No 6258 – JuneFévrier 2007 2007 Including 6.07 meets inCardiff Executive Committee UEFA Women’s Cup Arsenal LFCwinthe UEFA FutsalCup win the Dinamo Moskva and Ukraine goes toPoland EURO 2012 meets inCardiff Executive Committee UEFA Women’s Cup LFC Arsenalwinthe UEFA FutsalCup win the Dinamo Moscow and Ukraine goes toPoland EURO 2012 07 06 03 07 06 03 11 11 Message Photos: UEFA-pjwoods.ch of the president A vote of confidence The Executive Committee took a historic decision in Cardiff by electing Poland and Ukraine as co-hosts of EURO 2012. The decision caused some surprise and prompted many comments. I do not want to add to those comments here, but would just like to highlight the significance of this decision in UEFA’s development. During the 1990s, UEFA’s world was turned upside down following the break-up of the Soviet Union and the splitting up of Yugoslavia. UEFA’s membership underwent a rapid expansion, requiring the competition structures to be modified at a time when, moreover, football’s market value had reached an unprecedented high. The challenge faced by UEFA was to integrate the new associations – many of which lacked experience and resources – into an organisation that was already affected by growing inequality of means among its members and, from a legal point of view, by whether their countries were part of the European Union or not. Not only that, but it was also a question of integrating them by endeavouring to raise IN THIS ISSUE them as close as possible to the level of the better-off associations, as opposed to levelling everyone down. EURO 2012 goes to Poland and Ukraine 03 Today, the challenge has still not been fully met, but undeniable and European Under-21 considerable progress has been achieved. It is in this light that the decision to invite Championship final round Poland and Ukraine to co-host UEFA’s flagship competition reveals its full significance. in the Netherlands 04 It is, first of all, a sign of confidence not only in the ability of the hosts Dinamo Moskva win the UEFA Futsal Cup 06 to take on this awesome task, but, above all, in football’s extraordinary rallying and Arsenal LFC win the motivational powers. It will also make a major contribution to levelling out European UEFA Women’s Cup 07 football, by placing a powerful focus on the east of the continent and, at the same UEFA Grassroots Conference time, providing it with means of development beyond compare. in Helsinki 09 But, more than anything else, it is an opportunity to fulfil UEFA’s stated HatTrick knowledge mission to promote football throughout Europe. sharing project 10 News from member associations 15

COVER Michel Platini UEFA President Lianne Sanderson breaks free from Marta: the energy of Arsenal Ladies proved stronger than the experience of Umeå in the UEFA Women’s Cup final. Photo: Empics Sport/PA Photos

02 uefadirect 6.07 AwardedAwarded toto EUROPolandPoland andand 2012 UkraineUkraine

Italy

Poland and Ukraine UEFA-pjwoods.ch UEFA-pjwoods.ch UEFA-pjwoods.ch Croatia and Hungary Munns/AFP/Getty Images

AT ITS MEETING IN CARDIFF ON 17 AND 18 APRIL, THE UEFA EXECUTIVE until it was announced by the UEFA president at Cardiff City Hall in front of COMMITTEE DECIDED WHO WOULD HOST EURO 2012, VOTING IN FAVOUR the delegations of the bidders and the OF THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATIONS OF POLAND AND UKRAINE. media. It took just one ballot to secure a result, with Poland and Ukraine ob- The bidding procedure for the discussions, detailed examinations taining a comfortable majority of eight tournament began back in February 2005 of the bids and the signature of initial votes out of 12 (the Italian and Ukrain- and, for the first time, was split into agreements and guarantees. The ian members of the Executive Commit- two phases. To begin with, five bids were final decision should have been taken tee were not entitled to vote). confirmed to the UEFA administration: last December, but in the light of the “We must thank the five joint bids from Croatia and Hungary, and experience of the ongoing negotiations associations involved, as well as the from Poland and Ukraine, as well as indi- for EURO 2008, and in view of the political authorities and the fans for vidual bids from Greece, Italy and Turkey. expansion of a tournament of this kind their incredible backing of their respec- In November of the same outside the stadiums (in particular, tive bids,” the UEFA president said. year, the Executive Committee made an in the form of fan parks), it was post- The successful bid comprises initial selection, based on the evaluation poned until the Executive Committee’s the following eight host cities: Gdansk, reports it had received, shortlisting meeting in April, in order to study the Poznan, Warsaw and Wroclaw in the bids of Croatia/Hungary, Italy and bids in greater depth. Poland, and Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Poland/Ukraine. As a result of the strict proce- Kiev and Lvov in Ukraine. Every This first decision was followed dure adopted by the Executive Commit- stadium has to be renovated or built by visits to the countries concerned, tee, the successful bid was not revealed from scratch.

03 The centre of Tournament Heerenveen director Harry was awash Been. with the colours of the participating teams. City of Heerenveen KNVB/Jan de Koning European Under- 21

Dutch readyChampionship for kick-off

WHEN THE FINAL ROUND OF THE EUROPEAN UNDER-21 CHAMPIONSHIP

KICKS OFF ON 10 JUNE IN HEERENVEEN, IT WILL BE THE START OF ANOTHER EXCITING

FOOTBALL EVENT FOR DUTCH FOOTBALL FANS.

They will be hoping for a trained over 600 volunteers, who will attention on the football event taking repetition of the successful and most operate as drivers, attendants and assis- place from 10 to 23 June. entertaining international tournaments tants in various fields. that the Dutch hosted in 2000 and Art4Football 2005. Seven years ago, the Netherlands Attendance Four hundred primary schools co-hosted EURO 2000 with southern With over 120,000 tickets sold by in the four venues received an invitation neighbours Belgium. Two years ago, 1 May, expected attendance has already to take part in the educational and cultural six host cities were alight with enthusi- exceeded the number of spectators in project Art4Football, for which children asm during the FIFA World Youth Cham- Germany for the under-21 final round in produce a work of art which pionship in 2005. 2004. The LOC sincerely hopes that ticket is exhibited in their local area In order to organise the under- sales will have passed the total for last first. The best efforts – 21 event successfully, the Royal Nether- year’s tournament in Portugal even before expressing Dutch hospitality lands Football Association (KNVB) the tournament kicks off on 10 June. and the international founded the legal entity Euro 2007 as Over the last few months, flavour of the tourna- the local organising committee (LOC), dozens of activities in and around ment – will be which can operate legally, commercially the host cities have alerted offered to the and financially independently of the potential fans to the Euro- competing football association itself. The president pean Under-21 Champi- teams upon of the foundation is KNVB president onship final round. their arrival Mathieu Sprengers, while KNVB’s gen- School competitions, in the eral secretary Harry Been was appointed club tournaments and Nether- as tournament director. Both men one-off events lands. Thus, held the same positions during the two have had their young and previous major international events effect on the old are mak- and have quite some experience under general mood of ing sure that no one their belts. the public and ticket sales in particular. is going to regret The official European under-21 trophy UEFA moving the Festive has been on tour in the four host cities final round of its The allocation of the four host since the launch of ticket sales on European Under- cities was a difficult choice out of many 19 January. The highlight of this tour was 21 Championship highly suitable candidates. In the end, a one-day trip in an eye-catching vehicle from even to odd- one decisive factor was the intention containing championship ambassador numbered years. of Arnhem, Groningen, Heerenveen Frank de Boer and tournament director Rob de Leede and Nijmegen to turn their venues into Harry Been on 21 May. Frank de Boer a festive football area for competitors has been instrumental in the promotional and fans alike. With their memories campaign for the event. He attended of 2005 still fresh in their minds, at least one major promotional event in Ismail Aissati, one of the the fans are likely to turn up in large each of the host cities. A promotional key members numbers, just as the volunteers team, the “UEFA Under-21 Hit Squad”, of the Dutch U21 team. have already done in order to fill the have visited well-attended events hundreds of vacancies that were avail- all around the country since KNVB/Jan de Koning able. An agency has selected and 20 April, focussing

04 uefadirect 6.07 The The team Euroborg of former stadium stars which in Groningen, faced where the FC Hercules final will in Utrecht. be played. Jan de Koning/KNVB UEFA

Tournament ambas- sador Frank de Boer A team hands Formula 1 driver Christijan Albers the tournament trophy and to promote the an invitation for the opening match during a promotional event in Amsterdam. tournament UEFA

FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE FINAL ROUND OF THE EUROPEAN UNDER-21 Job Cohen, and Dutch football CHAMPIONSHIP IS BEING STAGED IN AN ODD-NUMBERED YEAR. THE PURPOSE OF stars including Arsenal’s Robin van Persie and Dutch internation- THIS CHANGE, WHICH WAS ADOPTED BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, IS TO RAISE als Ryan Babel and Romeo Caste- THE PROFILE OF THIS COMPETITION WHICH, UNTIL NOW, HAS ALWAYS BEEN len took part in the promotional HELD IN THE SHADOW OF THE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP OR WORLD CUP FINALS. activities. Guests were invited on board a boat to test the speed In order to achieve this along with other information of their shots, an initiative which objective and give the tourna- about the tournament. proved extremely successful. ment the publicity that the qual- For example, the “UEFA Fan participation is one ity of its participants deserves, Under-21 Hit Squad” joined in the of the key features of this cam- UEFA, in addition to the meas- 125th anniversary celebrations paign. Penalty workshops, “Shoot ures taken by the Dutch organis- of Utrecht club USV Hercules, one to Win” competitions, mini-pitch ers, has, as part of its event pro- of the oldest Dutch clubs, on a day matches and two-a-side street motion programme, created the culminating in a match between football are all included in a “UEFA Under-21 Hit Squad”, a FC Hercules and a team of former programme that will also feature team responsible for promoting Dutch internationals, including a 21-hour non-stop football the event by raising the public’s Frank de Boer, Rob and Richard marathon organised by the local awareness of it. Composed of Witschge and Hans van Breukelen. organising committee and finish- experts and a number of Dutch In Amsterdam, at the tradi- ing just before the first match football stars such as Frank de tional “Queen’s Day” celebrations played in each of the four host Boer, the tournament’s ambassa- which draw huge crowds into the cities, which will also stage their dor, it has organised a series of city, the Mayor of Amsterdam, own “Fan Festivals”. football-based activities through- out the country, with a particular focus on young people. The pro- gramme features 21 such activi- An autograph session for inter- ties, in accordance with the age national player category of this European Cham- Romeo Castelen as part of the pionship tournament. “Queen’s Day” These promotional activ- promotional ities, supported by the tourna- activities. ment’s official sponsors, kicked off in Amsterdam on 1 April, when the public were able to meet Frank de Boer and see the competition trophy. The activities, which also give the public the chance to win tickets for the matches, took place throughout April and con- tinue in Heerenveen, Groningen, Arnhem and Nijmegen, the tour- nament’s host cities, as well as Amsterdam and Utrecht, follow- ing a timetable that can be

viewed on the uefa.com website, UEFA

05 The semi-final The trophy between on display as Dinamo Moskva the finalists and Action 21 come onto the Charleroi (left) pitch. and between ElPozo Murcia and Boomerang Interviú.

final day when, had ElPozo been up for the gold medal, the pavilion would UEFA Futsal Cup have been, as the Spanish saying goes, The late, full right up to the flag. These points will doubtless feature on the agenda late show in Murcia when the future structure of the com- petition is debated. TO USE THE ‘THIRD TIME LUCKY’ CLICHÉ ABOUT The hosts’ presence in the final had seemed a sporting probability MFK DINAMO MOSKVA’S VICTORY IN THE UEFA FUTSAL CUP when they were leading their domestic WOULD BE UNFAIR TO THE CHAMPIONS. arch-rivals Boomerang Interviú 2-1 with just over two minutes left on the clock After defeats in the previous Turística FS, did a magnificent job of – only for Boomerang to come back two finals, their success was not down staging the event, in conjunction with with two late, late goals, the last of to luck but rather to discipline, self- the local authorities and the Spanish which hit the net 1.07 seconds before belief and sheer talent. After the final, national association, at the impressive the hooter. Bouncing back from such their coach, Yury Rudnev, admitted: Palacio Municipal de Deportes in Mur- a hammer blow was not easy – and “I have no strength or emotions left”. cia. The ‘final four’ tournament could Duda’s team needed a late goal of The emotional scenes after the thus be given a spectacular brand their own to draw 1-1 with Action 21 match were summed up when identity, sponsorship could be more Charleroi and take the bronze medal Dinamo’s president, former futsal easily attracted, and TV coverage in a penalty shoot-out. superstar Konstantin Eremenko, (by Eurosport and other Spanish As their coach, Christian Vavá- emerged from a dressing-room and Russian networks) was more dio, pointed out, the Belgians had sur- drenching and insisted on rationally organised. The event vived their financial crisis but had trav- “savouring the special moment” by undoubtedly served as great promotion elled to Murcia to dispute their fourth taking a solitary stroll with his wife for futsal at club level. final with a young team and with through the sultry Murcia night. Reservations were on the remote hopes of success. He undersold But let’s start at the beginning. sporting side. All four coaches stressed his side’s potential as, apart from tak- For the first time, the dénouement of that it was hardly fair on Boomerang ing the hosts to the wire, they had the UEFA Futsal Cup was a four-team Interviú to reach the final without made Dinamo work very hard for a 3-1 final tournament rather than a home- being able to play a single match in semi-final victory. and-away confrontation between the front of their own fans. And defeat for Dinamo started the final so finalists. In many, many ways, it was a the host team in the semi-finals un- strongly that Jesús Candelas, coach of great success. The hosts, ElPozo Murcia doubtedly affected attendance on the the two-time European champions, was prompted to call a time-out after just over seven minutes. Five minutes later, with Boomerang goalkeeper Luís Amado keeping them in the game with a string of fine saves, Yury Rudnev called a time-out when Dinamo were awarded a free kick. He told his players what to do – and they did it: 1-0. But, again, there was to be late drama. Player-goalkeeper Neto equalised with 1’27 on the clock, only for Pula, exactly 60 seconds later, to give Dinamo a 2-1 win and their first gold medal. It was a fittingly emotional finale to a spec- tacular three-day show. Photos: Sportsfile 26.04 MFK Dinamo Moskva – Action 21 Charleroi 3-1 (1-1) 26.04 ElPozo Murcia – Boomerang Interviú 2-3 (1-1) 28.04 ElPozo Murcia – Action 21 Charleroi 1-1 (1-0)* 28.04 MFK Dinamo Moskva – Boomerang Interviú 2-1 (1-0) * ElPozo winners after penalty kicks

First European success for Dinamo Moskva.

06 uefadirect 6.07 Emma Byrne Rejoicing Alex Scott, had a superb was all the who scored match in greater the only goal goal for as the of the final, Arsenal LFC. English team celebrates were the victory underdogs. with skipper Jayne Ludlow. Empics Sport/PA Photos Empics Sport/PA Sportsfile Sportsfile

of the Swedes, Arsenal Ladies fully deserved their success thanks to an UEFA Women’s immaculate fighting performance, in which both wingers, Karen Carney and Rachel Yankey, were particularly Cup final conspicuous. New faces This was the first edition of the UEFA Women’s Cup that was not 2006/07 won by a team from Germany or Sweden. Whether the trophy will move First European title for to a fourth country next season remains to be seen. The 2007/08 competition Arsenal Ladies promises to be tight since both the losing semi-finalists, Kolbotn IL from THANKS TO A NARROW 1-0 AGGREGATE VICTORY AFTER TWO Norway and Brøndby IF from Denmark, HARD-FOUGHT MATCHES AGAINST UMEÅ IK, ARSENAL LFC GOT THEIR NAMES will be looking to reach the final next time. Last year’s winners, 1. FFC Frank- ON THE UEFA WOMEN’S CUP FOR THE FIRST TIME. furt, who suffered a surprise defeat at the hands of Kolbotn IL, will be Despite the meagre goal tally, your lucky day. But Arsenal are a very approaching the new European season the sixth Women’s Cup final was an good team. They are very physical, with renewed hunger for success. The exciting, high-class game between two good players and they played a good new cup campaign gets under way clubs from England and Sweden with match as well.” with the draw for the first and second completely different playing styles. The qualifying rounds on 5 July at UEFA Swedes from Umeå boasted several Long-awaited first headquarters in Nyon. highly talented individuals, especially for the “Lady Gunners” the technically outstanding Brazilian Naturally Arsenal Ladies Marta, the 2006 FIFA Women’s World were in very different spirits Player of the Year, while Arsenal Ladies after the second leg. Goal- were noted for their dynamism, speed keeper Emma Byrne, who and determination. played a large part in Arsenal’s triumph with a string of brilliant A decisive extra-time goal saves, was almost lost for In the end, a superb strike by words. “I’m still coming to Arsenal’s Alex Scott in the dying sec- terms with the fact that we are onds of the first leg in Sweden was the European champions. I’m feel- difference between the two teams. ing ecstatic, overwhelmed and Throughout both matches, the goal a little bit emotional – the seemed to be boarded up for four-time whole thing is still sinking in.” finalists Umeå. The Swedes dominated Despite the apparent superiority for most of the time but were repeat- edly denied by outstanding Irish goal- 21 April 2007, Umeå keeper Emma Byrne, by the woodwork Attendance: 6,265 or ultimately by their own finishing. Referee: Christine Beck In the last 15 minutes of the return leg (Germany) in London alone, Marta and 16-year-old Umeå IK – Arsenal LFC 0-1 substitute Ramona Bachmann created Goals: 91’ Scott 0-1 half-a-dozen golden chances. Capped 116 times for Sweden, Umeå skipper 29 April 2007, Borehamwood Attendance: 3,467 Karolina Westberg was understandably A strong tackle disappointed: “The goal just didn’t Referee: Nicole Petignat by Arsenal player (Switzerland) Rachel Yankey want to go in. We had a lot of chances at the expense of to score but sometimes it’s just not Arsenal LFC – Umeå IK 0-0 Lisa Dahlqvist. Sportsfile

