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No. 164

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE UNION OF EUROPEAN ASSOCIATIONS

NO TO RACISM

EUROPEAN QUALIFIERS The story so far on the road to No.164 2017 • January/February

ME AND MY THE EXECUTIVE TECHNICIAN COMMITTEE Players talk about the Fernando Santos, ’s EURO- Lyon to host the 2018 UEFA prized tool of their trade winning coach, talks to UEFA Direct Europa League final BIRTHDAYS, NOTICES, FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Fritz Stuchlik (Austria, 11 February) Jarmo Matikainen (, 21 February) FORTHCOMING EVENTS Madeline Ekvall (, 11 February) 50th Eugène Westerink (, 21 February) Borislav Mihaylov (, 12 February) Igor Ischenko (Ukraine, 21 February) 50th David McDowell (Slovenia, 12 February) Asim Khudiyev (Azerbaijan, 22 February) 60th Meetings Oleksandr Bandurko (Ukraine, 13 February) 70th Vladimir Sajn (Slovenia, 22 February) 19 January, Nyon (, 13 February) Ana Caetano (Portugal, 22 February) European qualifying competition for Christian Mutschler (, Peter Jones (, 24 February) the Women’s World Cup: preliminary round 13 February) Hans-Dieter Flick (Germany, 24 February) draw Roman Babaev (Russia, 13 February) Oleg Harlamov (Estonia, 24 February) 20 January, Nyon Marinus den Engelsman (Netherlands, Xavier Palacin (England, 24 February) Women’s Football Committee 14 February) Miroslav Radoman (, 25 February) Manuel Lopez Fernandez (Spain, Josep Garcia (Andorra, 26 February) 26 January, Nyon 2017–19 European Under-21 Championship: 14 February) Ghenadie Scurtul (Moldova, 26 February) group stage draw Thomas Weyhing (Germany, 14 February) (Germany, 27 February) Livio Bazzoli (Italy, 14 February) Enrique Cerezo Torres (Spain, 27 February) 9 February, Nyon Peter Bonde (Denmark, 14 February) Allan Hansen (Denmark, 27 February) Executive Committee Juan Carlos Miralles (Andorra, 14 February) Peter Lundström (Finland, 27 February) Susanne Erlandsson (Sweden, 13 February, Nyon John Beattie (England, 28 February) UEFA Youth League: draw for the round 15 February) 60th Markus Stenger (Germany, 28 February) of 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals (Sweden, 15 February) Katriina Elovirta (Finland, 15 February) 16 February, Nyon Media Committee Sonia Testaguzza (Switzerland, 15 February) NOTICES Svitlana Shkil (Ukraine, 15 February) 24 February, Nyon Orkhan Huseynzade (Azerbaijan, • In November, Seilda Baishakov was elected as UEFA Europa League: round of 16 draw 15 February) the new president of the Jan Pauly (, 16 February) Football Federation of Competitions Roman Sowinski (, 16 February) Kazakhstan, succeeding Yerlan Kozhagapanov. 23 January – 1 February Terje Svendsen (, 17 February) 2017–18 European Championship: Robert Barczi (Hungary, 17 February) • Angelo Chetcuti is the preliminary round Gudrun Inga Sivertsen (Iceland, 17 February) new general secretary of the FA, replacing Jozef Vengloš (Slovakia, 18 February) Bjorn Vassallo. 7/8 February Borislav Alexandrov (Bulgaria, 18 February) UEFA Youth League: play-offs Georgios Gkirtzikis (Greece, 18 February) 70th OBITUARIES 14/15 & 21/22 February Patrick Kelly (Republic of Ireland, 18 February) UEFA Champions League: round Pertti Alaja (Finland, 18 February) • Pierre Rochcongar (), of 16 (first legs) Vasily Melnychuk (Ukraine, 18 February) 60th third vice-chairman of the UEFA Medical Committee Jordi Pascual (Andorra, 18 February) 16 February since 2015, died on 2 UEFA Europa League: round of 32 Petro Ivanov (Ukraine, 18 February) December, aged 69. He had (first legs) Jānis Mežeckis (Latvia, 19 February) been a member of the Medical Louis Peila (Switzerland, 19 February) Committee since 2011. 21/22 February Lars Arnesson (Sweden, 20 February) UEFA Youth League: round of 16 • Leonardus van der Kroft Eggert Magnusson (Iceland, 20 February) 70th (Netherlands), a member 23 February Edward Potok (Poland, 20 February) of the Amicale des anciens, UEFA Europa League: round of 32 João F. De Magalhães Marques (Portugal, the circle of former UEFA (return legs) 20 February) committee members, died www.uefafoundation.org on 7 December, aged 87. Ion Geolgau (, 20 February) He was a member of the UEFA Patricia Moyersoen (France, 20 February) Referees Committee from Ralph Zloczower (Switzerland, 21 February) 1986 to 2000. Fernando Gomes (Portugal, 21 February)

UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 – 55 EDITORIAL

“A NEW ERA”

he curtains are closing on another year, looking forward to being by his side as we and as I look back on 2016 I am proud of embark on this adventure together. T what we all managed to accomplish. Together with the UEFA Executive It would be impossible to speak about some of Committee, we made some important decisions the highlights of the last 12 months without at the end of the year in Nyon, one of which mentioning UEFA EURO 2016 in France. I would was to increase the prize money for the UEFA like to thank the French Football Federation Women’s EURO from €2.2m in 2013 to €8m and EURO 2016 SAS for organising a fantastic in 2017. We look forward to a successful event, and I want to praise all the national tournament in the Netherlands. associations for making the European Qualifiers That is just one of many success stories we and the final tournament so exciting. There is hope we can tell in 2017, a year which will no doubt in my mind that the move to expand also feature the European Under-21 the EURO to 24 teams was a great one! Championship final tournament in Poland. I We have also had some exciting moments look forward to working with all of you in the in our other competitions. It is important not months to come and, in the meantime, take this to forget that we organise a total of 15 opportunity to wish everyone happy holidays competitions and they are all important in their and a fantastic new year! own way for the promotion and development of European football. Of course, we have just begun a new reign with Aleksander Čeferin at the helm of our organisation. It is a pleasure to work with a man I already knew well when he was president of the Slovenian . The new president has arrived with plenty of energy and Theodore Theodoridis ideas to take UEFA into a new era, and I am UEFA General Secretary

UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 – 03 CONTENTS

14 BFU Sportsfile 34 CONTENTS

6 Me and my boots 24 Marketing Much more than just another piece The UEFA GROW programme is of kit, the football has a special helping Europe’s national associations place in the heart of many a player. to develop all aspects of the game in their respective countries.

12 Executive Committee Official publication of Numerous decisions were made at the 28 The Technician the Union of European Executive Committee’s last meeting of Portugal coach Fernando Santos talks Football Associations the year, including the appointment of about his first triumph in a major Chief editor: Lyon to host the UEFA Europa League national team competition. Emmanuel Deconche final in 2018. Deputy chief editor: 34 Bulgaria Dominique Maurer 14 European Under-21 A state-of-the-art national technical External contributors: Championship centre gives football in Bulgaria Simon Hart (page 6) The draw for the first-ever 12-team Julien Hernandez (page 16) a boost. Yordan Grozdanov, BFU final tournament was held in (page 34) Krakow, Poland. 38 Faroe Islands Terji Nielsen, FSF (page 38) Four new UEFA A licence coaches are Production: 16 European Qualifiers working with the national association Touchline The road to Russia in 2018 remains to take Faroese football to the Printing: long but the first four matchdays in next level. Artgraphic Cavin the European Qualifiers have already CH-1422 Grandson produced plenty to ponder. 39 News from member Editorial deadline: associations 14 December 2016 Cover photos: Getty Images

04 – UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 THE TECHNICIANCONTENTS

16 12 Getty Images UEFA

28 Getty Images

UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 – 05 well” as superstition –and care of a lot with it did everybody and likewas aritual, training after boots the cleaning and “Applying dubbin Armando Rotoletti THE GAME

HIS MASTER’S BOOTS

A player’s boots say as much about them as the shirt on their back. Superstition, emotion, passion, precision – the football boot has always been more than just a piece of kit.

oots are the footballer’s tools,” Rossi is not alone in using the ‘S’ word was born during his days as a youth player says Paolo Rossi as he looks back – superstition – when remembering the at Middlesbrough FC, long before he won Bon his relationship with the football old tools of his trade. , who the European Champion Clubs’ Cup with boots he wore. succeeded him as the winner of the in 1984. The teenager, a recent The pair in which the former Italy Golden in 1986, has another tale arrival from Australia, was initially rejected and Juventus forward scored six goals which underlines what boots mean by Middlesbrough manager . for the Azzurri at the 1982 FIFA World to a footballer. However, rather than go home, he hung Cup are currently on display in a touring It comes from the 1985/86 season, in around the club, earning pocket money exhibition1, along with the coveted Golden which Lineker scored 40 goals for Everton by cleaning the first-team players’ cars, Shoe award that he received as the FC. Unfortunately, his favourite boots went kit and – crucially – . tournament’s top goalscorer. Yet, as Rossi missing before a crucial evening game “A few times, rather than give me tries to put into words what the football at Oxford United FC near the end of the money, they would pay me in soccer boot means to the footballer, he takes us season, and he had to borrow a pair. He boots,” he recalls. “ Kings then were back much further – to the first pair he missed several clear chances and Everton so paper-thin that they would wear out ever wore, half a century ago. lost 1-0. Everton ended up surrendering every two or three months, so I ended up “When I started playing for a football their league title to Liverpool FC, finishing with a collection of Puma Kings and club at the age of ten, my mother bought just two points behind their rivals. Lineker Copas. To me, that was worth much me my first boots with rubber studs,” was subsequently reunited with his boots more than money. I was prince of the boot he begins. “I can still remember it and duly went off and scored six World room. It was warm and it was safe, and now – I could hardly breathe with the Cup goals for England in . “They I remember the smell of the liniment and excitement. I felt like a footballer; were my lucky boots,” he recalls. “I had the smell of the boots. That is where my I was so proud.” them sent to adidas to fix on a couple of love and understanding of good and bad Later, as an apprentice at Juventus, his occasions. I was always a bit superstitious football boots came from.” chest would swell with pride once more in those days.”2 Johnston has no doubt in his mind as when first-team players shone in the boots to which were the best boots of all. “My he would ‘break in’ for them. “The senior ‘A performance instrument’ favourites were always the adidas Copa players used to give us youth players their Arguably, no footballer is better placed Mundial and the adidas World Cup,” brand new boots for a week in order to to reflect on this special relationship he says. make the leather softer. After a week you than , the Australian who gave them back, and then when a player designed the prototype for the adidas Changing fashions scored with those boots you felt as if you’d Predator, which first appeared on football ‘Have boots, will travel’, the saying goes. scored yourself!” pitches in 1994. It was a revolutionary But one of football’s most interesting In those days, Rossi adds, there were concept: a boot designed to aid journeys is that made by the boot itself – few sponsorship deals for footballers in performance. a journey from the cumbersome designs Italy, and players had to look after their “I looked at a boot like a golfer would of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, boots. “We had to take care of our boots look at his clubs and a player would when they were made of tough leather by applying dubbin and cleaning them look at their racket,” he says. “I don’t and reached high over the ankles, to after training,” he recalls. “It was like a think people had ever looked at a football today’s super-lightweight models with ritual, and everybody did it with a lot of boot as a performance instrument – it was their bright and garish colours. care – and superstition as well.” just a boot.” Johnston’s love of the boot In the original Laws of the Game,

UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 – 07 THE GAME

drafted in 1863, the only stipulation was that boots should have no protruding nails. For many decades, it was common for footballers to put new boots on and sink them into warm water to mould them to their feet. Dubbin was also put on boots to soften them up. Change came in the years after the Second World War. In 1949, Adi Dassler’s newly founded company – adidas – produced the first boots with moulded rubber studs. In 1954, ’s players won the World Cup wearing boots with screw-in studs. And two years after that, boots with nylon soles were on the market. Over in England, it was the 1950 World Cup in that opened elite players’ eyes to the future of the football boot. On Brazil’s bone-dry pitches, the England players turned out in footwear – made of heavy leather with thick toe caps – that had changed little since the turn of the century. They were amazed at the sight of the Brazilian players’ lightweight, streamlined boots. The reaction of , England’s iconic winger, was to go straight to a sports shop in Rio de Janeiro and buy himself a pair. “I realised that, with a pair of these, I could be even quicker,” he said.3 On his return home, Matthews arranged for the Co-op to design him his own private pair – a replica of which sold 500,000 copies – which he would wear for the rest of his career. Matthews’ example is evidence that the practice of top footballers having boot endorsements is nothing new. England’s in Manchester may display a pair of ’s bespoke adidas boots from 2009 – with three textured synthetic pads stitched into kangaroo leather uppers for extra control – but it also Getty Images features pairs endorsed by the likes of and . either. While boots are now available in a On Brazil’s bone-dry pitches, ‘Put yourself in my ’ was the kaleidoscope of gaudy colours, it is worth the England players turned tagline for the Stylo Matchmaker boots noting that Alan Ball, who won the World out in footwear – made of promoted by Best, the Manchester United Cup with England, wore a white pair at the heavy leather with thick toe FC and Northern Ireland , in the 1960s. start of the 1970s. However, with supply caps – that had changed little A decade later, was refusing chains not being quite as efficient as they to wear the three stripes of adidas on his are today, Ball actually ended up painting since the turn of the century. Netherlands shirt owing to his boot deal his old adidas boots white while waiting They were amazed at the with Puma. for Hummel to provide his new footwear. sight of the Brazilian players’ Believe it or not, the current fashion In the case of Paolo Rossi, he actually lightweight, streamlined for coloured boots is not entirely new had a stake in the company – Lancer – boots.

