RUN A REFEREE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IN RECENT YEARS WHICH, TOGETHER WITH THE WORK UNDERTAKEN WITHIN THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS, HAS HELPED EUROPE PRODUCE SOME SPLENDID MATCH OFFICIALS.

This programme has included identified within UEFA as potential top if you are consistent, you are credible, the “talents and mentors” programme. European referees of the future. You have and respected by players. Anticipation Since 2001, Europe’s up-and-coming a great chance – don't let it pass you by." is better than reaction, and your referees have been given expert guidance "Programmes such as this are a wonderful goal is to reduce the gap between the along the career path by a group of expe- investment in the future of European players’ action and your reaction. rienced former international referees. football," explained UEFA Referees Com- If you know what is going to happen The latest group of European “hopefuls” mittee chairman Volker Roth. in advance, you have the match in recently got together with their mentors One of the top European refer- your hands, and you take the proper and UEFA Referees Committee members ees, Massimo Busacca of Switzerland, decisions.” for a valuable seminar from 8 to 10 May at has reached the summit after taking part Passion and mental strength UEFA’s headquarters. in the talents and mentors programme. were identified as key referee characteris- The young referees are guided He took charge of the recent UEFA Cup tics by Swiss sports psychologist Mattia to help them prepare for, and cope final, and stressed that the young referees Piffaretti, and the referees were also given with the demands placed on them in mod- must believe in themselves and listen to a fitness workout by Belgian referee coach ern football. UEFA is of the view that, in advice to take their careers further. Werner Helsen. The UEFA seminar will the same way that young footballers need A fascinating insight into referees have certainly helped them on their way – the advice of experienced current or and tactical preparation was given by and a mentor, Northern Ireland’s Leslie former professionals, young referees can a refereeing legend, (Italy), Irvine, gave a wise piece of advice to them benefit from the experiences of colleagues now a UEFA Referees Committee member to take home – “Set realistic goals, do who have served as match officials at after a distinguished career. “You have not be overly ambitious. UEFA does not the highest levels. The programme has to know the rules of the game,” he said. take chances. You will progress if they see already borne considerable fruit, with “Consistency is a very important value – you can perform.” many graduates going on to take charge of European games at the highest level. The mentors remain in constant contact with their specific referees by email or phone, and by either visiting them or inviting them to the mentors' respective countries. Their discussions focus on on-field performances as well as on matters such as diet, social and private conduct and improving com- munication in English – now the com- mon language of refereeing at UEFA level. This latest seminar combined practical, theoretical and training work. And UEFA used the event to give the refer- ees vital encouragement for the future. The talents "You are here because you are good," and their mentors. Jacob Erel, director of UEFA’s national asso- ciations division, told them. "You have been detected by national associations and Photos: UEFA-pjwoods.ch

13 The The European Executive Futsal Champion- Committee ship trophy in Zurich. and official ball. UEFA UEFA-pjwoods.ch

European Futsal Championship Meetings and draw in Portugal The fifth European Futsal Championship will reach its conclusion in Portugal from other activities 16 to 25 November, when eight A fifth vice-president in teams will be compet- ing for the title. charge of finances A draw was made in Porto on 12 May to THE UEFA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE HELD AN EXTRAORDINARY MEETING IN ZURICH separate the finalists into ON 28 MAY, JUST BEFORE THE XTH EXTRAORDINARY UEFA CONGRESS. two groups, as follows: Group A: Portugal, Italy, The main purpose of the meeting adopted the proposed amendment al- Czech Republic, Romania; was to prepare the congress, and in this lowing the Executive Committee to Group B: Spain, Ukraine, respect the committee decided that the elect a fifth vice-president to chair the Serbia, Russia. proposed amendments to the UEFA proposed Finance Committee, this The group matches will take Statutes should not be presented one at a office would be entrusted to the cur- place from 16 to 21 November, time but as a whole, if the congress so rent UEFA treasurer, Marios N. Lefkaritis. from which the winners and runners-up agreed, given that the proposed amend- After discussing the agenda for go through to the semi-finals on ments had already been presented to the FIFA Congress on 30 and 31 May, 23 November. The final is scheduled for all the member associations in detail and the committee set bases for forming 25 November, preceded by the third- the associations given the opportunity to the UEFA committees for the 2007-09 place play-off. express their views. period, a task that it would deal with at For the first time, an official On the same subject, the com- its meeting in the Netherlands on 22 ball, designed by , will be mittee also decided that if the congress and 23 June. used for a European Futsal Champ- ionship final round.

Last meeting for David Will UEFA Regions Cup Having joined the UEFA Executive Committee at the Paris Congress After the qualifying phase, which concluded at the end of April, in 1984 and becoming a vice-president in 1986, David Will (Scotland) the eight teams that have reached the left in 1990 to take up the vice-president’s seat on the FIFA Executive Committee final round of the current UEFA Re- reserved for the four British asso- gions Cup were drawn ciations. He did not remain on into two groups in a the sidelines of the European Execu- ceremony organised on tive Committee for long, however, 17 May in Sliven in Bul- as in 1992 the UEFA president of the garia, where the tourna- time, Lennart Johansson, decided ment will take place. to invite the European members of The groups for the matches the FIFA Executive Committee taking place from 20 to 24 June are as to attend meetings of UEFA’s corre-

UEFA-pjwoods.ch follows: sponding body, to ensure a coherent David Will (left) in conversation with former UEFA position at world level. UEFA general secretary Hans Bangerter in Zurich. Group A: Tuzla Canton At the extraordinary UEFA Executive Committee meeting in Zurich (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Basse-Normandie in May, David Will said his goodbyes, ahead of his retirement from the (France), Eastern Region (Northern FIFA Executive Committee a few days later. The UEFA Executive Committee Ireland), South-East Region (Bulgaria); thanked him for his valuable contribution over so many years. At the FIFA Group B: Aveiro (Portugal), Congress, David Will was made an honorary vice-president of FIFA. Ticino (Switzerland), Ivan His FIFA vice-president’s seat has been taken over by Geoffrey Thompson (Ukraine), Dolnoslazski (Poland). (England), who is already a UEFA vice-president. The four British associations The winners of each group appointed him following the withdrawal of John McBeth of Scotland, who go through to the final, to be played had been their first choice. in Sliven on 26 June.