07 Lawrie Sanchez in training, in the dressing room with Ireland’s back-room staff, and in a press conference. Photos: IFA/Spike Hill Photos: IFA/Spike

achieved a draw against World Cup semi- finalists Portugal. The country is currently ranked Lawrie 33 by FIFA thanks to a further six points gained in the March wins over Liechten- stein and Sweden. This is a rise of 91 places since Sanchez took over, when the A successfulSanchez coach for country was ranked 124. Building the team around Healy Northern Ireland In 32 games, Sanchez marshalled his team to 11 wins and ten draws. LAWRIE SANCHEZ HAS BEEN THE MOST SUCCESSFUL He built the Northern Ireland team around Healy – positioning players NORTHERN IRELAND FOOTBALL MANAGER SINCE THE HEADY ERA to support and feed the striker – and it OF BILLY BINGHAM MORE THAN 20 YEARS AGO. has paid off in spades. Under the mana- ger immediately prior to Sanchez, Healy With an overall record of total of 24 competition points, but had scored only eight goals in 29 matches. 11 wins from his 32 games in charge, played four games less. Under Sanchez, the Leeds United Sanchez had moved three wins ahead Having scored 35 goals since striker hit the net 21 times in 27 appear- of Bryan Hamilton, who achieved eight Sanchez’ arrival in January 2004, the ances (scoring in 15 of the games) wins between 1993 and 1997. Having Northern Ireland team scored more including two hat tricks (against Spain accumulated 22 competition points to goals under him than under any mana- and Liechtenstein). date, Sanchez only needed one more ger since Billy Bingham, who took competitive win to overtake Hamilton’s the country to two World Cups, in 1982 High expectations and 1986. This tiny country – with a popula- All this was achieved despite tion of less than two million – has most Sanchez taking over a team on a record of its international players plying their run of 13 games without scoring a goal trade in the English championship. The With striker David Healy. and 14 games without winning a match. squad includes a handful of Premiership The latest win over Sweden, on players. 28 March, took Northern Ireland top of Despite having such a small pot Group F in the EURO 2008 qualifiers (the to draw from, Sanchez was forceful in his first time they have led a group in over expectations. On first meeting the play- 20 years) and saw striker David Healy ers, he insisted he wanted only those named leading goal scorer of the tourna- prepared to play for their country with ment with nine goals. pride, passion and commitment; other- wise they could stay at home. The result Barren period before is a squad as committed as he has been. Sanchez’ arrival Discipline is firm, training intense, On appointment, Sanchez prom- Team Northern Ireland has an impenetra- ised three things: a rise in the rankings, ble spirit on and off the field – where in scoring goals and winning games. the past conceding a goal would have The good times started rolling seen the team sink, now they show with immediate effect. enough confidence to fight back, coming In Sanchez’ first game in charge, from behind to beat Spain and Sweden against Norway on 18 February 2004, in this tournament. Healy, who had been in the team Under Lawrie Sanchez, Northern throughout the 13-match 1,298-minute Ireland has rediscovered spirit and suc- goal drought, scored for his country for cess. The team’s achievements resonate the first time in more than two years. throughout, and unite the whole country. Northern Ireland not only started Heather Jan Brunt winning matches, but, under Sanchez, Ed.: After taking over at the English club Fulham beat world class opposition of the calibre in mid-April, Lawrie Sanchez announced in mid-May

EMPICS/PA Photos EMPICS/PA of England, Spain and Sweden and that he would no longer combine both roles.

08 uefadirect 6.07 Per Ravn Timo Omdal Huttunen, The role of the addresses director of the conference grassroots professionals on behalf of football the Executive at the “The next phase of devel- Committee. Finnish FA. opment” was the theme for the 7th UEFA Grassroots Conference. With the usual mix of theory and practice, the gathering was an opportunity for the experts from all UEFA member associations to Grassroots review the development of the Grassroots Charter, to comprehend the social strength of football, to discover what grassroots activities conference will be on offer during EURO 2008 Promotes motivation and to follow the work being carried out at club level. By way of and balance example in this respect, the partici- pants were able to hear about the IN EARLY APRIL, THE FINNISH FA HOSTED THE SEVENTH UEFA GRASSROOTS work being done by two top clubs: FC Internazionale and SV Werder CONFERENCE IN HELSINKI. STAGING SUCH A HIGH-PROFILE EVENT JUST BEFORE Bremen. THE START OF THE DOMESTIC SEASON WHILE ALSO ORGANISING CENTENARY

ACTIVITIES KEPT THE LOCAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE (LOC) BUSY, BUT ALL Roberto Samaden explains the work of THE EFFORT PRODUCED PLEASING RESULTS. FC Internazionale in the grassroots sector.

Timo Huttunen, the director of Huttunen continued. the association’s grassroots programme, The grassroots director was also was in charge of the local organising satisfied with the main theme of the committee (LOC) team through four days conference. Hansi Müller, Andy Roxburgh of conference activities. As a result of and Roy Hodgson discussed the respec- hosting FIFA and UEFA tournaments in tive roles of grassroots football and recent years, the LOC staff were well professional football, which is a relevant aware of what was expected of them. subject for Finland in particular. “The grassroots conference was “I think that one of the strengths A debate led by UEFA’s a big challenge for us and was very of these conferences is that they high- technical director, Andy Roxburgh, interesting. With the help of our compe- light the values that we can present not in the company of Roy Hodgson, tent staff and volunteers, the outcome only to the football family but also to coach of the Finnish national team, was extremely positive. Being a part of society as a whole. Such discussions help and Hansi Müller, the former inter- national who is nowadays a UEFA this kind of conference is really motivat- us to find a balance between the top- ambassador for grassroots football, ing. The next step for us is to work to- flight game and grassroots activities. emphasised the relations between wards the four stars that still remain to be Perhaps in the future we could also con- grassroots and professional foot- acquired after joining the Grassroots tinue organising regional workshops, ball, and stressed the importance Charter in January,“ said Huttunen, a in which we could target certain issues of the role that top players can couple of days after the drills on the pitch even more effectively,” added Huttunen. play in promoting the game and and presentations in the conference room Sami Terävä developing young talent. had come to a successful conclusion. In describing the outcome as positive, the grassroots programme direc- tor meant not only efficient logistics and satisfied guests. Education of its own staff has also been a source of motivation for the Finnish FA in hosting international events over recent years. “There are many things that we can achieve through this kind of confer- ence. We learn from UEFA’s way of doing things, meet new people from all over the continent and learn from each other how different cultures deal with similar challenges. Of course many things have Practice to demonstrate the to be adapted to suit local settings, but theory is a common characteristic

those things are there for grabs,” of UEFA courses and conferences. Photos: Sportsfile