08 – UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 THE GAME

Below: 1951. England’s Stanley Matthews inspects his studs. Left: 1960. Brazil’s Nílton Santos puts his feet up.

boots. You grip the ball and you give it an effect – side spin, top spin, and so on.’ They said: ‘Yes, but Mr Johnston, it’s starting to rain, and our boots are made of leather and they’re slippery; they’re not made of rubber.’ Driving home, I thought: ‘The kids are right.’ So I got a table tennis bat and took the rubber cover off it. I went back out in the rain and strapped it to my boot with some elastic bands. I kicked the ball, which was made of polyurethane, and it squeaked.” The aim, Johnston explains, was to design a boot with a bigger sweet spot and better grip at the same time. “It had a bit more grip and firmer, longer contact. The fins and jets – which were the backbone of the patent – gripped and deformed the ball like a ping pong bat. It allowed more of a contact, and because it was rubber, players could kick the ball harder.” “Unlike the good players I played with, like , every time I kicked a ball, I had to think about it – what part of the foot and what part of the ball for what effect, be it back spin, top spin, a straight kick, etc. I was always analysing. Other people did it naturally, but I copied them. That is why I understand that the moment of contact between the boot and the ball is the moment of truth.” In the end, Johnston – having been rejected by adidas, Nike, Puma, and – took his prototype to FC Bayern München and filmed some of the club’s all-time greats trying out the Getty Images shoe. “I got [Franz] Beckenbauer, [Karl- Heinz] Rummenigge, and whose boots he wore while scoring six is the fact that lighter footwear helped Gerd Müller. I filmed them in the snow at goals at the World Cup. “For a certain players to move at greater speed. Another Bayern’s training ground kicking the ball.” period, I owned that brand,” he recalls. is the fact that, as balls became lighter That video convinced adidas to back the “It was a company which produced and more responsive, boots were designed project, and the rest is history. and other items, and before to help players direct the ball better. the tournament I’d invested in the brand.” In Johnston’s case, the idea came to The present day him during a coaching session with youth And so to the present and today’s players Birth of a boot players in his native Australia: “I was and their boots. They look increasingly This brings us back to Craig Johnston and explaining to them how to swerve the like high-street fashion items, but does the birth of the Predator. One key aspect ball, and I said: ‘Look, you’ve got to think that make them more disposable than of the changes made to football boots of it like having a table tennis bat on your they once were? Anecdotal evidence

UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 – 09 THE GAME

Below: In 1971, a 17-year-old looks after the boots of his City team-mates. Right: In 1981, that same Trevor Francis was the first British player to be sold for a seven-figure transfer fee (to Nottingham Forest). Getty Images

10 – UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 THE GAME

from one UEFA Champions League club, Tottenham Hotspur FC, suggests that players will get through ten pairs a season. However, Austrian international Christian Fuchs estimates that he uses half that number – “four or five” – in a campaign. “I play until they rip,” he says. Anders Svensson, Sweden’s most capped male player, offers a fascinating insight as a recently retired player who began his career in the early 1990s, when his black Lotto boots would last him an entire season. Later, as a player, Umbro would provide him with made-to-measure boots. By the end of his career, he was wearing coloured boots adorned with the names of his children, his shirt number and a Swedish flag. “In the last few years, there were so many different boots – different materials and different colours – but I tried to get boots that were as similar as possible to the ones I’d had before, preferring leather and mostly discreet colours. I wanted as comfortable a boot as possible. I never liked standing out with all kinds of Getty Images different colours. If I had boots that were a discreet colour and comfortable, I played in them till I couldn’t use them any more. It was difficult to get that colour again, as they always had new colours.” He recalls that other team-mates saw things differently, citing the example of one Sweden player who wore a new pair for every international match he played. “One colleague in the Swedish national team liked to go into a game with completely unused boots,” he says. “I really didn’t like that. I needed to THE STUD have a few training sessions in the boots before I used them in a game.” Just as football boots have changed,

Craig Johnston would concur with Getty Images so too have studs. In the 19th that. Like Paolo Rossi, he evokes that century, footballers’ boots had special bond between a footballer and metal tacks or studs attached for their footwear which is so vital to their better grip on muddy pitches. job. “They become like a family dog The first official studded football that is always there for you and never boots were produced in the early lets you down – once you wear them in, 1900s, but it was not until the 1950s of course!” that adidas introduced boots with interchangeable screw-in studs. Today, the most common studs are 1 ‘Pablito: Great Italian Emotions’ will visit , Munich, New York and Monaco in 2017. probably firm-ground studs, which 2 Hart, S. (2016). Here We Go: Everton in the 1980s: can be either round studs or blades The Players’ Stories. (although the latter have generated 3 Matthews, S. (2000). The Way It Was: some concerns regarding players’ My Autobiography. In 1962, ’s Bobby Collins teaches his son 4 4 Ferretti, A. (2015). Boots, Studs and Injuries in the art of attaching studs. safety in recent years). Football, UEFA Medicine Matters, No. 23, April.

UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 – 11 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Looking to the Europa League, the FULL PROGRAMME committee appointed the 58,000-seater Stade de Lyon in France – one of the venues for EURO 2016 – to host CLOSES THE YEAR the 2018 final. Also on the topic of appointing hosts, approval was given to the bidding process The 2018–21 club competitions cycle, the 2018 Europa for the inaugural UEFA Nations League League final hosts and Women’s EURO 2017 prize money final four in June 2019, with the hosts to be chosen from among the four finalists in were all on the agenda at the Executive Committee’s last December 2018. meeting of the year, held in Nyon on 9 December. The bidding concept for EURO 2024 was also approved, and will enable joint bids to be made, while direct qualification will be guaranteed to a maximum of two hosts. The bidding process will culminate in the selection of the EURO 2024 host or hosts in September 2018. In addition, approval was given to the overall bidding concept for the 2019 club competition finals, with the hosts to be chosen in September 2017. As regards UEFA’s anti-doping strategy, and specifically the sample storage programme, the sample storage time was extended to ten years, to enable re-testing when new procedures become available, introducing another significant deterrent in UEFA the fight against doping.

Women’s EURO prize money The growing importance of women’s he committee approved the club The bonus points allocated for trophies football was underlined by the Executive competition access list, club won will be as follows: Committee’s decision to increase the total T coefficient calculation principles and UCL* UEL** CWC*** prize money available at next summer’s financial distribution model for the Women’s EURO 2017 in the Netherlands to 2018–21 cycle. Starting with the access Last five years: 12 3 €8m (up from €2.2m in 2013). The team list, all of UEFA’s 55 member associations From 1992/93: 8 2 2 that takes the title will earn €1.2m. will still be in with a chance of being Before 1992/93: 4 1 1 Meanwhile, host associations were represented in the Champions League and chosen for several competitions: Italy Europa League group stages. In addition, * UEFA Champions League (Under-21 finals in 2019); and all domestic champions that are knocked ** UEFA Europa League Northern Ireland (Under-19s in 2019 and out of the Champions League during *** UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup 2020 respectively); Republic of Ireland and qualifying will have a second opportunity Furthermore, the contribution from Estonia (Under-17s in 2019 and 2020); to compete on the European stage, by way the Champions League to the Europa Scotland and Georgia (women’s Under-19s of a dedicated champions’ path in the League will be increased by €50m, and in 2019 and 2020); Bulgaria and Sweden Europa League. an additional €10m from the Champions (women’s Under-17s in 2019 and 2020); As for the club coefficients, these will League will be earmarked to increase and Almaty, Kazakhstan (2017 UEFA Futsal no longer include 20% of the respective the solidarity payments available to Cup finals). national association coefficients. The club clubs involved in both competitions’ The committee confirmed the 2015/16 coefficients used for seeding purposes qualifying rounds. UEFA Fair Play rankings. Three national will be calculated from the clubs’ results associations each receive €50,000 – over the last five seasons, to reflect their New kick-off times Norway (overall fair play), Estonia (best current strength, and will not contain Two new kick-off times will be introduced spectators) and Belarus (best progression). bonus points for previous titles won. for Champions League matchnights, Each association must donate these funds Meanwhile, club coefficients for financial meaning that during the group stage, two to an amateur or professional club for fair distribution purposes will cover the last ten matches will be at 19.00 CET and the other play or respect projects. years and include bonus points for past six at 21.00 CET, to give fans a chance to Finally, the Executive Committee silverware, reflecting the clubs’ watch even more of the action. From the appointed UEFA competitions director contributions to the brand and success round of 16 up to and including the final, Giorgio Marchetti as the organisation’s of UEFA’s flagship club competitions. all matches will kick off at 21.00 CET. new deputy general secretary.

12 – UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 RESEARCH GRANT PROGRAMME

STADIUM MANAGEMENT SUCCESS FACTORS In order to give readers a taste of the work supported by the UEFA Research Grant Programme, UEFA Direct has been showcasing research projects funded by the 2015/16 cycle. This month, Daniel Gruber presents details of his study, which looked at factors governing the success of strategic stadium management.

our of the stadiums hosting matches landscape is so vast and varied (with a at UEFA EURO 2016 were brand new, total of 165 different venues) that it offers F and five of the others had undergone numerous examples of good practices. substantial renovations. France’s high The subsequent assessment of the demand for football should ensure a German stadium market was based on decent future for those venues, particularly two sources of information: qualitative given their modest size (see issue 158 interviews with industry experts looking of UEFA Direct). In contrast, other new at their chosen business model, and a stadium projects have, in the past, standardised survey. The findings from UEFA sometimes been overly optimistic in terms Germany can be extrapolated from Daniel Gruber works in the department of sports of future capacity, resulting in empty seats and applied to other stadium projects governance and event management at the and financial difficulties for the owners. around Europe. University of Bayreuth. His stadium research is With that in mind, this study sought highly practical in nature, whereby he is able to draw on his own experience working for the to carry out a scientific assessment of The recipe for success: company that operates Arena. He has the industry’s experience with stadiums, a cautious approach to capacity also carried out studies looking at the management providing strategic insight into stadium and a focus on football of sports clubs and fan relations in football. management. This involved identifying The study shows that a stadium’s capacity the ideal business models for successful should generally be determined by the can, however, be mitigated by using stadium management on the basis of home team’s sporting success (or lack modular seating that makes stadiums more expert knowledge and known market thereof) and the size of the local market. flexible. The additional cost of such a conditions. These findings are not just relevant to solution is recouped over the lifetime of stadium operators and clubs; they should the stadium, as it prevents extra costs German stadiums: a also be borne in mind when UEFA selects resulting from permanent excess capacity. European benchmark stadiums for a EURO and defines its Another key finding is that construction At the heart of this empirical study lay capacity requirements, in order to foster and operating costs increase a strategic benchmarking exercise, which stadium efficiency in the longer term. disproportionately as a stadium’s sought to identify successful models in the If, for example, non-market-related functionality rises. At the same time, stadium industry. The German market was political motives take precedence when a high degree of functionality does not identified as an example to the rest of venues are selected, we can expect to automatically guarantee a corresponding Europe, based, among other things, see those stadiums suffer in terms of increase in usage. There is considerable on case studies and data on both stadium efficiency, and potentially even encounter economic uncertainty in the non-football usage and the maturity of the market. serious financial difficulties. The risks events market, so the vast majority What is more, Germany’s stadium associated with poor capacity planning of stadiums should focus on football. Getty Images

UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 – 13 T lost one game en route to the finals). to the route en game one lost Republic (the Czech for Poland unbeaten qualified that teams six of the three Italy, i.e. and Denmark Republic, Czech Germany, Cfeatures Group the and Macedonia, FYR finalists first-time and Spain Serbia, Portugal, Bcomprises Group England, and Slovakia Sweden, holders stage.” this to reach quality and strength shown and here be to hard very worked has team “Every ago. years two spot runners-up to the Portugal led who finals,”Jorge, said major at be should it as tough, “It’s Poland. in tournament final summer’s this for preparing coach for every true ring Under-21European will Championship 14 groups. challenging into teams three participating the dividing The draw for the first 12-team finals was held in Krakow on1 December, TANTALISINGA LINE-UP EUROPEAN UNDER-21CHAMPIONSHIP Group A pits hosts Poland against against Poland hosts Apits Group – UEFA DIRECT 2017 •January/February the draw for the 2017 for the draw the the of finals after immediately Rui Jorge coach by Portugal made assessment he having topped their group in qualifying. in group their topped having MacedoniaFYR are the surprise package,

the draw: “It won’t be easy, but if easy, if but be “It won’t draw: the after said Boniek, Zbigniew president, Polish The hosts. for the experience an novel as almost feel will it 1994, so since not but before in finals 2010.Championship Women’s Under-19 the European hosted country the since tournament afinal at nation Balkan small the to represent team football first the be will men Milevski’s Blagoja Macedonia. FYR finalists first-time England, and Germany Sweden, alongside Republic, Czech the plus respectively), times and four five (champions Spain and Italy field: inthe winners former 16 six are There June. to 30 from inPoland competing be will that teams of the pedigree of the sign only the not is groups of the composition The field the in winners former Six Poland have competed at this level level this at have competed Poland

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took the U21 the took place. inhis reins Boothroyd Aidy and team senior the over took he before Southgate Gareth under qualifier last their was That Rashford. Marcus striker FC United by Manchester 2016September ahat-trick featured that in Norway a6-1 of runners-up rout with section in the supremacy their underlined winners two-time 9.Group The of top the at unbeaten finishing by finals successive sixth for their win a month later. amonth win 2015 inOctober home a4-2 and victory –a3-1 away challengers closest their Netherlands, the over wins back-to-back from gained of confidence injection huge by the on driven game, another lose to not managed They inBelarus. game opening intheir defeat after impressively recovered side Hapal’s Pavel in 2000. semi-finals the reaching since first their and – participation final-round second apiece. five struck each Arnold Maximilian and Meyer Max Sané, Leroy while goals, seven with team for Stefan scorer Kuntz’s top the was Selke Davie game. of 3.5 per average – an 35 goals unsurpassed an scoring and games ten all winning record, a with 7 Group 100% from qualified having inPoland up line teams the as leg. second inthe draw goalless a after through Spain carried that goal away the provided also it goals); U21 at scorer (16 top level country’s his him made only not inStdraw Polten 1-1 inthe Deulofeu’s penalty first-leg Gerard Captain Austria. against off play- contested of atightly challenge the to survive had Spain Swedes, himself. three scoring as well as goals six up set who Olsson, inKristoffer providers assist round’s leading qualifying of the one had Sweden out, time last triumph surprise of their architect Ericson, Håkan by . Still coached third-placed over 4-2victory afinal-day following point, by a qualification to automatic pipped eventually they whom side Spain 1-1 to earn behind from a with draws came twice they as resilience to their something owed summit the at position Their 6. Group awkward-looking an from unbeaten, advanced also champions, 2015 the U21 reigning and semi-finals in Danes the over victors Sweden, Last but not least, England qualified qualified England least, not but Last their only secured Slovakia 8, Group In favourites of the one be will Germany the behind point a finishing After

Tychy or Winner C: 27 June C: Winner or A/C BvRunner-up Winner Sweden (holders), England (holders), Sweden Slovakia, (hosts), Poland Group A: AT AGLANCE hosts of the forthcoming finals. forthcoming the of hosts the to champions reigning the from passes trophy Championship Under-21 European the as Boniek, Zbigniew counterpart, Polish his with Association, Football Swedish the of president Nilsson, Karl-Erik Group C: Group Group B: Group A: Match dates Italy Denmark, Germany, Republic, Czech C: Group Macedonia FYR Spain, Serbia, Portugal, Group B: Krakow Gdynia Lublin Kielce Venues Final: Semi-final 2 27 June C: Winner or B/C AvRunner-up Winner 1 Semi-final

UEFA DIRECT • roup C and semi-final Cand roup roup A roup roup A roup

30 June 30 roup C, semi-final semi-final C, roup

18, 21 24 June 18, and 17, June 23 and 20 G Group B Group B Group G G a G

16, 19 and 22 June 16, 19 22 and nd final

January/February 2017 January/February

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15 Sportsfile EUROPEAN QUALIFIERS

RUSSIA 2018: ALL EYES LOOK EAST The European Qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup kicked off in September and with the first four matchdays completed, trends are already emerging in the nine groups.