14 uefadirect 7.07 The UEFA Cup finalists lent a hand with the fair play draw: Walter Pandiani (Espanyol, left) and Javi Navarro (Sevilla), watched by the Sevilla coach, Juande Ramos.

of anti-racism roundtables in collabo- Report from ration with the national FARE partner Bozzani to exchange good practices and come Brussels up with new anti-racism activities. ■ The “Mondiali Antirazzisti” Lilian Thuram, the French captain and FC Barcelona defender, was in The luck of the draw for anti-racism tournament in Italy, Brussels on 22 May for the inaugu- with 204 participating teams, takes the Nordic countries ration of Only a Game?, the interactive place from 11 to 15 July in Casalec- Having finished top of UEFA’s exhibition in which UEFA and the chio di Reno, near Bologna. fair play rankings, Sweden automati- Brussels region portray Europe through cally earned the right to ■ UEFA lent its support football. It was an exciting day… an additional place in the to the 4th Mini European Champ- UEFA Cup qualifying ionship, a cross-border tournament competition. played in Frantiskovy Lazne (Czech The two other associations Republic) and Rehau (Germany) at the to benefit from an additional UEFA Cup end of April. It involved 250 players berth each were picked out of the hat under-11 years of age, cheered on by containing the ten associations which had almost 3,000 supporters. achieved an average of eight points or The championship was more in the fair play competition. won by the CSKA juniors, The draw, which was made in who beat the hosts, the German- Glasgow the day before the UEFA Cup Czech Football School, 2-1 in a final, went in favour of two of Sweden’s penalty shoot-out. The main aim of UEFA Lilian Thuram with the designer neighbours, Norway and Finland, who, the organisers was, however, to con- of the exhibition, Olivier Guilbaud, and as it happens, were immediately below tribute to understanding between Evelyne Huytebroeck, member of the Brussels Region government. Sweden in the rankings and therefore duly peoples, an aim which was reflected deserved the two UEFA Cup places. in the theme of this year's tourna- Thuram, who won the 1998 All three UEFA Cup places award- ment, "Against Racism and Violence". World Cup and EURO 2000 with ed in this way are reserved for clubs which The discussions organised on France, is the ambassador of the exhi- qualify via their association’s respective the fringe of the tournament stressed bition, which is taking place in con- domestic fair play competition, in this case, the importance of working with junction with the celebration of the BK Häcken (Sweden), Lillestrøm SK (Nor- young people and pointed out that 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, on which the European Union way) and Myllykosken Pallo-47 (Finland). intercultural tournaments of this kind were an excellent way of encour- was founded, and is supporting it with pride, enthusiasm and feeling. aging respect for foreigners in an Anti-racism conference “Being European doesn’t mean losing enjoyable way. your identity. Quite the opposite. On 19 and 20 May, the It means being more grown-up, FARE network (Football Against more mature and more open to the Racism in Europe) organised world.” The same theme runs a conference on the theme through the exhibition, which seeks of “Football, Ethnic Minorities to show to what extent football and Equality” in Paris. can be viewed as a vehicle for social Around 100 representatives phenomena, values and characteristic of non-governmental organisations cultural traditions in Europe. and organisations representing ethnic To bring this ambitious project to minorities, supporters’ groups and life and attract visitors of all ages, clubs attended the conference, at football fans and non-fans alike, the which UEFA was also represented. exhibition relies on a resolutely hi-tech design: the visitor can there- The discussions highlighted, fore travel to the four corners among other things, the problems of Europe by means of a sphere con- related to the emigration of so many trolled remotely by pointing at it, young African players to Europe, whereby UEFA Champions League as well as the importance of football teams serve as the basis of a highly as a means of integration. interactive geography lesson. ■ Hermann Kauper On 24 May, the Hungarian Despite the disappointment of losing, The fans and amateur football club Ferencvaros TC began a series fair play is still expected. clearly take centre stage, as the ➜

15 ➜ exhibition reminds the visitor that foot- ball, which is so deeply entrenched in community life, is based essentially on being associated with a club or team and a very strong sense of identi- René Eberle retires fying with that particular club or team. Satisfied that the exhibition “reminds UEFA-pjwoods.ch people that football is much more than a professional game, but also – You had to be ready to turn your hand to just about anything in the days and above all – a matter of supporters when René Eberle joined UEFA in the early 1970s. The UEFA administration had just and roots,” Thuram afterwards paid expanded to a staff of – a dozen or so employees. A spirit of cooperation was a visit to FC Barça Jette, a Brussels club therefore indispensable and meant that everyone did a bit of everything and had whose players and officials share a the chance to get involved in all aspects of the game. passion for football… and for FC Bar- celona, where the captain of the The “jacks of all trades” were, nary matters, he moved on to refereeing, French national team currently plays. however, also expected to be specialists, safety and security, and matters concerning The staff of the Belgian daily and René devoted the bulk of his time match delegates, among other things), newspaper Le Soir were also excited to disciplinary matters, a rather paradoxical he always managed to make room for to receive a visit from the world and choice for someone renowned for his a holiday at the end of the year to travel to European champion, who dropped in to give a fascinating and emotional affability and conviviality. But René has some far-flung destination, where he still interview to promote the exhibition. always known how to combine strictness, often managed to bump into acquaintances, His (too) short stay ended with amiable nature and the ability to adapt, which was not surprising, given the mul- a stroll through the centre of Brussels. which has been essential for keeping up titude of people he knows in the football A last word, Lilian, before returning with the evolution of the UEFA adminis- world. His football-related memories and to ? “I’d like football to tration as it modernised, grew at a phe- anecdotes are just as numerous. remain something that everyone en- nomenal rate and even moved its head- René's retirement at the end joys!” A message that is clearly shared quarters from German-speaking Berne to of May after nearly 35 years with UEFA by the designers of Only a Game? French-speaking Nyon. will certainly be full, not least because he ‘Only a Game?’ – Football & Europe: René has always been keen on will continue to serve as a UEFA delegate. 50 Years of History travel and discovering other horizons There will doubtless be many further 23 May – 26 August 2007 and mentalities. Despite his diverse and occasions to see him again and to spend www.onlyagame.be numerous areas of activity (after discipli- some special moments with him.