09 Media Sharing relations was to improve. one of the subjects dealt with.

association as a whole knows how to organise a major football event or KISS – Knowledge and to deal with the media in any possible situation. Similarly, several associations information sharing scenario sharing the same concern (e.g. how to deal with volunteers in preparing an event) can benefit from inventing best CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT IS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO IMPROVE practices together and collectively. The SKILLS IN THE TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF FOOTBALL AS WELL AS IN THE AREA HatTrick knowledge-sharing project OF MANAGEMENT, WHERE FOOTBALL INTERACTS WITH THE FANS, THE SPONSORS, does nothing other than provide associ- ations with the means to achieve these THE MEDIA, ETC. FOR THE MEDIA, THE QUESTION IS: collective undertakings. How should football’s governing ways to address media rights, new bodies adapt to ensure that football re- ways of managing the fans, new ticket- Four pillars mains a top sport and in order to devel- ing strategies, and son on). Only two The UEFA HatTrick knowledge- op (a new image through the media, things need to be done: compare sharing model comprises four pillars. new products such as women’s and share with others, and learn ■ The first pillar consists of in- football, new and more attractive the lessons in a systematic man- teractive seminars for sharing standard models of competition, etc.)? ner. In one word: good practice practices on a given subject (marketing, Of course, there are many is essential. But shared good communication and media, event and ways to address the challenge practices are worth their weight project management). (devise new strategies, develop in gold. ■ The second pillar consists of new structures, run courses) at various In order to get something out addressing specific issues and solving levels (higher football authorities, clubs, of a process as open as the sharing of problems faced by a sub-group of asso- national associations). ideas and knowledge, you obviously ciations in regional workshops. In this context, UEFA has select- need to have a structured approach; ■ The third pillar consists of a ed one target: the national associations’ such a structured approach is what unique electronic platform (tailor-made middle managers, and launched a the UEFA HatTrick knowledge and e-learning), where managers from asso- unique activity: “knowledge sharing of information sharing scenario (KISS) is ciations throughout Europe can log in good practices” stemming both from about. and review any interactive seminar or experts and from the associations them- The project relies upon one workshop online. selves. major principle: collective intelligence ■ The fourth pillar consists of There are tons of good manage- both within a football association and following up and assisting associations ment practices out there. We can triple between associations. The idea is not to implement whatever they have lear- their impact and create totally unexpect- so much about developing individuals’ ned. This last pillar eventually leads to ed solutions (new types of revenue, new skills, but rather of making sure the communities of practice being establi- shed where associations gather (either physically or online) to discuss best practices in any domain. To date, after nearly two years of existence, the project has achieved the following: nine interactive seminars and six workshops have been run. After the spring sessions (March to May), more sessions will be organised bet- ween September and December. The knowledge-sharing platform includes three modules, on project manage- ment, marketing, communication and media, and is constantly evolving. About nine associations are currently engaged in a follow-up process, imple- menting new practices and networking with other associations, with UEFA and

Photos: UEFA with external experts.

10 uefadirect 6.07 The The massive Executive development Committee of futsal meeting everywhere has in Cardiff. justified the introduction of an U21 European competition. Keystone/EFE UEFA-pjwoods.ch

20 associations already organise national youth competitions, which prompted Meetings and UEFA’s Futsal Committee to propose the introduction of a European under-21 futsal competition, particularly as several other associations expressed an interest other activities in such an event. Consequently, the Executive Committee agreed to the Approval of regulations creation of a European under-21 futsal tournament in 2008. The competition DESPITE BEING A MEMBER OF UEFA SINCE THE GOVERNING BODY will consist of a qualifying round in OF EUROPEAN FOOTBALL WAS FOUNDED IN 1954, THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF the form of mini-tournaments, played in April, and a final round at the end WALES HAD NEVER HOSTED A MEETING OF THE UEFA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. of October or beginning of November. As requested by the UEFA This “oversight” was rectified event. The order of the semi-finals was Congress in Düsseldorf in January, a on 17 and 18 April, when the Executive changed from the order defined in the feasibility study into a European Football Committee gathered in Cardiff for a regulations that had already been adop- Championship final round with 24 teams special meeting, one of the tasks before ted, whereby the winners of the first has started, with the support of a spe- it being that of deciding who would host quarter-final will play the winners of cialised agency. Given the various im- EURO 2012. This item took up a large the fourth quarter-final instead of the pacts that an increase in the number part of the meeting, but before tackling winners of the third quarter-finals, of final-round participants could have, this question, the committee dealt with which, of course will also change the as well as the risks that agreeing to such its more ordinary business. line-up of the other semi-final. a step the day before announcing the With the new season on the The Executive Committee also hosts of EURO 2012 would have incurred, horizon, the committee had several sets approved the regulations of the 2007/08 the Executive Committee decided that of regulations to consider for approval. UEFA Futsal Cup and UEFA Women’s no change should in any case be envis- For the 2007/08 club competitions Cup, as well as the 2007 edition of the aged before the 2014-16 championship. (UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup UEFA Anti-Doping Regulations. The new format of the European and UEFA Intertoto Cup), the number Women’s Championship, under which of places reserved for locally trained U21 futsal tournament the two divisions have been abolished, players on the list of 25 players that a A survey conducted among the is posing a problem for the teams elimi- club submits increases from four to six, member associations revealed that futsal nated in the qualifying round, who a maximum of three of whom may is rising in the popularity stakes. About find themselves devoid of competition be association-trained. In the UEFA Champions League, participation by the winners in the FIFA Ceremony in Nyon Club World Cup becomes mandatory. Visitors to the House of European Football cannot fail to notice the plaques of UEFA’s member associations embedded in the marble at the However, the committee rejected the entrance to its Nyon headquarters. proposal to modify the draw procedure A brief ceremony was held for the quarter-finals by introducing on 8 May in the presence of the UEFA seeds determined on the basis of the re- president, Michel Platini, to complete sults up to that point in the same season the set by adding the 53rd plaque, (see uefadirect 61). featuring the logo of the Montenegrin The idea has not been dismissed Football Association, which became once and for all, but will be put before a UEFA member at the Congress in the European Professional Football Stra- Düsseldorf. tegy Council. At the same time, the emblem of the Serbian FA replaced that of the For the final round of the Euro- Federation of Serbia and Montenegro, pean Women’s Championship in Finland which was dissolved following the in 2009, the schedule was approved declaration of Montenegro’s independ- (matches from 23 August to 10 Septem- ence. The presidents of the two asso- ber), with the quarter-finals and semi- ciations concerned, Dejan Savicevic The president of the Football Association finals each taking place over two days and Zvezdan Terzic, also attended the of Montenegro,

to boost the promotional impact of the ceremony. Dejan Savicevic, seals UEFA-pjwoods.ch the plaque of the 53rd member of UEFA at the entrance to the House of European 11 Football. The associations of FYR Thomas Büchler- Macedonia, represented by De la Cruz, its president, Haralampie general secretary Hadzi-Risteski (right), and of the European of Greece, represented by its Football Pool, general secretary Ioannis conducted the Economides, came to sign the draw for the Grassroots Football Charter UEFA Intertoto in Nyon at the start of May. Cup. UEFA-pjwoods.ch UEFA-pjwoods.ch UEFA-pjwoods.ch matches for two years. In the case UEFA Group B: Nigeria, United States, of the current competition, 15 teams Intertoto Cup Korea DPR, Sweden; are in this situation. The Executive Group C: Norway, Ghana, Committee therefore decided to offer draw Australia, Canada; them a support programme which This year’s UEFA Intertoto Cup Group D: China PR, New Zealand, will allow them to organise two mini- matches will begin at Brazil, Denmark. tournaments a year in groups of four, the end of June and The tournament will take place formed according to geographical the order of matches from 10 to 30 September, with matches criteria. UEFA will appoint an instruc- for the first three being held in Shanghai, Hangzhou, tor for each mini-tournament, whose rounds was decided Chengdu, Tianjin and Wuhan. job will be to assist the development in Nyon on 23 April. of the participating teams. The Execu- Since the national champi- Sweden head tive Committee allocated a budget of onships were not yet concluded, the fair play table CHF 2.4 million to this project. identity of the participating clubs was not yet known, which is why the Swedish teams finished top of this season’s UEFA Seven new members names of the national associations were used in the draw. fair play league. Con- of the Grassroots Charter sequently, the Following the recommenda- 1. Romania 2 – Montenegro Swedish FA will be tion of the Grassroots Panel and the 2. Croatia – Albania able to enter one Technical Development Committee, 3. Cyprus – FYR Macedonia additional team in the Executive Committee approved 4. Malta – Slovenia the first qualifying the admission of a further seven asso- 5. Bosnia-Herzegovina – Andorra round of the ciations to UEFA’s Grassroots Charter. 6. Kazakhstan – Georgia UEFA Cup. The seven new members, all in the 7. Belarus – Armenia one-star category, are Belgium, 8. Azerbaijan – Moldova Croatia, France, Greece, FYR Mace- 9. Luxembourg – Slovakia donia, Spain and Turkey. 10. Northern Ireland – Latvia 11. Sweden – Faroe Islands 12. Finland – Estonia 13. Iceland – Republic of Ireland 14. Lithuania – Wales The first round matches will be played on 23 and 24 June (first leg) The month of May was dominated, as and 30 June and 1 July. usual, by the UEFA club competition finals: the Champions League saw a repeat of the line-up Elite women for the 2005 final between Liverpool FC in China (Steve Finnan, in red, up against Didier The Women’s World Cup Drogba of Chelsea being held in China in September in the semi-final) and AC Milan, while the will involve 16 teams vying to UEFA Cup final was succeed Germany as world cham- an all-Spanish affair between RCD Espanyol pions. and Sevilla FC. Germany themselves will be in the running to defend the title they won in the United States in 2003, alongside four other European representatives: England, Denmark, Norway and Sweden. A draw was held in Wuhan on 22 April, when the teams were divided into four groups: Group A: Germany, Japan,

Sportsfile England, Argentina;