Only 13 of the 54 UEFA member associations taking part in the qualifying round will have the privilege of joining hosts Russia and competing at world-class venues such as Saint Petersburg Stadium (below). Getty Images s Russia prepares to stage major football nations are living up to course to qualify, thanks in particular to the first World Cup to be expectations in the World Cup qualifying a 1-0 away win against the other group held on European soil since competition. However, the battle is fierce favourites, the Netherlands. Combining 2006, the search is on to and there could be a few surprises in store. defensive solidity with attacking verve, Les find the continent’s 13 Four games in, here is the story so far. Bleus also defeated Sweden, who lead the Abest national teams, who will compete chasing pack alongside the Dutch (7 points alongside the host nation at the 2018 Group A each). The most surprising EURO 2016 tournament. In the wake of EURO 2016, France maintain upward absentees, the Netherlands, are embarking the first European Football Championship momentum on a new era and find themselves vying to feature 24 teams and a tournament France have quickly put behind them the with a Swedish team that remains tough that showcased the breadth of quality in disappointment of losing the EURO 2016 to beat in spite of Zlatan Ibrahimović’s European football, most of the continent’s final at home against Portugal and are on retirement, as they showed in the 1-1 18 on well are and four points collected already have Faroe Islands the that fact the is group inthis surprise main The stage. European the on with reckoned aforce are to be they that proving are and Portugal over victory opening their on 2016, EURO and capitalised Swiss the 16 2014 last the the both at reached Cup World Having four matches. a 100% after record with teams three of only one by Switzerland, start to aperfect thanks group inthe second remain Portugal Lewandowski). Robert Poland’s with equal infour matches, goals far (seven so competition of the goalscorer top joint the as himself (4-1) establishing Ronaldo Cristiano and Latvia and (6-0) Faroe Islands the (6-0), Andorra against victories convincing three despite men, Santos’s of Fernando neck the around millstone a become since has result That Switzerland. in defeat a2-0 suffered they when a bump with to earth down back 2016, came Portugal EURO winning after match official first their In in champions European danger B Group process. the in own their of goals five netted and goals two than by more matches of their none lost having to nut crack, atough proving are they far, so campaign although of the point only their up pick saw Belarus against Adraw four matches. opening any of their won have not and start impressive their up follow 1), matchday on to have failed (0-0 French the to have team held only the Belarus, victories. home narrow to two thanks three top of the heels the on hot are (4th,Bulgaria 6points) Meanwhile, nations. two the between draw

– Getty Images UEFA DIRECT •January/February 2017 to win a point. apoint. to win yet are competition, inthe defence leakiest the have who Marino, San whereas yet, frame the of out not are finalists, frequent more both Norway, and Republic Czech the Meanwhile, far. so have scored they goals two only the with wins two securing after berth a play-off in1991,independence hunt for inthe also are gaining since competition major of a round final the reached have never who Azerbaijan, while since World appearance Cup 1986, first their 16 last 2016, the EURO at reaching eyeing are of after awave crest the on still Ireland, Northern years. inrecent progress steady making have been that teams two are them 2014 of their defence to the Behind title. start excellent an have made they four assists), and (four goals Müller Thomas inspired an by Led rivals. nearest their of clear points five already are Germans the conceded, none and 16 scored goals, goals two least at of four, out four wins of by amargin With each in2018. to continue set looks run impressive their –and team for aEuropean a record since – CupWorld 1954 tournaments final in 16 consecutive have participated Germany surpriseAzerbaijan many while dominate Germans Group C unlikelyprospect. more a looks qualification (6th, 0points), inparticular Andorra and (5th, 3points) Latvia top. For the at Portugal and Switzerland of challenging capable side only the to be appear 7points), (3rd with hand other the on Hungary, competition. qualifying in a tally ever best their to way achieving the

France to victory against against victory to France steered steered Pogba Paul the Netherlands.

AFP-Getty Images Haris Seferović and Breel Embolo celebrate Switzerland’s excellent start against European champions Portugal.

Group D Wales and Austria in a spot of bother Semi-finalists at EURO 2016, their first ever European Football Championship final tournament, Wales are now aiming to qualify for the World Cup finals for the first time since 1958. Although still undefeated and despite ’s typically valuable contribution (four goals), the Welsh have drawn their last three matches. Meanwhile, hailed as one of Europe’s up-and-coming nations, Austria (4th, 4 points) already have their backs against the wall following defeats to the group’s top two, the Republic of Ireland (1st, 10 points) and Serbia (2nd, 8 points). The Irish hit the front in this evenly matched group, in which the top three teams are yet to lose, with a 1-0 win in Austria. They also appear to have a favourable run-in, with home fixtures against all their main rivals still to come. Indeed, with four of their last six matches on home soil, the Republic’s chances of qualifying for Russia as group winners look good, although they will need to be wary of Serbia, for whom Dušan Tadić is in outstanding form (three goals and five assists in four matches). Further down the table, Georgia are struggling to make the most of their tight defence (with two draws and two defeats by a one-goal margin), while Moldova are simply shipping too many goals.

Group E Lewandowski stars for Poland In a group in which just five points separate the top four, Poland (10 points) lead the way after four matches, thanks in no small part to their star striker, Lewandowski. Joint top scorer in the qualifiers so far (seven goals, equal with Ronaldo), the FC Bayern München marksman has scored in every match, including a hat-trick in a 3-2 win over Denmark and an injury-time winner against Armenia (2-1). Poland are therefore on course to reach their first World Cup final tournament since 2006. For Montenegro, who currently lie second with 7 points, this is only their third World Cup qualifying campaign since gaining independence in 2006. However, with numerous quality players in their ranks, they are still dreaming of a place in Russia and will host the Poles in a crunch fixture in March. Denmark (3rd, 6 points) and Romania (4th, 5 points) are still very much in the mix for at least a play-off spot. The task looks more daunting for Armenia and Kazakhstan, who nevertheless remain in touching distance of supposedly superior outfits and will have an opportunity to improve their points tally when they face each other twice next year.

UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 – 19 EUROPEAN QUALIFIERS

Group F Group G England lead the way Spain and Italy neck and neck Like most of the major European nations, Undoubtedly the most hotly anticipated England have made a successful start to the duel of the qualifying competition has qualifying competition. With the best defence lived up to all expectations. Spain and Italy, so far (no goals conceded), the two countries that are used to treading a have not always been spectacular, but their relatively straightforward path through the defensive solidity has enabled them to grind qualifiers and reaching the final stages of down their opponents, with a 3-0 Wembley major competitions, cannot both qualify victory over Scotland confirming their position for Russia automatically. Despite Spanish as group favourites. Defences have been on dominance, the first match between the sides top in this group, with the 29 goals scored since the EURO 2016 round of 16, when the to date the lowest of any of the nine groups. Italians had been victorious, ended in a 1-1 This scenario has suited Slovenia in particular draw. The return, to be played in Spain next (2nd, 8 points), who are the only team to have September, is likely to determine the eventual kept a clean sheet against England (0-0) and group winners and will be one of Europe’s beat Slovakia, one of their main rivals, 1-0. most hotly anticipated matches of 2017. The Slovaks (3rd, 6 points) have recovered Behind these two footballing giants, well from two opening defeats by winning (3rd, 9 points) are enjoying a low-key but their subsequent two matches. Despite losing effective campaign. Beaten 3-1 by the Italians heavily to their neighbours from south of the in their opening match, the Israelis are well border, Scotland (5th, 4 points) remain in the placed to take advantage of any slip-ups by hunt for a play-off place. The same can be said Spain or Italy and reach their first World Cup of Lithuania (4th, 5 points), but the prospects since 1970, when they qualified in the Asian Sergio Busquets chases down Éder as Spain and already look bleak for a Maltese side who have zone. Although are endeavouring to Italy battle it out for top yet to claim a single point. stay in (4th, 6 points), group G is the spot in Group G. AFP-Getty Images

20 – UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 group with the clearest gap between the teams at the top and those at the bottom, where FYR Macedonia and Liechtenstein, who were blown away by the Spanish (8-0), have yet to mark a point between them.

Group H Belgium appear unstoppable With 21 goals scored, only one conceded and four players having scored three or more goals (, , Christian Benteke and ), Belgium’s record after four matches is frighteningly impressive. After a disappointing end to EURO 2016, when they were eliminated by Wales in the quarter-finals, the Belgians recovered quickly and have won all their matches by at least three goals. The only team they have yet to play, Greece (2nd, 10 points), have been displaying their usual defensive qualities and will be endeavouring to keep the Belgian machine at bay when the two sides come face to face in March. Bosnia and Getty Images Herzegovina (3rd, 7 points), who reached their first World Cup finals in 2014, appear the only real threat to the top two. Following a 4-0 defeat in Belgium, Miralem Pjanić (five assists) and his team-mates were on the Getty Images verge of beating Greece before being pegged back in stoppage time (1-1). Despite beating Gibraltar, who are facing a steep learning curve in their first World Cup qualifying campaign, and Estonia are still a long way behind the top three in this group, in which more goals have been scored than in any other (48 in 12 matches, an average of 4 per match).

Group I Iceland to cause another upset? There appears every chance that the Icelandic tidal wave that hit France in June 2016 could reach Russia in summer 2018. The team that upset the odds at EURO 2016 by reaching the quarter-finals at their first-ever final tournament have made a solid start to the new qualifying campaign. Having lost only once, at the hands of the group leaders, Croatia (2-0), Iceland (3rd, 7 points) are still in the running to make their World Cup finals debut. After a disappointing EURO for both sides, Ukraine (2nd, 8 points) have made a better start than (4th, 5 points). However, in order to qualify for Russia as winners of this tough one conceded). In their first qualifying group, they will have to see off a Croatian campaign since gaining independence, Top: Hakan Çalhanoğlu helped team (1st, 10 points) that has been growing Kosovo have not looked out of place, Turkey hold Ukraine to a draw in confidence in recent years, boasting securing their first point and goal in their in Group I. Above: With four wins, 21 goals scored and just individual qualities as well as collective opening match against Finland (1-1), who one conceded, Belgium are off strength in all departments (10 goals scored, are only ahead of them on goal difference. to a strong start in Group H.

UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 – 21 FOR THE RECORD

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL ACROSS THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS 2016/17

he women’s game continues to grow in popularity, with more PLAYERS T and more women and girls playing football across the continent. Women’s football across the national associations 2016/17 – available to download from 1,270,481 UEFA.org – is made up of statistics provided by the national associations Registered female players in September 2016 as part of an annual survey, together with data collected in June 2016 under the UEFA Grassroots Charter. The first half of the publication uses infographics to illustrate the Professional and development of women’s football semi-professional 1,396 1,098 across Europe over the last three to five players professional home-grown years, and the second half comprises players professional factsheets on each of the 55 UEFA 2,853 players member associations.

1,303 1,457 298 semi- foreign professional professional 2012/13 2016/17 players players

Countries with more than 100,000 female players

England France Germany

Women’s football across the national associations 2016/17 is available to Netherlands Norway Sweden download from UEFA.org

UEFA MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS’ CUMULATIVE WOMEN’S FOOTBALL BUDGET €96.7m €101.7m €80.6m €81.2m

€50.4m

2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17

22 – UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 FOR THE RECORD

MATCH OFFICIALS 10,200

4,182

Qualified 102 match officials 124 2012/13 2016/17 2013/14 FIFA 270 2014/15 referees 232 2015/16

2016/17 106 117 FIFA match officials

2012/13 2016/17

GIRLS’ FOOTBALL Youth leagues (U6-U23) 266 240 218 204 164

2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17

WOMEN, GOVERNANCE AND COMMITTEES 399 44 121 35 Women at UEFA member managerial level associations with or above at UEFA a women’s football member associations committee

2012/13 2016/17 2012/13 2016/17

NATIONAL TEAMS

National teams National academies (including youth) for girls

2012/13 173 2012/13 10

2013/14 204 2013/14 11

2014/15 221 2014/15 14

2015/16 227 2015/16 15

2016/17 233 2016/17 20

2017 – 23٢٠ January/February١٥ • UEFA DIRECT١٠ ٥ ٠ ٢٥٠ ٢٠٠ ١٥٠ ١٠٠ ٥٠ ٠ I 24 24 associations all over Europe to get more people involved in football. The innovative UEFA GROW marketing programme is helping national CONTINENT THE IN ALL CORNERS OF GROWING THE GAME GROW –UEFA MARKETING national associations to create clear plans for plans clear to create associations national with closely future, UEFAfootball’s works and for critical is groups age all and genders both levels.” all at game the develop we as family football Romanian into the girls and of boys thousands to welcome ready now are “We Burleanu. federation of the president the structure,” says grassroots entire our develop and to transform helped has UEFA GROW pitch. the on –including of activity areas inall impact an having was and associations by 27 national implemented being was of 2016 Slovenia), end and by the Portugal it Ireland, Northern Malta, Finland, (Azerbaijan, countries insix piloted Initially felt. widely launched, and already its benefits are being being are benefits its already and launched, was programme GROW marketing support UEFA new the since ayear than less t is Increasing participation and retention across across retention and participation Increasing Federation, Football Romanian the at “Here Sportsfile – UEFA • DIRECT January/February , Răzvan , Răzvan 2017 efforts to improve the public’s perception of the of the perception public’s the to improve efforts for example, (PZPN), Association Football Polish of the case the In highlighted. are addressed to be need that any issues and country, its in game of the image the on research consumer extensive given is association national Each plans. those to implement together work then associations the UEFA and association. national for each plans strategic to devise experts industry top and market intelligence research, country-specific fact-based, uses UEFA GROW Working together revenues. commercial and participation engagement, –image, pillars four key across support provides that a scheme for associations national other from feedback positive echoes Burleanu’s praise and game, the to develop helping is UEFA GROW in which of ways of anumber one just is This numbers. accurate registration record and growth

secretary oftheFaroeIslandsFA. Polish FA, andVirgar Hvidbro,general Maciej Sawicki,generalsecretaryofthe the LithuanianFA, NoelMooney,UEFA, Below: EdvinasEimontas,presidentof earlier thisyear. grassroots representativesinSlovenia Above: PresentationofUEFA GROWto

UEFA MARKETING – UEFA GROW

association have paid dividends across all Driving revenues aspects of its work. Thanks in part to UEFA support, national Pilot “UEFA GROW came along at the perfect associations’ commercial revenues are associations 2015 time for the PZPN, and it is interwoven into continuing to rise. UEFA hopes that by the very fabric of our strategic planning,” says helping the associations to further enhance Azerbaijan the PZPN’s general secretary, Maciej Sawicki. their revenue streams, they can be encouraged Finland “We have worked very closely together to invest money back into the game. “We have Malta in a number of areas, and the public have really enjoyed working with the UEFA GROW Northern Ireland responded very positively to the progress team as we have looked to drive commercial Portugal made by the PZPN. This helps us to attract revenues from existing and new sectors,” Slovenia more players, more digital followers and, says Patrick Nelson, chief executive of the Irish of course, more commercial revenues.” Football Association. “We worked together to build a sales platform, then targeted sectors Direct engagement that we knew could deliver those revenues for UEFA GROW also promotes direct engagement football in Northern Ireland. Already, we are New in 2016 between the national associations and the enjoying enormous benefits.” football family by helping associations to Following requests from the national Albania create comprehensive digital marketing associations, UEFA has recently added a number Belarus strategies which incorporate internet, social of supporting pillars in order to create an even Belgium media and mobile content, as well as football more holistic programme, and it is working with Bulgaria relationship management. Such strategic national associations to build on UEFA GROW’s Czech Republic communication has helped national comprehensive overall strategic plan. Expert Denmark associations to move from a reactive to brand advice, particularly as regards positioning Estonia a more proactive approach to messaging. and separating assets, has also led to income Faroe Islands For the Association of Football Federations growth in many instances. In the course of FYR Macedonia of Azerbaijan (AFFA), for example, the UEFA’s work on the participation and Georgia partnership with UEFA has quickly borne fruit. commercial revenue pillars, it has also become Kazakhstan “Thanks to our involvement in the UEFA clear that national associations want direct Lithuania GROW programme, there is only one member support when it comes to dealing with Moldova association that is growing faster than us in governments and other public bodies (such as Poland terms of digital followers, and that is without the European Union). UEFA has vast experience Republic of Ireland us qualifying for UEFA EURO 2016,” says the in these areas, as well as valuable research on Romania AFFA’s general secretary, Elkhan Mammadov. football’s benefits for society, which national Slovakia “We are delighted with the results, and we associations can certainly benefit from. With 27 Sweden have recently launched our overall strategic national associations already receiving extensive Turkey plan for Azerbaijani football, called GROW support through UEFA GROW, and 12 more Ukraine 2020, which will see the sport develop preparing to join the programme in 2017, UEFA Wales even further.” GROW looks set to continue to do just that.

