WE CARE ABOUT FOOTBALL No. 150 | August 2015 In this issue

Official publication of the UEFA Executive Committee Union of European Football Associations meets in Prague 4 Under the chairmanship of the UEFA President, the UEFA Executive Committee met in Prague on 29 June, the day Chief editor: before the final of the European Under-21 Championship. Emmanuel Deconche Sportsfile Produced by: GraphicTouch CH-1110 Morges – Under-21 Printing: champions of Europe 6 Artgraphic Cavin SA CH-1422 Grandson In the final round of the European Under-21 Championship played in the Czech Republic from 17 to 30 June, Sweden Editorial deadline: beat Portugal on penalties in the final. 6 August 2015 Getty Images

The views expressed in signed articles are not necessarily the official views of UEFA. Ireland celebrate victory The reproduction of articles in the UEFA Regions’ Cup 8 published in UEFA·direct is authorised, provided the The Eastern Region IRL team won the UEFA Regions’ Cup source is indicated. on home turf in the final round of the UEFA competition for amateur teams that took place in the Republic of Ireland Sportsfile from 26 June to 4 July.

Spain win the European Under-19 Championship 9 Spain have won the 2014/15 European Under-19 Championship, the final tournament of which was played in Greece from 6 to 19 July. Sportsfile

Cover: Spain crowned Women’s Under-17 Sweden’s Robin Quaison champions for the third time gets the better of Portugal’s 11 Toze, but it took a penalty By beating Switzerland in the final of the tournament played shoot-out for Sweden to in Iceland from 22 June to 4 July, Spain won the European become European Under-21 Women’s Under-17 Championship for the third time. champions Sportsfile

Photo: Getty Images News from member associations 18

2 | UEFA •direct | 08.15 Editorial UEFA

A new season and a new cycle

With the various qualifying rounds for both The UEFA Women’s Champions League has the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA expanded, with a record 56 clubs from 47 UEFA Europa League now drawing to their conclusion, member associations taking part in the latest the starting grid for the 2015/16 club competition competition, while the UEFA Youth League, now group stages is taking shape. enjoying its place as a permanent fixture on the club competition calendar, has witnessed the With this season heralding the latest three- most comprehensive overhaul. The youth teams year cycle, there is evolution across all of our club of the clubs competing in the UEFA Champions competitions in order to maintain their status at League will now be joined by the domestic youth the pinnacle of European club football. The UEFA champions of 32 nations. Now boasting 64 clubs, Champions League group stage welcomes the the competition will follow two paths, the UEFA winners of the UEFA Europa League for the first Champions League path and the domestic cham­- time, in the form of Sevilla FC. The UEFA Europa pions path. These paths determine the routes to League brand, meanwhile, has a new look, and the knockout phase, which will involve 24 clubs, is creating an attractive new image for the with matches scheduled for early 2016. competition. A substantially improved revenue package and a revised distribution system for The four competitions will see exactly 200 the next three seasons have been developed in clubs contesting a place in the finals, and at UEFA, partnership with the European Club Association, we look forward to keenly fought matches – and Sportsfile and will benefit all the participating clubs, as the matches where players, coaches and fans together sales process has met the ambitious targets respect the rules and uphold the principles of fair originally set. play.

Equally, the regulatory framework is keeping pace with developments in the competitions. Financial fair play has clearly reached its goals Sportsfile and has been hugely successful, as shown by the tremendous reduction in losses and increasingly responsible financial behaviour of the clubs. After a lengthy review process in close consultation Gianni Infantino with clubs and other stakeholders, the new UEFA UEFA General Secretary Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations have also evolved, while maintaining their core philosophy. This has allowed us to expand and strengthen the financial fair play process for the foreseeable future.

UEFA •direct | 08.15 | 3 Executive committee

KEY DECISIONS IN PRAGUE

Updated UEFA Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations, the venues for the 2017 club competition finals and draw procedures for the EURO 2016 play-offs and final round were focal points at the UEFA Executive Committee’s latest meeting in Prague on 29 June.

Final venues In 2017, the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff (Wales) will stage the UEFA Champions League final, the in (Sweden) will host the UEFA Europa League final, and the Nacionalna Arena Filip II in Skopje (FYR Macedonia) will be the venue for the UEFA Super Cup match. The Executive Committee appointed Helsinki (Finland) and () as the host cities for the Ordinary UEFA Congresses in 2017 and 2018 respectively. UEFA’s vice-presidents were appointed: Ángel María Villar Llona (Spain, first vice-president), Marios N Lefkaritis (Cyprus, second vice-president), Giancarlo Abete (Italy, third vice-president), Grigoriy Surkis (Ukraine, fourth vice-president) and Michael van Praag (Netherlands, fifth vice- Sportsfile president). Karen Espelund (Norway) was also confirmed by acclamation as the female repre­ The committee approved the 2015-18 UEFA sentative on the UEFA Executive Committee for a Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations, further four-year term. following a two-year consultation process with key stakeholders. The updated regulations will Draw procedures approved encourage more growth and development, Draw procedures for the EURO 2016 play-offs inclusivity and market stimulation through a and final tournament were approved. For the careful broadening and refinement of the play-off draw in Nyon on 18 October, the eight requirements, while also taking into account teams will be divided into two groups of seeded the economic environment and the experience and non-seeded sides, based on the UEFA national gained over the past five years. team coefficient rankings. Each fixturewill pit a seeded team against a non-seeded team, with the first team drawn playing the first leg at home. UEFA PRESIDENT’S AWARD For the final round draw in on 12 Decem­ ber, the 23 qualified teams will be divided into TO JOSEF MASOPUST four pots: • Pot 1: five teams, including holders Spain if The announcement of the 2014 UEFA they qualify (France will not be included in the President’s Award in Prague was a poignant occasion. The recipient, Czech pots, as they will automatically be assigned as legend Josef Masopust, had passed team A1). away on 29 June at the age of 84. The • Pots 2, 3 and 4: six teams. Getty Images

/

UEFA President, Michel Platini, had been Starting with pot 1, and then moving from

able to visit Masopust in Prague shortly AFP

/ before his passing. pot 4 to pot 2, each of the six final tournament Masopust was European Footballer of groups will be composed of one team from each the Year in 1962. He played 63 times for J. Skala pot. Czechoslovakia in a brilliant career, and Josef Masopust was named The European Under-21 Championship final scored his team’s goal in their 3-1 defeat European Footballer of the round in Poland in two years’ time will take place against Brazil in the 1962 Year in 1962 from 16 to 30 June 2017. Finally, the compositions final in , Chile. of the UEFA committees and expert panels, the His superb skills inspired Dukla Praha to eight domestic titles, and Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body, the he went on to coach FC Zbrojovka Brno to the Czech title in 1978. Governance and Compliance Committee and “I wanted to give this award to Josef in his home country,” said the Appeals Body were approved for the 2015– the UEFA President. “It was a moving experience that I shall never 19 period. The next UEFA Executive Committee forget.” l meeting will take place in St Julian’s in Malta on 17/18 September 2015. l

4 | UEFA •direct | 08.15 News

MICHEL PLATINI TO STAND FOR THE FIFA PRESIDENCY

On 29 July, the UEFA President, Michel Platini, announced his intention to stand as a candidate for the FIFA presidency.

In a letter sent to the presidents and general He said he was standing as a candidate “with secretaries of the 209 member associations of enthusiasm and conviction, but also with the world football’s governing body, Mr Platini said: humility of someone who knows that he cannot “This was a very personal, carefully considered succeed on his own.” decision, one in which I weighed up the future The FIFA presidential elections will take place of football alongside my own future. I was also at an Extraordinary FIFA Congress in Zurich on guided by the esteem, support and encoura­ 26 February 2016. l gement that many of you have shown me.” Mr Platini pledged that he would work tirelessly “in the interests of football”. “There are times in life when you have to take your destiny into your own hands,” he said. “I am at one of those decisive moments, at a juncture in my life and in events that are shaping the future of FIFA.” Michel Platini, who has been president of UEFA since 2007, working tirelessly to promote, protect and develop football in Europe, added that in recent months he had defended his ideas and proposals “to give FIFA back the dignity and the position it deserves.” He highlighted his aspiration to unite world football by working with all member national associations – “listening to everyone and respect­ ing the diversity of the game around the world.” UEFA

YOUTH LEAGUE COMES OF AGE

From 2015/16, the UEFA As of this season, though, there will also be Youth League will become a parallel path for countries’ domestic youth a permanent UEFA compe­ champions. This will be open to the domestic tition and increase to 64 champions of the top 32 associations in UEFA’s teams, allowing for the club coefficient rankings. If an association does inclusion of domestic youth champions. It will not have a domestic youth champion, or its remain an Under-19 competition, but clubs will domestic champion is already competing in the be permitted­ to include a maximum of three UEFA Champions League path, it will be replaced Under-20s in their 40-strong squad, in order to by the next association in UEFA’s rankings. alleviate the burden on players with school These sides will contest two home-and-away commitments. qualifying round ties, with the eight winners The expansion will increase the quality of hosting the runners-up from the eight UEFA football and ensure that more countries are Champions League groups in single-leg play- represented. At the same time, the innovative offs. The eight group winners will then face the feature of the inaugural edition of the UEFA winners of those play-offs in the round of 16. Youth League, whereby the competition mirrors From then on, the UEFA Youth League will be a the UEFA Champions League’s format and match traditional knockout competition. calendar, has been preserved. This two-path format offers the best of both As in previous years, the youth teams of worlds. It will mean that teams still enjoy the the 32 clubs participating in the group stage benefits of following the same schedule as the of the UEFA Champions League will compete UEFA Champions League (which allows players in the same eight groups of four. The hold- to travel and spend time with their senior ers, Chelsea FC, who defeated FC Shakhtar squads), while enabling more clubs to experience Donetsk in the 2015 final, will be one of those international youth football and giving the teams. competition added exposure. l

UEFA •direct | 08.15 | 5 European Under-21 Championship

SWEDISH TEAMWORK SECURES THE PRIZE

Dramatic victory over Portugal in the Czech Republic on 30 June puts a new name on the trophy.

It was hardly an auspicious start. By half goals secured an against-the-odds win that half-time in their opening match showcased the team’s collective qualities – and, against Italy, Sweden had already with hind­sight, proved extremely costly for Italy. played 18 minutes with ten men This summed up the realities of a tournament and were a goal down thanks to where teams upstaged individuals, where margins the penalty resulting from the red were slender, and where momentary lapses in card offence. However, head coach Håkan concen­tration shaped destinies. The final round Ericson spurned the traditional tactical response of the European Under-21 Championship in the of a 1-4-4-1 formation and, bravely deploying a Czech Republic proved to be rich in tales of the 1-4-3-2, told his team to go for it. Two second- unexpected. Like the Italians, the hosts paid a high price for a below-par perfor­m-­ ance in one half of a game. They were good value for their 1-0 half- time lead in the Group A opener against Denmark – only to take their foot off the gas after the interval. Denmark, having been allowed to settle into their passing game, duly scored twice in the second half to win 2-1. In the second game in that group, Serbia’s fluent passing and dangerous counter­attacking were highly impressive­ in their Sportsfile 1-1 draw with Germany. However, Mladen Dodić’s team, having set their alarm clocks to watch their compatriots win the U-20 World Cup final Results in New Zealand, then took their eye off the ball Group A against the Czech Republic and were beaten 4-0, with Jan Kliment scoring the tournament’s 17 June Czech Republic v Denmark 1-2 17 June Germany v Serbia 1-1 only hat-trick. Those three goals were enough to 20 June Serbia v Czech Republic 0-4 make him the top goalscorer at a tournament 20 June Germany v Denmark 3-0 where forwards struggled to make their mark. 23 June Czech Republic v Germany 1-1 Jakub Dovalil’s side then produced another cred- 23 June Denmark v Serbia 2-0 i­table performance to draw 1-1 with Germany, Group B but four points left the hosts in third place behind the Germans and the Danes. Denmark, 18 June Italy v Sweden 1-2 having been defeated 3-0 by Germany, rounded 18 June England v Portugal 0-1 21 June Sweden v England 0-1 off a topsy-turvy group by beating Serbia 2-0 to 21 June Italy v Portugal 0-0 earn first place and the right to stay in Prague, 24 June England v Italy 1-3 while Germany headed east to Olomouc to 24 June Portugal v Sweden 1-1 confront the winners of Group B. As was the case in Group A, nobody knew Semi-finals who that would be until the final whistles 27 June Denmark v Sweden 1-4 sounded on the final day of the group stage. 27 June Portugal v Germany 5-0 Sweden had followed their unlikely victory over Final Italy with a 1-0 defeat against an England side 30 June Sweden v Portugal 0-0* that produced neat possession play but failed to *Sweden won 4-3 on penalties translate it into goals – with the winner coming in the form of a long-range 85th-minute volley

6 | UEFA •direct | 08.15 by substitute Jesse Lingard. In a goal-shy group, Portugal had beaten the English 1-0 and played A YOUNG REPORTER’S EXPERIENCE out a footballing contradiction against Italy – a thrilling goalless draw. But Luigi Di Biagio’s Thanks to the International Sports Press Association’s UEFA- team came within a minute of reaching the last sponsored Young Reporters programme, a group of fledgling four. 3-0 ahead against England in their final journalists covered the final round of the European Under-21 group match, they celebrated Portugal’s 82nd- Championship in the Czech Republic in June. One of those minute opener against Sweden – only for substitute reporters, Ana Magalhães, looks back at a memorable experience. to equalise a minute from time with a shot that deflected off two defenders. It was the only shot to beat Portugal goalkeeper José Sá in 480 minutes of football. That second half against ten-man Sweden cost Italy second place in the group and, with the four semi- finalists qualifying for Rio 2016, a place at the .