Draw in Linz for the The group matches run until Under-19 final round 8 July and will be played in Montreal, Burnaby, Edmonton, Victoria, Ottawa A year ahead of EURO 2008, and Toronto, the venue for the final. which it is co-hosting with the The group winners, group runners-up Swiss FA, the Austrian Football Asso- and best four third-placed teams go ciation is paying very close attention into the first knockout round, involving to the final round of the European 16 teams on 11 and 12 July. The quar- Under-19 Championship which it is ter-finals take place on 14 and 15, and hosting in July (see p. 11). the semi-finals on 18 and 19 July.

On 13 June, the draw for the Pictures GEPA The final, which takes place on final round was made in Linz by Jim The draw for the European Under-19 22 July, will be preceded by a third- Boyce, chairman of the Youth and Ama- Championship final round in Linz. place play-off. The title has not been teur Football Committee, assisted by won by a European team since 1999, tournament ambassador Andreas Herzog, and reigning champions Spain, the only when Spain were successful. Argentina Austria’s most-capped former player. team, along with Serbia, to have won are the reigning champions. The draw produced the following groups: all three of its matches in the elite round Group A: Austria, Spain, Greece, of the current championship. Portugal; Award for UEFA Group B: Germany, Russia, FIFA U20 World Cup UEFA has received the France, Serbia. inaugural European Communication The group matches run from in Canada Award in Brussels. 16 to 21 July, while the semi-finals The best six teams from last Presented by the European take place on 24 July and the final itself season’s European Under-19 Cham- Association of Communication on 27 July, in Linz. pionship (Spain, Scotland, Austria, Directors (EACD), the award recognised Only three of the finalists were Czech Republic, Poland and Portugal) UEFA’s efforts to democratise football involved in last year’s final round in are taking part in the FIFA U20 in Europe and “to use the power Poland: Austria, who qualify automa- World Cup which kicks off in Canada of football as Europe’s ultimate com- tically this time as host nation, Portugal on 30 June. mon language.”

16 uefadirect 7.07 fromN memberEWS associations

Furthermore, he urged club representa- negotiation, exploitation and implemen- tives to strive for ever better results for tation), as well as the current situation ARMENIA next season, as a new stage in the FFA regarding internet and mobile media club licensing system is to be introduced rights. There were also various exercises The importance of club licensing whereby only licensed clubs will be able and Q& A sessions. to play both in UEFA club competitions It is well worth mentioning that this The month of May was a very busy one and the top division of the FFA champ- was the first UEFA workshop of such a for the Football Federation of Armenia ionship in 2008. high level to take place in Armenia and it (FFA), with the first training sessions of On behalf of the clubs, the president received very favourable evaluations from both Armenia’s senior and U21 squads, as of FC Mika, Karlos Ghazaryan, expressed organisers and participants. well as the national team’s matches at the his deepest gratitude to the FFA licensing On 27 May the Republican stadium end of May and beginning of June against committee officials and experts for their hosted another important match, the teams from Kazakhstan, Poland and hard work and assistance throughout the Hakob Tonoyan Super Cup between Liechtenstein. season. 2006 winners FC Pyunik and 2006 Inde- On 10 and 11 May, UEFA and the FFA pendence Cup winners FC Mika. Matches organised a workshop entitled “Manag- between these two teams have become ing our TV and Media Rights Success- almost national derbies, never failing to fully” as part of the UEFA knowledge- produce hard-edged, stubborn and yet sharing programme with representatives entertaining football, and this one was no from the football associations of Ar- exception. Neither team could break the menia, Bulgaria, Georgia, Hungary and deadlock in normal time, but the spec- Moldova. The workshop was conducted tators were rewarded with three goals by UEFA representatives and partner in extra time. Scoring two goals to organisations. The participants were Mika’s one, Pyunik won the trophy for A workshop brought up to date with information on the fifth time. on media rights. TV and media rights (including valuation, Tigran Israelyan FFA