Evolution of Country-specific market intelligence and fact-based research UEFA GROW

The four key pillars IMAGE ENGAGEMENT PARTICIPATION REVENUES

Follow-up support

on request STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMUNICATIONS PUBLIC AFFAIRS BRAND

UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 – 25 SIMPLY THE BEST Yorgos Matthaios Yorgos

UEFA’s KISS Marketing Awards in November showcased best practices across Europe.

he 2016 KISS Marketing Awards, associations’ marketing of football is identities of national teams and clubs. which were presented during a improving, and we learned a huge amount This year’s jury comprised Adrian T marketing workshop in in from the event,” said Maciej Sawicki, Goldthorpe (managing partner at Lothar late November, paid tribute to best general secretary of the Polish Football Böhm Associates Ltd), Sam Kelly practices in national associations across Association (PZPN). “We were delighted (managing director of AKQA), James the continent. A record 85 projects were to win the award for the best commercial Annis (business development manager put forward for awards this year, giving partnership, which means the world to at AKQA), Mark Kirkham (head of UEFA a rich supply of marketing ideas to the PZPN.” marketing and innovation for western share with other associations for the These marketing awards, which were Europe at PepsiCo), Tony Meenaghan benefit of European football as a whole. first presented in 2011, are awarded under (professor of marketing at University Projects were submitted by 35 different the auspices of UEFA’s Knowledge & College ) and Bianca Rech (team national associations and spanned a wide Information Sharing Scenario (KISS) – a manager at FC Bayern München). range of areas, including brand building, programme whereby Europe’s national Winning is not everything, however, sponsorship, digital marketing, fan associations exchange expertise for the and we now have a very rich bank of engagement, the promotion of football, benefit of European football. Marketing European football best practices that marketing research, merchandising and is a vital element of the promotion of we will share over the next few months licensing. “The KISS Marketing Awards modern football and has a key role to via our knowledge-sharing platform enabled us to see how fast national play when it comes to strengthening the UEFA PLAY.

Best brand activation Creativity and innovation award: Winner: Portuguese Football Federation – Turkish Football Federation – Swarovski Turkish ‘We Are Not 11, We Are 11 Million’ national team jewellery line Creativity and innovation award: Romanian Football Federation – ‘Football Maths’ Best grassroots marketing campaign Special mention: Estonian Football Association – Winner: Football Association of Finland – ‘With Heart and Ball’ ‘Using Football Relationship Management (FRM) to Grow Participation’ Best fan engagement campaign Creativity and innovation award: Winner: Irish Football Association – ‘Dare to Dream’ – ‘Grassroots – SIX-a-side’ Creativity and innovation award: Football Association of Moldova – ‘Support National Best women’s football marketing campaign Team with Carla’s Dreams’ Winner: – ‘A League Of Our Own’ Best commercial partnership Creativity and innovation award: Winner: Polish Football Association – Israel Football Association – ‘UEFA European Women’s PZPN licensing programme Under-19 Championship’

26 – UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 WOMEN’S YOUTH COMPETITIONS

WOMEN TAKE CENTRE STAGE

The House of European Football in Nyon hosted the draws for the European Women’s Under-17 and Under-19 Championships on 11 November.

Women’s Under-17 Championship elite round 2016/17 Women’s Under-19 elite round 2016/17 The 2016/17 Women’s Under-17 elite round draw The third draw of the day was for the current split the 24 teams into the following six groups: season’s Women’s Under-19 Championship elite round. The following groups were drawn:

Group 1: Austria, Netherlands, Slovenia, Switzerland Group 2: Norway, Denmark, Bosnia and Group 1: Spain, Belgium, Hungary, Russia Herzegovina, Wales Group 2: England, Czech Republic, Denmark, Turkey Group 3: Germany, Poland, England, Italy Group 3: France, Netherlands, Slovenia, Portugal Group 4: Republic of Ireland, Hungary, Scotland, Serbia Group 4: Finland, Republic of Ireland, Scotland, Group 5: France, Greece, Belgium, Russia Ukraine Group 6: Spain, Sweden, Iceland, Portugal Group 5: Serbia, Sweden, Norway, Italy (Mini-tournament hosts in bold. Matches to be played Group 6: Germany, Poland, Switzerland, Iceland in March/April 2017.) (Mini-tournament hosts in bold. Matches to be played in spring 2017.) The six group winners and the best runner-up will join hosts the Czech Republic, who qualify automatically, in the final The six group winners and the best runner-up will join hosts round, to be played from 2 to 14 May 2017. Northern Ireland in the finals from 8 to 20 August 2017.

Women’s Under-17 qualifying round 2017/18 Women’s Under-19 qualifying round 2017/18 The second draw was for the 2017/18 Women’s Under-17 The final draw of the day was for the 2017/18 Women’s qualifying round. With Lithuania qualifying automatically as Under-19 qualifying round. A record 48 sides will compete for hosts of the final tournament in summer 2018 and Germany the 2018 title, including Kosovo, who are making their first receiving a bye, the draw included 44 teams, who were appearance in this competition. The teams were divided into divided into the following groups: the following groups:

Group 1: Switzerland, Poland, Ukraine, Faroe Islands Group 1: Germany, Iceland, Montenegro, Kosovo Group 2: England, Scotland, Slovakia, Latvia Group 2: England, Slovenia, Wales, Kazakhstan Group 3: Spain, Iceland, Azerbaijan, Montenegro Group 3: Denmark, Romania, Slovakia, Lithuania Group 4: Republic of Ireland, Greece, Romania, Group 4: Spain, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Albania Bosnia and Herzegovina Group 5: Norway, Portugal, Northern Ireland, Cyprus Group 5: France, Denmark, Wales, Kazakhstan Group 6: Netherlands, Republic of Ireland, Estonia, Group 6: Sweden, Russia, Croatia, Israel Latvia Group 7: Czech Republic, Netherlands, Turkey, Group 7: France, Italy, Moldova, Faroe Islands Estonia Group 8: Belgium, Austria, Croatia, FYR Macedonia Group 8: Norway, Hungary, Bulgaria, Moldova Group 9: Sweden, Czech Republic, Belarus, Bulgaria Group 9: Belgium, Serbia, Belarus, FYR Macedonia Group 10: Scotland, Turkey, Hungary, Armenia Group 10: Austria, Portugal, Northern Ireland, Group 11: Finland, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia Israel Group 11: Italy, Finland, Slovenia, Malta Group 12: Russia, Poland, Greece, Georgia (Mini-tournament hosts in bold. Matches to be played (Mini-tournament hosts in bold. Matches to be played in autumn 2017.) in autumn 2017.)

The top two in each group and the best third-placed side The top two sides in each group will qualify for the elite round. will join Germany in the elite round. Switzerland qualify for the finals automatically as hosts.

UEFA DIRECT • January/February – 27 THE TECHNICIAN

Getty Images THE TECHNICIAN

FERNANDO SANTOS “THE KEY NOW IS TO CONTINUE BEING SUCCESSFUL”

Two months after guiding Portugal to victory at UEFA EURO 2016, Fernando Santos joined his peers at the UEFA Conference for European National Team Coaches in on 12 September. Fielding questions from coaches from all over Europe, he talked about a range of topics, from pre-tournament preparations to changing tactics and getting the balance right in the squad.

ortugal weren’t one of the favourites national team duty. Indeed, Ronaldo only to win the EURO. The favourites, arrived on 6 or 7 June – a week or so after “ as always, were Spain, because they we’d got together. Physical and mental recovery were the holders, and Germany, who was much more important, given the players’ had just won the World Cup, followed heavy workloads, so we gave them a bit of Pby traditionally strong footballing countries such freedom. We then replicated the experience of as Italy and hosts France. But I always said that playing every three days. We had three friendly Portugal were in with a chance. I think every games with the same amount of recovery time coach at the tournament had that ambition.” between them so that the players could get used to it. We made the most of our training Perfect blend sessions, working on tactics and strategies – “This Portuguese team had some experienced and, to a much lesser extent, aspects of fitness. players – 30, 31, 32-year-olds – who were very Having only three days of rest [between games] important, but more than 50% of the squad really restricted the team’s ability to recover, had never been to a EURO before, and some so we had to try to find a way of recovering had only three or four caps to their name. while training and recovering well. Players I thought that if I could find the right way of have free time after games in Portugal, and in combining the great experience and quality of France we were always careful to replicate that. players like and Pepe with the We thought it would be good to let the players youthful exuberance of the younger generation, mentally unwind, that giving them a mental we’d be in with a shout. I’ve always thought rest would help them in some way overcome that the balance between experience and youth any physical problems they might have. Then is very important. The young players have the there’s the issue of team spirit, without which quality – including the ability to learn tactics – it’s difficult for things to go well. And in this otherwise they wouldn’t be playing at respect, things went really well. To be crowned international level. They were there on their champions of Europe ahead of France, Germany, own merits. Those young Portuguese players Spain and all of those other teams, things bring with them the ability to improvise and needed to go really well.” take risks, which is very important for a team.” Road to the final – the group stage Pre-tournament preparations “We went to France to see if we could win the “Training was due to begin on 23 May, a week competition. I don’t think it could have been any after the Portuguese Cup final, but I gave all the other way. We had to have a specific objective players an extra week off before reporting for to focus on. We were theoretically the

UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 – 29 30 30 THE TECHNICIAN – UEFA •January/February DIRECT 2017 2007-2010 2007-2010 2001-2002 1998-2001 1994-1998 1987-1994 2014- 2014- 2010-2014 2006-2007 2004-2006 2003-2004 2002-2003

PAOK FC PAOK Portugal Greece SL FC Athens AEK de Clube Sporting Panathinaikos FC FC Athens AEK Porto FC Praia Estoril Portugal Amadora C FACTFILE CAREER SANTOS F F Benfica Estrela da da Estrela

Getty Images to beat them. And the final – playing against against playing – final the And them. to beat how out to figure trying hours two I spent inarow. games they’d three won because out, them cancel and them stop could we how to see of analysis alot took it and situations, dead-ball from great were They package. surprise areal were Wales and forwards, good really two with counterattacking, at good were Poland tough. always were faced we opponents the and games The keptwe growing. on, then From out. other each cancelled that teams strong really two were there speaking tactically but opportunities, many goalscoring weren’t to there watch, and attractive very wasn’t It tournament. of the tactical most the of one was game That group. intheir second finished had Spain that of them because was it and favourites, of the one were They opponents. “Croatia difficult really were stage knockout the – final the to Road this.” see to make for me my players important was It afinal. was game every on then from stake, at points no With different. completely was round next The realistic. more but game, of the concepts the or quality technical of individual interms stronger –not realistic more them made it stronger, team because the made and up players woke the game this I think out. have gone could we because down to calm them Iwanted but inany possible, way to score trying for goal, to 15 kept going They minutes. 10 last for the players the to control wasn’t able I and stage, next the to for us reach enough be would adraw We knew stage. group the past to get was inFrance arrived we when objective main our that forgot and to win wanted really They players. the to control difficult was it ways insome because for us, important very was This crucial. was He twice. level us drew Ronaldo fortunately and game, A great –3-3. good pretty was result The chaotic. a bit being up ended it and least, ran the we which in game the was it style, Portuguese typically ina We played times. three all back came we and occasions, three on We behind went Hungary. was against game hardest the but tricky, were things draws, two first the After game. our playing from us stopped They that. for credit given be must opponents our and win, didn’t we but crosses, most the made and shots most the had most, the attacked that team the were we Spain, with Along Austria]. against [1-1 [0-0 59% and second in the Iceland] against 66%first – two the in first the were possession most the had we inwhich games two The Portugal]. and [Austria rankings FIFA the of ten top the from teams two had that group only the was ours group, but inour favourites

THE TECHNICIAN

France in France – couldn’t have been trickier, Changing tactics “Life is about but we always believed. I had told my players “We sat back a bit deeper [after the group growing and after the Austria game that we would not be stage], but no player was going to change from evolving – not just as returning home until 11 July. I didn’t just say their fundamental role – their defensive and a manager, but as a that for the sake of it: it was what the players attacking duties. The way the team was set up and I truly believed. on the pitch didn’t change overnight, because human being – and it was the result of all the work we had put in we adapt as part of The final up to that point. Twelve of our players had a natural evolution.“ “Ronaldo’s injury was a really important never taken part in a EURO before, so we had moment. I tried to reorganise the team, to carry on our work from the qualifying stage putting Nani in the centre and [Ricardo] and our pre-tournament preparations. We were Quaresma on the right, but what I really wanted having problems, getting caught out by was to try to get through to half-time. It was opponents because we were playing too high a difficult moment for everyone – we’d had a up the pitch. We understood that, given the clear strategy, and that had to be changed. It characteristics of our players, it would be best was difficult. You need to stop and think and to withdraw a bit and play further back. That then try to organise. I needed the half-time would make our opponents play differently break to speak to my players – to explain what and we would have more space. We would take we would change and what we would try to advantage of the natural talents of our players.” do. I needed to instil in them something very important – that we had lost the best player Philosophy and pragmatism in the world and were facing one of the best “All managers have a preferred formation or teams in Europe, if not the world, and only style of play, but we’re all conditioned by the by playing as a team could we win. There was players available to us, without changing our no point in thinking about what Cristiano philosophy. Many people in Portugal were might have done. We had to try to win the talking about this and saying that Portugal game as a team. I asked them to give an extra traditionally played with a 4-3-3 formation. 10%. I said to them – I remember this perfectly When I became coach, we changed to 4-4-2, – that 100% was not enough and they and yet I had always been a coach who used Fernando Santos was presented needed to give 110%. France are a fantastic a 4-3-3 formation more. When I was coaching with an order of merit from the president of Portugal, Marcelo team, and only by playing at 110% could we the Greek national team I used that formation, Rebelo de Sousa, at a ceremony beat them.” because of the characteristics of the players held in Porto on 31 August. Getty Images

UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 – 31 Nowadays, nobody does this. We coaches We coaches this. does nobody Nowadays, minutes. for 20 30 pitch or the around running just was warm-up atypical ago, years Twenty beach. the on place took pre-season ago, years manager. Thirty different completely I’m today; a do Idon’t ago, years 30 coach a as to do required Iwas What aspects. new to these to –have adapt had included – myself Coaches difficult. more and tighter being games to led and levels training raised has in football of science role increased The it. to manage how of] [the and question pitch the on space the game, of the rhythm the but game, of the idea their or qualities their players, the –not radically changed has Football it. have alongside to grow we naturaland is evolution that to understand need we and everything, know we that thinking off We start of evolution. anatural part as adapt we –and amanager,as being ahuman as but just –not evolving and growing about is “Life Growing and evolving to make Ihad so changes.” work, wouldn’t this Ihad players the with way, that clear was it but to acertain play team for the was my dream back, Looking results. get Icould qualities, of his out most the get Icould if world, inthe player best the Ihad as that, Ithought of aforward. he’s sense; more traditional inthe a left-winger to me. However, longer no is available Cristiano THE TECHNICIAN Getty Images

and scientific now.” scientific and technical more alot acoach; it’s to be football understand to just enough not It’s in science. developments the follow and have to change Getty Images

could wewin.”could ateam as playing by only and world, the not if Europe, in teams best the of one facing were and world the in player best the lost had “We champions of Europe, there’s a greater of Europe, there’s agreater champions crowned you’re newly easy. the If be playing now, won’t it and different to be going “It’s future The the team’s identity.” losing without for changes look and team to shake the up important very was it rest, of days ten only like with this, tournament aprotracted at But Moutinho. João with like like to have just aplayer that, important It’s played. he way the and experience of his because team to the important very still was he But stages. latter inthe a starter wasn’t he why That’s defence. the up freshen to idea agood be would it Ithought games, of the demands the and of fatigue because that, after but matches, stage group three inthe played He tournament. inthe players At oldest 37, of the one was Carvalho Ricardo case. the is that when easier always are Things first. team the put always they but normal, is which down, abit got didn’t who those and to want play, players All wouldn’t. which and play would players of which issue the manage me to for difficult never was It spirit. this into got really players for me, the Fortunately lose’, plays. ‘we who play’. ‘we matter doesn’t It win’, ‘we’ –‘we was used we word only The environment. inour to exist ceased ‘you’ and ‘we’. –is continues it Ihope –and ‘I’,now ‘he’ even team inthe exists that word only the that is team “One Portuguese keys to this of the ethic Team make calculations.”would Teams qualify. could teams three that fact the with to do alot had inFrance happened of what Alot inmy opinion. greatly things changed agroup from through going teams of three possibility The format. 16-team to the different very is format 24-team new “The format new the of Impact circumstances.” France, indifferent in Portugal did as situation, of their most the made Greece situation. different a completely ‘92, was that inEURO so to take part on called were they when holiday play. on were Denmark of style their or compared, be not should and cannot players and teams the But Portugal. now and to Greece, happened it Then point. areference were –they to Denmark happened It points. reference as them use and favourites being without competitions have won that sides the at look will teams unfancied on now from Ithink and feat in2004, agreat achieved now. of me Greece part It’s there. culture the Iknow so for afew years, inGreece “I lived haveUnderdogs day their