Two prolific semi-finals Few would have predicted that Portugal, having scored twice in three group games, would then put five past Germany in their semi- final. However, with Bernardo Silva rampant as an attacking catalyst and William Carvalho running AIPS the show from his position as a controlling Young journalists with the UEFA President and UEFA Executive Committee , they did just that. Even fewer would member Avraham Luzon have predicted that, after a dozen group games had yielded only 27 goals, the two semi-finals Having the opportunity to cover a sports event such as the would produce 10. In the other game, in Prague, final round of the European Under-21 Championship is a great achievement for any journalist. Doing so at such a young age – Sweden were 2-0 ahead by the interval and, 22, in my case – was beyond my wildest dreams. with Denmark pushing forward after halving the I arrived in the Czech Republic with high expectations, and deficit in the second half, clinched a 4-1 win I returned to Portugal with those expectations entirely fulfilled. with two trademark counter­attacks. It was a privilege to learn from such inspiring journalists. I still have That meant that Portugal and Sweden would much to learn, but I am certainly a better – and better-prepared – meet for the second time in a week. And the journalist than I was before. reward for the impeccable organisational work One key element of this project was the chance to explore all the by the Football Association of the Czech Republic different facets of media work. I enjoyed writing articles as much was a crowd of 18,867 at Stadion Eden in Prague, as I loved conducting stand-up interviews in front of the camera among them a phalanx of yellow-shirted Sweden and editing videos. I found the mixed zones particularly interesting fans who gave their team vociferous support – being close to the players, and experiencing and recording their from the warm-up until late in the night. They ‘mixed’ emotions. were unfazed by the strong start made by Rushing to meet deadlines while writing in a foreign language was Portugal, who, with Carvalho directing operations the main challenge. Writing in English and writing news in English and Silva weaving intricate patterns in attack, are two entirely different things. I improved in the first area, and made the opening phase something of a mono­ I started to learn how to do the second, which will be a huge advantage logue, albeit without causing Patrik Carlgren in for me in my career. From the UEFA media office to the local organising the Sweden goal undue concern. However, as committee, hundreds of people worked hard to make the tournament the game wore on, the Swedish forwards began a success. Learning from them was also very important. to use their physical presence to unsettle the The personal gains for me were immense. I now have useful Portugal defence and disturb Carvalho, while contacts in various countries, as well as stronger ties with colleagues at national level. Simon Tibbling’s solo runs were a constant thorn The hardest part was definitely saying goodbye. I am enormously in their side. The match became a story of sustained grateful to the International Sports Press Association and UEFA for pressure by Portugal punctuated by clearer this wonderful opportunity. If I were given another chance to expe- chances resulting from Swedish counter­attacks, rience such an adventure, I would be off to the airport like a shot… l with Sá forced to react quickly and bravely to snuff out the danger. The crowd had everything to cheer but goals. And so, after a goalless two hours, the title was After Victor Lindelöf had made it 4-3 to Sweden, decided by a tense penalty shoot-out. The Carlgren went to his right to make the crucial additional assistant referees had to be called into save from – of all people – the Portuguese play­ action to determine whether the fourth spot maker Carvalho. Sweden, drawing on the virtues kick, by Portuguese substitute Tozé, had crossed of endeavour, tactical discipline and mental and the line after striking the crossbar. Carlgren then physical resilience – and despite winning only threw himself to his left to save from Ricardo two of their five games – had engraved their Esgaio – but Sá then saved from Abdullah Khalili. name on the trophy for the first time.l

UEFA •direct | 08.15 | 7 UEFA Regions’ Cup

FOR LOVE, NOT MONEY

The continent’s top amateur footballers gathered in for the ninth UEFA Regions’ Cup, with the finals demonstrating the breadth of talent that exists below the professional ranks in Europe.

Eastern Region IRL captain Kenneth quality of the pitches and the standard of the Hoey remembered the “sickening” accommodation and training bases did further feeling of walking past the UEFA credit to the Football Asso­ciation of Ireland. Even Regions’ Cup trophy after his side the weather was splendid. lost the 2011 final to hosts Braga; The format is simple enough – there are two this time, it was someone else’s turn four-team groups, each team plays each of the to get that sinking feeling as the Irish side took others once, and the winners of Group A meet the world’s top amateur prize on home soil. the winners of Group B in the final. Now in its ninth edition, the UEFA Regions’ Gerry Smith’s Eastern Region IRL were sure of Cup gives amateur sides the chance to compete a place in the final after two games, following at European level. As UEFA Youth and Amateur up a 2-0 win against Ankara with another 2-0 Football Committee chairman win against South Moravia – who also started Jim Boyce put it: “This is the Group A with a win. Smith could afford to rotate Champions League for ama­ his squad and rest some key players for their final teur players.­ These are lads group match (a 2-1 win against Tuzla Canton), who play at the weekend and knowing that their 4 July final opponents still play mainly for fun, but they had plenty to do. have an oppor­tunity to play in Over in Group B, Sreten Ćuk’s side a European competition, come emerged as early favourites, mauling Dolnośląski to new countries and make 4-0 on the opening day and then beating Eastern new friends.” Region NIR 3-1 on day two; however, Württem­ ­ berg took four points from their opening two Serious effort games, meaning both sides went into their final There was fun to be had at game at Home Farm with an eye on the final. the finals in the Republic of The German side took an early lead, but Zagreb Ireland, but the football was – marshalled by brilliant playmaker Božidar deadly serious, with teams Kramaratić – recovered to win 2-1. from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sportsfile Croatia, the Czech Republic, Winning feeling Ireland celebrate Germany, North­ern Ireland, The final at Tallaght Stadium was a step too far Poland and Turkey joining the hosts in battling for the tiring Croatian side. Kramaratić was on for a place in the final. Staging the tournament the bench through injury, and they could muster in Dublin made things logistically simple, with six little response to David Lacey’s early opener in top-class venues in and around the capital front of a crowd of well over 1,000. “It’s probably providing superb stages for the matches. The the best day of my life – it’s unbe­ ­lievable,” Lacey said after the final whistle. “We’ve tried for so long to win this trophy – we got the silver medal Results in 2011, and now we’ve got gold.” “A lot of work went into this,” added Hoey, a Group A 34-year-old postman from Cork. “We had to lose 26 June South Moravia (CZE) v Tuzla Canton (BIH) 1-0 first to win it.” 26 June Eastern Region IRL v Ankara (TUR) 2-0 For most of the players, appearing in the 28 June Eastern Region IRL v South Moravia (CZE) 2-0 UEFA Regions’ Cup is the pinnacle of their 28 June Ankara (TUR) v Tuzla Canton (BIH) 2-1 footballing lives – though the number of UEFA 1 July Tuzla Canton (BIH) v Eastern Region IRL 1-2 1 July Ankara (TUR) v South Moravia (CZE) 2-0 Regions’ Cup alumni being picked up by pro­ fessional clubs seems to increase with each Group B edition. The referees at the finals have a more 26 June Zagreb Region (CRO) v Dolnośląski Region (POL) 4-0 tangible future at the top level of the game, with 26 June Eastern Region NIR v Württemberg (GER) 2-2 the tournament providing an excellent platform 28 June Zagreb Region (CRO) v Eastern Region NIR 3-1 for up-and-coming officials from all over Europe 28 June Dolnośląski Region (POL) v Württemberg (GER) 0-1 to prove their abilities. Swiss referee Nikolaj 1 July Württemberg (GER) v Zagreb Region (CRO) 1-2 Hänni had the honour of leading the final, the 1 July Dolno l ski Region (POL) v Eastern Region NIR 1-2 ś ą part-time factory worker showing excellent Final command of his matches in Ireland. Another 4 July Eastern Region IRL v Zagreb Region (CRO) 1-0 triumph in a tournament where dreams really do come true. l

8 | UEFA •direct | 08.15 European Under-19 Championship

SPAIN WIN TOUGH FIGHT FOR UNDER-19 TITLE

The competitive nature of U19 football was showcased by a final tournament of the 14th in which no team remained unbeaten and issues were decided by the slimmest of margins.

Spain ultimately took the glory but dangerous counterattacking. Their 3-1 defeat of some of it deserves to be directed Spain had dealt a psychological blow to Luis de towards the Hellenic Football Fed-­ la Fuente’s team – but they repaired the damage e­ration, led by its president, Georgios when their composed posses­ Girtzikis, who delivered an impec­ sion play earned them a 2-0 cably organised event. Their reward win against a strong France Results was cumulative attendance figure of 66,463, team that had sidestepped the Group A which more than doubled the total for the mass nail-biting by powering 6 July Greece v Ukraine 2-0 previous year. through the group with max­- 6 July Austria v France 0-1 The host team also played a creditable role i­mum points. 9 July Ukraine v France 1-3 under the guidance of Giannis Goumas, a member This set up a return between 9 July Greece v Austria 0-0 of the Greece team that won the European Russia and Spain at the final 12 July France v Greece 2-0 Football Championship in Portugal, who was in Katerini, coincidentally the 12 July Ukraine v Austria 2-2 anxious to imbue his squad with, as he put it, venue where Spain had taken Group B “the spirit of EURO 2004”. They responded in what was then the U18 title style but still had to join the massed ranks of exactly 20 years earlier by 7 July Netherlands v Russia 1-0 nail-biters on the final day of the group stage. beating Italy 4-1. Russia’s 7 July Germany v Spain 0-3 10 July Spain v Russia 1-3 After a 2-0 defeat by France, they waited earlier victory made them 10 July Germany v Netherlands 1-0 anxiously for the outcome of the other Group A favourites in the final – but 13 July Russia v Germany 2-2 game between Austria and Ukraine – and were second helpings proved to be 13 July Spain v Netherlands 1-1 unable to celebrate until confirmation that totally indigestible. Spain took Austria’s final onslaught, goalkeeper included, a firm grip on midfield, hid the Semi-finals had failed to alter a 2-2 scoreline. ball from the Russians, twisted 16 July France v Spain 0-2 A day later, the nail-biting was even more and turned away from at­- 16 July Russia v Greece 4-0 frenzied, as a topsy-turvy Group B played out its tempts to pressurise­ them and Final final dramas. Spain had started by beating created chance after chance – 19 July Spain v Russia 2-0 defending champions Germany 3-0, while the thwarted by the woodwork Netherlands edged it 1-0 against Russia. But and heroics by goal­keeper the second matchday was a case of the losers Anton Mitryush­kin. But the incessant pressure winning and, of course, the winners losing – finally produced goals for Borja Mayoral (the top with the result that all four teams went into the scorer, with three) and substitute Matías Nahuel, final matches level on three points. Ninety who made it 2-0 four minutes after coming on minutes later, they were still level – this time on and allowed Spain to lift the U19 trophy for the The first goal of four points – with the Germans and the Dutch seventh time. l the final, scored by travelling home as the unlucky Spain’s Borja Mayoral losers on goal difference. At this point Veria, one of the three venues used for the 15-game tournament, bowed out of the proceedings and there was a capacity crowd in Larissa to watch Greece take on Russia in the first semi-final. During the first half, the host team gave the fans plenty to cheer about – only for the wheels to come off after the break. A marking lapse at a corner was followed by a second goal within two minutes. Then came a penalty, a red card and, ultimately, a 4-0 defeat which sent Russia into the final. Dmitri Khomukha’s squad, with ten of the players who had won the U17 title two years earlier, had impressed with power play and Sportsfile

UEFA •direct | 08.15 | 9 European Women’s Under-19 Championship

SWEDEN BECOME HEROES OF THEIR TIME IN ISRAEL

Sweden’s players celebrated lifting the European Women’s Under-19 Championship trophy to the tune of their country’s winning Eurovision Song Contest entry of earlier in the year. As well as being “heroes of our time” as the song proclaimed, their matches – and the tournament as a whole – represented a vital stepping stone in the development of women’s youth football.