12 uefadirect 6.07 On 9 May, representatives of the European team sport federations (football, basketball, handball and volleyball) met at UEFA headquarters in Nyon. They reiterated their support for the EU white paper on sport insofar as it will allow specific measures to be adopted to implement the Nice Declaration. UEFA-pjwoods.ch

The league table, Special Olympics News from based on fair play points earned by all teams footballers Brussels (national teams and invited to visit clubs) from each national EURO 2008 Only a Game?, the exhibition association, was calculated, as a one- qualifying games that links the themes of football off this season, over a period of 11 and Europe on the occasion of months, from 1 June 2006 to 30 April In March, the Luxembourg the 50th anniversary of the Treaty 2007. Eleven associations finished football association and Special above the eight-point threshold: Olympics Luxembourg invited a of Rome – the act establishing team from Special Olympics Belarus the modern-day European Union – Points Matches to visit Luxembourg to attend opened its doors to the public 1. Sweden 8,257 66 the EURO 2008 qualifying match in Brussels on 22 May. The launch 2. Norway 8,186 54 of the exhibition will be marked 3. Finland 8,119 55 between Luxembourg and Belarus. by numerous events in the coming 4. Denmark 8,111 65 The football team of Special 5. Germany 8,092 107 Olympics Belarus (from Borisov) joined weeks. 6. Estonia 8,088 39 the supporters and national team on The Only a Game? exhibition, 7. Wales 8,083 40 the trip to Luxembourg. The flights of being held from 23 May to 26 Au- 8. Switzerland 8,064 64 the Special Olympics players were made gust, will explore the link between 9. Slovakia 8,050 55 possible thanks to financial support the growth of the European Union 10. England 8,047 118 from the Belarussian football federation and the historic rise of European 11. France 8,001 115 and the professional team Bate. football (cf. uefadirect No. 60, By finishing in first place, The Special Olympics foot- pp.10-11). UEFA, the Belgian Foot- Sweden automatically receive an addi- ballers had the opportunity to train ball Association (URBSFA) and tional UEFA Cup place. Two further with first division coach Jacques Muller, the Brussels Region, which are all places will be allocated to two of the who is also president of the coaches closely involved in the project, are ten associations which finished with association in Luxembourg. The players delighted by the enthusiasm which more than eight points at a draw them competed in a match officiated this initiative is generating. Exam- to be held in Glasgow on 15 May by Abby Toussaint, a FIFA referee from ples include the willingness of (result to be published on uefa.com Luxembourg. three football stars to be involved and in the next edition of uefadirect). Both teams watched the and the organisation of a televised EURO 2008 qualifying match, which debate on the role played by our High stakes do not have to stand Belarus won. In the evening, the favourite sport in contemporary in the way of fair play, as shown by Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, helping Special Olympics Belarus footballers European society. Gennaro Gattuso get back on his feet returned home on the same flight as in the Champions League first knockout round return leg between their national team. Champions’ contribution AC Milan and Celtic. As a supporter of the project, ■ In Romania, based on an the captain of the French national initial agreement between McDonald’s team, Lilian Thuram, will soon be Romania and the Romanian football visiting the exhibition in Brussels. association, Special Olympics Romania It is something to look forward to recently signed partnerships with each for the man who said, “I am not organisation for Special Olympics foot- defined by a geographic area, but ballers to attend four home matches by a feeling. Europe is an extraordi- in the Romanian national team’s nary idea, a place for sharing.“ EURO 2008 qualifying campaign. The Two other champions, who are first took place in Piatra Neamt, against well known in Brussels, have also Luxembourg. Twenty-two Special Olym- expressed a wish to be associated pics Romania footballers were kitted with Only a Game? out in sports gear donated by McDo- Morten Olsen, a living legend

Sabattini nald’s Romania. In total, 92 uniforms of Danish football who played for will be given out for the four games. most of his career in Belgium and ➜

13 Players Young from Special footballers ➜ is now the Danish national team Olympics from Special Luxembourg Olympics coach, brought one of the main and Belarus Romania together alongside centrepieces of the exhibition from on the pitch. players from Cologne. their national team.

The Brussels-born rising star SO LUXEMBOURG SO ROMANIA of Belgian football, Vincent Kom- pany, will also make a significant contribution to the festivities Special Olympics footballers joined ers. The event ran from 27 April to being organised around the exhi- the two national teams on the pitch 1 May. bition. The talented Hamburg SV before the start of the game. “The Special Olympics Euro- defender can certainly expect a pean Football Week continues to grow warm welcome in his home city. Special Olympics from strength to strength with con- tinued outstanding support from the Football Week European football family. Over the The seventh annual years, Football Week has proved to be Special Olympics European Foot- an excellent model for other regions ball Week was held from 29 April in encouraging greater understanding to 6 May. An estimated 40,000 and acceptance of the abilities of players with learning disabilities people with learning disabilities,” said participated in football events in Michael Smith, managing director more than 50 countries through- of the Brussels-based office of Special out Europe/Eurasia. Olympics Europe/Eurasia. “This year,

Roig/Bongarts/Getty Images This year, events included we were pleased to see girls and Vincent Kompany of Hamburg SV grassroots activities in a multi-country women being given the chance to (right, facing Heder Postiga of Porto) will contribute to the exhibition. Unified Sports project in which players show their skills on the pitch in a with and without learning disabilities high-profile event,” Smith added. Televised debate compete on the same team. As part of the week, in what The content of the exhibition This highly inclusive project, has become a tradition, a Unified particularly suggests that football which focuses on youth and builds match between Special Olympics and in a way reflects European society, awareness and tolerance on and off UEFA players was held at the Colovray with its strengths (integration, the playing field, aims to have 50,000 stadium in Nyon, Switzerland, on solidarity, etc.) as well as its weak- Unified players by 2010. Another 23 April. nesses (such as racism and vio- important event was the seven-a-side Football Week is one of the lence). These are all themes that women’s football tournament held highlights of the Special Olympics can be found on the football in Kecskemét, Hungary. football development project which is pitch…and which will be discussed Teams from 19 countries supported by UEFA. A more detailed in front of the television cameras competed in the largest Special Olym- report will be published in the next of Belgian channel TV Brussels. pics regional event for women play- issue of uefadirect. Participants in the debate will particularly include political jour- nalist François Colin and Simon Kuper, Financial Times correspon- dent and author of numerous books on football. The debate will be chaired by Ivo Belet, the MEP who initiated the European Parlia- ment resolution on the future of professional football in Europe. There is no doubt that this debate will achieve the commend- able objective of the exhibition organisers to encourage visitors to think about Europe through football. ‘Only a Game?’ – Football & Europe 50 years of history Musées Royaux d’Art et d’Histoire (Musée du Cinquentenaire)

23 May – 26 August 2007 UEFA-pjwoods.ch www.onlyagame.be The match staged as part of the Special Olympics Football Week opposite UEFA headquarters in Nyon.

14 uefadirect 6.07 fromN memberEWS associations

the results of the clubs’ documentation ARMENIA assessment and site visits. BOSNIA AND Based on their presentations and HERZEGOVINA preliminary reports, the committee deci- Seven premier league clubs ded to grant licences to FC Pyunik, New mini pitch FC Banants, FC Mika, FC Ararat, FC Kilikia, granted licences FC Gandzasar and FC Ulysses, but to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s under-17 and It is already the fourth UEFA season refuse a licence to FC Shirak for submit- under-19 teams played two friendly that the football association of Armenia ting incomplete documentation. The first matches at the beginning of April, against (FFA) has implemented a club licensing four clubs will represent Armenia in the their peers from neighbouring Monte- system and it is achieving better results 2007/08 UEFA club competitions. negro, as part of their preparations for year by year. During these four years, the FC Shirak decided not to appeal their next respective European qualifying club applicants have become more confi- against the licensing committee’s decision matches. These were the first matches dent about themselves, and an atmos- but to concentrate on the next licensing of the Montenegrin youth teams since phere of complete trust has been created cycle, which will be something of a chal- the football association of Montenegro between the licensor and the licensees lenge for Armenian football, as it will be officially became a member of UEFA. within the FFA club licensing system. the first time that the club licensing sys- In the town of Herceg Novi, host un- That is the background against which tem will have been implemented at der-19s beat the visitors 1-0, while the the FFA licensing committee (first instance national level, i.e. clubs will have to hold under-17s drew 1-1. Two days later, in body) met on 27 April to decide the a licence not only to take part in UEFA the town of Trebinje in Bosnia and Herze- Armenian clubs’ “licensing destiny”. The club competitions also in the Armenian govina, the host under-19s took their licensing manager, deputy licensing top division. revenge with a 1-0 win, while the under- manager and criteria experts presented In this connection, the FFA licensing 17s achieved another 1-1 draw. It was department plans to run a series of work- a nice opportunity for the youth players shops, during which the licensor’s experts to meet their peers from the neighbour- will discuss the new features and require- ing country. ments of the new manual with the clubs’ representatives and provide them with fur- ther guidelines. The licensor and the clubs can be sure that such cooperation will ensure the achievement of the common goals of both sides – the further develop- ment of the FFA’s club licensing system and the improvement of Armenia’s foot-