Furthermore, Armenia’s cup final took This outstanding centre, which will place on 9 May at the Republican Stadium BELGIUM also be used by the first team for retreats in between FC Banants and and its summer training camp, is split FC Ararat. The match was not short of into three areas: a youth area consisting appeal: both teams won the crystal trophy Inauguration of the of two natural pitches, dressing rooms, in the 1990s (Ararat in 1993, 1994, 1995 Robert Louis-Dreyfus Academy washroom facilities, offices and a cafe- and 1997, and Banants just once in 1992) teria; a pro zone, with three natural- After many months of work, the new pitches, dressing rooms, medical facili- and so they were both hungry for victory. Standard de Liège training centre, which The match was played to a very high stan- ties, offices, 30 bedrooms and recre- goes under the name of the Robert dard, with both sides attacking and very ational rooms; and a mixed zone fitted enthusiastic support from the teams’ fans. Louis-Dreyfus Academy, was officially out with an artificial pitch, a half-size The equal level of the opponents was con- inaugurated on 2 May in the presence latest-generation artificial pitch, a recep- firmed by the full-time score (1-1), but in of numerous well-known figures. The tion area, a press room and a function extra time the FC Banants players showed centre, which is named after the club's room. the greater physical presence, scoring two principal shareholder, was a dream that Standard de Liège realise that the goals and winning the match 3-1. has now come true. club’s future depends on the training of Thus, after a 15-year interval, FC Ba- On assuming office in 1998, the new youth players, a venture that will allow nants won the Independence Cup, and board of the club made this idea – the club to assert its regional roots and the FFA president, Ruben Hayrapetyan, inspired by the French examples – one of to keep its first-team budget within its was the first to congratulate team captain its priorities. means. That is why the club decided to Eghishe Melikyan as he presented him A number of plans were drawn up, but cover 65% of the investment, which it is sure will pay off in the long term. with the distinguished trophy. The first cer- following a feasibility study, the site of emony of the day took place before the Bois-Saint-Jean, situated no more than Pierre Cornez match, however, and celebrated club two kilometres from Standard de Liège’s licensing. On the basis of the FFA licensing Maurice Dufrasne stadium, was selected, committee’s decision, the FFA CEO and in agreement with the Walloon region club licensing project leader Armen and the SLF (Liège Finance Company). Minasyan awarded licences to Armenian In December 2004, the project was clubs’ presidents in the presence of local media representatives in the press hall of officially launched at a press conference the Republican stadium. In his welcoming given by Michel Daerden, minister, and speech Mr Minasyan stressed the impor- Gilbert Van Bouchaute, president of the tance and significance of the club licensing SLF. From then on, everything got a move on and made it possible for Standard de system, as Armenian clubs pay more First-rate facilities at the attention both to their personnel and to Liège to now see the club’s enormous Robert Louis-Dreyfus academy, like financial and youth football development youth training efforts rewarded in the this half-size covered pitch. matters since its application in 2003. form of a top-level infrastructure. Photo News

17 (1967 and 1985) became BOSNIA AND champions of Bosnia and Herzegovina for HERZEGOVINA the first time. The season’s top scorers were Stevo Nikolic (Modrica) and Dragan Benic crowned champions (Borac) with 19 goals each. as Siroki Brijeg win the cup The Bosnia and Herzegovina cup final between FK Slavija and NK Siroki Brijeg After holding onto first place for the attracted a great deal of attention. In the whole season, FK Sarajevo have finally won semi-finals FK Slavija eliminated FK Sara- the championship. At the opposite end of jevo and NK Siroki Brijeg beat NK Celik. The HNS the table, FK Radnik (Bijeljina) and FK Borac first leg of the final in Siroki Brijeg ended (Banja Luka) were relegated from the top Drago Katalenic (second from the left) with 1-1 and in the return match in Lukavica, some kingpins of grassroots football in Croatia. division. NK Siroki Brijeg, the 2006 champ- NK Siroki Brijeg won 1-0 to lift the cup for ions, and NK Zrinjski were also tipped to do the first time after taking part in three finals in a row. football, the Croatian Football Federation is The final of the women’s cup took place going to organise the first world football in the Grbavica stadium in Sarajevo. The competition for clubs founded by Croats winners were SFK 2000 from Sarajevo, outside their homeland. Following a quali- who beat ZFK Borac from Banja Luka. fying competition, the following clubs are The futsal competition for this season now going to participate in the final round has also been decided. In the final tourna- at the end of June in and its sur- ment, held in Modrica, Kaskada Drvostil rounding region: Croatia Toronto (Canada), (Gracanica) were crowned champions after Canberra FC (Australia), FC Croat San beating off the challenges of Banja Luka Pedro and Zrinski Chicago (USA), Croatia and Seljak (Livno). Willefrance (France), Croatia Essen and FK Sutjeska organised “Football Friends Croatia (Germany), as well as the Foca 2007”, its third international event for winner of last year’s competition for the

F.Krvavac young players. The winners were the youth national teams of the Croatian minorities in Champions FK Sarajevo. team of Polish club Groclin, Europe – the Croats from Gradisca. This who beat the youth team of Slovene club competition is going to become a regular well this year, but these two teams lost on penalties in the final. In the occurrence and is planned to be organised their way in the second half of the season, match for third place, Sarajevo's FK Zeljez- every four years. allowing FK Slavija from Sarajevo to join nicar beat hosts FK Sutjeska 3-1. Eight The national competitions have also the top four unexpectedly in the fight for teams from seven countries took part in come to a close. NK Dinamo Zagreb won a first place. In the decisive match at the this competition: Sutjeska and Zeljeznicar league and cup double in dominant fash- Lukavica stadium, FK Slavija hosted FK Sa- (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Maribor (Slove- ion. From this youngest team in the league rajevo and the teams took a point each nia), PAOK (Greece), Crvena Zvezda (Ser- we expect significant results in the UEFA from a 1-1 draw. FK Sarajevo therefore bia), Vardar (FYR Macedonia), Buducnost club competitions. We also look forward to (Montenegro) and Groclin (Poland). managed to retain their advantage and good performances by NK Hajduk Split, NK the two-time champions of the former Fuad Krvavac Slaven Belupo Koprivnica and NK Zagreb. We are especially glad that the change of the competition system proved to be successful and look forward to the founda- We are glad that the song was well tion of the unified second league. received and that there is interest in it CROATIA becoming international. We gave our Ante Pavlovic approval to UEFA to distribute the song with the possibility for each UEFA member Admission to the association to record it in their own lan- UEFA Grassroots Charter guage. That way, the grassroots pro- The Croatian Football Federation’s gramme would gain even more popularity. GEORGIA efforts to implement the UEFA's grassroots We are currently producing a video to programme produced great satisfaction accompany it. when the UEFA Executive Committee Croatia has a tradition dating back sev- Presidential election admitted the federation to the UEFA eral centuries of emigration to countries all The 12th ordinary congress of the Grassroots Charter. The Open Fun Football over the world. Wherever Croats settled, Georgian Football Federation (GFF) was School, Sports Youth Games, veterans’ they founded football clubs. In some of held on 13 May. The most important issue football, Special Olympics, as well as the these countries, such as Australia, New on the agenda was the election of a new development of grassroots football, greatly Zealand, USA and Canada, they greatly president, for the post of which there contributed to this success. Within the pro- contributed to the development of football were three candidates: Nodar Akhalkatsi, motion of this programme, we composed and left a significant trace. Besides partici- the current president; George Nemsadze, an appropriate song. pating in the official competitions of their who captained the Georgian national Our delegation, led by Drago Katalenic, football associations, they organise annual team from 1998 to 2004; and Mamuka member of the Croatian Football Federa- tournaments. Our emigrants have always Kvaratskhelia. tion's executive committee and coordi- been a bridge of cooperation between The election was held in at the nator of its grassroots programme, pre- Croatia and their new homeland as far as Courtyard Marriott hotel. The 32 dele- sented this song at the UEFA Grassroots football is concerned. Wishing to pay an gates present (out of 33) cast 19 votes in Conference in Helsinki. tribute to them for the development of favour of George Nemsadze and 13 for