The tournament raised the profile was played in front of an impressive crowd of of the women’s game in the country. 7,230. The other venues, Lod, Ramla and Rishon All three of the national team’s LeZion, were all within an hour’s drive of the group matches were televised tournament headquarters, in the coastal city of domestically and were played out to Herzliya, just north of Tel Aviv. crowds in excess of 2,000. To In Group A, France and Sweden prevailed prepare for the tournament, the Israel Football over Israel and Denmark on the first two match­ Association operated a girls’ football academy days to qualify for the semi-finals without con- during the two years leading up ce­ding a goal and also book their places at the to the event, and last season the 2016 Women’s Under-20 World Cup in Papua Results team played in the top flight of New Guinea. Group A the Israel domestic women’s Meanwhile, Group B held intrigue until the 15 July France v Denmark 1-0 championship,­ finishing fourth. final whistle on the third matchday. Germany 15 July Israel v Sweden 0-3 Their compe­ titive­ showings against captain Rebecca Knaak rose to head an 87th-­ 18 July Sweden v Denmark 1-0 Sweden, France and Denmark minute winning goal in a gripping encounter 18 July Israel v France 0-4 in the UEFA tournament are best against England on the opening night and Spain 21 July Denmark v Israel 2-1 contextualised­ by com­paring them swept aside Norway with an exciting exhibition 21 July Sweden v France 0-1 with the team’s qualifying matches, of technical flair. While both would make it Group B which they lost with an aggregate through to the last four, they would not be 15 July England v Germany 1-2 score of 0-18. without their scares. Norway beat Germany with 15 July Spain v Norway 4-0 UEFA women’s football develop-­ a tactically astute display to give themselves 18 July England v Spain 1-3 ment ambassador­ Laura Georges hope, but when neither they nor England took 18 July Germany v Norway 0-2 attended the tournament­ and their chances on the last day, both were elim- 21 July Norway v England 0-0 gave an inspirational visit to the i­nated, allowing Germany to top the group with 21 July Germany v Spain 1-0 host squad on the day of their last a 1-0 win over Spain. The margins were so fine Semi-finals group match, against Denmark, a though, that had Lena Pauels not produced a match in which they scored their fantastic late save to repel Laura Ortega’s header, 24 July France v Spain 1-1* *Spain won 5-4 on penalties only goal of the finals through then Germany would have been heading home. 24 July Germany v Sweden 3-3* their talented No10, Eden Avital. The goalkeepers had the chance to shine *Sweden won 4-2 on penalties again in the semi-finals, where both matches were settled on penalty shoot-outs. Final Experienced hosts The local organising committee­ 27 July Spain v Sweden 1-3 were boosted by the experience Blackstenius outstanding of having hosted the Euro­ Stina Blackstenius confirmed her status as the pean Under-21 Champion­- tournament’s outstanding player with a stunning ­ship finals two years performance as Sweden earned a 3-3 draw with before. Netanya had Germany in a match of fluctuating momentum in Sweden’s Stina Blackstenius been one of the Netanya. Then Emma Holmgren denied Made­line sealed her good performance venues for those Gier and Felicitas Rauch to send Sweden through during the tournament with finals and staged to face Spain, who scored all five of their two goals in the final five matches this penalties after a 1-1 draw with France, progres­ time, including­ the sing when Marie-Charlotte Léger blasted the final, between Spain tenth kick of the shoot-out over the top. and Sweden, which Spain were technically strong but found the physical differences too much to overcome in the final, suppressed by two Blackstenius headers in the first half and their challenge finally snuffed out when the dominant No9 played in substitute Filippa Angeldal to cement a 3-1 success. The team had joined the celebrations of the national Under-21 team earlier in the summer and now had some silverware of their own. Calle Barrling’s players could celebrate being heroes of their Sportsfile time. l

10 | UEFA •direct | 08.15 European Women’s Under-17 Championship

THREE OUT OF FIVE FOR SPAIN

The European Women’s Under-17 Championship final tournament in Iceland was historic for being the competition’s first eight-team summer final round. It also deserves to be remembered for producing 45 goals in 15 games.

That tally eclipsed the 37 strikes registered in 16 matches at the inaug­ -­ ural eight-nation finals in England in December 2013, and UEFA technical observer Béatrice von Siebenthal saluted the attacking prowess seen at six venues in and out of the Icelandic capital, Reykjavik. “There is more tempo in the game, even more than last year,” she said, “and more commitment to attacking play.” This eighth Women’s Under-17 tournament brought together three of last season’s semi- finalists in four-time champions and holders Germany and twice-victorious Spain and England, plus usual suspects France and four countries appearing for the second time at this level: the Icelandic hosts, Norway, the Republic of Ireland and Switzerland. The draw was tough on the home nation, pitted against Germany, England and Spain, yet Sportsfile while Ulfar Hinriksson’s inexperienced team lost Spain’s Lucia Garcia their three Group A bouts, they improved consi­d­- semi was no less exciting: with six-goal top up against Switzerland’s erably through their week of competition. If any scorer Sanders shut out, Swiss substitute Amira Luisa Felder during side exemplified the tournament’s developmental Arfaoui finished a fine move to eliminate the the final in Reykjavik value, it was Iceland. As for the holders, they champions at the death. dispatched the Nordic outfit 5-0 on matchday Three days later at the same Reykjavik venue, one, only to yield to Spain’s uber-pressing and first-time finalists Switzerland were punished transitional play in a 4-0 defeat that mirrored for another circumspect start. García’s fifth of the sides’ group-stage result 18 months before. the finals and a Luisa Felder own goal made it Anouschka Bernhard’s Germany recovered on 2-0 inside 13 minutes, and a second own goal that occasion to beat the Iberians on penalties in soon after half-time the final, and here their revival was again gave the Swiss too big a emphatic – a 5-0 pasting of England, fuelled by moun­tain to climb. The Results Stefanie Sanders, which took them above their subse­quent trading of Group A opponents into second place. goals between Géraldine 22 June England v Spain 1-1 The third matchday also witnessed the main Reu­te­ler and Arfaoui, 22 June Iceland v Germany 0-5 drama in Group B. France had become the first and Carmen Menayo 25 June Germany v Spain 0-4 side to qualify, with narrow wins over Ireland and Lorena Navarro 25 June Iceland v England 1-3 and Norway, and were set to complete a confir­med Spain’s third 28 June Spain v Iceland 2-0 procession to the semi-finals when leading the crown from their fifth 28 June Germany v England 5-0 Swiss 1-0 at half-time. However, not for the last final. Group B time, the Alpine outfit grew exponentially into With the goal av­er­ 22 June Republic of Ireland v France 0-1 the game; their equaliser pipped Norway to the age boosted to three 22 June Switzerland v Norway 2-2 second spot, then Jolanda Stampfli’s last-gasp a game, Béatrice von 25 June Republic of Ireland v Switzerland 0-1 winner toppled the French at the head of the Siebenthal hailed the 25 June France v Norway 2-0 group. The reward for Monica Di Fonzo’s Swiss rising standard of the 28 June Norway v Republic of Ireland 2-0 troops was a last-four shot at Germany, but the Women’s Under-17 event: 28 June France v Switzerland 1-2 first of the Valsvöllur semi-finals on 1 July was “It has been a very wise Semi-finals Spain v France. It was the toughest test yet for decision to expand it to Pedro López’s side. France, coached by Sandrine eight teams. We have 1 July Spain v France 1-1* *Spain won 4-3 on penalties Soubeyrand, were in front through Sarah Galera seen so many good 1 July Switzerland v Germany 1-0 until minute 79 of the 80, when Natalia Montilla games: the quality is lobbed a brilliant equaliser. In the ensuing shoot- definitely there.” l Final out, Lucía García slotted Spain’s decisive penalty 4 July Spain v Switzerland 5-2 for a 4-3 success. The conclusion to the second

UEFA •direct | 08.15 | 11 Research Grant Programme

UEFA RESEARCH GRANT PROGRAMME PROJECTS

The jury for the UEFA Research Grant Programme – which supports the work of doctoral and postdoctoral researchers studying European football – has chosen its research grant proposals for the 2015/16 season.

To celebrate its 60th birthday, UEFA launched Optimising player performance and a special edition of the programme supporting readi­ness to train: Fatigue and recovery of projects developed for, and in conjunction with, neuro­muscular function following football its member associations. The jury has carried out match-play, by Kevin Thomas, Northumbria a comprehensive review of the 52 applications University, Newcastle, England (supported by received and chosen the following six proposals: The Football Association). Effizienzpotenziale im strategischen Stadion- The 52 applications received were supported management (efficiency potential in strategic by 25 UEFA member associations. The six stadium management), by Daniel Gruber, researchers chosen will now devote the next University of Bayreuth, Germany (supported by nine months to their research. They will report the German Football Association). to European football’s governing body next year, An unprecedented civilising process? Social in cooperation with the supporting national evaluation of the ‘Supporters United’ fan associations. project in Poland, by Radosław Kossakowski, By encouraging cooperation between the University of Gdansk, Poland (supported by the national associations and the academic commu­ Polish Football Federation). nity, UEFA hopes to help get research projects off Transfer of skills from futsal to football in the ground that the associations can then use in youth players, by Luca Oppici, Victoria University, order to further develop their own activities and Australia (supported by the Royal Spanish projects. Football Federation). Beyond the game: If, when and how local 2014/15 research presentations football clubs practise corporate social respon-­ The jury has also heard the final presentations sibility, by Esben Rahbek Gjerdrum Pedersen, by the researchers who received grants for Copenhagen Business School, Denmark (sup­ 2014/15: port­ed by the Danish Football Association). Intentions to drop out in adolescent female Mental health in football, by Katy Stewart, footballers from five European countries: The University of , (supported by role of the coach-created motivational climate, the Scottish Football Association). The jury by Paul Appleton, University of Birmingham, decided to award this grant in memory of England Prof. Stewart Hillis, a former member of the A comparative perspective on European The members of the UEFA Medical Committee, who passed away last football: Organisational capacity of European jury with the selected year. football clubs, by Christoph Breuer, German Sport 2014/15 researchers University, Cologne, Germany Risk versus benefits: The use of creatine by youth football players, by Pascale Kippelen, Brunel University, England Player load monitoring: Protecting the elite player from overload using miniature high frequency triaxial accel- ero­ meters­ , by Mark Robinson, Liverpool John Moores Univer­ sity, England (see next page) The UEFA Research Grant Programme is invaluable for a number of reasons. The research in question produces interesting new insights into European football and helps Europe’s football family to fulfil its mission by making its decision- making more effective and Getty Images for UEFA informed. l

12 | UEFA •direct | 08.15 USING ACCELEROMETERS TO MONITOR TRAINING LOADS

Since 2010, UEFA has supported a series of academic research projects related to football through the UEFA Research Grant Programme. In the first of a new series of articles summarising different research projects funded by the programme, Dr Mark Robinson presents his research.