FFA ball clubs. Meeting of the licensing committee. Tigran Israelyan

The final could also be seen live on pay- TV channel Premiere Austria, and it is grat- AUSTRIA F.Krvavac ifying that, despite the fine weather and the fact that it was a public holiday, many The Buca Potok mini-pitch 26th ÖFB Cup for Austria Wien viewers paid to watch this match between in the Sarajevo suburbs. The ÖFB Stiegl Cup final played bet- FK Austria Magna and SV Mattersburg. Bosnia and Herzegovina will continue ween FK Austria Magna (formerly known As is well known, the Bundeliga clubs to organise this kind of matches. Young as Austria Wien) and SV Mattersburg in a are not taking part in the ÖFB Stiegl Cup Bosnian players have been playing against practically sold-out Gerhard Hanappi sta- next year because of the early end to the their peers from several countries for sev- dium on 1 May provided clear evidence of league season (26 April 2008), which is eral seasons now. They have already the popularity of the cup competition in designed to ensure optimum preparation played against Croatia, FYR Macedonia, Austria. The rejoicing knew no bounds, for EURO 2008 on the part of national Serbia and Slovenia. not only among the fans of FK Austria team players involved in the domestic Thanks to the help of UEFA and its Hat- Magna but also on the part of the play- league. The place reserved for the cup Trick programme, the installation of mini- ers, coaching staff and club officials of winners in the 2008/09 UEFA Cup will pitches has already started throughout the winning team, who have now won then go to the next eligible club in the Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is planned to the cup three times in a row. After trail- league table. have around 40 such pitches. The aim of ing 1-0 at half-time from a header by Peter Klinglmüller this project is to increase the popularity Schmidt, the purple shirts of FK Austria of football among children. At the end of took only a few minutes to wipe out April, new mini-pitches were opened in the deficit through goals from Lafata and Pale, and in the Sarajevo districts of Novi Lasnik. Grad and Ilidza. A pleasing aspect was that the media In the Buca Potok area of Novi Grad, coverage of the final was very extensive one of the most densely populated parts and appropriate to the occasion. TV view- of Sarajevo, the opening of a mini-pitch ing figures showed that the cup compe- attracted great attention and is already in tition generates interest throughout the use by members of the Novi Grad football country. An average 311,000 viewers school. watched the second half of the final on “Young players couldn’t have got a

ORF 1, corresponding to a market share Pictures GEPA better present from UEFA, the football of 26%, which was not matched by any FK Austria Magna have won the Austrian Cup federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and other programme on the channel that day. for the 26th time. the Novi Grad authorities. Until now, we ➜

15 ➜ were forced to use training halls far away whom he led to an appearance in the quality coaching. I’m proud that England from where we live, and we didn’t have UEFA Champions League group stages last is leading the way.“ enough time for all the children. I hope autumn – a first for a Bulgarian club side. Capped 56 times by England, Neville that we will attract more children to foot- During the same meeting, the execu- is well aware of the importance of ball and take them off the streets with this tive committee also decided to appoint player pathways for the most talented new pitch,” said Fadil Aganspahic, direc- Dimitar Penev, 62, considered to be one individuals. tor of the Novi Grad football school. of the all-time greatest coaches in “Representing your country is the Most cup finals in all categories will take Bulgarian football, to be the main man- biggest honour any player can achieve and part at the end of the spring part of the ager of the Bulgarian national teams in all that goes for disabled players as well. It’s season. The futsal final has already taken age groups. Penev was head coach of the fantastic that there are structures in place place, with KMN Drugari from Zenica beat- Bulgarian “dream team” of 1994 which to identify the best players, make them ing KNM Seljak from Livno 11-7 at the achieved finished fourth in the World Cup better and give them the chance of pulling Skenderija sports hall. in the USA. on an England shirt.“ In the Bosnia and Herzegovina cup It was also decided that a search for a The FA runs six England disability final, NK Siroki Brijeg will play FK Slavija new national head coach would begin in teams – Blind, Partial Sighted, Amputee, from Lukavica. Slavija beat their neigh- earnest in the middle of June with both Cerebral Palsy, Deaf and Women’s Deaf bours from Kosevo, FK Sarajevo, in the local and international candidates being Futsal – which compete in European and semi-finals (2-1,1-1), while NK Siroki taken into consideration. world competitions. Brijeg managed to overturn the 2-0 Borislav Konstantinov Steve Johnson is Everton disability advantage that NK Celik from Zenica had coordinator and captain of England’s acquired in the first leg and beat them by amputee team: “I always played a lot of the same score. NK Siroki Brijeg then football and when I lost my leg after an performed better in the penalty shoot-out ENGLAND accident during a game when I was 21 I required to decide the match. was determined to stay involved. I went In the youth cup final, NK Siroki Brijeg to university, did a sport science degree will play NK Orasje. Success story for and then got involved in disability sport.“ Fuad Krvavac disability football Johnson joined Everton’s community England international Phil Neville has scheme three and a half years ago and has paid tribute to the “inspirational enthusi- seen the club develop the biggest disa- BULGARIA asm“ of the country’s disability players at bility programme in the country. a recent event organised by The Football With the number of players growing Association. and growing, disability football is a true New national team coach English success story. for two matches Andrin Cooper The executive committee of the Bulgarian football association (BFS) made quite an unusual decision when it met at FINLAND the end of April. Chaired by the BFS pres- ident, Borislav Mihaylov, the committee decided to appoint Stanimir Stoilov, 40, FA wants to get rid of as national head coach for just the next bad language in youth football two official matches of the national team. The Football Association of Finland The popular young specialist, nicknamed wants to “clean the mouths” in youth Mury by the fans, is currently head coach football. At the beginning of 2007, the FA of Levski Sofia and is set to take charge launched a new, zero tolerance campaign. of the national side for the two EURO The purpose of this drive is to stop the use Action Images/Carl Recine 2008 qualifying matches against Belarus of disgraceful bad language in youth foot- Phil Neville saw for himself the enthusiasm taking place in Minsk and Sofia at the of disabled footballers when he took part in ball. The campaign was tested last year in beginning of June. a training session. the association’s Vaasa district, and the Regardless of the results of those experience was very positive. The main games, the young coach will then return The Everton and England player was method for putting a stop to bad lan- to his club duties with Levski, thus ensur- at a disability football coaching session guage on the field is a change in the rules, ing his place in history as head coach of organised by The FA and Everton at the which enables referees to react earlier. The the national side, even if only for just two club’s training ground, where blind and first time a player swears, the referee will weeks in charge. He will be the 51st head partially-sighted players and adults and warn them to watch their language. If a coach in the history of Bulgarian football. children with cerebral palsy and learning player from the same team then swears, Christo Stoichkov, who was Bulgaria’s difficulties were involved. they will also be warned and the referee head coach up until the EURO 2008 game Neville said: “This has really opened my will also talk to their coach. If the same against Albania at the end of March, left eyes to the enthusiasm and dedication of players swear again, they will be booked. the side to take charge of the Spanish everyone involved in disability football. The campaign is also an important topic Primera side Celta Vigo. They love and enjoy their football just as at referee courses and the football asso- Stanimir Stoilov was born in 1967 in much as I do. It’s really inspirational and ciation and its districts have made a great the town of Haskovo. He had two spells shows that there is a route for children effort to promote it. as a Levski Sofia player (1994-95 and and adults to play the game to whatever Part of the zero tolerance campaign is 1999-2003) and also played for various level they can. The door is not closed.” a message from children to adults. In May, teams in Turkey and Portugal. As a play- “There’s been a lot of work done by The every U12 player gave a green card to an er, Mury earned 14 caps for the national FA and clubs like Everton to make sure adult before one of their team’s matches. side and scored eight goals. Since 2004, that there are lots of opportunities for dis- A referee gave each player a card just he has been head coach of Levski Sofia, abled people to get involved and get good before the match started and the players