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objective, which is to is win.” which objective, our pursue we’ll and always strengths, own We have our base. this on to build continue we’ll But respects. insome to want we be we’re as where far from to develop, still game for our of room alot and done, to be work of alot still There’s team. to the quality and experience their all bringing on carry will careers of their stages latter in the now are who those while level, youth at hard to work continue We will opened. has centre training Football of City the now and teams, youth into its FA alot put has Portuguese The level. academy at have made clubs Portuguese that efforts Under-21 great and of the aresult is That level. Under-17,at inmany finals appeared Under-19 have and years inrecent well very done have Portugal level, At youth many ways. in to develop team for the space and to go way along There’s winning. breeds Winning inwinning. I’m 61 and now interested old years I’m isn’t that enough. but football, nice plays that ateam together put We just could win. to wants and objectives its knows pragmatic, that’s ateam form and players Portuguese talented together to bring need we simple: is road –the to success road the about Now level. international at a [senior] competition to win managed never had Portugal But clubs. their with trophies big have won and teams European for big playing are or played have who players great – tournaments final in part taking teams great and players great had have always Portugal successful. being key to is continue now The this. from learned we lesson the to tomy players reiterate going I’m But us. for beating to Switzerland credit but obviously, lost, we that like.was bad was It 2018 September] first on6 World qualifier Cup inPortugal’s [a defeat 2-0 Switzerland against game way. the what inadifferent That’s game the approach perhaps you and motivation, UEFA •January/February DIRECT THE TECHNICIAN 2017 – 2017

33 BULGARIA

A NEW HOME AT THE FOOT OF VITOSHA MOUNTAIN

With financial support from UEFA and FIFA, the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) has recently built a new national technical centre in an area of outstanding natural beauty. BFU

34 – UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 BULGARIA

ootball has a long history in Bulgaria, had not won a single game at any of their five with its first governing body – the Bulgarian previous World Cups but, led by their captain F National Sports Federation – being Borislav Mihaylov, they went on an astonishing established as long ago as 1 January 1923. run. Bulgaria won two of their three group Since then, Bulgaria, a country with a games and qualified for the round of 16, population of just over seven million, has where they beat Mexico 3-1 on penalties. successfully qualified for seven World Cups ’s team then faced the reigning (including four in a row from 1962 to 1974) world champions, Germany, in the quarter- and the final rounds of two European finals, where goals from and Football Championships. Yordan Letchkov gave them a 2-1 victory. Bulgaria’s finest and most memorable result The team went on to finish in fourth place came at the 1994 World Cup in the United after losing to Italy and Sweden in the semi- States – a tournament that they nearly did not finals and the third-place play-off respectively. qualify for. On the evening of 17 November But this did nothing to dampen the joy of the 1993, at a rainy in Paris, Bulgarian people and the sense of solidarity and Bulgaria played France in their final qualifying triumph that they felt during the tournament. match, fighting for a place at the tournament. In what was the most divisive decade in the France needed only a draw to secure their nation’s modern history, Bulgaria’s footballing place in the final round, but Bulgaria stole it heroes united the country in joy. Some 22 years from under their noses, winning 2-1 thanks later, some of those ‘golden boys’ of 1994 to a 90th-minute goal from Emil Kostadinov. are now in leading positions at the BFU (with The following summer, Bulgaria were one of Borislav Mihaylov president of the association), the surprise packages of the tournament. They and they are making history once again.

UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 – 35 BULGARIA

Another dream comes true on 17 November On 17 November 2016, the 23rd anniversary of Bulgaria’s qualification for the 1994 World Cup, the BFU opened its new technical centre in Boyana, on the outskirts of . The new home of Bulgarian football, which was designed by the architectural firm Amphion, is located at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, surrounded by greenery. It boasts three football pitches (one with , and one with a stand for 350 people), a multi- functional sports hall, a tennis court, and a hotel where teams will be accommodated. It also includes new ultra-modern headquarters for the BFU. Indeed, various innovative technological devices and cutting-edge environmental measures were used in the construction of the complex. The multi- functional sports hall will be able to cater for tennis, , and handball, hosting both training and friendly matches. From now on, this will be a place where BFU footballers can hone their skills in peace. Here, all of the country’s national teams, Boban, Bulgaria’s minister for youth and The Bulgarian FA’s new, which used to prepare for matches in various sport, Krasen Kralev, and members of the BFU ultra-modern headquarters are in the heart of a locations dotted around the country, will get executive committee, members of the UEFA complex that includes exactly what they need: peace and quiet, Executive Committee, presidents of various three football pitches, good training conditions and clean air. football associations and about 500 other a multipurpose sports hall, a tennis court and a hotel. Before it could build the centre, though, guests. the BFU first had to convince the Bulgarian Aleksander Čeferin congratulated the BFU on government and its officials to approve the its new centre: “I am sure that this new national The UEFA president project. Thanks to the support of the prime technical centre will help to improve the quality (left) and the president minister, Boyko Borisov, the government of Bulgarian football on a long-term basis. I am of the Bulgarian FA, Borislav Myhailov, at eventually allowed the BFU to build on the also proud that this centre has been built with the inauguration on site. An environmental sustainability plan was the support of UEFA’s HatTrick programme, 17 November. drawn up, and a landscape architect produced which redistributes UEFA’s revenues across all designs for the surrounding area. In May 2014, member associations, helping them to develop the authorities finally approved the plans. The football across Europe.” BFU construction of the centre went very smoothly, “In many ways,” he continued, “this is what with everything proceeding according to plan. our job at UEFA is all about – helping to ensure the development of football across Europe, UEFA and FIFA cover 95% of costs irrespective of the relative wealth or size of This €10m project was largely financed by individual associations. Now, more than ever, UEFA’s HatTrick programme and FIFA’s Goal we need solidarity – a value which is embedded programme, with the two governing bodies in football’s DNA.” covering 95% of all costs between them. Krasen Kralev, himself a passionate football Petar Hubchev, head coach of the national fan, said: “When you have new high-quality team, was extremely impressed with the results: infrastructure like this, success is never far “With a new base like this, we now owe it to behind. The sport has many leaders, but what ourselves to play at a high level. Facilities like we really need is people like Borislav Mihaylov this can only be found in a few places.” and his team – people who are able to lay brick upon brick and build something useful for the A role model for Europe entire nation and the sport as a whole.” and the world “What Borislav and his team have done is The centre was officially opened on 17 outstanding. This represents an enormous step November at an inauguration ceremony forward for the future of Bulgarian football attended by the BFU president, Borislav and the development of new generations of Mihaylov, the UEFA president, Aleksander footballers. Congratulations to Borislav and Čeferin, FIFA deputy secretary general Zvonimir the BFS,” said Zvonimir Boban.

36 – UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 I would go on to become tobecome on go I would that aminute for thought Inever playing, I was while And team. that of captain the as medal Cup aWorld win Iwould that or 18, of age the at team national the for goal in playing be Iwould that 18 years, than more span would career goalkeeping my that inkling slightest the without myself, football playing started I after, long Not to. me totake used mother my which sessions, training father’s my of are memories first very my so Sofia, Levski PFC and team national Bulgarian the for goal in played father My life. my in football it. todo able be not Iwould that I admit moment, precise this at feeling Iam how minutes afew just in to describe totry Iwere If actions. through himself expresses Aman words. into emotions and thoughts precise his toput than aman for challenge greater no is “There BFU the of president Borislav Mihaylov, I have always had had always I have A DREAM COME TRUE COME A DREAM

toughest of moments. moments. of toughest the in even years, six last the over times all at side my by been have who family, tomy gratitude own. their of home a have finally teams national it! Bulgaria’s done have we colleagues, and friends dear Well, players. of generation –awhole team-mates former my of all by shared was dream This honour. and pride with Bulgariaand represent career agreat have skills, their todevelop order in needed they everything conditions; working best the facilities; training best the equipment; best – the best very the had players young finest our that toensure dream: a new had Ialready BFU, the of president Ibecame time the By true. come dreams those Imade trophies. lifting and matches winning of –dreams age my else everybody as dreams same the I had boy, alittle as around ball 11 than more years. for position that hold and BFU the of president Let me first express my express first me Let the chasing Iwas When generations tocome.” generations for football Bulgarian toserve continues it that ensure and Boyana in here centre technical national this of care good –totake make apromise rewarded. been finally has which patience, and work hard their of all for BFU the at everyone Čeferin. president, Aleksander UEFA new the and Theodore Theodoridis Infantino, Gianni Platini, Michel by shown commitment personal the and programme HatTrick the by provided support financial the by possible made been –has Bulgaria in association sports a by out carried ever largest –the project This FIFA. UEFA of and support the without fruition to come have never endeavour. this of importance the regarding doubt any in never were like me, much very who, committee, executive BFU the on colleagues my like tothank also I would Finally, I would like to Finally, Iwould like tothank I would would initiative This BULGARIA

BFU FAROE ISLANDS

TAKING FAROESE FOOTBALL TO THE NEXT LEVEL The Faroe Islands Football Association (FSF) is pulling out all the stops with a view to taking Faroese football to the next level, hiring four new full-time coaches with UEFA A licences to develop the sport across the country.

t present, the FSF has just 12 full-time employees, but that will rise to 16 A– an increase of 33% – on 1 January 2017, when Øssur Hansen, Eli Hentze, Jógvan Martin Olsen and Thomas Thinggaard start work. These four coaches, all of whom hold UEFA A licences, have been hired as ‘football developers’ and tasked with helping to improve the standard of football in the Faroe Islands.

The FSF must point the way Pætur Smith Clementsen, the FSF’s technical director, is the man behind the hiring of the new football developers: “When I was appointed technical director of the FSF in autumn 2015, one of the first things we did was to sit down and discuss the state of Faroese football. We looked at how Faroese football was doing, with a particular focus on the country’s clubs, and thought about how we could help our clubs on a day-to-day basis. The FSF contacted clubs in order to find out The four football developers are what we could do to help them and what they introduced to the Faroese media and Álvur Haraldsen Álvur football leaders at a press conference. would like the FSF to assist them with. We got almost as many different answers as there were clubs in the Faroe Islands, but almost “Now there will be five of us focusing on every club mentioned the fact that the FSF footballing matters, so we are setting up needed to lead the way and point clubs in the a football forum where we can really explore right direction in terms of developing football issues relating to the development of football in the Faroe Islands.” in the Faroe Islands,” he explains. The four football developers and the The FSF’s first full-time Álvur Haraldsen technical director have divided the country’s youth coaches Jógvan Martin Olsen, manager of the clubs between them, with each having In addition to working as football developers Faroese national team from 2005 to responsibility for four or five different clubs. 2008, is one of the four football on a day-to-day basis, each of the four will developers recruited by the Faroese FA. “However, we have decided that developers also coach a national boys’ team. will not be responsible for clubs where they “The coaches that we have had thus far have previously worked as coaches,” Smith at youth level have all worked as club coaches Clementsen says. at the same time, in addition to having jobs The four football developers all have different outside football. We will now have national backgrounds. Jógvan Martin Olsen is a former team coaches working for the FSF on a coach of the Faroese national team, while Eli full-time basis, so they will be able to Hentze is currently the coach of the Faroese concentrate entirely on footballing matters,” Under-21 team. Øssur Hansen is a former

Smith Clementsen explains. Álvur Haraldsen Faroese international with almost 50 caps to The technical director is currently the only his name, while Thomas Thinggaard is a young Thomas Thinggaard from Denmark is FSF employee working in the area of football the only non-Faroese in the team of Dane who has been working in youth football development, but that is about to change. football developers. in the Copenhagen area.

38 – UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

ANDORRA www.faf.ad ARMENIA www.ffa.am 20 YEARS TO THE DAY MKHITARYAN XAVI BONET MADE UNICEF

November 2016 was a truly GOODWILL special month for the Andorran Football Federation. On 13 AMBASSADOR November, the day of its World Cup HAYK KARAPETYAN qualifier against Hungary in Budapest, it celebrated the 20th anniversary of its FAF national team’s very first match, played in The UN Children’s Fund 1996 against Estonia at Estadi Comunal. Carlos Medina, Cristóbal Aranda, Jorge (UNICEF) in Armenia has It was a cold evening outside, but full Bazan and Albert Carnicé also got a appointed Manchester United FC of warmth inside the stadium as a new touch of the ball on that historic evening, and Armenian national team national team was born. in a squad led by Andorra’s first national captain as its latest The names on those first 11 yellow coach, Isidre Codina. national goodwill shirts are etched in the memories of Although Andorra lost 6-1, it is ambassador. Andorran supporters: Alfonso Sánchez, the 61st minute that our fans remember, In his new role, Félix Alvarez, Gerard Calvet, Jordi Lamelas, the moment when Agustí Pol scored Mkhitaryan will Francesc López, Josep Moragues, Francesc Andorra’s first-ever goal. support UNICEF Obiols, Agustí Pol, Johnny Rodríguez, Moving forward 20 years, the in advocating for Lucendo and a very young Juli Sánchez, national team is still among the children’s right to who, 20 years on, still plays for the minnows, but is striving to make its FFA education, sport national team. Substitutes Angel Martín, history with every match. and play and will use his voice to bring awareness to the plight of the most marginalised children in AUSTRIA www.oefb.at Armenia. His appointment coincided with UNICEF’s global 70th anniversary in December. COACH EDUCATION Together with UNICEF, Mkhitaryan aims to encourage Armenian families to TO THE FORE get active and ensure a fair chance is given to every child in the country, with CARMEN REDL an emphasis on children and young people’s rights to quality learning from Each year, the Austrian an early age and a good education in Football Association (ÖFB) an inclusive environment. organises an advanced training course “It’s sad to know that not all children for the head coaches of all clubs in the have the same opportunities to attend top two divisions of the Austrian league. school and access quality early learning This year’s one-day course, held in and education. All children should enjoy the Austrian capital, Vienna, in mid- the opportunity to reach their full potential November, featured a high-calibre guest GEPA-pictures.com and become productive citizens,” said speaker. , former England Mkhitaryan. “I am honoured to become national team coach, whose ‘Three Lions’ Klaus Lindenberger, also assessed the a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF qualified for EURO 2016 with a 100% final round in France, with a particular and I want to use this platform to help record, offered some insights into his focus on technical and tactical analysis. UNICEF advocate for every child’s right to life as an international coach, explained Meanwhile, at the end of September, education in Armenia, especially for those his football philosophy to the coaches in Austria hosted its first UEFA Futsal B who are most vulnerable,” he added. attendance and described some of the coach education course at the Lindabrunn Over the past two decades, Armenia demands on professional team coaches. sports academy. The course, organised has seen considerable progress in With reference to EURO 2016, he also by the ÖFB in cooperation with the expanding access to pre-primary summarised current international trends Vienna federal sports academy, comprises education, introducing inclusive education in professional football. a total of 120 theoretical and practical and committing to improve the quality The ÖFB’s , Willi training units. It will conclude with of learning. However, many are still left Ruttensteiner, and goalkeeper coach and examinations conducted by a panel of behind, including children with disabilities head of goalkeeper coach education, experts in early March. and those living in remote rural areas.

UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 – 39 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

AZERBAIJAN www.affa.az

criteria (including practical exercises). SPECIAL COURSE FOR CLUB Members of the AFFA club licensing group and other specialists gave LICENSING OFFICERS presentations on a wide range of club licensing topics, including youth football ELCHIN MAMMADOV development programmes and club academies, the player registration system, Under the club licensing regulations integrity in football, minimum medical of the Association of Football requirements, refereeing matters and Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA), the Laws of the Game (on which meetings any club applying for a licence must have are organised with the individual a club licensing officer. As of this season, AFFA clubs), the organisation of AFFA youth those club licensing officers are obliged competitions, the role of supporter liaison to attend special courses organised by One such course was held on 26 October. officers at clubs, and the AFFA coach AFFA and from next season they will have It comprised general information on education system and structure. to sit exams on the core licensing process UEFA, AFFA and the history of the club At the end of the intensive course, and criteria in order to obtain a certificate licensing system, specific information on the participants sat written exams authorising them to continue working the AFFA club licensing system, including and received attendance certificates. as club licensing officers. The AFFA’s the core process and stakeholders, the It is hoped that this and other club introduction of such courses and exams is latest changes to the regulations, and the licensing initiatives will continue to raise supported by the UEFA club licensing and sporting, infrastructure, personnel and standards throughout the professional financial fair play unit. administrative, legal and financial licensing game in Azerbaijan.

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA www.nfsbih.ba

(Spain) and finally 2-0 to hosts South-West DRAGONS STILL IN THE HUNT Region. All three other teams ended up with six points, with Castilla y Leon FOR A WORLD CUP PLACE going through to the final round as group winners. FUAD KRVAVAC In the context of European social dialogue between stakeholders in football, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s final 2-0 in a friendly at Stadion Vrapčići in a meeting was recently held in Sarajevo World Cup qualifier of the year Mostar. Meanwhile, the national Under-21 to analyse the current situation in terms was away against Greece at futsal team recently made their debut, of the content of standard professional Stadio Georgios Karaiskakis in Piraeus. playing two matches against their French contracts for players, decision-making The match ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving counterparts at the City Arena in Zenica systems for resolving disputes between the Dragons third in Group H with and winning 7-1 and 4-2. clubs and players, and general cooperation seven points, three behind Greece and In the intermediary round of the tenth between stakeholders in football in five behind leaders Belgium. Their next UEFA Regions’ Cup, NZ Tuzlanskog Bosnia and Herzegovina. The meeting qualifying match will be against Gibraltar Kantona lost all three of their matches was attended by representatives of in Zenica on 25 March. in Group 2 (which took place in Simitli the Bosnia and Herzegovina Football The country’s Under-21 team were and Razlog in Bulgaria), losing 1-0 to Federation (NFSBiH), UEFA, the European more successful, beating Montenegro San Marino, then 3-0 to Castilla y Leon Club Association (ECA), the Association of European Professional Football Leagues (EPFL), FIFPro, clubs in the Bosnian and Herzegovinian premier league that are members of the ECA (FK Željezničar, FK Sarajevo and NK Široki Brijeg), and the national trade union for professional footballers. Last but not least, the NFSBiH recently took part in the UEFA-backed Football People action weeks against discrimination, in cooperation with clubs in the Bosnian and Herzegovinian F. Krvavac F. premier league.

40 – UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

CROATIA www.hns-cff.hr CONSTRUCTIVE DEVELOPMENT DISCUSSIONS

TOMISLAV PACAK

The Croatian Football Federation a brace from Marcelo Brozović. (HNS) recently organised a second They are now two points clear at the gathering of members of its top of Group I in the race for a place at executive committee, administrators the 2018 World Cup. Meanwhile, the from clubs in the top two divisions national Under-19 team qualified for the and the heads of regional football elite round of the European Under-19 associations. The two-day meeting Championship and Zagreb qualified for consisted of presentations, followed by the final round of the UEFA Regions’ an in-depth discussion on issues affecting Cup, with both teams winning their Croatian football. respective qualifying groups. “The Croatian Football Federation In women’s football, Božidar Miletić is always there to support clubs, recently replaced Zvonimir Kolak as head players, regional associations and the coach of the Croatian national team, grassroots. These meetings are a great with Tihana Nemčić taking over from opportunity to share ideas, knowledge Miletić as head coach of the Under-17 and experience with others, as we all girls’ team. have responsibility for developing football Finally, Croatia’s football family in this country,” said the president of recently said a sad goodbye to Željko the HNS, Davor Šuker. Čajkovski, the GNK Dinamo Zagreb star November was another successful who won a silver medal at the 1948 month for the Croatian national team, Davor Šuker Olympics with Yugoslavia. Čajkovski died which beat Iceland 2-0 at home thanks to HNS in Munich in November at the age of 91.

DENMARK www.dbu.dk AN INTERCONTINENTAL PARTNERSHIP

MARTIN MOGENSEN

On 25 October 2016, the Chinese Football Association (CFA) and the Danish Football Association (DBU) signed a historic memorandum of understanding, strengthening ties between the two organisations in areas such as grassroots football, women’s and youth football, and good governance. That agreement seeks to foster an exchange of knowledge and expertise between the two associations in the fields of football and institutional culture. In particular, the DBU, which has a strong record of ensuring that football plays a full part in society, will provide ideas and know-how to the CFA, helping football to act as a driver of health and well-being DBU for people of all ages – male and female alike – across Chinese society. in 2015 – also provides for cooperation The two parties now have until the The agreement – which forms part of and the exchange of knowledge in areas middle of 2017 to draw up and sign a full the major football strategy launched by such as grassroots development and partnership agreement detailing the specific the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, women’s football. activities that they will cooperate on.

UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 – 41 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

ENGLAND www.thefa.com LGBT ABUSE IN FOOTBALL TACKLED WITH RAINBOW LACES CAMPAIGN

DANNY LYNCH

The FA recently gave its support to the Rainbow Laces anti- homophobia in sport campaign. Local football associations in England joined the Premier League, Premiership Rugby, The FA, the and the Union in hosting a Rainbow Laces takeover to show their support for LGBT players and fans last month. The famous Wembley Arch went rainbow to demonstrate support, and Coventry City full-back The FA Chris Stokes spoke exclusively to FATV about his education session with The The Premier League showed its support Other activities included teams wearing FA this year after he was found guilty for the campaign with messages on Rainbow Laces during training, laces of sending a homophobic tweet. He perimeter advertising at every match being handed out at weekend fixtures admitted to breaching FA rules relating and games opening with a giant and clubs organising meetings between to the use of social media. Premier League Rainbow Laces flag. LGBT fan groups.

ESTONIA www.jalgpall.ee WOMEN AND CLUBS BENEFIT FROM CERTIFICATE IN FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT

MIHKEL UIBOLEHT

programme to Estonia,” EJL general secretary Anne Rei said. “I am very happy that out of the 11 EJL staff who completed the course, 7 were women. This reflects the situation in Estonia: we have many female staff members in leading positions,” she added. Many local clubs also benefited from the course, and the association is keen to capitalise on this. “We are looking to design and launch a course of our own in Estonia to develop even more staff,” Jana Pipar the general secretary said. Indrek Petersoo, one of the graduates A recent UEFA Certificate in in the eight-month course, which ended of the Estonian CFM and executive director Football Management (CFM) with exams and a graduation ceremony of the football school at FC Levadia course organised by the Estonian in October. Tallinn, said: “This course was a very good Football Association (EJL) involved staff “This CFM course put the participants opportunity to tie theory and practical from the national association and local in practical situations and gave them experience together. I think it was really clubs, together with visiting participants experience that they really need in their important that clubs could benefit from from Latvia, Lithuania and Turkey. A everyday work. We are very pleased the course. It helped us to analyse our remarkable number of women took part and thankful to UEFA for bringing this daily work and set new goals.”

42 – UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

FRANCE www.fff.fr

French Football Federation entered all ESCAPE TO THE CHATEAU the amateur clubs still in the French Cup as part of its celebrations to mark the JEAN-BAPTISTE SCHMIDT centenary of the competition. The players and staff of ES Cheminots Longueau were collected from Amiens on 2 December and taken to Clairefontaine on a bus decked out in the colours of the French Cup. A fabulous programme awaited them: use of the French national team’s dressing rooms; training on one of the Clairefontaine pitches; and dinner, bed and breakfast at the residence used by the national team. After travelling home on the same French Cup bus, ES Cheminots Longueau faced their eighth round opponents, Croix Football IC. Among the other French Cup centenary celebrations, special shirts were distributed to all 1,132 clubs in the fourth FFF round; Stade Pontivyen won a training session with coach Lionel Charbonnier After qualifying superbly for the France enjoyed the unique experience ahead of their fifth round tie; and US eighth round of the French Cup, of a two-day visit to Clairefontaine, the Saint-Philbert won the opportunity the amateur club ES Cheminots national football centre. The club won to play their six-round tie in the same Longueau from the Picardy region of the honour in a draw into which the conditions as the cup final itself.

GEORGIA www.gff.ge

first time in our country, a football GEORGIAN CERTIFICATE IN management course will be held in Georgian. It is analogous to the UEFA FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT education programme and is being implemented in Georgia with UEFA’s KETEVAN GOLIADZE backing. I’m delighted to be signing a cooperation agreement with one The Georgian Football Federation the qualifications of managers working of the leading universities in Georgia. (GFF) is organising a Georgian in Georgian football by enhancing their Education is highly important and version of the UEFA Certificate professional skills. necessary for the development of in Football Management in cooperation “Today is a very important day, as we Georgian football.” with Ilia State University in Tbilisi. Under embark on this much-needed, highly The rector of Ilia State University, an agreement signed on 7 November, the beneficial project,” the GFF president, Giga Zedania, added: “I am certain that Georgian equivalent of UEFA’s renowned Levan Kobiashvili, said, on signing the this will be a very interesting programme education programme aims to improve agreement with the university. “For the and a crucial step forward in the development of Georgian football.” There are 30 places on the first course, which is entirely free and for which the application process opened in December. The course will run until July 2017, introducing people working in Georgian football management to global and European football standards and teaching them – in their own language – about strategic management, event organisation, marketing and public relations. Successful graduates will be GFF awarded certificates by the university.

UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 – 43 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

GERMANY www.dfb.de TAKES ON INTEGRATION AMBASSADOR ROLE

THOMAS HACKBARTH

The German FA (DFB) has and German football as a whole are very act as role models.” appointed former Germany fortunate to have Cacau in this role”, said Cacau played for VfB international Cacau as its the DFB president, Reinhard Grindel. Stuttgart for more than integration ambassador. When he “I am looking forward to the a decade, from 2003 arrived in Munich at the end of the challenge”, said the 35-year-old former Getty Images until 2014, and helped 1990s, Cacau could not speak a word of VfB Stuttgart striker, who hung up his them win the German German. ‘Moment mal’ was the title of boots in October. “No single great idea championship in 2007. his first German book, which he bought will solve everything. But once you realise He represented the the following day. Having represented that integration starts with the individual, German national team Germany at the World Cup in South you are already well on the way.” As he 23 times between 2009 and 2012. Africa, he taught his former team-mates took up his new position, Cacau also He scored only 110 seconds after some basic Portuguese in preparation talked about the responsibility of the coming on as a substitute in the 68th for the 2014 edition in Brazil, when professional game: “You can’t make a minute of the World Cup opening match he was no longer part of the playing professional talk about social issues, but against Australia in South Africa, a goal squad. Now, he has been named DFB there is no doubt that we footballers that remains the second quickest scored integration ambassador. “I think the DFB share a responsibility and a duty to by a substitute at any World Cup.

GIBRALTAR www.gibraltarfa.com

already lined up another exchange REFEREE EXCHANGE in the new year, this time involving the Andorran Football Federation. WITH MALTA Naturally, the referees who travelled to Malta were also delighted with the STEVEN GONZALEZ experience. “The Malta Football Association were On the last weekend in Match officials see how people live in excellent hosts,“ Jason Barcelo said. November, the Gibraltar Football other countries and have the opportunity “We were treated very professionally, Association (GFA) took part in to share experiences with their peers and and the accommodation and meals were its first-ever referee exchange. A team build friendships. excellent. It was also interesting to learn of match officials from Gibraltar – Jason Our match officials refereed two games about Maltese culture. On the sporting Barcelo, Yaro Borg, Juan José Villada and in the Maltese premier league and first side, we greatly enjoyed both matches.” Herbert Warwick – travelled to Malta to division, while the Maltese officials took Yaro Borg said: “The referee exchange officiate in Maltese domestic fixtures, charge of two matches in the Gibraltarian was an invaluable experience, both while a team from Malta took charge of premier division. All of those games improving the quality of our refereeing league games in Gibraltar. went well, with both teams of match and exposing us to other footballing Such exchanges, which are strongly officials receiving compliments on their cultures. It also showed us that Gibraltar’s encouraged by UEFA, are a vital part performances. football standards are no different from of referees’ long-term development, The GFA’s senior referee manager, any other small European country.” exposing them to different countries, Adrian Bacarisa, was delighted with the Herbert Warwick added: “It was an cultures, players and playing styles. results of this initiative. Indeed, he has extremely enjoyable weekend. The games went well, with players readily accepting decisions and behaving in a sporting manner. I am very grateful to have had this opportunity.” Juan José Villada said: “This has been an incredible experience. I am extremely grateful to the GFA’s referee instructors for selecting me to take part in this GFA referee exchange.”

44 – UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

HUNGARY www.mlsz.hu / en.mlsz.hu YOUTH TEAMS READY FOR UEFA ELITE ROUNDS

MÁRTON DINNYÉS

Hungary’s men’s and women’s arguably produced the best performance Under-19s and Under-17s have of all by topping a tough group that all qualified in impressive fashion comprised Montenegro, Slovakia and for the elite rounds of their respective favourites Denmark – a team they European Championships. beat 2-0 in their last match to ensure mlsz.hu, Gábor Baricsa The men’s Under-17s, led by former progression as unbeaten group winners. Hungarian international Zoltán The men’s Under-19s, managed by Szélesi, triumphed over Denmark and Michael Boris, completed the clean sweep Liechtenstein in the qualifying mini- by qualifying from their main round mini- tournament they hosted, to progress to tournament in Armenia in second place the elite round alongside one of the pre- behind a predictably strong Italy team. tournament favourites, the Netherlands. These encouraging results provide Their female counterparts, managed by a comprehensive boost to the youth Championship finals Hungary hosted Dorottya Schumi, also played host to their national team set-up and evoke memories in 2014 and the 2015 U-20 World Cup qualifying group, in which they remained and fresh hopes of participating in major in New Zealand, where current senior unbeaten to qualify alongside Poland. youth competition finals, following national team coach Bernd Storck led Sándor Turtóczky’s women’s Under-19s on from the European Under-19 the Hungarian squad to the round of 16.