Dr Mark Robinson is a senior lecturer in biomechanics in the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences at Liverpool John Moores University. His research interests include lower-limb musculoskeletal injury, biomechanical modelling techniques and statistical analysis of biomechanical data. He has published 25 internationally peer-reviewed journal articles since 2010 on these topics. l

and slow down a lot, the car’s suspension has to cope with all of the forces that the car experiences. An acceler- o­meter on a player records the same kinds of data and Dr Mark can therefore provide useful Robinson information about the de­­ presents his research mands on a player’s bones, findings cartilage, muscles, tendons Getty Images for UEFA and ligaments, etc. (also known as the ‘mechanical Elite footballers accelerate and decelerate load’). After a match, the mechanical load hundreds of times during a match as part of a experienced by the player can lead to desirable team effort to secure victory, pushing their changes in the player’s body (given sufficient bodies to the limit. Helping players and coaches recovery time), but it can also lead to undesirable to understand when the body is likely to exceed damage where there is insufficient recovery time its limits is very important in terms of keeping (overload injuries) or the mechanical load players on the pitch, as there is nothing worse becomes too large for the system to deal with than having your team’s best players out injured. (acute injuries). Tiny Global Positioning System (GPS) and acce­l­ Researchers at Liverpool John Moores Univer­ erometer sensors are now commonly used at sity have conducted a research project using elite level to measure the physical demands of accelerometry to improve our understanding of training and adjust players’ training loads in the measurement of mechanical loads experi-­ order to optimise matchday performances and en­ced by players. A number of players performed reduce the likelihood of injury. football-like activities (running, jumping, landing, changing direction, etc.) in a controlled laboratory So, what can GPS and environment while wearing an accelerometer accelerometry tell us? between their shoulder blades. The data from GPS is like the odometer on a car. If you want the accelerometer was then compared with a your car to travel a certain distance, you need to gold-standard measure of mechanical loading make sure that you put enough fuel in the car to on the body, and a mathematical relationship cope with the journey you want to make. GPS between the accelerometer and the actual tracks the distance travelled and helps coaches mechanical load was established. Further work to make sure that players are capable of coping is ongoing to refine this relationship, but it with the energy demands of the game (known is anticipated that football clubs will soon be as the ‘metabolic load’). Continuing with the car using accelerometry data to plan and monitor analogy, using an accelerometer can be likened training, taking both mechanical and metabolic to measuring the shock absorption that a vehicle loading into account in order to prevent overload requires. If the road is bumpy, or you speed up injuries. l

UEFA •direct | 08.15 | 13 Social responsibility

Investing in social responsibility and sustainability

From reviewing social responsibility activities during the 2013/14 season to preparing for a socially responsible and sustainable UEFA EURO 2016, three publications came out in July, illustrating UEFA’s increased engagement in the field of social responsibility and sustainability.

Preparing for EURO 2016 and former wheelchair­ fencing Olympic bronze- On 9 July in Paris, UEFA and EURO 2016 SAS medallist, and Tony Estanguet, three-time Olympic presented a report on their social responsibility canoe slalom champion for France and a member and sustainability plans for next summer’s final of the International Olympic Committee. tournament in France. After underlining the civic responsibility of all event organisers, Jacques Lambert explained how EURO 2016 has been intrinsically linked to sustainable development since France’s bid, and presented some specific measures. “I’ll give you two examples of educational measures. First, providing every spectator with an ‘eco-calculator’ so they can find out for

themselves the impact in terms of CO2 emissions of their travelling to EURO 2016. The second example is our desire for the EURO 2016 stadiums to be smoke-free. That is aimed at everyone, so that at the very least for a period of two or three hours something is done that is good for everybody’s health,” said the EURO 2016 SAS president. In addition, UEFA officials’ flights will be offset

UEFA and the credits invested in a wind farm in New Caledonia. And through the eco-calculator, fans will be able to choose the most favourable A panel of distinguished guests was on hand means of transport for them and contribute to for the launch of the Social Responsibility and the windfarm project by offsetting their own Sustainability One-year-to-go report at the Quai emissions. Branly Museum, including Jacques Lambert, From an organisational perspective, eight EURO 2016 SAS presi­dent, Emmanuelle Assmann, priorities have been defined, all falling into one of president­ of the French Paralympic Committee the following categories: Respect Access For All, Respect Your Health, Respect Diversity, Respect Fan Culture, and Respect the Environment.

What do CSR, sustainable development and carbon offsetting actually mean?

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) aims to achieve sustainable development – economic, social and environmental – in society. Sustainable development means meeting our current needs without comprising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. CSR in football promotes sustainable development in all aspects of the game in cooperation with its stakeholders. CSR is not charity; it is about how business is done. And CSR is not at the expense of profits – it is about how profits are made. Carbon offset schemes allow individuals and companies to invest in environmental projects around the world in order to balance out their own carbon footprints. l UEFA

14 | UEFA •direct | 08.15 Football for all in Berlin

The power of football for society was highlighted at the UEFA Champions Festival in Berlin, where a number Fans and staff working at the tournament of activities were staged from UEFA’s ‘football for all taking place in ten cities across France can also abilities’ portfolio. be proactive. For this purpose, a sustainability tips and tricks guide has been published, suggesting 15 ways to raise awareness of Talented blind or visually impaired players from FC Bordeaux and MTV sustainable development, help save time, cut competed on the mini-pitch at the foot of the Brandenburg Gate costs and improve well-being. on the opening day of the festival, with an exhibition of skills from Special Olympics players on the second day and amputee players taking centre Looking back to 2013/14 stage just before the UEFA Champions League final kicked off at the city’s Building on last year’s inaugural UEFA Football Olympiastadion. and Social Responsibility Report, the 2013/14 The crowds were given a chance to understand the special skills associated edition is now available in English, French and with blind football on the festival site in central Berlin. Blind and partially German. It looks at how football can contribute sighted footballers play with blindfolds on and are guided by the sound of to sustainable development in society, and their voices and an acoustic ball filled with shells. The nature of the game confirms UEFA’s commitment to reporting on an requires advanced sporting capabilities and an acute sense of space. annual basis. Ulrich Pfisterer, chairman of the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) and coach of Blind Football Team Germany and of MTV Stuttgart, said: “I would like to have blind football recognised as a major sport worldwide. There are many blind people who don’t know that blind football exists and that they can actually play. At the moment, there are 42 nations playing it. There are many more nations who could play, including in Africa, and our role is to help other countries develop the sport.”

Special opportunities Developing participation and opportunities are the key aims of UEFA’s involvement through its football and social responsibility programme. With 24 countries now implementing blind football programmes, the collaboration is clearly working and the same can be said of the link-up with Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia (SOEE), which over little more than a quarter of a century has expanded its network of players from 20,000 to over 133,000. “The match here gives us a great opportunity to show the people what Special Olympics is,” said Steffa Michailowa, responsible for participation UEFA and sports projects at Special Olympics Deutschland.

Exposure for amputee football Sizeable and diverse crowds were present for all of the matches at the festival, none more so than the amputee match which took place just hours before the UEFA Champions League final. Teams from Spain and Poland entertained with their skills in the year of the creation of the European UEFA invested €5m – all financed by fines Amputee Football Federation (EAFF), which has gained UEFA support. imposed as disciplinary sanctions in connection Cheered on by fans in town to support FC against Juventus, the with UEFA competition matches – through 35 Spanish team ran out 8-2 winners. partner organisations during the 2013/14 season, “The atmosphere is special and it’s a great advertisement for our sport. To with those organisations benefiting from finan­ those who don’t know so much about amputee football, I have one cial, material and media support, as well as the message: watch us more often and follow what we do through social transfer of knowledge. media,” said the EAFF’s Mateusz Szczepaniak. “Football has the power to overcome what Interest levels have society at times cannot – from disabled fans already been raised by cheering alongside their fellow supporters in the the inclusion of such stadium, to children from communities divided socially vital projects at by war and conflict playing together,” said Peter such a popular and Gilliéron, chairman of the UEFA Fair Play and well-attended festival. l Social Responsibility Committee. “We will continue to encourage and support our member associations, helping them to FC Bordeaux v MTV Stuttgart develop their own programmes and share our at the Champions Festival commitment to practising and promoting foot­ at the Brandenburg Gate Sportsfile ball in a socially responsible way.” l in Berlin

UEFA •direct | 08.15 | 15 and Italythelatestto stagenationaleditions. to enhancemanagementskillsacross Europe’s –withFrance nationalassociations The UEFA inFootball Certificate Management(UEFA CFM)programme continues 16 UEFA CFMFLOURISHES ACROSS EUROPE Education CFM seminarinItaly |UEFA Participants atthe • direct |08.15 of Wales, onefrom theHellenicFootball by twoparticipantsfrom theFootballAssociation and theprofessional footballleague(LFP),butalso eight colleaguesfrom French regional federations – tenFFFrepresentatives were joinednotonlyby promotes knowledge-sharingacross associations The programmefeeland enjoysaninternational centre inFrance, with27participantsgraduating. Football Federation’s (FFF)Clairefontaine technical most recent editiontookplaceattheFrench Association. and onefrom theRoyal closer, theClairefontaine seminaralsooffered professional footballleague(LNP)studyingalong­ (FIGC) and9from Italianclubsandthe representatives oftheItalianFootballFederation from Italy, butalsofrom furtherafield,with16 Once again,the35participantscamenotonly the footballmuseuminCoverciano, Tuscany. edition withaseminaratanappropriate setting– agenda fortheClaire­ League organisa­ roles. Eventmanage­ required across the venuesinawidevarietyof which waslaunchedinMay, with6,500volunteers highlighted theEUROvolun­ to 10Julynextyear. TheUEFA volunteermanager place attenvenuesaround Francefrom 10June presentation onpreparations fortheevent,taking summer’s blue-ribandnationalteamtournament. gather usefulexperienceinpreparing fornext ideal opportunityforfiveUEFA staff membersto Italy kickedoff itsownUEFA CFMnational The third andfinalseminaroftheUEFA CFM’s With UEFAWith EURO2016inFrancedrawing A EURO 2016 SAS country managergave a tional model were also on the ment andtheUEFA Champions fontaine event. Netherlands Football teer programme, Federation ever an Sanzone. the Italianassociation’s deputydirector, Francesca with representativesoftheleaguesandclubs,as ant chancetoaddressvariousfootballingmatters Swiss GraduateSchoolofPublicAdministration maintaining the programme’s overall values. The Content isadaptedtolocalconditionswhile to-face seminars are included in the UEFA CFM. sponsorship, communications,mediaandpublic Slovenia, MoldovaandMalta. side 10guestsfrom thenationalassociationsof gement, operational management, marketing football organisation,strategyandstrategic from theirstudies. dence intoseniorpositionsandprofit effectively helpgraduatesmovewithconfi­ and skillslearned of European football.Theinformationgathered stakeholder representatives forthegeneralbenefit mana­ well aswithmembersofothernationalassociations, Great opportunity Italy, Spain,SwitzerlandandtheUnitedKingdom. respected academicsfrom universitiesinFrance, certificates, andthecourseisprepared andledby (IDHEAP) at the University of Lausanne awards the relations, andeventorganisation. Portugal, ScotlandandUkraine. editions nextyear–Estonia,Hungary, Norway, which are scheduled to stage UEFA CFM national each withtheirdifferentexperiences.” The UEFA CFMprogramme reinforces the “This isagreatopportunityfortheFIGC,”said Six interactiveonlinemodulesandthree face- The nine-monthprogramme involvesstudiesin Italy willjoinotherUEFA memberassociations gement skillsofassociationstaff andfootball “This course,infact,providesanimpor­ mana- and t­ l

Getty Images -

Competitions

FIRST WORLD TITLE FOR SERBIA

Between 30 May and 20 June, 24 teams played in the 19th Under-20 World Cup in New Zealand.

At last summer’s European Under-19 Championship­ final round in Hungary – which decided not only the European champions, but also the six teams which would take part in the 2015 Under-20 World Cup – Serbia were knocked out by Portugal in the semi-finals on penalties. Since then, the young Serbs have clearly learnt to keep their cool in crucial moments, as their progression through the knock­-out matches in New Zealand went to show: after equalising against Hungary in the dying seconds­ of their round of 16 tie, before snatching victory in extra time, Serbia went on to knock out the USA on penalties in the quarter- finals, and then to beat Mali in extra time in the semi-finals. And they managed to carry that composure through to the final itself, their win­ Getty Images ning goal against Brazil also coming in extra time! quarter-finals on penalties, and Portugal were Their mettle earned them Serbia’s first world title defeated in the quarter-finals by Brazil, also on since gaining independence, ha­ving won the 1987 penalties. And it was penalties again that put an World Youth Championship as part of Yugoslavia. end to Ukraine’s run in the competition, with But Serbia’s matches were not the only close- Senegal proving to be more skilful at the task in fought ones as far as Europe’s contingent was their round of 16 tie. Austria, the only European concerned. Germany, the 2014 European Under-19 team left to mention, were knocked out in the champions, were knocked out by Mali in the round of 16 by Uzbekistan. l

BRONZE FOR ENGLAND

The world’s top women’s football teams were in Canada between 6 June and 5 July for the Women’s World Cup.