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Nodar Akhalkatsi. However, within an acts in the stadiums and the second was hour of the election, George Nemsadze to combat verbal violence, including of a stepped down of his own accord. Given racist nature. the seriousness of the situation, and after In parallel to this, the Hungarian FA board due consultation with FIFA and UEFA, the has encouraged the referees committee and general secretariat of the GFF decided to the leaders of the disciplinary and appeals hold a 13th extraordinary congress on bodies to penalise all violent or racist actions. 17 May, with two candidates – Nodar The security committee was called into Akhalkatsi and Mamuka Kvaratskhelia – action for the first time when racist chants running for the presidency. Nodar were heard by the security observer at the Akhalkatsi received 25 of the 26 votes Újpest FC v. Debreceni VSC match at the

cast, the remaining ballot paper being Szusza Ferenc Stadium in early May. LFF declared invalid. The representative of In accordance with FIFA, UEFA and UEFA gave a positive MLSZ guidelines, the disciplinary commit- Ugis Zarins has taken the football-juggling assessment of the tee decided to deduct three points from record to six kilometres. elections. Nodar Újpest FC immediately. Although the de- will be followed by new football enthusi- Akhalkatsi will now cision meant that the Budapest club’s asts and that his record will be beaten by preside the Geor- European dreams were over, the club man- longer distances and better times. Next gian Football Feder- agement accepted the decision and year Ugis plans to juggle for a distance ation for the next released a statement in which they asked of 20 km and the LFF will support him all four years, from the fans to create an atmosphere in the the way! 2007 to 2011. stadium that is friendly and enjoyable for Martins Hartmanis Nodar The newly elected everyone. Akhalkatsi, president of GFF president said As a result of the fair and consistent the Georgian after his appoint- actions and decision, it seems quite likely Football ment: “Two years that the security committee will have to Federation. ago I announced investigate fewer and fewer incidences of LITHUANIA that my programme violence and racism next season, but the was planned for a body will keep on working to reduce GFF period of two plus aggression and intolerance as much as Children’s football four more years. The first two years have possible. tournament kicks off been successful. Now our main goal is to Márton Dinnyés The latest edition of the Eziogolas foot- see the Georgian national team qualify ball tournament, which has been running for the FIFA World Cup in 2010.” for three years, has started under the name Alexander Tsnobiladze “Eziogolas 2007”. Ten teams from , LATVIA the capital of Lithuania, participated in the opening ceremony, a fitting way to launch this football fiesta. Juggler sets new record “The Lithuanian Football Federation is HUNGARY In May, Riga was taken over by the so pleased that so many more young foot- Nordea Riga marathon, which was also a ball teams have registered this year than challenge for the Latvian Football last year. We are happy that all these foot- A tough stance on racism Federation (LFF), because a former Latvian ballers gather together on the football The leaders of the Hungarian Football U15, U16 and U18 player and LFF dele- field, showing that football is not only the Federation (MLSZ) have decided to make gate, Ugis Zarins, started the mini- king of sports but also a good communi- serious efforts to keep violence, hooligan- marathon (6 km) with a ball and juggled it cation tool. We wish all the best to the ism and racism out of football stadiums. until the finish line! He covered the dis- participants, and hope that all young Earlier this year, the president of the MLSZ, tance in less than 1 hour and 35 minutes, football players will not forget the main István Kisteleki, established a security com- an uncontestable Latvian record. things in football – fair play and a perfect ➜ mittee within the federation to help The crowd greeted 24-year-old Ugis achieve this goal. The committee members with loud applause at the finish line – he are all experts in the field of security – lead- did the seemingly impossible and won an ers of police, security officials from the adidas “Nothing is impossible” prize for his biggest clubs, heads of security guard com- achievement. panies and lawyers. The primary aim of the “First of all I had to get used to the wind security committee is to prevent all violent – it was very unstable. The road section of the marathon was the most difficult, but looking at the time I did that part faster than the tarmac track. This is for my three- month-old son Eriks,” said Ugis on receiv- ing the award. Ugis started playing football 16 years Mathias Imre ago, but for the last ten years he has been concentrating on ball techniques. He has already participated in juggling events in Riga, Valmiera and Cesis, where he man- LFF The behaviour of its supporters cost aged to set the previous Latvian record for The Eziogolas tournament is going FC Ujpest three points. ball juggling. He hopes that his example from strength to strength.