16 uefadirect 6.07 EWS from member associationsN

handed them the adults on the side of the DFB’s regional associations and the towns pitch. The message read: and villages, with priority given to school “Dear adults, GERMANY premises. An important criterion for per- We are pleased you have come to see mission to build is that the enclosed pitch- our match and are interested in our hobby. German FA building es – which will have a rubber infill and This is our game goals built into the peripheral – must stay We have come here to enjoy a game 1,000 mini-pitches open to the public for as long as possible. of football with our friends. Of course we The executive committee of the Ger- “In deciding on the locations, care will be want to win, but what matters most to us man football association (DFB) has decid- taken to ensure a regional spread, where- is playing and making progress. ed to make EUR 12 million available from by even schools in problem areas will be Please let us play the association’s surplus budget for 2006 able to benefit from a mini-pitch, partic- Cheer us on, but also respect our to build 1,000 mini-pitches in Germany. ularly in areas with a large migrant pop- opponents. Don’t complain whenever we “As it used to be, football must be ulation,“ Theo Zwanziger added. make a mistake. We will do our best and part of people’s lives outside the club Stephan Brause the referee will also do his/her best. Set environment too. Children and young us an example of how to be fair, because people playing football should be a we will learn from you. familiar sight once again in our towns GEORGIA All children say thank you and villages,” said Theo Zwanziger, pres- PS: Let’s all adopt zero tolerance for ident of the DFB. bad language.” Work on the mini-pitches will start in A new large-scale edition Jukka Salasuo the autumn, in cooperation with all the The Georgian Football Federation (GFF) and the Street Football Association (SFA) up an area of 1,400 m2. A modern facili- organised a tournament between state ty that is on a par with the prestigious school teams from Tbilisi in spring 2006. FRANCE Domaine de Montjoye, where the French The tournament was called “Schoolball”. national team trains, the Clairefontaine It started in March 2006 and continued medical centre has an abundant number for two months. 200 schools participated A new medical centre of rooms for medical examinations (X- in the tournament with 3,000 pupils. The The French football association (FFF) rays), treatment (cryotherapy, CO2 laser) schools participating in the tournament has a new medical centre at its disposal and work-outs (treadmill, weight-training, were divided into ten districts, each pro- at the Fernand-Sastre national technical cardio training, isokinetics), as well as a ducing a winner. The final round of the centre in Clairefontaine (CTNFS). The med- balneotherapy area (pool, Jacuzzi, jet tournament took place at the Irao sports ical centre, which has been open since showers), everything designed for primary complex. May 2006, was officially inaugurated care, reeducation and rehabilitation. Because of the success and popularity by the president of the FFF, Jean-Pierre This new facility was a must as far as of the tournament, the Georgian Football Escalettes, on Saturday, 31 March. Dr Jean-Claude Petitot, the doctors’ rep- Federation and the Street Football Asso- resentative on the FFF’s ciation decided to expand the tournament executive committee, this year, and 500 schools are participat- was concerned: “A new ing with 6,000 pupils. The tournament centre had to be built kicked off on 6 May and continues until that was geared to cur- the end of June. rent needs and the lat- In view of the popularity and success est diagnostic and treat- of the tournament, the Georgian Football ment methods. We’re at Federation has signed a four-year agree- the start of a new cycle. ment with the mayor of Tbilisi, in which We are benefiting from both sides – the mayor of Tbilisi and the the constant synergy Georgian Football Federation – pledge and cooperation be- their support of the “Schoolball” tourna- tween the doctors and ment. In the very near future, the agree- top coaches to develop ment will be signed by the Ministry of ways of rehabilitating Education and Science, the Ministry of Sports and Culture and Pepsi, which FFF players after injury or surgery.” will be the sponsor of the tournament for Jean-Pierre Escalettes, president of the French four years. Football Federation, cuts the ribbon. Headed by Dr Franck Le Gall, the cen- tre will open up new prospects for the Alexander Tsnobiladze “We are very proud to have provided CTNFS and sports medicine at the level of French football with this first-class facility the FFF. “The old medical facilities did not at such a fantastic location as Claire- allow us to do a proper monitoring and fontaine,” the president said in his address investigative job, but simply to offer a con- to the guests attending the inauguration sultation service,” explains Dr Jacques Lié- ceremony. “The CTNFS is improving and nard, an FFF doctor. “Now we are in a posi- constantly developing in order to pursue tion to offer a full medical service. It’s an the objectives that it has been engaged in extremely high-quality facility that we have for many years, particularly in the training great expectations of. Apart from taking field.” care of the national teams as usual, it Since it opened in 1988, the CTNFS has should turn into a real professional under- GFF Gigi Ugulava (left), mayor of Tbilisi, always taken care to remain a point of ref- taking that is likely to attract the many and Nodar Akhalkatsi, president of the Georgian erence and in the forefront, as proved by potential clients that we have in football.” Football Federation, sign an agreement for its new medical infrastructure, which takes Philippe Mayen the “Schoolball” tournament.

17 Mathieu Sprengers, member of UEFA’s Executive Committee and president of the HUNGARY Dutch football association, and Eva MALTA Pasquier, FIFA’s European football devel- Building of a technical centre opment manager, also attended the cer- Licensing system emony to lay the foundation stone, as did The Hungarian Football Federation young football players from clubs all The licensing system adopted by UEFA (MLSZ) is working hard to boost the youth around the region and the population of member associations is periodically up- educational level and improve the quality Telki. dated and audited according to standards of football in the country. As one of the Márton Dinnyes set from time to time by the European most important steps in this process, István confederation. Kisteleki, MLSZ president, laid the foun- These are tailored to a set of criteria dation stone of its future technical centre according to which clubs should operate. with Márk Nikházi, U18 international, in There are sporting, personnel and admin- mid-April. istrative criteria, as well as those related The training centre in Telki (20 kilome- to legal and financial matters of the club. tres from the capital, Budapest) will be a Unless member clubs of the different modern centre with four pitches (two associations function according to these artificial turf and two natural grass) plus criteria, a licence cannot be issued. Thus a sports hall with a futsal pitch and a they are barred from taking part in beach football ground, as well as fitness domestic or international competitions. centres, recreational rooms and a running John Farrugia, licensing system senior track. The centre, which will also be an manager at the Malta FA, works hand in ideal conference and meeting venue, hand with the licensing manager, Joe should be ready to open its doors by the Gauci, to see that Maltese clubs adhere middle of next year. to the regulations set by UEFA. There is “A new age is beginning for the MLSZ, also constant liaison with the member when we will have the chance to work clubs’ licensing board. with our national teams in the best pos- The aim is to ascertain that clubs are

sible conditions. It is a sure way for us to Mathias Imre managed in a streamlined and profes- improve,” said István Kisteleki. “I would István Kisteleki, president of the Hungarian sional way and, in so doing, to guarantee also like to thank UEFA and FIFA for sup- Football Federation, and Márk Nikházi, that the interests of all those involved in porting our initiative.” under-18 international. the game are safeguarded. The Malta FA is satisfied that the great majority of its member clubs meet the land played their first-ever official match UEFA criteria. against Israel and were held to a goal-less Alex Vella ISRAEL draw, while Estonia suffered a 4-0 defeat. Licensing to raise the standard: The successful organisation of the a Premier League match between matches was highly praised by both local Valletta and Birkirkara. First trophy for and visiting international media, a fact Maccabi Hertzliya which was greeted with great satisfaction, The Israel Football Association experi- given the complexity of such an operation. enced a busy spring, which began with The first two domestic trophies of the a change of personnel as Avi Luzon year were awarded in April, when Mac- assumed a new position in mid-March, cabi Hertzliya FC won their first-ever replacing Itzhak Menachem as chairman. trophy, the Toto Cup, beating Hapoel Kfar The following week, the Ramat Gan Sava FC in the final. Maccabi Holon FC national stadium hosted two EURO 2008 won the Women’s Cup for the fourth sea- qualifiers in the space of four days. Eng- son in succession, beating ASA Tel Aviv FC in the final and leaving them on the brink of a third successive double. May saw the IFA host an European U19 elite round for the first time as France, Slo- vakia, Poland and Israel battled it out for a place in the final round in Austria. On the domestic scene, the State Cup entered its semi-final and final stages, which were both played at Ramat Gan, while Beitar Jerusalem FC appear to have won the league title for the first time since 1998. June will begin with two EURO 2008 qualifiers away from home, against FYR Macedonia and Andorra, while the U21s

IFA are set to appear in a major final round Maccabi Holon players Dana Kererm and for the first time, kicking off the European Under-21 Championship finals against the

Iris Antman lift up the impressive D.Aquilina Israeli Women’s Cup trophy, watched by hosts, the Netherlands. Avi Luzon (right), president of the Israel FA. Ofer Ronen-Abels