The title was won by the USA, who beat Japan Switzerland both finished third in their groups and 5-2 in the final in Vancouver, thereby taking revenge made it through to the round of 16, while Spain on the team that had denied them victory in the had to make do with only one point from their 2011 final in Germany. The Americans now have three group matches. three women’s world titles under their belt, having Sweden fell to Germany (4-1) at the quarter-final also won the competition in 1991 and 1999. stage, where Norway were also eliminated, against In terms of the European contingent, England England (2-1). France, who finished top of their achieved their best-ever result and showed how group above England and then beat South Korea much they have improved, winning the bronze medal 3-0 in the round of 16, were not far off reaching by converting a penalty in extra time after a match the semi-finals, leading Germany 1-0 in the quarter- for third place against Germany that had been finals until minutes before the final whistle. How­ goalless until then. In the semi-finals, England had ever, the Germans equalised with a penalty and lost to Japan (2-1) and Germany to the USA (2-0). then won the resulting penalty shoot-out. Apart from England, there were six other Above all else, this seventh Women’s World European teams in Canada, three of whom – the Cup definitely showed that women’s football is on Netherlands, Switzerland and Spain – were making the up and up and that its popularity is following their World Cup debuts. The Netherlands and suit. l

UEFA •direct | 08.15 | 17 member associations

Austria www.oefb.at

Visions for the future and That was followed, on 27 June, by high- high-calibre discussions calibre discussions involving the head coaches of the Austrian and Croatian national teams, On 26 and 27 June, the Austrian Football Marcel Koller and Niko Kovač, the highly Association (ÖFB) held its first ever members’ successful coach of FC Ingolstadt 04 (who conference, in Mondsee in the state of Salzburg. have just been promoted to the German Representatives of the regional associations and ), Ralph Hasenhüttl, and the head GEPApictures.com the Austrian Bundesliga, including presidents, coach of last season’s double-winning chief executives, directors, sporting directors FC Salzburg side, Adi Hütter. These football Left to right: Adi Hütter, Niko Kovač, Leo Windtner, and other officials, spent 26 June discussing experts gave us insight into national and Marcel Koller and Ralph Hasenhüttl projects relating to the future of Austrian football international football, their personal views on under the heading ‘Fußball2020’. Participants coaching, trends in modern football and the “This conference showed the unity of our presented findings, ideas and strategies in the development of young players in European organisation, and we presented and discussed areas of sport, economics, media and commu­ leagues. They were unanimous in their support many ideas and projects that we will be nications, law, infrastructure and social affairs, for the approach that Austria has adopted in embarking on and implementing in the coming which they had produced with the aid of terms of the individual development of talented years,” said the ÖFB’s president, Leo Windtner. a number of internal and external experts. young players. l Carmen Redl

Azerbaijan www.affa.az

Live Your Goals play football, and to increase interest in women’s football, at regional level A ‘Live Your Goals’ festival was organised in particular. recently by the Association of Football Festivals have been organised in Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA) at the Azerbaijan since 2012, when events Khachmaz Olympic complex in the north of were held in Zaqatala, in Guba, in Shaki, the country. Among those taking part in the in Masalli, and in Baku. Representatives event were the coach of the Azerbaijan national of international football organisations team, Mahmud Gurbanov, the head coach of and well-known women’s football the women’s Under-17 national team, Siyasat veterans Shirley Cruz and Steffi Jones Asgarov, and Aysun Aliyeva, who plays for the took part. In 2014, festivals were held in women’s Under-21 team. Mingachevir and Sumgayit. The first Live Your Goals festival was held in l Tora Akhmedova Germany in 2011. The main aims of the project are to increase the popularity of women’s football, to get more girls involved in football, More and more girls in Azerbaijan AFFA to create the conditions for them to be able to are taking up football

Bosnia and Herzegovina www.nfsbih.ba

Dragons still in the race 9th UEFA Regions’ Cup final tournament in together Under-17 teams from eight clubs in for France Dublin. Unfortunately, they lost all three of their the region: NK Maribor (Slovenia), HNK matches in Group A, 1-0 against South Moravia and HNK Cibalia Vinkovci (Croatia), FK Crvena Led by head coach Mehmed Baždarević, (Czech Republic), 2-1 against Ankara (Turkey) zvezda (Serbia), SK Sturm Graz (Austria) and the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team and 2-1 against the hosts, Eastern Region domestic clubs FK Sarajevo, FK Olimpic Sarajevo secured an important victory over Israel (3-1) (Republic of Ireland). and FK Željezničar. The tournament was in Zenica. As a result, in their four remaining Indoors, our futsal team had two prepa- won by the host team, with a goal by Mirza EURO 2016 qualifying matches, they are still in ratory gatherings for their play-offs against Sube defeating NK Maribor. NK Rijeka beat with a chance of finishing second in Group B or Kazakhstan for a place in the UEFA FK Sarajevo 3-1 to finish in third place. of getting through to the play-offs by finishing Futsal EURO 2016 in Serbia. The Bosnians third. First up is their match against Belgium on will be hosting the first leg on 15 September, l Fuad Krvavac 3 September in , followed by a home with the return leg scheduled for fixture against Andorra three days later. Their 22 September. last two qualifiers will be against Wales on In club football, the premier 10 October in Zenica, and away against Cyprus league resumed on 25 July. three days later. Eighteen rounds will be played this Meanwhile, our Under-21s did not get off to autumn so that the national team a particularly good start in their bid to qualify has enough EURO 2016 preparation for the next European Under-21 Championship time. New names in the league final round in Poland in 2017. They returned table for this season are the from their trip to Drammen to play Norway winners of the entity first leagues: with a 2-0 defeat to show for their efforts. FK Mladost Doboj Kakanj and Beforehand, coach Darko Nestorović’s players FK Rudar Prijedor. This is the last had played a goalless warm-up match against season with a 16-team premier Montenegro in Čitluk. Their next qualifying league, before it is reduced to match is at home against Kazakhstan on 12 in 2016/17. F. Krvavac F. 2 September. Finally, FK Željezničar have hosted Over in the Republic of Ireland, our amateur the fourth ‘Play football, live life’ A win against Israel rekindled Bosnia and Herzegovina’s hopes team from the Tuzla Canton took part in the international tournament, bringing of qualifying for EURO 2016

18 | UEFA •direct | 08.15 Bulgaria www.bfunion.bg

Tryavna hosts national five, nearly 400 children participated in the various seven and nine-a-side finals tournaments. Interestingly, no team had representatives in all three age groups. Tryavna recently hosted Bulgaria’s national The winners of the five-a-side tournament seven and nine-a-side finals for the second were Slavia Sofia. They topped their group year in succession. This year, there was also before playing DAF Sofia in the final. The a new addition to the programme: a five-a-side match ended 0-0, so penalties were required tournament for children born in 2006/07. to separate the teams. Slavia Sofia’s players BFU The opening ceremony took place at were more accurate from the spot, winning The tournaments in Tryavna involved 22 teams Tryavna’s sports complex. The three tournaments, 4-2 on penalties. this year which were for children of different ages, were Levski Sofia triumphed in the nine-a-side organised by Plamen Mihov, Emil Spasov and tournament. Indeed, they won every single game, and Levski Sofia. CSKA Sofia went ahead early Sasho Yordanov, all regional coaches, Dimitar scoring 17 goals and conceding just 3. The on, scoring with their very first attack. They Kukuvanov, head of the Bulgarian Football team, who were coached by Veselin Sarbakov, then imposed their style of play and did not Union’s children’s and youth football department, beat Chernomorets Burgas 4-1 in the final. allow their opponents to get back in the match, and Pavel Panov, the national association’s The final of the seven-a-side tournament was ended 2-1 to CSKA Sofia. technical director. A total of 22 teams and contested by the youth teams of CSKA Sofia l Nikolay Dyulgerov

Croatia www.hns-cff.hr

‘Be Proud’ multimedia matches, goals, trophies and awards, with information centre opens futsal and women’s football also represented. The entire content is available in Croatian and The mayor of Zagreb, Milan Bandić, and the English, and admission is free of charge. president of the Croatian Football Federation In other news, NK Pajde Möhlin (Switzerland) (HNS), Davor Šuker, have opened the ‘Be Proud’ won the third ‘’ for multimedia information centre, where visitors emigrant Croatian clubs in a tournament played will have an easily accessible, interactive in Zagreb in June, while the city of Slavonski HNS

opportunity to learn about the rich history of Brod hosted a youth football camp for minorities / Croatian football. The attractive location in the in Croatia, with several other similar camps immediate vicinity of the main Zagreb square, already scheduled. at 2 Petrinjska Street, offers Croatian football Sopta Luka Modrić (Real Madrid CF) won the a place to celebrate its major moments and Croatian footballer of the year award for worthy individuals. Drago 2014/15, while Marko Pjaca from Dinamo “We often emphasise our motto, Be Proud, Milan Bandić, the mayor of Zagreb, and Davor Šuker, Zagreb won the award for the best player and this centre shows what we can be proud president of the Croatian FA in the Croatian top division. of. This is a recognition of the many people In the city of Opatija, the Croatian Football who have contributed to Croatian football and lockers with reminders of Croatia’s appearances Federation organised its yearly stadium security an opportunity for younger generations to learn at major tournaments. Together, they form conference. “I think you will agree with me that and to develop a desire to become part of it. a photograph of the bronze medal celebrations we have to do everything in our power to reach Croatian football deserves a place in the very from the 1998 World Cup. Moving forward, a point where we talk only about football after centre of Zagreb, and this centre will help to visitors enter the tunnel to reach the field and football matches”, said Davor Šuker. promote Croatian football both at home and explore the Wall of Fame, featuring the greatest Finally, on a sad note, the Croatian national abroad,” the HNS president said. names in Croatian football history. Through team lost one of its former players on 28 June, The centre is structured as a football stadium, interactive screens, they can explore even when Goran Brajković (two caps) died in with locker rooms including screens, illustrations deeper and select the best goals, matches and a motorcycle accident. and artifacts from Croatian football history, and players. Also available are videos of significant l Tomislav Pacak

Cyprus www.cfa.com.cy

Grassroots finals Hundreds of spectators attended the finals, and the Last season, more than 5,000 children children gave their all on the participated in the 2014/15 Grassroots pitch, enjoying their Championships organised by the Cyprus participation in the event. Football Association. The championships began All teams were awarded in the first week of November and ended on prizes for reaching the finals, the last weekend in May, with the finals being and those awards were held in Limassol. presented by the coaches There were six age categories (for players of Cyprus’s national youth born in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and teams. The national associa­- 2007 respectively), and two teams from each tion has been organising category participated in the finals. The standard these championships since of football was high, and all matches were 2007, and every year there played in the spirit of respect and fair play. is another sizeable increase The passion, talent and enthusiasm of the in the number of teams and children, combined with the various events children participating. organised by the national association, made CFA the finals day a real festival of youth football. l Constantinos Shiamboullis The grassroots champions

UEFA •direct | 08.15 | 19 20 national teamplayerandproject leader. is extremelypositive,“saidTeet Allas,former went reallywellandthefeedbackfrom schools them thehabitofdoingsport.The firstseason youngsters familiarwithfootballand toteach from 7to11, tookpartintrainingsessions. where 3,992boysand3,532girls,mostlyaged FA coachesvisited105schoolsnationwide, September 2014untilJune2015,Estonian involved. Duringthefirstseason,from aim istogetevenmore schoolsandyoungsters in itsfirstseason.Forthesecondseason Estonian FootballAssociation’s schoolproject ParalympicGameswithgreat aplomb, at the2016ParalympicGamesinRio. the titleofworldchampionsbutalsoforplaces the topnationsinworld,vyingnotonlyfor Park inJune.Theeventbrought together 15of Football World ChampionshipsatStGeorge’s and afinal. in twogroups offour, followedbysemi-finals teams from different regions, whichcompeted a teamfrom hisregion, CeskeBudejovice. and theCzechnationalteam,whoplayedfor formerly ofSLBenfica,ManchesterUnitedFC ex-professionals suchasKarel Poborský, had therare opportunitytowatchgreat the homeofSKMotorletPraha.Spectators veterans –playersaged40andoverat final round ofitsfirstevercompetitionfor of theCzechRepublic(FAČR) organisedthe A rewarding sport New competitionforveterans Member associations part ininauguralschoolproject More than7,500children take England captainJackRutterinactionagainstJapan “It isagrassrootsprojecttogetthe More than7,500children participatedinthe Englandhavinghostedthe2012 With The FA playedhosttotheCerebral Palsy wascontestedbyeight The finaltournament At theendofJune,FootballAssociation |UEFA www.thefa.com England www.fotbal.cz Czech Republic www.jalgpall.ee Estonia • direct |08.15