ISRAEL www.football.org.il

communication among players, whoever NEW EQUALIZER SEASON they are. The encounters organised by The Equalizer, which include handshakes, EITAN DOTAN other sporting gestures, and activities associated with ‘interpreting the unknown’, encourage the children to communicate, play and make friends with strangers and children they even considered enemies before they entered the project. One of the events organised at the national stadium was a short exhibition match with children from all over the country and Hapoel Tel Aviv players Weaam Amasha and Hen Ezra. “Our partnership with The Equalizer is part of the IFA’s social vision. Our goal is to recruit more partners and get the IFA government on board in order to make The Equalizer a nationwide success,” A special event was held at the organisation, which focuses on values IFA president Ofer Eini explains. “The national stadium in Ramat Gan such as tolerance and mutual respect, combination of football and education on 9 November to kick off the raises awareness of educational issues will ensure not only the growth of players new season for The Equalizer, a not-for- and the importance of maintaining an but, first and foremost, the growth of profit organisation that provides year- active lifestyle, preventing violence and citizens the country deserves.” round football-based activities for Jewish racist incidents, and reducing the level of Israel international and Arab children in Israel and has been crime in the country. said: “I don’t know where I’d be today a partner of the Israel Football Bringing together children from if I was not a footballer, but it’s always Association (IFA) since February 2016. different backgrounds and with diverse been important for me to learn and The Equalizer aspires to build a religious beliefs is inherently challenging to invest in school. I don’t believe I’d better society through education and but football functions as a bridge deserve to be where I am today if I hadn’t football for Israel’s next generation. The between strangers and helps to develop done that.”

UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 – 45 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

ITALY www.figc.it ITALIAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION INTRODUCES INTEGRATED REPORTING

DIEGO ANTENOZIO

The Italian Football Federation footballing regulations. The integrated foreign affairs (FIGC) is one of the first sporting report also analyses the processes and international bodies in the world to commit to that have seen the FIGC adopt a more cooperation the integrated reporting model. Its first global outlook and a greater level of (MAECI) confirmed integrated report, which was presented social commitment, as well as its work a programme of in Milan on 15 November, marks a in harnessing the great historical and collaboration that will step forward from the sustainability cultural potential of Italian football. As the Carlo see the institutions

report that the federation has published FIGC president, Carlo Tavecchio, explains: FIGC Tavecchio combine their diverse in recent years. As such, it is a key “This first integrated report is not the skills and powers of component in the strategy the FIGC end; it is the start of a journey that will influence to promote Italy on the global has followed resolutely since 2011 as it see the FIGC engaged daily in pursuit of stage. This programme is organised in four looks towards a more sustainable future the same universal values that form its strategic areas: developing and leveraging marked by increased social responsibility, very identity, and that have had an impact the profile of Italy’s national teams and namely a commitment to transparency on the lives of millions of people.” their star players, both past and present; and the provision of all stakeholders with The federation’s commitment to providing coach and referee training that comprehensive and accurate information transparent reporting is further will benefit young Italians living abroad; that highlights the added value generated demonstrated by another publication drawing on the support of the MAECI in its various fields of activity. made available on its website, a recent in bids to bring key football events to The report focuses on key strategic report by Transparency International Italy; and coordinating efforts to provide areas and the progress made in each that places the federation as one of the sports training in other countries as an one, particularly in terms of internal 14 best national football associations instrument of bilateral and multilateral efficiency, sustainability and transparency. among the 211 FIFA member associations, cooperation. “Italian football and the royal It also highlights the FIGC’s hard work in terms of providing access to “the blue shirt of the national team are symbols and investment in the game itself, such information necessary to let people know of excellence,” Tavecchio said. “We want as its work in infrastructure and youth what they do, how they spend their to put these symbols at the service of the development, its engagement with the money and what values they believe in.” country to promote the ‘made in Italy’ professional set-up and, not least, its During the presentation in Milan, brand and enhance Italy’s profile on the efforts to review and revise the country’s the FIGC and the Italian ministry of world stage.”

LATVIA www.lff.lv YOUTH SEASON ENDS WITH EUROPEAN TOUR

TOMS ĀRMANIS

The 2016 season ended in tournaments, the aim being to better hopes that such experiences will November for Latvia’s youth gauge their abilities and ease their further the development of the country’s players, with the annual youth transition from children’s to youth most talented young footballers and awards ceremony and a special European football. At the end of the season, the motivate them to strive for success at tour for the brightest talents aged 13 best players from the U13 and U14 age the highest level. and 14. groups are selected to form national After the tour, the best teams, During the course of the season, the teams and take part in a special European players and coaches from Latvia’s youth best 13, 14 and 15-year-old players from tour, giving them the opportunity to championships met for the annual youth all over the country are invited to the measure themselves up against players football awards ceremony. More than Latvian Football Federation’s football from elite youth academies elsewhere 120 teams representing almost 40 Latvian academy. In between training and in Europe. football clubs took part in this season’s competing with their clubs, they meet This year’s European tour took the championships, which comprised five at the academy several times a year youngsters to Germany and the Czech different age categories across two for specialist training and interregional Republic. The Latvian Football Federation divisions.

46 – UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

LIECHTENSTEIN www.lfv.li PHILIPP PATSCH APPOINTED NEW GENERAL SECRETARY AND CEO

ANTON BANZER

The Liechtenstein Football His successor, Philipp Patsch, an Association (LFV) has appointed industrial engineer who until now has Philipp Patsch as its new held a senior position in Liechtenstein’s general secretary and CEO. He will state administration, has not only the take office in January 2017, succeeding professional expertise but also the Roland Ospelt, who has played a key leadership experience required for his role in spearheading the continuing demanding new role at the LFV. LFV development of the LFV, the umbrella The association also has a new sporting Philipp Patsch, new general organisation of Liechtenstein’s seven director for women’s football. Daniela secretary and CEO football clubs, for 13 years, including Künzler, who replaces Monika Burgmeier- nine as general secretary. Roland Ospelt Zuppiger, will also assume the role of is owed a huge debt of thanks for his women’s national team coach. The former extraordinary contribution to football Swiss U19 and senior international knows

in Liechtenstein and for helping to Liechtenstein football well, having played LFV enhance the LFV’s reputation on the for FC Ruggell when they were in the top Daniela Künzler, new international stage. Swiss women’s league. women’s national team coach

MALTA www.mfa.com.mt ‘ONE OF A KIND’

PRESS DEPARTMENT

Representing your country 350 appearances for the national team, added: times is a milestone of which “He was such a character. Everyone any athlete would be immensely used to flock to his hotel room to listen proud. The same goes for Tony Gambin, to his jokes!” who is taking his well-earned retirement True to form, Gambin still had a surprise after more than 38 years of sterling service or two saved up for his retirement. “Let and 350 matches as masseur to the Malta me share with you something you and national team. many others probably don’t know,” he The Malta Football Association (MFA) said. “Go on eBay and do a search for paid tribute to Gambin before the island’s Tony Gambin …” This produced a string of 2018 World Cup qualifier against Scotland. old bodybuilding magazines with Gambin He was presented with a special by himself on the cover! “I won numerous MFA president Norman Darmanin Demajo, bodybuilding titles in New South Wales, with his name and the number 350 Australia, before I emigrated to England in on the back, in honour of a unique 1963,” he recalled with pride. football adventure that has earned him Returning to his beloved football, huge respect from many of Malta’s Gambin has “many lovely, fond memories” football legends. about his career as masseur to the “I call Tony one of a kind,” said Carmel Malta national team. “I made 160 trips Busuttil, a close friend of Gambin’s who abroad with the senior national team and was capped 111 times for Malta over the remember some amazing results, including course of 19 years. “He started his career the 2-2 draw against Portugal in D. Aquilina in 1982, the same year that I made my Madeira in 1987, and the 1-1 draw debut for Malta.” against Hungary two years later.” team coaches. “I used to work really David Carabott, who until some Gambin worked with and earned the hard,” he reflects, “but I don’t regret a weeks ago, held the record for the most respect of no fewer than nine national single minute of it.”

UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 – 47 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

MOLDOVA www.fmf.md INTERNATIONAL VETERANS’ TOURNAMENT

PRESS OFFICE

Joma Arena in Chisinau and who achieved an incredible 7-0 against the national technical centre in Constanta. Vadul lui Voda hosted the 10th The awards ceremony was attended international FA of Moldova Cup for by Gheorghe’s widow, Larisa Tegleațov, veterans, organised this year in memory together with FMF first-vice president of former Moldovan player Gheorghe Mihai Anghel and Iurie Conusevici, Tegleațov. Four veterans’ teams – from president of the national football Constanta (Romania), Pinsk (Belarus), Reni veterans’ association. They presented the (Ukraine) and Chisinau (Moldova) – took participants with well-deserved trophies part in the tournament, which was held and gifts. “This is a great way to develop in a spirit of fair play and friendship, just veterans’ football,” Conusevici said. “I as the Football Association of Moldova was pleased by the level of organisation (FMF) had intended. In the first semi-final, and the atmosphere at the stadium.” Chisinau beat Pinsk 8-4, and Constanta Chisinau have won the last four beat Reni 4-0 in the other. Pinsk won editions of the FA of Moldova Cup, and the match for third place, beating Reni nine overall. The Belarussian city of Pinsk 5-3, and the final was won by Chisinau, Caftanat Vadim took the title in 2010.

NORTHERN IRELAND www.irishfa.com NEW GIRLS’ AND WOMEN’S FOOTBALL ACADEMY

NIGEL TILSON

The Irish Football Association has set up a girls’ and women’s football academy in partnership with Ulster University, which has campuses across Northern Ireland. As explained by the chief executive of the Irish FA, Patrick Nelson, the new academy is a “natural progression” from the Regional Girls’ Excellence Programme, which has been hosted by the university for the past nine years. It will provide players with extra coaching and extra fitness training at the university’s world- class facilities and will also tap into some of the best coaches and sports scientists in Northern Ireland and beyond. “Through the academy at Ulster University we hope to encourage players to stay at home to develop their game, IFA as well as receiving education here,” Nelson says. “We envisage that this will the university’s four campuses, including coaching, these academies will create ultimately help to strengthen both our the Andrew White Academy a pathway for talented young athletes international and domestic teams.” and Met Football Academy. to develop and thrive,” says the The Irish FA will join a number of other “With access to Ulster University’s vice-chancellor of Ulster University, sports academies already based across world-class sporting facilities and expert Professor Paddy Nixon.

48 – UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

PORTUGAL www.fpf.pt ‘FOOTBALL TALKS’ RETURNS IN SPRING

MATILDE DIAS

The Estoril congress centre in future of professional football. The the coastal town of Cascais UEFA president, Aleksander Čeferin, will host the next edition of the the FIFA president, , Football Talks conference, an international and the chairman of the European event organised by the Portuguese Club Association (ECA), Karl-Heinz Football Federation, bringing together Rummenigge, have all been invited to key figures from the world of football speak at the conference, which will to share ideas about the present and take place from 22 to 24 March. FPF

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND www.fai.ie

partnership across football, government, DUBLIN EURO 2020 city council and more than 20 other agencies and organisations.” LOGO LAUNCH “All partners collectively wore the green jersey in winning the bid for STEPHEN FINN these games, which we expect will have a significant sporting, tourism and The Irish sporting and political bridges theme for this 60th anniversary economic benefit for Dublin and Ireland,” classes came together to help tournament, which is being hosted by he added. “I would like to thank UEFA launch the official Dublin host 13 European cities. for awarding us host city status for this city logo for UEFA EURO 2020 at a major Dublin will stage three group matches famous tournament. The hosting of these event held at the capital’s imposing CHQ and one match in the round of 16 in what games gives us a great opportunity to Building in November. will be a unique multi-country twist for grow football – particularly street and The CEO of the Football Association one of international football’s premier community football – and I am delighted of Ireland (FAI), John Delaney, and the competitions. that Robbie Keane has agreed to lend his FAI president, Tony Fitzgerald, extended FAI CEO John Delaney said that the support to leave a strong football legacy a warm welcome to UEFA Executive Dublin logo launch marked a “unique for the next generation.” Committee member František Laurinec, the country’s prime minister, Enda Kenny, the minister for transport, tourism and sport, Shane Ross, the minister of state for tourism and sport, Patrick O’Donovan, and Dublin city council’s Dermot Lacey. Republic of Ireland national team manager Martin O’Neill and assistant manager were also on the guest list, alongside former international Keith Andrews. The UEFA president, Aleksander Čeferin, sent a video message to the assembled party, as did former Irish international striker Robbie Keane, speaking from Los Angeles as it was confirmed that he would spearhead a street and community football legacy programme in connection with his hometown’s involvement in EURO 2020. The Dublin host city logo features the city’s Beckett Bridge as part of UEFA’s Sportsfile

UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 – 49 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

ROMANIA www.frf.ro

team training camp at the FRF’s national PERFORMANCE IS THE FUTURE training centre in Mogosoaia. The scouts recently made their fourth PAUL ZAHARIA stop, in Pădureni, a village in Vaslui, one of Romania’s poorest counties. No ‘Performance is the future’ is fewer than 496 children took part in the more than just an abstract trials, the highest number to date, and concept or catchy slogan. It is a two potential star performers stood out: far-reaching scouting initiative developed midfielder Răzvan Boiță and forward by the Romanian Football Federation Cristian Turcu, both of whom were (FRF) and one of its commercial partners, selected on the basis of “their talent Gillette. The aim of the programme, and especially their attitude during the which targets children aged 10 to 14, whole day,” according to Geolgău. is to increase the chances of talented ‘Performance is the future’ builds on youngsters from poor rural areas being a previous grassroots scouting initiative spotted and give them access to training ‘Transform the narrow street into a of the highest standard. stadium’, which ran from September Part of a much bigger FRF grassroots FRF 2015 to April 2016 and involved more programme entitled ‘Together, we are than 1,000 primary school children, football’, which was launched a year and breadth country, stopping in towns also from rural areas. It culminated in a ago, ‘Performance is the future’ began in and villages of all sizes, where they are competition between the most talented August 2016 and will run until May 2017. organising local trials to identify a total of players aged 7 to 11. It involves members of the FRF technical 11 talented players, who will be given a The FRF and its partners are committed committee and other technicians, led by unique opportunity to pursue the football to ensuring the future of Romanian former internationals Miodrag Belodedici, career every child dreams of. As part of football is bright and the values of Ion Vlădoiu and Ion Geolgău, who is the campaign the selected children will the beautiful game are passed on to now the FRF’s scouting manager. The also enjoy a week-long trip to the next generation, wherever in the panel of scouts are touring the length and will be invited to a senior national country they may be.

SERBIA www.fss.rs BUILDING ON AND FOR SUCCESS

MIRKO VRBICA

The Football Association of Serbia (FSS) is proud of the national team results, infrastructure developments and distribution of equipment that have marked the second half of 2016. FSS president Slaviša Kokeza was elected in May, bringing in a new management structure and some very satisfying results, in particular for Serbia’s FSS Under-21s, who have qualified for the final round of the European Under-21 in the running for a place in the finals – pitches have been laid and equipment Championship in Poland in June. in Croatia and Georgia respectively. The donated in towns and villages across The other national teams have seen women’s Under-17s have also qualified the country. Several cities and regions success too, with the senior men’s for the elite round of their European have received artificial pitches and team getting off to a good start in Championship, having secured second more than 200 clubs have been given the European Qualifiers for the 2018 place in a qualifying round mini- , primarily for youth World Cup in Russia, and the Under-17s tournament played on home turf. development purposes. As confirmed and Under-19s both making it through Alongside these strong results on the by the president himself, this kind of to the elite round of their European pitch – and in keeping with the election development support will remain a Championships, putting Serbia very much promises made by the new FSS president priority in 2017.