19 ➜ atmosphere during the tournament,” said football,” said IFA grassroots manager Lee Lithuanian Football Federation (LFF) presi- Carroll. “The key thing is therefore that dent Liutauras Varanavicius. they should be fun, enjoyable, safe and Special gifts and surprises were pre- rewarding, and provide a positive learning pared for all supporters and fans of foot- Launch experience. We strongly believe that if a ball, and the LFF was eager to publicise of the summer child’s first experience is positive, he or she the event as much as possible. soccer schools will continue to be involved in football long From this year, it will also be possible programme.. into the future – perhaps as a player, for all participants and supporters to visit coach, referee or administrator.” the official internet site of the Eziogolas Michael Murphy, Irwin's commercial tournament at www.eziogolas.lt, to controller, added: "Nutty Krust is delighted communicate with each other, and also IFA to be involved with the IFA soccer schools to vote for awards, including the best as sport and good nutrition are an essential team and the best player. A football part of a healthy childhood and we would ence and knowledge of what’s needed to expert will also visit the site one day each love to see as many children as possible make you a better player. I really hope you week to contribute personal experience taking part." enjoy your time at these soccer schools and professional opinions. As an added incentive this summer, “It is very nice to see so many young and remember to have fun when playing , the official partner of the Irish FA, amateur football players getting together football.” will be sponsoring two players for the year. in this tournament. I remember my child- The Summer Soccer Schools pro- These children will receive training and hood, when I was a young boy gramme was recently unveiled following playing equipment in the same way as their and used to play football. They were the the launch of a new partnership between senior counterparts (Peter Thompson, Glen first steps in my career. Of course we the Irish FA’s grassroots department and Ferguson, Paul Leeman, etc.). The players hadn’t the same opportunities as you do Irwin’s Bakery. The schools are coordinated will be chosen from a skills challenge day, today. Instead, the goalposts were made by the IFA’s grassroots development officers which will involve the best players selected of stones, and we made pitches in vil- and staffed by fully qualified coaches. from the Nutty Krust Summer Soccer lage fields. But the wish to play football Running throughout July and August, they Schools. then was as big as yours is now,” are an ideal way to get children actively The soccer schools are open to boys and the head coach of Lithuania’s national involved with football during the summer. girls of all abilities aged six and above. team, Algimantas Liubinskas, said at “These Summer Soccer Schools are in the tournament, which is organised many cases a child’s first introduction to Sueann Harrison by the Lithuanian Football Federation. The main sponsor is mobile communi- cations company Ezys, and the patron Neutral followers of Maltese football is the Department of Physical Culture will certainly regard this milestone success and Sports. MALTA by Marsaxlokk with much pride and satis- Vaiva Zizaite faction. Championship victories by so- Momentous honour for seasiders called provincial teams in every country are always a welcome sign that football is a The small village of Marsaxlokk on the dynamic game which reserves no exclusiv- south coast of Malta is the primary fishing NORTHERN ity for the big clubs as far as success is con- locality of the island. Until a few years ago, cerned. IRELAND the place was hardly ever mentioned in The triumph of a non-glamorous team football circles. in the case of the Maltese top league will Gillespie backs Summer However, people at the helm of the vil- certainly strengthen the belief that the Soccer Schools programme lage football club ambitiously sought to democratisation of football is a healthy build a team which would put the Northern Ireland international Keith process wherever the game is played. Gillespie has given his backing to the IFA / seasiders’ name in a prominent place in the Nutty Krust Summer Soccer Schools, which Maltese game. Alex Vella will run throughout the province during After their debut in European football July and August. The Larne-born winger, by participating in the UEFA Cup in who has 75 senior caps, is one example of 2004/05, and their subsequent appearance in the UEFA Intertoto Cup early this season, someone who has come through the IFA’s Marsaxlokk went a step further when grassroots coaching programmes. Keith is they won the BOV Premier League champ- encouraging both boys and girls to take ionship and thus the right to represent their part in the Summer Soccer Schools initia- country this month, with their blue and yel- tive and in order to learn and develop foot- low flag fluttering prominently as the kings balling skills. of Maltese football. “These Summer Soccer Schools are an Coached by Brian Talbot, of Arsenal ideal opportunity for boys and girls to learn fame, the team all but ran away with the new skills and develop as players. The coveted prize, collecting a record number coaches will help you improve all aspects of points in the process. This feat was the

of your game, like dribbling, control and result of a collective effort by the players, D.Aquilina shooting. To improve as a player, it’s impor- technical staff and club directors, and The captain of Marsaxlokk, Carlo Mamo, shows tant that you listen to the coaches on was greeted joyously by the people of the off the trophy that he has just received from the schemes like this, as they have the experi- locality. president of the Malta FA, Joseph Mifsud.

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seven months and is due for completion REPUBLIC at the end of December this year. OF IRELAND Construction of the new stadium will com- mence before the end of May 2008. WFAI land biggest sponsorship deal ever ■ Drogheda United FC claimed their Umbro Ireland have announced the second successive Setanta Sports Cup title biggest sponsorship deal ever negotiated with victory over outfit Linfield after on behalf of women’s football in Ireland a dramatic penalty shoot-out following a The deal, worth EUR 150,000 over three 1-1 draw after 90 minutes. years, will see Umbro become the title The Setanta Sports Cup, which was sponsor for all WFAI Cups from U12 to sen- inaugurated in 2005, is a cross-border ior level, as well as for the Gaynor Cup, competition between clubs from the FAI FPF which is an inter-region under-age tourna- eircom from the Republic Gilberto Madaíl, president of the Portuguese ment which acts as the breeding ground of Ireland and the Irish Premier League Football Federation, at the inauguration of the from Northern Ireland. Amadora mini-pitch. for international teams. Thisisontopofthe Fran Whearty record EUR 16 m deal an- nounced by Umbro and PORTUGAL the FAI last November, which is the biggest spon- The first of many smiles sorship deal ever done in Irish sport. The first of 95 mini-pitches designed to Umbro already sponsor promote children’s and youth sports and to 16 national cups at all levels increase the popularity of physical exercise and have now added a fur- has been inaugurated in Amadora on the ther eight to their portfolio. outskirts of Lisbon. Approximately 22x12 m, the mini-pitches are made of synthetic turf ■ and will be used for the informal practice Demolition work has of football, handball, gymnastics, basket- commenced on the Lans- ball and volleyball. downe Road stadium. The This new infrastructure is the product work, which commenced in of a partnership between the Portuguese May, will initially concen- Football Federation (FPF) (through the trate on the south terrace UEFA HatTrick programme) and the Portu- of the stadium. In all, the FAI guese government (through the Sports demolition work will take Drogheda United, winners of the Setanta Sports Cup. Institute of Portugal). The president of the FPF, Gilberto Madaíl, stressed that "these mini-pitches are a small contribution from the FPF to League Cup and double. children and young people, especially He moved south in 1980 to Brighton and those from more deprived areas, and will SCOTLAND Hove Albion, then in the top division, enable them to practice sport – not just and played in the FA Cup final. Later in football, but also basketball, handball or Former player his career he played for Manchester volleyball. We know that we have social appointed chief executive City, Oldham Athletic, Admira Wacker, responsibilities and it is on occasions such FC Basel and Stirling Albion. as this that we fulfil our obligations to Gordon Smith has been appointed as Gordon Smith is only the seventh Portuguese society. I heard a young man the new chief executive of the Scottish man to take the top job at the SFA in say that this was the first time that he had Football Association. He will take up his over a century. After a variety of secre- stepped onto a grass field. This shows position at the beginning of July. taries in the first ten years of its exis- clearly the importance and benevolence of The former professional footballer tence, the association’s secretaries and this partnership with the Portuguese gov- was born in 1954 in Kilwinning, chief executives have been John K. ernment." Ayrshire, and after a successful career as McDowall (1882-1928), Sir George The Portuguese minister for the presi- a player he has combined a business and Graham (1928-1957), Willie Allan dency, Pedro Silva Pereira, reminded those financial career with his role as a players’ (1957-1977), Ernest Walker (1977-1990), present at the inauguration that the invest- agent and broadcaster. Jim Farry (1990-1999) and David Taylor ment made by the government corre- He started out as a player with (1999-2007). Kilmarnock, making his debut in 1972. sponds to established goals, and made it Meanwhile, the Scottish FA also has a He made 158 league appearances for clear that this infrastructure will represent new president. George Peat was elected an important contribution to the social the Ayrshire side before signing for unopposed at the association's annual inclusion of deprived children and young Rangers in August 1977. In his first sea- meeting on 1 June. His vice-presidents will people, and simultaneously encourage son at Ibrox he won the treble of league, physical exercise. Scottish Cup and League Cup, and be Campbell Ogilvie and Alan McRae. Filipe Félix followed that the next season with a Andy Mitchell