to participateinFIFA LiveYour Goalsfestivals attention willbepaidtogirls,who are invited whole project evenmore attractive.Special video clipsofdifferent exercises tomakethe and teacherslikehimalot,“saidMr Allas. famousandwell-respected,sokids He isvery Rüütli hasalsobeenoneofthepersonsinvolved. clubs. FormernationalteamheadcoachTarmo more interestingandtolinkkidswithlocal football clubsandplayerstomakethetraining “During theschoolvisitsweinvolvelocal vests andconesprovided bytheassociation. use themfortheirlessons,aswelltheballs, for theproject bytheassociation.Teachers can different football exercises developedespecially gain from thevisitisabookcontainingmany andexternal was acombinationofinternal championships”. toholdtheworld and forourhomecountry CP footballtobecapturedinasimilarway the ParalympicGamesin2012.We wanted to Englandcameaboutfromthesuccessof “The initialideaofbringingthetournament director,Phil Heap,assistanttournament said: wassetveryhigh. the barfortournament The EstonianFA plansto produce short One oftheimportantthingsschools The teamthatbrought CP2015tolife Getty for The FA football staging aninternational a tournamentofthisscale,”saidPhil. to beablecreateandseethrough hascometogether and everyone atmosphere atthevenueisincredible the volunteershavebeenbrilliant– such ahugeeventwithoutthem.All We wouldn’thavebeenabletopulloff from differentindividualsandteams. the organisationoftour­ army of‘Team 7’volunteers. with thesewason-sitesupportfrom an to England’s 24nationalsquads.Allied St George’s Park,thelatterbeinghome The FA’s twomainhubs,Wembley and operations, drawingonstaff from Aside from thesmallmatterof “There hasbeenalotofhelpwith nament in2018. tournament the European Under-17 Championshipfinal venuewillbe tournament as aninternational position. Paralympics in2016,havingfinishedfifth as therepresentatives forTeam GBatthe medallists, whileEnglandsecured aspot Ukraine inthefinal.Brazilwere bronze by Russia,whoretained thetitlebybeating league foradults. organisation toestablishanationalparticipation cerebral palsyfootballcentres andtheCPSport The FA isworkingwiththeeightregional also tobeapartof.” it’s rewardingsportnotonlytoplaybut avery football isjustoneelementofthegame,and but ofdisabilityfootballasawhole.Disability is toraiseawarenessnotonlyofCPfootball things wewanttogetoutofthetournament the sport,asPhiloutlined:“Oneofmain overriding objectivewastoraisetheprofile of Federation ofCerebral PalsyFootball,the When thebidwasmadetoInternational TheFAtournament, alsohadalegacytofulfil. Coca-Cola HBCEstoniaandNike. matches intheWomen’s EUROqualifiers. and attendtheEstonianwomen’s teamhome A successfulfirstyearfortheEstonianschools project Meanwhile, nextupforStGeorge’s Park The CPWorld Championshipswere won The future ofCPfootballislookingbright. The schoolproject issupportedbyboth Czech FA headquarters inPrague. could beheldattheFAČR’s new additional guestteam.Thistournament previous year’s championsandan of the14regional competitions,the contestedbythewinners tournament The planistoorganisea16-teamfinal regular competitionsinall14regions. the numberofveterans’teamsandhave A successfulfirstveterans’competition Next year, theFAČR wantstoincrease l l MariadeLeon l MichalBlažej Mediaoffice

Kertu Tutk Faroe Islands www.football.fo

First girls’ Under-15 team Víkingur, as the head coach, tournament for several years with Pól Helgi Jacobsen, an already. The Faroese Football Association earlier this experienced women’s youth The Faroese FA is very year decided to set up its first girls’ Under-15 coach, as his assistant. excited about its girls’ national team. Even though the Faroese FA has Since March the pair of Under-15 team and hopes it had a boys’ Under-15 team for several years them have been working will boost the development and girls’ Under-17 and Under-19 teams for with a large squad of players of women’s football in the many years, there has never been a Faroese and by July they were ready Faroe Islands. girls’ Under-15 team. to pick a final squad to go l Terji Nilson That has all changed now. A girls’ Under-15 to Denmark to play in the national team has been started and the Brøndby Cup. The Faroese Danielsen association has hired Svenn Olsen, an boys’ Under-15 team has E. H. experienced youth coach at Faroese club been participating in this Svenn Olsen

Gibraltar www.gibraltarfa.com

A new head coach and nurturing of that talent and make the whole of and confidence of the players and worked very coaching instructor Europe and the world take Gibraltar seriously, effectively alongside Dave Wilson during the given the calibre of player that we constantly recent games against Croatia and Germany. Jeff Wood has recently been appointed produce.” With Jeff and Dave, we now have a good, head coach of Gibraltar’s national team, The Gibraltar Football Association’s general professional team in place to take our squad with immediate effect. Jeff brings with him secretary, Dennis Beiso, said: “I am delighted to forward to the next challenges that await us. a wealth of footballing experience and expert be able to confirm Jeff’s appointment. Jeff has I am particularly pleased that Jeff will be taking knowledge of Gibraltarian football. He also been involved in Gibraltarian football at various on responsibilities in the area of coach education. holds a UEFA A licence. levels for a number of years. He enjoys the trust Now that we have joined the UEFA Coaching As well as being head coach of the national Convention and can award team, Jeff also becomes the Gibraltar Football our own UEFA B licences Association’s coaching instructor, making him in Gibraltar, we needed responsible for training and developing coaches someone in place to both in Gibraltar and delivering courses in accordance deliver the courses and assist with the UEFA Coaching Convention. other Gibraltarian coaches As part of his role, Jeff will offer assistance with their work, be it at to the head coaches of Gibraltar’s youth teams, national or club level.” working closely with them to nurture young l Steven Gonzalez Gibraltarian talent and prepare those players for future international honours. Jeff is delighted to be taking up this role: “This is a fantastic opportunity. Given that I have been involved with Gibraltarian football in the past, I know there is a lot of talent – and especially hungry talent – in Gibraltar. I hope Jeff Wood, the new GFA to be able to oversee the development and national team coach

Hungary www.mlsz.hu

Veteran series concludes age. The aim is not primarily to increase the Fenyvesi, Pál Dárdai Sr and János Csank,” said with a final festival number of participants, but rather to help Tibor Őze, grassroots programme manager. maintain the physical and mental fitness l Márton Dinnyés The national veteran footballers’ association of older people. In recently organised the 2014/15 national addition, the veterans veterans’ league final tournament at the set an example to the national veteran footballers’ festival, the main younger generations sponsor of which was the Hungarian Football of their families, Federation (MLSZ). displaying their love The league was first organised in 2008, of and devotion to when it became part of the MLSZ’s grassroots football. Special programme. This year’s competition involved guests at this year’s more than 600 footballers over 60 years of age, festival included MLSZ of whom those playing for the top 12 teams executive board went on to take part in the finals held at Szőnyi member Tibor Nyilasi úti Stadion, home of BVSC Budapest. With and tournament Érszentmihályi taking part for the first time this ambassadors Máté year, the event has become a truly nationwide competition, with teams from the eastern and western regions among the 12 finalists. “This is a unique competition in Europe. More than 600 veterans No other football association organises such took part in the mlsz.hu a competition for footballers over 60 years of tournament this year

UEFA •direct | 08.15 | 21 Member associations

Italy www.figc.it

Kick-off event looks whom are under the to the future age of 18),” said Michele Uva, chief Stakeholders in Italian football recently executive of the FIGC. convened in Cesena for a kick-off event aimed “Eleven major issues at strengthening the sport’s foundations con­cer­ning the world through knowledge sharing. of football have been The three-day event, which was organised discussed here with by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) with more than 250 people assistance from UEFA’s HatTrick programme, from different sections sought to establish links between football and of society, with the other sections of Italian society, facilitate growth aim of obtaining and development, and foster an inclusive input which will be environment that promotes social responsibility useful in helping us to programmes. improve our activities “Italian football takes as its starting point its – not only from a legacy, its international prestige and its strong sporting point of Images identification with its main strengths, including view, but also in Getty its 1.4 million registered members (834,000 of terms of organisation. There is an important A match to establish links between football and other sections of Italian society aspect to this event: the need for the FIGC to dig deep into the activities where measurable results have not yet Latvia foundations of football to unearth weaknesses been achieved. www.lff.lv that are not necessarily exclusive to football. We In addition to that kick-off event, Cesena are looking at our weak points and aspects of also hosted an FIGC youth football tournament General contractor for the the sport in which we are lagging behind.” entitled Progetto Rete, which was aimed new football stadium in The event included round-table sessions on specifically at unaccompanied foreign minors, a wide range of topics relating to football. It most of whom were from non-EU countries. also gave the FIGC an opportunity to publish its That tournament shows the FIGC’s belief in the 2014 balance sheet, which was presented by inclusivity of football. Michele Uva during the participants’ plenary “We are a federation that has a solid identity session. This document, which was produced and aims, in parallel, to do more and more internally by the association, spans a two-year in terms of social responsibility,” Michele Uva period (2013 and 2014) and seeks to communi- said. cate and demonstrate the value of its various l Diego Antenozio

Malta www.mfa.com.mt

LFF New approach to continuing technical centre will be valid for coach licensing The Latvian Football Federation has signed a contract professional development purposes from now on. with Arčers Ltd as the general contractor for the new for coaches Under the new system, CPD activities will be sports complex in Riga organised in different categories and it will be The Malta Football Association (MFA) mandatory for licensed coaches to attend at The Latvian Football Federation (LFF) has has changed the way in which continuing least one three-hour CPD course a year for the chosen Arčers Ltd as the general contractor for professional development (CPD) for coaches specific area or age-group in which they are the new sports complex in the capital city, Riga. is organised and dispensed. As a first step in currently coaching. The new sports complex – unofficially named implementing this new approach, the MFA This new approach to CPD for licensed the Home of Football – will have a new football technical centre recently organised a course coaches also fits with the wide-scale stadium that will be used by the Latvian national for its licensed coach educators to equip them improvements to the coach licensing system football teams and various local football clubs to run streamlined CPD activities under its that are being envisaged by the MFA and its for their international games. guidance. While other CPD activities are still technical centre, as well as with the requirements A contract between the LFF and Arčers was encouraged, only those approved by the MFA of the UEFA Coaching Convention. signed on 23 July. The plan is to reconstruct the l Alex Vella existing football ground on Krišjāņa Barona street and transform it into a modern sports complex that can also be used for other sports and by local schoolchildren. In addition, it will be the new home of the LFF and the museum of Latvian football. The reconstruction process is scheduled to be finished by May 2017. The funds for the project will be provided by the LFF, with help from UEFA. “This sports complex will be a beautiful and necessary building, but its emotional fulfilment will be the museum of Latvian football. This Home of Football will be the place that gathers the very best of the past, present and future of Latvian football,” said the LFF general secretary, The Malta FA organises Jānis Mežeckis. different categories of The LFF anticipates that the first construction continuing professional works on the site will begin in early 2016. Aquilina development for D. l Toms Ārmanis its coaches

22 | UEFA •direct | 08.15 Moldova www.fmf.md

FC Sheriff win Moldovan Cadu scoring with a header following a cross by After the match, Sheriff’s captain, Benjamen Super Cup Mateo Sušić from the right. Ricardinho could Balima, was presented with the trophy by the have made it 4-1 after the break, but failed to general secretary of the Football Association of The ninth Moldovan Super Cup in Tiraspol convert a spot kick that he had earned himself. Moldova (FMF), Nicolai Cebotari. pitted the Moldovan Cup holders, FC Sheriff, “It’s always to start against the Moldovan champions, FC Milsami with a win,” Popescu said. Orhei. After a dramatic match – Lilian Popescu’s “We need time for the team first as coach – FC Sheriff lifted the Moldovan to gel, but it was not bad for Super Cup for the sixth time in their history, a first competitive match.” having beaten Milsami 3-1. l FMF press office Third in the league last season, Moldovan Cup winners Sheriff immediately took the game to Milsami and were two goals up after eight minutes through Juninho Potiguar and Andrei Macrițchii. The title holders responded when Marcel Metoua felled Romeo Surdu in the area and early substitute Cristian Bud calmly converted the penalty. It did not take Popescu’s side long FC Sheriff, winners of FMF to restore the two-goal margin, however, with the Moldovan Super Cup