50 – UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

SLOVAKIA www.futbalsfz.sk RECORD CONTRACT FOR COACH GUĽA

PETER SURIN

Adrián Guľa moved from Trencin expressed an interest. Indeed, the reaction their seventh title – and Guľa for his first to Zilina in 2013 for his first five- to such offers from abroad was to extend – but at the time of writing they were year contract with top-division their contract until 2020! top of the table, with a clear lead over club MŠK Žilina. Having signed a new MŠK have been waiting four years for second-placed ŽP Šport Podbrezová… four-year contract on 13 October 2016, he is on course for an unprecedented seven years at the helm. Nothing of the sort has been seen in Slovakia since the days of Valer Švec, who coached Inter Bratislava from 1972 to 1978. Guľa’s arrival in Zilina was noteworthy in itself. He joined MŠK in July 2013 but signed his contract six months previously, as he was entering what would be his fourth and final year at AS Trenčín. Guľa agreed on a common vision and direction for his new club with its owner, Jozef Antošík, who was – and still is – excited about his coaching acquisition. He has reiterated his faith in Guľa many times and despite finishing in ninth, second and fifth place in the last three seasons, clearly not fulfilling the club’s championship ambitions, Antošík never considered parting company with his coach. Not for a second. And Guľa stayed loyal to his post even when clubs such as Legia Warszawa, SK Slavia Praha and AC Sparta Praha SFZ

SWEDEN www.svenskfotboll.se STATUE FOR IBRAHIMOVIĆ

ANDREAS NILSSON

A bouquet of flowers would hardly Ibrahimović, who in my opinion is the suffice to congratulate Zlatan greatest we’ve ever had,” says Håkan Ibrahimović on his 11th Swedish Sjöstrand, general secretary of the Swedish player of the year award – known locally Football Association. as the Guldbollen or ‘golden ball’ – and Swedish artist Peter Linde has been the national team career he called to an commissioned with the sculpture, which end in 2016. The Swedish FA opted for will be cast in bronze and unveiled in 2017. something bigger and better: a three- The other major award presented at metre statue of Ibrahimović himself, to the annual Swedish football gala – the be erected outside the National Arena or ‘diamond ball’ for in Solna. Sweden’s female player of the year – “Of course we should give him a statue. went to goalkeeper for Sweden has not been good enough at the second year in a row. Special mention giving our great athletes the recognition was given to her crucial penalty saves at they deserve. I want to change that and the Rio Olympics that helped Sweden to what better way to start than with Zlatan take silver. SvFF

UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 – 51 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

SWITZERLAND www.football.ch KIDS FESTIVALS AS POPULAR AS EVER

PIERRE BENOIT

The Swiss Football every one and took every opportunity to rules, to respect their opponents and to Association has placed great support the participating children. treat them fairly. Equally important, as far importance on youth football For the Swiss FA, the Kids Festivals as the Swiss FA is concerned, is that the for many years, as demonstrated by its are, first and foremost, a chance to spectators on the touchline should also support for the Kids Festivals. In warm, enable children to play football and behave fairly and with restraint. autumnal weather, the festivals’ partners have fun both on and off the pitch, with The children are already looking – Credit Suisse, Concordia and Puma – the focus on enjoyment rather than forward to next year’s Kids Festivals, joined Bernie the mascot and more than winning. The principles of fair play are which kick off on 7 May, after the 300 children at the final festival of the extremely important and the children are winter break, at the home of FC 2016 season. encouraged to play freely, to stick to the Bellinzona in Ticino. As had also been the case at the ten tournaments held earlier in the year, the young participants threw all their enthusiasm into the event hosted by FC Stäfa, one of the in Switzerland (founded in 1895). Not even the stunning view of Lake Zurich from the Stäfner Frohberg could distract the children from the activities on the pitch. The 2016 Kids Festivals took place at 11 different venues all over Switzerland, starting in Solothurn canton in May and finishing above Lake Zurich. Over 3,000 children aged between four and ten were able to enjoy playing their favourite sport at the various events, the last of which capped off an eventful season that was full of fun, football, excitement and unforgettable moments. Bernie the mascot enthusiastically attended PPR-Keystone

TURKEY www.tff.org BROADCASTING RIGHTS GO TO DIGITURK

AYDIN GÜVENIR

All broadcasting rights for the Kadir Kardaş, the football clubs’ union president of Süper Lig club Çaykur Turkish Super League and First president and general secretary Göksel Rizespor, Metin Kalkavan, and the TFF’s League have been acquired Gümüşdağ and Mesut Altan, the director of football . by Digiturk for a record annual fee of $590m in a five-season contract running from 2017/18 until the end of the 2021/22 season. Turkcell Superonline had also bid for the rights. The tender was conducted by, among others, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) president Yıldırım Demirören, vice-presidents Servet Yardımcı and Hüsnü Güreli, executive board member Cengiz Zülfikaroğlu, general secretary TFF

52 – UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 UEFA

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DIARY OF EVENTS The UEFA president, Aleksander Čeferin, continues to meet with European football leaders, in Nyon and further afield. UEFA UEFA 22 November UEFA 23 November 28 November

The president of the Football Association of The president of the Liechtenstein Football The president of the Portuguese Football Finland, Pertti Alaja Association, Hugo Quaderer Federation, Fernando Gomes UEFA UEFA

30 November UEFA 1 December 6 December

The president of the Football Association of the The president of the Luxembourg Football The president of the Football Association of Czech Republic, Miroslav Pelta Federation, Paul Philipp Norway, Terje Svendsen UEFA

UEFA 15 December

12 December 16 December NZS The president of the Royal Spanish Football The president of the Polish Football Association, Federation, Ángel María Villar Llona (right), The president of the Lithuanian Football Zbigniew Boniek and the mayor of Bilbao, Juan Maria Aburto Federation, Edvinas Eimontas

UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 – 53 BIRTHDAYS, NOTICES, FORTHCOMING EVENTS

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS Alessandro Lulli (Italy, 15 January) Pascal Fritz (France, 25 January) 50th Phivos Vakis (Cyprus, 15 January) Metin Kazanhcıoğlu (Turkey, 26 January) Davor Šuker (Croatia, 1 January) Atanas Furnadzhiev (Bulgaria, 15 January) Mirosław Ryszka (Poland, 26 January) Joël Muller (France, 2 January) Mitja Lainscak (Slovenia, 15 January) Florence Hardouin (France, 26 January) 50th Monica Ortigueira (Switzerland, Kleomenis Bontiotis (Greece, 16 January) Daniel Lorenz (Portugal, 26 January) 2 January) Kenneth Reeh (Denmark, 16 January) Cyril Zimmermann (Switzerland, 26 January) David Mujiri (Georgia, 2 January) Sune Hellströmer (Sweden, 17 January) Krister Malmsten (Sweden, 27 January) Gerhard Sager (Sweden, 3 January) 70th Steve Bennett (England, 17 January) Gilles Leclair (France, 30 January) George Pirtskhalava (Georgia, 3 January) Jan W. Wegereef (Netherlands, Nikolai Tolstykh (Russia, 30 January) Andreas Demetriou (Cyprus, 3 January) 17 January) Cosimo Bolognino (Italy, 30 January) Victoriano Melero (France, 4 January) Aristeidis Stavropoulos (Greece, (Poland, 31 January) David George Collins (Wales, 5 January) 17 January) 50th Brian Lawlor (Wales, 31 January) Mette Christiansen (Norway, 5 January) 60th Blaženka Logarušić (Croatia, 17 January) Mariano Moreno (Spain, 6 January) Faruk Basturk (Turkey, 17 January) FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS Michael Zoratti (Austria, 6 January) Tibor Nyilasi (Hungary, 18 January) Siarhei Safaryan (Belarus, 6 January) Fabrizio Tonelli (Italy, 18 January) Volker Roth (Germany, 1 February) Rudolf Marxer (Liechtenstein, 6 January) Mark Boetekees (Netherlands, 18 January) Karen Espelund (Norway, 1 February) Sergii Lysenchuk (Ukraine, 6 January) Bujar Kasmi (Albania, 19 January) Kyros Vassaras (Greece, 1 February) Andrejs Sipailo (Latvia, 7 January) Artur Azaryan (Armenia, 19 January) 30th Trygve Bornø (Norway, 2 February) Emil Aliev (Russia, 7 January) Lars-Åke Lagrell (Sweden, 20 January) Barbara Moschini (Italy, 2 February) Nelly Viennot (France, 8 January) Pedro Ángel Galán Nieto (Spain, 20 January) Urs Reinhard (Switzerland, 2 February) Alf Hansen (Norway, 8 January) Ilir Shulku (Albania, 20 January) Steen Dahrup (Denmark, 3 February) Igor Janković (Serbia, 8 January) Maciej Sawicki (Poland, 20 January) Mark Blackbourne (England, 3 February) Bernhard Neuhold (Austria, 8 January) Bjorn Vassallo (Malta, 20 January) Renata Tomasova (Slovakia, 3 February) Franco Ferrari (Italy, 9 January) Ángel María Villar Llona (Spain, Sergii Vladyko (Ukraine, 3 February) Velid Imamović (Bosnia & Herzegovina, 21 January) Jelena Oblakovic-Babic (Serbia, 3 February) 9 January) Maria Teresa Andreu Grau (Spain, Vaclav Krondl (Czech Republic, 5 February) Duygu Yaşar (Turkey, 9 January) 21 January) Peter Rudbaek (Denmark, 5 February) Herbert Hübel (Austria, 10 January) Vladimir Iveta (Croatia, 21 January) Chris Bonett (Malta, 5 February) Emil Bozhinovski (FYR Macedonia, Are Habicht (Estonia, 22 January) Gabriel Weiss (Slovakia, 6 February) 10 January) Alan Freeland (Scotland, 22 January) Josep Maria Bartomeu (Spain, 6 February) Hans-Dieter Drewitz (Germany, Lassin Isaksen (Faroe Islands, 22 January) Leonid Kaloshin (Russia, 6 February) 11 January) Krzystof Malinowski (Poland, 22 January) Duško Grabovac (Croatia, 7 February) Olivier Brochart (France, 11 January) Harry M. Been (Netherlands, 23 January) Johan van Kouterik (Netherlands, 8 February) Juan N. Garcia-Nieto Portabella (Spain, Pat Quigley (Republic of Ireland, Mike Appleby (England, 8 February) 12 January) 24 January) Fino Fini (Italy, 9 February) Drago Kos (Slovenia, 13 January) Patrick Wattebled (France, 24 January) Donald McVicar (Scotland, 9 February) Sofoklis Pilavios (Greece, 13 January) Ofer Eini (Israel, 24 January) Danilo Filacchione (Italy, 9 February) Ausra Kance (Lithuania, 13 January) Anneli Gustafsson (Sweden, 24 January) Zoran Laković (Serbia, 9 February) Siarhei Ilyich (Belarus, 13 January) 40th Nikolai Ivanov (Russia, 24 January) Luc Rabat (France, 10 February) Martin Iseli (Switzerland, 14 January) Edi Šunjić (Croatia, 24 January) Götz Bender (Germany, 10 February) Igor Satkii (Moldova, 14 January) Philipp Patsch (Liechtenstein, 24 January) Stewart Regan (Scotland, 10 February) Nodar Akhalkatsi (Georgia, 14 January) Minke Booij (Netherlands, 24 January) 40th William McDougall (Scotland, 11 February) Radu Traian Visan (Romania, 14 January) Gevorg Hovhannisyan (Armenia, 25 January) Annelie Larsson (Sweden, 11 February)

54 – UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 BIRTHDAYS, NOTICES, FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Fritz Stuchlik (Austria, 11 February) Jarmo Matikainen (Finland, 21 February) FORTHCOMING EVENTS Madeline Ekvall (Sweden, 11 February) 50th Eugène Westerink (Netherlands, 21 February) Borislav Mihaylov (Bulgaria, 12 February) Igor Ischenko (Ukraine, 21 February) 50th David McDowell (Slovenia, 12 February) Asim Khudiyev (Azerbaijan, 22 February) 60th Meetings Oleksandr Bandurko (Ukraine, 13 February) 70th Vladimir Sajn (Slovenia, 22 February) 19 January, Nyon Pierluigi Collina (Italy, 13 February) Ana Caetano (Portugal, 22 February) European qualifying competition for Christian Mutschler (Switzerland, Peter Jones (England, 24 February) the Women’s World Cup: preliminary round 13 February) Hans-Dieter Flick (Germany, 24 February) draw Roman Babaev (Russia, 13 February) Oleg Harlamov (Estonia, 24 February) 20 January, Nyon Marinus den Engelsman (Netherlands, Xavier Palacin (England, 24 February) Women’s Football Committee 14 February) Miroslav Radoman (Serbia, 25 February) Manuel Lopez Fernandez (Spain, Josep Garcia (Andorra, 26 February) 26 January, Nyon 2017–19 European Under-21 Championship: 14 February) Ghenadie Scurtul (Moldova, 26 February) group stage draw Thomas Weyhing (Germany, 14 February) Egidius Braun (Germany, 27 February) Livio Bazzoli (Italy, 14 February) Enrique Cerezo Torres (Spain, 27 February) 9 February, Nyon Peter Bonde (Denmark, 14 February) Allan Hansen (Denmark, 27 February) Executive Committee Juan Carlos Miralles (Andorra, 14 February) Peter Lundström (Finland, 27 February) Susanne Erlandsson (Sweden, 13 February, Nyon John Beattie (England, 28 February) UEFA Youth League: draw for the round 15 February) 60th Markus Stenger (Germany, 28 February) of 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals Leif Sundell (Sweden, 15 February) Katriina Elovirta (Finland, 15 February) 16 February, Nyon Media Committee Sonia Testaguzza (Switzerland, 15 February) NOTICES Svitlana Shkil (Ukraine, 15 February) 24 February, Nyon Orkhan Huseynzade (Azerbaijan, • In November, Seilda Baishakov was elected as UEFA Europa League: round of 16 draw 15 February) the new president of the Jan Pauly (Czech Republic, 16 February) Football Federation of Competitions Roman Sowinski (Poland, 16 February) Kazakhstan, succeeding Yerlan Kozhagapanov. 23 January – 1 February Terje Svendsen (Norway, 17 February) 2017–18 European Futsal Championship: Robert Barczi (Hungary, 17 February) • Angelo Chetcuti is the preliminary round Gudrun Inga Sivertsen (Iceland, 17 February) new general secretary of the Malta FA, replacing Jozef Vengloš (Slovakia, 18 February) Bjorn Vassallo. 7/8 February Borislav Alexandrov (Bulgaria, 18 February) UEFA Youth League: play-offs Georgios Gkirtzikis (Greece, 18 February) 70th OBITUARIES 14/15 & 21/22 February Patrick Kelly (Republic of Ireland, 18 February) UEFA Champions League: round Pertti Alaja (Finland, 18 February) • Pierre Rochcongar (France), of 16 (first legs) Vasily Melnychuk (Ukraine, 18 February) 60th third vice-chairman of the UEFA Medical Committee Jordi Pascual (Andorra, 18 February) 16 February since 2015, died on 2 UEFA Europa League: round of 32 Petro Ivanov (Ukraine, 18 February) December, aged 69. He had (first legs) Jānis Mežeckis (Latvia, 19 February) been a member of the Medical Louis Peila (Switzerland, 19 February) Committee since 2011. 21/22 February Lars Arnesson (Sweden, 20 February) UEFA Youth League: round of 16 • Leonardus van der Kroft Eggert Magnusson (Iceland, 20 February) 70th (Netherlands), a member 23 February Edward Potok (Poland, 20 February) of the Amicale des anciens, UEFA Europa League: round of 32 João F. De Magalhães Marques (Portugal, the circle of former UEFA (return legs) 20 February) committee members, died www.uefafoundation.org on 7 December, aged 87. Ion Geolgau (Romania, 20 February) He was a member of the UEFA Patricia Moyersoen (France, 20 February) Referees Committee from Ralph Zloczower (Switzerland, 21 February) 1986 to 2000. Fernando Gomes (Portugal, 21 February)

UEFA DIRECT • January/February 2017 – 55 No. 164

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE UNION OF EUROPEAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATIONS

NO TO RACISM

EUROPEAN QUALIFIERS The story so far on the road to Russia No.164 2017 • January/February

ME AND MY THE EXECUTIVE BOOTS TECHNICIAN COMMITTEE Players talk about the Fernando Santos, Portugal’s EURO- Lyon to host the 2018 UEFA prized tool of their trade winning coach, talks to UEFA Direct Europa League final