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of champions FC Zürich. The award for the SWITZERLAND greatest team exploit in the was presented to the semi-finalists FC Wil, who play in the second tier of Swiss football. Alex Frei is player of the year Just like Favre, Marisa Brunner received an Alex Frei, with 32 goals for the Swiss award for the second time, having previ- ously been honoured in 2004/05. The goal- national team to his credit and top keeper for the national women's team goalscorer for Bundesliga side Borussia and Bundesliga club Freiburg is the calm- Dortmund, won the top award at the ing influence on the Swiss national team. "Night of Swiss Football", organised for Ivan Rakitic (FC Basel 1893) was crowned the tenth time by the Swiss Football young player of the season, while the Association and the Swiss Football League. award for the referee of the year went to The public overwhelmingly voted him the Ticino's FIFA referee Massimo Busacca for

NZS most successful Swiss national team player. the third consecutive season. Matches to raise awareness Another important award, presented of “different” footballers. to the best player in the Swiss champ- Pierre Benoit ionship, went to Mladen Petric, striker for Cup winners FC Basel 1893. SLOVENIA Unfortunately, Petric was unable to receive Domestic cup final for homeless his trophy in person, and Special Olympics footballers since he was away with the Croatian national On 22 May, the day before the UEFA team. Champions League final, the Hervis Cup, The public also voted the Slovenian domestic cup final, was the wonder goal scored played in Celje. As the domestic champ- ionship was decided as early as April, by Basel's Ivan Rakitic as when Domzale accumulated a 20-point goal of the season. lead over the second-placed team, the As last year, the prize cup final attracted greater interest than for the most successful Alex Frei, voted most successful Swiss usual. The FA of Slovenia's fair play coach of the year was national team player. committee, Special Olympics Slovenia awarded to Lucien Favre SFV and newly established Zavod 69 – the institute implementing the Homeless World Cup project in Slovenia – have joined forces to show the public how of Ukraine (FFU) president Grigoriy Surkis, universal game football is and how it UKRAINE along with boxer Vitali Klitschko and for- connects people. The fans coming to see mer pole vaulter and head of the Ukrainian the cup final on neutral ground between Olympic Committee, Serhiy Bubka. FC Koper and NK Maribor had the Presidential backing Viktor Yushchenko has also authorised the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine to opportunity to cheer on teams with a bit The decision of the UEFA Executive establish the country’s organising commit- of a difference, when a team of home- Committee to award UEFA EURO 2012 tee for EURO 2012, which will be account- less people met a Special Olympics team to Ukraine and Poland has excited both able to the president’s board and will of learning-disabled players for a game nations, but it is especially important of street football next to the Arena Petrol for Ukraine as it provides a wonderful be headed by prime minister Viktor stadium and demonstrated their com- opportunity to greatly accelerate the Yanukovych. It will includes members of petitive but fair spirit and surprisingly development of infrastructure to Euro- government and parliament, governors, high level of football skills. For the pean standards. Moreover, in a country mayors of hosting cities, football associ- Special Olympics team, this has become that is currently locked in political crisis, ation officials and presidents of major a traditional appearance at the domestic the opposing factions are united about football clubs. FFU president Grigoriy cup final, whereas for the homeless EURO 2012. Surkis and the first president of inde- team and its head coach Ales Ceh, for- Thus, Ukraine’s authorities have under- pendent Ukraine (1991–1994), Leonid mer national team captain, this was one lined their commitment to EURO 2012. The Kravchuk, are also members of the of the last tests before the Homeless president of Ukraine, Viktor Yushchenko, 70-person committee as well. World Cup this summer in Copenhagen. will head the national coordination board Regional organising committees have The event proved to be a success and the to prepare Ukraine to stage EURO 2012 in been formed in the host cities – - FA of Slovenia is already planning to conjunction with Poland in five years' time. petrovsk, Donetsk, Kiev and Lviv – as well move it from a weekday to a weekend Yushchenko will lead preparations for the as in the reserve cities of Kharkiv and and to offer this kind of showcase to tournament, aided by a 13-person board Odesa. They are to draw up and implement even more groups of different football that includes a number of other high- local plans to provide the best infrastruc- players. profile names, in particular prime minister ture possible for the tournament. Uros Stanic Viktor Yanukovych and Football Federation Bohdan Buga