Northern Ireland www.irishfa.com

‘Girls on the Ball’ conference Women’s Football Plan, we have highlighted and more girls will seek out opportunities in the need to use the power of football to sport because of this programme, and we look The innovative ‘Girls on the Ball’ project promote health, education and social forward to continuing this unique collaborative concluded recently with a one-day conference development. Partnerships with dynamic work in the future.” at Ulster University, Jordanstown, that focused social enterprises such as Amazing Brains l Sara Booth on career opportunities for women in sport and educational leaders like the School of and included presentations by ten female role Sport, Ulster University, are crucial in helping models. The project was designed by Amazing us achieve this objective.” Brains and delivered in partnership with Ulster Roisin McFeely (chief executive of Amazing University and the Irish Football Association (IFA). Brains) said: “Girls on the Ball set out to excite, The ‘Girls on the Ball’ project, which was engage and empower Year 10 girls in the funded through the UEFA Respect programme, development of the skills, competencies and involved three schools – Holy Cross College in mindset required in their place of employment, Strabane, Magherafelt High School and Abbey in entrepreneurship, in study, in sport and Community College – taking part in three throughout their everyday lives. The feedback workshops over a two-month period. Each from both students and teachers indicates that workshop tackled a number of inter-related we achieved these aims and more! We will topics, giving 200 Year 10 schoolgirls the undoubtedly see some of these girls in sports opportunity to: (i) develop a growth mindset; leadership roles in the future.” Dr Katie Liston (ii) enhance educational, entrepreneurship and of Ulster University was delighted to welcome life skills; and (iii) explore women’s football and the Year 10 students to the Jordanstown IFA other sporting communities. campus, with many visiting for the first time: The IFA’s women’s domestic football manager, “Making university accessible to everyone is one Sara Booth, Roisin McFeely, Emily Shaw (UEFA), Katie Sara Booth, said: “As part of the IFA Girls’ and of our key objectives. We anticipate that more Liston and two pupils from Magherafelt High School

Poland www.pzpn.pl

Young Eagles summer academy were in Gniewino for their pre-season training. players who had the opportunity to display their “We are pleased because we had the opportunity ability in training sessions, matches and physical In July, Gniewino in the north of Poland to work for a few days with young and gifted fitness tests,” said Marcin Dorna, coach of the was the setting for the second Young Eagles Under-21 team. summer academy football camps organised by The main aim of the the Polish FA for young players. The first two camps is to invite young weeks were reserved for boys born in 2002 and players and to select the best 2003, with a girls’ camp organised during the of them for the national third week. “We want to take a closer look at youth teams. All the camps promising young players to assess their level. are run by the coaches of We are keen to prepare them for our national the Polish national youth teams,” said Bartłomiej Zalewski, coach of the teams. Under-16 national team. l Jakub Kwiatkowski The first camp started on 28 June, involving 80 boys born in 2003. The camp started with The first two weeks of July fitness tests and included training on the beach were reserved for football by the Baltic Sea and meting the players of camps for boys born in Polish champion club KKS Lech Poznań, who PZPN 2002 and 2003

UEFA •direct | 08.15 | 23 Member associations

Republic of Ireland www.fai.ie

Festival of football and community, actively encouraging new residents annual general meeting to become involved in all aspects of club life. As the overall winners, the club also received The eyes of the Irish football community were Sportsfile a cheque for €5,000. on the western counties of Sligo and Leitrim in A standing ovation for John Delaney At the AGM, CEO John Delaney received a July as the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) standing ovation from the delegates after a strong annual general meeting and festival of football ciation was given civic receptions by both Sligo oration in which he paid particular thanks to the took place. and Leitrim county councils to recognise the support UEFA has given the association and Irish Ireland’s annual gathering of administrators work it is doing in the community. On the football. One of the highlights of the year was and officials from all the leagues and affiliates evening before the AGM, awards were presented UEFA’s awarding of EURO 2020 matches to Dublin. in the country takes place in a different region to volunteers at the pre-AGM delegates’ dinner. The FAI’s high-performance director, Ruud of Ireland each year. Through the week-long This included the FAI Grassroots and League Dokter, made a presentation to the delegates festival of football format which precedes it, the Communications Awards, Services to Football outlining the association’s national player association has been very successful in keeping Awards and Coach of the Year Awards. The FAI development plan and how it will impact clubs close to the clubs and leagues that it represents. Club of the Year 2015 for excellence in four around the country. It is envisioned that the The festival of football saw a delegation from separate areas of progression – coach education, changes introduced will significantly raise the the FAI, led by president Tony Fitzgerald and community, participation and club development playing standards for Irish children in the years CEO John Delaney, visiting community clubs for – went to Achill Rovers, from Achill Island, off to come. a variety of events. Republic of Ireland manager the east coast of Ireland. They were nominated Another key presentation was that of Declan Martin O’Neill and former internationals including in the participation category – securing a cheque Conroy, who is carrying out an extensive review Paul McGrath, Ray Houghton and of €1,500 for that nomination – for increasing of the SSE Airtricity League. His findings will be also made visits during the festival. In all, 26 clubs membership numbers despite a falling population received by the FAI in August. were visited by the delegation before the asso- and building a club that is open to all the l Stephen Finn

Romania www.frf.ro

Volunteers strengthen way it works, as well as meeting Romanian Romanian football football legends such as Miodrag Belodedici, Aurel Țicleanu and Jean Vlădoiu, all three of More than 20 students and young professionals whom currently hold various positions within have joined the volunteer programme of the the Romanian FA. Romanian Football Federation and already been Soon after the training programme, the of service in the organisation of various activities. volunteers were involved in several CSR FRF The programme started during International activities, as well as playing an active part in the Volunteer Week from 11 to 17 May, when the organisation of the Romanian Cup final and the Volunteers ready to learn the ropes volunteers were selected not just on the basis UEFA KISS workshop held recently in . of their CVs but also following one-to-one Several of the volunteers are students at the legislative framework and now that more and interviews. A love for the game, enthusiasm, national sports university in Bucharest and more young people understand the importance willingness to get involved in all kinds of projects being involved in the programme gives them of gaining work experience while still at college and an open mind were the main criteria by a glimpse of how their future professional lives or university or before starting a long-term which the candidates were judged. As well as could be. They will have the opportunity to gain job. As the Romanian FA strategically promotes all these virtues, we were pleased to find a lot first-hand experience in a wide range of fields, the involvement of young people in football, of curiosity and energy displayed by the students from physical preparation and coaching to volunteering is a less demanding but exciting and young professionals who applied. marketing, team management, the organisation form of commitment for the young volunteers The chosen volunteers received three days of of football events, and more besides. themselves, as well as an important instrument training from the federation, during which they Volunteering has become increasingly impor- for the development of football. learned about the organisation, its staff and the tant in Romania since the adoption of a proper l Paul Zaharia

San Marino www.fsgc.sm

Referees hold spring conference played for a number of clubs in . Now a professional coach, he led a seminar exploring The San Marino Referees’ Association held how players move on the pitch in the context of its now traditional springtime gathering at the different tactical formations, which is important headquarters of the San Marino FA in April. for a referee to be able to read the game. No effort was spared in organising the event, FSGC Assisted by our fitness coach, Simone which was led by a team of instructors that Pierluigi Collina, the instructors and the conference Savoretti, the participating referees also tested included Pierluigi Collina, Francesco Bianchi, participants the latest generation of Polar devices, whose Andrea Lastrucci and Franco De Falco. wearable sensors make it possible to monitor Pierluigi Collina, who was joining us for the a fascinating lecture entitled ‘Control: am I in match officials’ movement and activity, whether first time, is a member of the UEFA Referees control of myself, of the players, of the situations’? during training or an actual match. Committee. He passed on some of his expertise Andrea Lastrucci is a Serie A and international It is hugely significant for a small national and experience in top-level refereeing and futsal referee, and also currently serves as a FIFA association like ours to be able to attract football administration. and UEFA instructor. He provided insights into individuals of such proven expertise and Francesco Bianchi is a UEFA referee observer the Futsal Laws of the Game and, specifically, experience who can pass on the skills our and sits on the UEFA Referee Convention Panel. how to manage particular situations that might referees require to contribute effectively both to He had plenty of helpful advice for our own arise during a match, drawing on a number of our own league and to UEFA competitions at observers on how to achieve consistency in scenarios from our own national league. Franco which they are invited to officiate. assessing referee performance, and delivered De Falco is a former professional footballer who l Stefano Podeschi

24 | UEFA •direct | 08.15 Scotland www.scottishfa.co.uk

Scottish project chosen and implement a pathway to allow players ninth months working on their projects – with to access an appropriate health professional. the cooperation of their national associations – A research proposal on mental health issues The proposal has been drawn up by before reporting back with their findings next in football – supported by the Scottish FA – University of Glasgow teacher Katy Stewart, year. The chairman of the UEFA Research Grant has been selected by UEFA for its prestigious who is also a part-time employee of the sports Programme jury, William Gaillard, said: “There Research Grant Programme. The project was medicine centre at Hampden Stadium. Speaking is considerable variety in the topics; the one of six chosen from 52 applications and has to the Scottish FA, she said: “We are delighted multi-disciplinary element is one of the most been awarded in memory of Professor Stewart to be awarded this grant, particularly in memory interesting aspects of this programme.” Hillis, former member of the UEFA Medical of the late Professor Stewart Hillis, who worked l David Childs Committee, who passed away last year. tirelessly over a number of years to ensure A principle aim of the University of Glasgow player welfare in Scottish football, and it is research group will be to examine the incidence a fitting tribute for him to be acknowledged Slovakia of mental health issues in Scottish football by UEFA for all his hard work.” www.futbalsfz.sk (both male and female players) and find out The UEFA Research Grant Programme was the best way to manage those identified created to support the work of researchers with mental health issues. Working with PFA studying for or already holding a PhD and 2014/15 Dôvera Schools Cup Scotland (the professional footballers’ union) analysing European football. Each project is and Scottish women’s football, the group will granted up to €15,000 of research funding. A record 1,525 teams applied to take part in shortly conduct a survey of players in Scotland The six researchers will now spend the next the 2014/15 Dôvera Schools Cup, the fourth edition of the biggest five-a-side competition in Slovakia. Qualifying competitions were held Serbia at district and regional level, with both boys’ www.fss.rs and girls’ categories. Just eight teams in each category qualified for the finals as the winners of the regional rounds. Serbia win U-20 World Cup hungry for success. Paunović selected his squad and worked intensively with them for two years Saturday 20 June 2015 was a golden day – hard work that paid dividends in New Zealand. for Serbian football – the day of the finest It was clear from the final round of the achievement in its national teams’ history. It 2013/14 European Under-19 Championship in was the day that Serbia won the U-20 World Hungary that something special was happening, Cup in New Zealand, beating Brazil 2-1 after as Serbia again reached the semi-finals, before extra time in the final. For a country of Serbia’s being knocked out by Portugal on penalties. size to become world champions is a truly Luck was not with them that day, but it was at amazing achievement. It is also a sign of the certain points in this summer’s U-20 World Cup. enormous belief of this generation of players, “No one knows the exact ranking of the FRF who were convinced that they would one day different teams in the world. That had a great be a true footballing power on the world stage. impact on our path to success. I can say freely Those players have followed in the footsteps now that we earned this trophy. We lived for of the Yugoslav Under-20 team who were it, believed in the mission we had, wanted the SFZ crowned world champions in Chile in 1987. best and gave everything we had. We didn’t However, today’s Serbia has a smaller population stop, even after losing our first match against A girls’ competition was also on the programme and a more limited pool of players, so this Uruguay. This Serbian generation was unified success is even more impressive. When we and strong; we all breathed as one. God gives Although this nationwide competition does talk about this generation of players, it is the hardest tasks to his best students. I believe not have a long history, it has produced many important to note that it all started back in we deserved this result,” Paunović said. talented young players – such as Martina 2013 at the final round of the European That victory was followed by triumphant Šurnovská and Mária Mikolajová, who joined Under-19 Championship in Lithuania, where scenes on the streets of Belgrade – scenes often the national Under-17 team after competing in Serbia became champions of Europe. sparked by successes and trophies in other the competition. Andrea Bogorová also made After that tournament, Veljko Paunović was sports, but never football. When the team her debut in the Slovak Under-17 team last year. appointed head coach. The former midfielder, returned from New Zealand on 22 June, the The coach of Slovakia’s national team, Ján who played for FK Partizan, Club Atlético de newly crowned world champions were given a Kozák, and forward Martin Jakubko visited the Madrid and many other Spanish sides, obtained special welcome complete with open-top buses, final tournament, which was held at the Slovak his coaching qualifications at the Football cheering and singing. The players stood on the Football Association’s national training centre Association of Serbia’s coaching school, in balcony of Belgrade City Hall and held the in Poprad. Jakubko presented the tournament’s cooperation with UEFA. He is hard working, trophy aloft in front of a crowd of about top goalscorer – Matej Rozenberg from SNP talented, entirely dedicated to his work and 100,000 people. These were unforgettable primary school in Banska Bystrica, who got moments full of on the scoresheet eight times – with a signed fresh optimism – FC Amkar Perm shirt. optimism that The event also featured an exhibition match Serbia will one day between young players from socially disadvantaged have a reason to backgrounds as part of the Wild Card project. celebrate on the The tournament was organised under the European and auspices of Slovakia’s ministry of education, world stage at science, research and sport, in cooperation senior level. with the Slovak Football Association and health l Aleksandar insurance company Dôvera, and all participating Bošković teams were given fantastic prizes. The two winning teams – the boys’ team from Školská primary school in Zilina and the girls’ team from Sadová primary school in Senica – will travel to Luxembourg at the beginning of October to watch the Slovak national team’s final qualifying match for EURO 2016. www.fss.rs l Peter Šurin