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■ At its meeting in Zurich at the end Communications of May, the UEFA Executive Committee decided to change the venue for the Birthdays – Calendars next ordinary UEFA Congress on 31 Jan- uary 2008 from Ukraine to Croatia. ■ David Taylor, former chief executive of the Scottish Football Association, Birthdays ● Des Casey (Republic of Ireland, 31.7) took up office as UEFA general secre- ● Tugomir Frajman (Slovenia, 31.7) tary on 1 June, succeeding former ● Joël Wolff (Luxembourg, 31.7) chief executive Lars-Christer Olsson Referee observer Alfredo Trentalange (Italy) ● Phelim Macken (Republic of Ireland, 31.7) and previous general secretaries Henri celebrates his 50th birthday on 19 July. ● Cenk Cem (Turkey, 31.7) Delaunay (1954-55), Pierre Delaunay UEFA also wishes many happy returns during (1956-59), Hans Bangerter (1960-88) the month of July to: Upcoming events and Gerhard Aigner (1989-2003). ● Frédéric Thiriez (France, 1.7) Following the departure of Lars-Christer ● Ton Verhagen (Netherlands, 1.7) Meetings Olsson, Gianni Infantino served as ● Domingos Gomes Dias (Portugal, 3.7) acting chief executive until the arrival ● 2.7.2007, Nyon Antonio Matarrese (Italy, 4.7) of David Taylor. ● Martin Maleck (Switzerland, 8.7) Draw for the 2007/08 UEFA Futsal Cup ● Hana Válková (Czech Republic, 9.7) 5.7.2007, Nyon ■ The 57th ordinary FIFA Congress, ● Murad Mammadov (Azerbaijan, 10.7) Draw for the 2007/08 UEFA Women’s Cup held in Zurich on 30 and 31 May, ● Nina Hedlund (Norway, 11.7) entrusted Joseph S. Blatter with ● Ilija Stoilov (FYR Macedonia, 11.7) Competitions a further four-year term as president. ● Sergio Zuccolini (Italy, 11.7) 1.7.2007 ■ At the same event, UEFA honorary ● Günter Benkö (Austria, 12.7) UEFA Intertoto Cup: president Lennart Johansson became an ● Carlo Tavecchio (Italy, 13.7) first round (return legs) ● Sándor Puhl (Hungary, 14.7) honorary vice-president of FIFA, while ● 7/8.7.2007 Vladimir Petr (Slovakia, 15.7) UEFA Intertoto Cup: ● Ben Veenbrink (Netherlands, 15.7) second round (first legs) ● Johannes Malka (Germany, 16.7) ● Ernst Nigg (Liechtenstein, 16.7) 14/15.7.2007 ● Lars Lagerbäck (Sweden, 16.7) UEFA Intertoto Cup: ● Jiri Ulrich (Czech Republic, 16.7) second round (return legs) ● Dominique Boisnard (France, 16.7) 16-27.7.2007, Austria ● Giuseppe Mifsud-Bonnici (Malta, 17.7) Final round of the European ● John Edward Martin (England, 18.7) Under-19 Championship ● Allen Wade (England, 19.7) 17/18.7.2007 ● Vicente Munõz Castello (Spain, 19.7) UEFA Champions League: ● Derek O’Neill (Republic of Ireland, 19.7) first qualifying round (first legs) Lennart Johansson displays the ● Ernest Walker (Scotland, 20.7) 18-29.7.2007, Iceland certificate presented by the ● Vladimir Radionov (Russia, 21.7) Final round of the European Women’s FIFA president, Joseph S. Blatter. Keystone ● Jaroslav Dudl (Czech Republic, 21.7) Under-19 Championship ● Boris Voskresensky (Ukraine, 22.7) 19.7.2007 retiring FIFA Executive Committee ● Michel Wuilleret (Switzerland, 22.7) UEFA Cup: first qualifying round member Gerhard Mayer-Vorfelder was ● Balázs Makray (Hungary, 22.7) (first legs) made an honorary FIFA member. ● Bontcho Todorov (Bulgaria, 23.7) ■ ● Pavel Malovic (Slovakia, 23.7) 21/22.7.2007 FIFA officially inaugurated its new UEFA Intertoto Cup: ● Haralampie Hadzi-Risteski headquarters in Zurich on 29 May. third round (first legs) (FYR Macedonia, 24.7) It now resides at FIFA-Strasse 20, ● Mario Gallavotti (Italy, 25.7) 24/25.7.2007 PO Box, CH-8044 Zurich, Switzerland. ● Ferenc Ragadics (Hungary, 25.7) UEFA Champions League: ■ first qualifying round (return legs) Four months after the UEFA Congress ● Izhak Iche Menachem (Israel, 26.7) accepted it as a UEFA member, the ● Alfred Ludwig (Austria, 26.7) 28.7.2007 Football Association of Montenegro ● UEFA Intertoto Cup: David I. Bowen (Northern Ireland, 26.7) became a member of FIFA at the con- ● third round (return legs) Jeff Davis (England, 27.7) gress in Zurich. ● Björn Ahlberg (Sweden, 28.7) 31.7.2007 ● Stefan Tivold (Slovenia, 28.7) UEFA Champions League: ■ Rudolf Repka has been appointed ● João Leal (Portugal, 30.7) second qualifying round (first legs) general secretary of the Czech FA.

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 and Public Affairs Division Editorial deadline: 14 June 2007 source is indicated. UEFA Route de Genève 46 Union des associations CH-1260 Nyon européennes de football Switzerland Phone +41 848 00 27 27 Fax +41 848 01 27 27 .com

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