UEFA •direct | 08.15 | 25 Member associations

Switzerland www.football.ch

Emmen’s successful football Haris ten years, 18 talented young players from each academy closes Seferović at school year have trained at Emmen’s sports the Emmen complex during the week, as well as spending “The academy in Emmen was a great academy two years at local primary schools. The success, one of the key elements of our youth footballers lived with host families in Emmen SRF

/ development policy,” says Heinz Moser, the and had lunch and dinner together in a coach of Switzerland’s Under-21 side. As SFV restaurant. They also had supervised homework someone who spent many years working at the sessions. The academy was regularly visited academy, he should know. Moser explains that are proud to think that players who have won by other national associations, coaches and the Credit Suisse Academy in Emmen closed the U-17 World Cup and gone on to represent numerous foreign delegations. Indeed, our at the end of June after ten successful years Switzerland at senior level learnt their trade in youth development concept has been widely “because the big clubs have seen how important Emmen.” praised. We are particularly proud that players youth development is and invested lots of The Swiss Football Association’s Credit Suisse such as Pajtim Kasami and Haris Seferović (who money in setting up their own training centres.” Academy in Emmen, which opened in August were both part of the team that won the U-17 Urs Dickerhof, vice-chairman of Emmen’s town 2005, closed at the end of June because the World Cup) used the academy to make the leap council, is also fulsome in his praise: “We really majority of the country’s top young players are from talented youngster to professional – and enjoyed having the young players here, and we no longer being developed centrally. For the last international – football. l Pierre Benoit

Turkey Wales www.tff.org www.faw.org.uk

2015/16 Turkish Super Football Federation and the Turkish Deaf Sports Paul Trollope joins as Wales League named in memory Federation, won the European Deaf Football national team coach of Hasan Doğan Championships in Hannover, Germany, in June. In the final, Turkey beat Russia 4-0. The Football Association of Wales (FAW) is The Turkish Football Federation’s executive In the group stage, Turkey drew with Belgium delighted to announce that Cardiff City FC’s committee has decided that the 2015/16 1-1, defeated Croatia 8-0 and beat France 2-0, Paul Trollope will be joining Wales as national Turkish Super League should be named thereby finishing top of Group C and team coach. Trollope replaces former Wales and the Hasan Doğan season, in memory going through to the quarter-finals, Fulham FC teammate Kit Symons, who left his of its previous president who died where they beat the Republic of post to concentrate on his role as manager of from a heart attack during his Ireland 5-2. In the semi-finals, they the Cottagers. presidency in July 2008. were pitted against England, who Wales manager Chris Coleman said: “On The 2015/16 Hasan Doğan they beat 3-2 to secure their both a personal and professional level, we are

season is based on three TFF place against Russia in the final. very sad to lose Kit, but I fully understand the principles aimed at ensuring fair l Aydın Güvenir reasons behind his decision and wish him the play in football: tolerance, very best of luck at Fulham. I am, however, friendship and respect. delighted to welcome on board another former The Turkish deaf national team teammate of mine, Paul Trollope, who is a (also known as the ‘Silent Scream’), The logo for the 2015/16 championship young and highly thought-of coach. Paul will who are supported by the Turkish honouring Hasan Doğan be a great team member and will fit in perfectly with the staff.” Ukraine www.ffu.org.ua

Leaders visit UEFA the opportunity to thank UEFA for giving Ukraine and Poland the possibility to host During a visit to UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon, EURO 2012. It genuinely gave a huge boost Switzerland, the Football Federation of Ukraine to the development of football in Ukraine. We (FFU) president, Andriy Pavelko, said he counts understand what the routes of development on UEFA’s support for national and regional are going to be both at European level and football development projects. The FFU at Ukrainian level and where we might count president travelled to Nyon with the federations’ on UEFA’s support for our regional and national general secretary, Volodymyr Geninson, to meet football development projects.” with the UEFA President, Michel Platini, and The FFU president also stressed his federation’s representatives of UEFA’s national associations commitment to working alongside UEFA to FAW division. tackle the issue of match-fixing: “One of the Paul Trollope (right) has joined the Wales coaching staff “UEFA is our home, and most importantly, we first aims is to fight against this evil, starting are part of the European football family. I took with mass youth football and going right up The Bluebirds’ CEO, Ken Choo, added: “As to the professional leagues. We have taken a club we are proud and pleased to see Paul our example from UEFA – we are handing out recognised by the FAW. Whilst his primary focus more power so that we have the ability to remains on the task at hand here at Cardiff City, effectively fight against one of the biggest we are happy for the national side to use Paul’s problems of football.” Draft bills have already talent to their benefit, at agreed junctures, as been put before Ukraine’s parliament and will they pursue a place in the European Champion­ be discussed in the local football community in ships. It goes without saying that they have our order to implement effective measures as part full backing during this exciting time.” of the campaign. Following this appointment, Osian Roberts l Yuri Maznychenko will become assistant manager to Coleman, with Paul Trollope joining the highly experienced Wales backroom staff. Michel Platini and Andriy Pavelko l Rob Dowling UEFA

26 | UEFA •direct | 08.15 Birthdays, calendar, notices

Nenad Dikić (Serbia, 21 Sept.) birthdays Stefan Weber (Germany, 21 Sept.) Gerhard Aigner (Germany, 1 Sept.) Vladislav Khodeev (Russia, 21 Sept.) notices José Guilherme Aguiar (Portugal, 1 Sept.) 50th l On 9 June, Alan McRae took over Manuel Díaz Vega (Spain, 1 Sept.) Cornelis de Bruin (Netherlands, 22 Sept.) from Campbell Ogilvie as president of João Morais (Portugal, 1 Sept.) Vasile Avram (Romania, 22 Sept.) the Scottish Football Association. Anatoly Vorobyev (Russia, 2 Sept.) Goetz Eilers (Germany, 23 Sept.) Marco Brunelli (Italy, 2 Sept.) Umberto Lago (Italy, 23 Sept.) Giangiorgio Spiess (Switzerland, 24 Sept.) l Since the beginning of June, Nikita Savo Milošević (Serbia, 2 Sept.) Simonyan has been acting president Gérard Houllier (France, 3 Sept.) Eugen Strigel (Germany, 24 Sept.) Ionel Piscanu (Romania, 24 Sept.) of the Russian Football Union, taking David Elleray (England, 3 Sept.) over from Nikolai Tolstykh. Rudolf Bata (Czech Republic, 4 Sept.) Matteo Frameglia (Italy, 24 Sept.) Victor Mintoff (Malta, 4 Sept.) Magdalena Urbanska (Poland, 24 Sept.) Dr Mogens Kreutzfeldt (Denmark, l Since 22 July, Azamat Aitkhozhin Grigoriy Surkis (Ukraine, 4 Sept.) has been the new general secretary of Barry Taylor (England, 5 Sept.) 25 Sept.) Paul Krähenbühl (Switzerland, 25 Sept.) the Football Federation of Kazakhstan, Eija Vähälä (Finland, 6 Sept.) replacing Allen Chaizhunussov. Bernd Stöber (Germany, 6 Sept.) Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (Germany, 25 Sept.) 60th Shmuel Shteif (Israel, 6 Sept.) 50th l In July Nebojša Ivković was György Mezey (Hungary, 7 Sept.) Christine Frai (Germany, 25 Sept.) 50th Ayse Idil Cem (Turkey, 25 Sept.) appointed general secretary of Antonio Laranjo (Portugal, 7 Sept.) the FA of Serbia, taking over from Stephen Lodge (England, 26 Sept.) Werner Helsen (Belgium, 7 Sept.) Zoran Laković. Vignir Már Thormódsson (Iceland, 7 Sept.) Camelia Nicolae (Romania, 26 Sept.) Dzmitry Kryshchanovich (Belarus, 26 Sept.) Adrian Titcombe (England, 8 Sept.) 70th l Since 27 July, Radu Visan has been Aleš Zavrl (Slovenia, 26 Sept.) Pierre Rochcongar (France, 9 Sept.) the new general secretary of the Sławomir Stempniewski (Poland, 26 Sept.) Kostadin Gerginov (Bulgaria, 9 Sept.) Romanian Football Federation, Jens Kleinefeld (Germany, 27 Sept.) Geir Thorsteinsson (Iceland, 9 Sept.) replacing Gheorghe Chivorchian. Ilonka Milanova Djaleva (Bulgaria, 9 Sept.) Mariano Delogu (Italy, 28 Sept.) Michael van Praag (Netherlands, 28 Sept.) Ioannis Tsachilidis (Greece, 11 Sept.) l The Football Federation of Katarzyna Wierzbowska (Poland, 11 Sept.) Karel Bohunek (Czech Republic, 28 Sept.) FYR Macedonia has moved to Tomas Karpavicius (Lithuania, 11 Sept.) Eric Romain (Belgium, 28 Sept.) Bul. ASNOM bb, MK-1000 Skopje. Talal Darawshi (Israel, 12 Sept.) 50th Dariusz Dziekanowski (Poland, 30 Sept.) Tanya Gravina (Malta, 12 Sept.) Cristina-Daniela Uluc (Romania, 30 Sept.) Stanisław Speczik (Poland, 13 Sept.) Jon Skjervold (Norway, 13 Sept.) Ingrid Jonsson (Sweden, 13 Sept.) Frank Wormuth (Germany, 13 Sept.) Forthcoming events Philippe Prudhon (France, 13 Sept.) Ivan Gazidis (England, 13 Sept.) Meetings 6–8 September Miguel Liétard Fernández-Palacios European Qualifiers (EURO 2016): (Spain, 13 Sept.) 1 September, Nyon matchday 8 UEFA Youth League: draws for the Javid Garayev (Azerbaijan, 14 Sept.) 15 September domestic champions path (first and Kim Robin Haugen (Norway, 14 Sept.) European Futsal Championship: second rounds) Adam Giersz (Poland, 15 Sept.) play-offs (first legs) Women’s Football Committee Eugeniusz Nowak (Poland, 15 Sept.) 15/16 September Dejan Savićević (Montenegro, 15 Sept.) 2 September, Nyon Elite Club Coaches Forum UEFA Champions League: group matches Sokol Jareci (Albania, 15 Sept.) (matchday 1) Tony Asumaa (Finland, 15 Sept.) 15/16 September, Malta UEFA Youth League: UEFA Champions Revaz Arveladze (Georgia, 15 Sept.) Top Executive Programme (TEP) strategy League path group matches (matchday 1) Paddy McCaul (Republic of Ireland, meeting 17 September 16 Sept.) 60th 17/18 September, Malta UEFA Europa League: group matches Executive Committee Antonis Petrou (Cyprus, 16 Sept.) (matchday 1) Fran Gavin (Republic of Ireland, 16 Sept.) 21 September, Bratislava Kelly Simmons (England, 16 Sept.) Development and Technical Assistance 22 September Antoine De Pandis (France, 17 Sept.) Committee European Futsal Championship: play-offs (return legs) Antero Silva Resende (Portugal, 18 Sept.) 21–25 September, Bratislava Şenes Erzik (Turkey, 18 Sept.) Coach education workshop 29/30 September Roberto Rosetti (Italy, 18 Sept.) UEFA Champions League: group matches 23 September, Nyon (matchday 2) Miroslava Migalova (Slovakia, 18 Sept.) Anti-Doping Panel Stefano Farina (Italy, 19 Sept.) UEFA Youth League: UEFA Champions Gaioz Darsadze (Georgia, 19 Sept.) Competitions League path group matches (matchday 2) John Fleming (Scotland, 20 Sept.) UEFA Youth League: domestic champions Miloš Marković (Serbia, 20 Sept.) 3–5 September path first round (first legs) Helena Herrero González (Spain, 21 Sept.) European Qualifiers (EURO 2016): 29 September–4 October Viktor Paradnikov (Ukraine, 21 Sept.) matchday 7 UEFA Futsal Cup: main round

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