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pitch, to improve the image of refereeing, to ensure that at least 90% of matches in NETHERLANDS official competitions are officiated by qual- ified referees and, finally, to make sure that sports clubs pay more attention to Fourteen sports associations sportsmanlike conduct by their members. in tune Fourteen associations are cooperating Following on from the Dutch FA’s in this sport-wide refereeing master plan. refereeing master plan, a sport-wide ref- Apart from the football association, as the ereeing master plan was launched last largest sports association in the Nether- month. Fourteen sports associations lands, the associations covering basket- and the National Sports Federation ball, American football, handball, hockey, (NOC*NSF), supported by the Ministry of rugby, tennis and volleyball are among the Sport, have joined forces in order to tack- partners in this initiative. le the shared challenges. Secretary of Ruud Bruijnis, the Dutch FA’s director State Jet Bussemaker (Sport) announced of amateur football, is happy to announce that the government would contribute that the declining number of referees has another EUR 300,000 to this project. come to a standstill. “Increasing the num- Total support from the ministry now ber of referees is a very difficult task. By FAI amounts to EUR 6 million up to 2011. joining forces, sports associations can Three Irish footballers were involved in The government recently recognised learn from each other. By sharing experi- Arsenal LFC’s triumph: Ciara Grant, Emma Byrne and Yvonne Tracy (left to right). the current problems that sports associa- ences, I am sure the Dutch football asso- tions face with regard to refereeing. The ciation will benefit from the approach of main aim of the project is to stop un- other sports associations in the country.“ REPUBLIC sportsmanlike behaviour on and off the Rob de Leede OF IRELAND nificent project. Hard work awaits Poland Arsenal Ladies create and Ukraine but we know this. We have POLAND to invest in the stadium infrastructure, Irish football history develop the road and railway network, Irish football history was created last and modernise our airports. We will build month when Emma Byrne and Ciara Courage crowned with success new hotels and training centre facilities. Grant became the first players from The decision of the UEFA Executive The realisation of all these projects is guar- Ireland to receive UEFA Women’s Cup win- Committee to appoint Poland and Ukraine anteed by the Polish prime minister, ners’ medals. as joint hosts of EURO 2012 caused great Jaroslaw Kaczynski, and the Ukrainian The two Irish internationals were part joy in Poland. Thousands of people cele- president, Victor Yushchenko, who will of the Arsenal team which captured the brated on the streets of the Polish cities, chair the organising committees in UEFA Cup after a tense battle against which in five years will have the possibil- the respective countries. Portugal and Swedish kingpins Umeå, who had won ity to welcome the best football teams in Germany, the host countries of the last two of the last four European titles. Europe. It was a dream come true for mil- two major football events, have already Both Irish players played their part in lions of Poles. A real volcano of emotions proposed their assistance and to share the victory, with goalkeeper Emma Byrne also erupted among the Polish delegation their experience. copper-fastening her reputation as one of in Cardiff, who attended the announce- “We dared to have bold dreams and the Europe’s best netminders with a string ment ceremony. will do everything to carry them out. I do of vital saves. A third Irish player, Yvonne “Just after the announcement of the believe that the tournament hosted and Tracy, missed the game because of injury. decision of the UEFA Executive Commit- organised by Poland and Ukraine will be ■ Shamrock Rovers became Ireland’s tee by Michel Platini, the UEFA president, one of the greatest ever,” said Adam first major futsal champions with an enormous joy erupted in our team. We Olkowicz. impressive victory over University College were shouting, we had tears in our eyes, Michal Kocieba / Bartek Marks Dublin in the eircom FAI Under-21 Futsal we were hugging. This is the fulfilment of League final. Rovers produced a measu- great, great expectations, hopes, ideas red display to lift the title and clinch and efforts, and let’s also hope that the Ireland’s first UEFA Futsal Cup qualifying chance given to Poland and Ukraine will spot. be exploited to its full advantage. It is Piloted this season, the eircom FAI Un- proof of the value of our bid, of our enor- der-21 Futsal League of Ireland has been mous endeavours,” said Adam Olkowicz, a tremendous success. Eight clubs were chairman of the Polish FA’s EURO 2012 represented this season, with the tourna- bidding committee. ment expanding to 12 teams in 2008. Michal Listkiewicz, president of the The FAI has been busy implementing Polish FA, could not hide his immense the game at grassroots level over the last happiness either: “I would like to thank three years, but this was the first season our competitors and invite them to Poland the game was introduced at an eircom and Ukraine. At last top-level football will League of Ireland level. come to countries which for many years ■ The Football Association of Ireland have been trying to catch up with the rest recently welcomed the announcement by of Europe. I am very happy and thank all the government Minister for Arts, Sport of you.” and Tourism, John O’Donoghue, of grants After a short period of celebration, it PZPN totalling EUR 17,091,000 to clubs and is time to start implementing this mag- Celebrations on the streets of Poland. centres across the Republic of Ireland un- ➜

19 ➜ der the 2007 Sports Capital Programme. situated in this region of Europe attend- This brings the total amount of grants ed the symposium. They included the fol- awarded to football projects under the lowing head coaches of senior national Sports Capital Programme over the past teams: Yuri Puntus (Belarus), Algimantas three year to EUR 46 million. Liubinskas (Lithuania), Zoran Filipovic A total of 150 clubs and centres in (Montenegro), Aleksandrs Starkovs (Latvia) 23 counties have received grants from the and Jan Kocian (Slovakia), as well as Ralf Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism un- Minge (assistant coach of the Georgian der the 2007 Sports Capital Programme. national team) and Vusadin Stanoskovic ■ The FAI’s technical department (assistant coach of the Macedonian conducted its very first Buntús coaching national team). Three former national course in the Irish language recently. head coaches were also present: the Hun- Twenty five primary-school teachers garian Bertalan Bicskei (now director of took part in the course under the super- the Hungarian FA’s coaching school), the vision of qualified FAI coaches and the Kil- Serbian Slobodan Santrac and Jerzy Engel dare Local Sports Partnership, whose work (Poland), as well as head coaches of with the Irish language schools resulted in national under-21 teams, including Shakir the Buntús cards being translated into Garibov (Azerbaijan), Alexandre Stankov Irish. (Bulgaria), Stylianos Aposporis (Greece), The FAI Buntús programme is one of Emil Sandoi (Romania) and Matjaz Jakopic FSS the FAI’s key grassroots programmes. (Slovenia). A new job for former international Aimed at primary schoolchildren and their The symposium represents a new step Zoran Mirkovic. teachers, the programme, in partnership towards strengthening relationships teams, but I shall also create relationships with the Irish Sports Council, has been im- between countries in this region, rela- between the U21s and the “A” team. The plemented in over 1,200 primary schools tionships which also mean sharing under-21s are our main source for the in Ireland. experience of marketing, management, future, while the “A” team is in the spot- It provides training and resources to refereeing, youth and other sectors. light. The situation at the moment is very teachers, enabling them to deliver foot- Paul Zaharia good; things are moving in the right ball-related sessions during physical edu- direction and I shall find my place. Our cation classes and after-school pro- head coach, Javier Clemente, is very grammes. Over 8,000 teachers have been SERBIA experienced football person and we will trained and over 155,000 pupils are work well together.” involved in the programme. With the Speaking about his expectations, Mir- assistance of Richard Farrell and Eddie A sports director kovic said: “I expect success. My approach Hennessy from the Kildare Local Sports for the national teams will be one of ‘honesty, honesty, hon- Partnership, the FAI Buntús programme For the first time in its history, the foot- esty’... For me, that is the only way when has been delivered to 79 schools in ball association of Serbia has appointed a you work for your country. I shall give my Kildare, which amounts to 922 teachers sports director for its two most important all and improve my knowledge in all and 15,395 children. national teams – the senior and U21 areas. I know very well what every player Fran Whearty teams. The executive committee of the in the national team must have and must association was in full agreement that for- do. I learned from the best; now it’s time mer international Zoran Mirkovic was the to share all of that with the new genera- ROMANIA right man for the job. Public opinion was tion. In recent months, I had several job the same – everybody in Serbia was ex- offers, but I decided to accept this one cited at the prospect and welcomed because from this position I can make a Coaches symposium Mirkovic’s arrival at the top level of the real contribution to Serbian football.” From 9 to 11 May, the Romanian FA organisation. Zvezdan Terzic, president of the FA of organised a first symposium for coaches Mirkovic, 36, built his career as a right Serbia, said after Mirkovic’s appointment: from the countries situated in central, back and defensive midfielder with Bel- “Mirkovic was a very easy choice for us – southern and eastern Europe. The sym- grade clubs FK Rad and FK Partizan. In he is the best! He has everything needed posium took place at the association’s 1995, he moved to Atalanta BC and then for this job – passion, love, experience, national training centre in Mogosoaia and he played for Juventus. He finished his knowledge and great respect for young was the first such symposium devoted international career with the Turkish side players. We have done something really to coaches from this part of Europe. Fenerbahce SK and retired from playing great for domestic football and we will Led by Mircea Radulescu (director of last summer, when he was with Partizan. see proof of that very, very soon.” the Romanian FA’s coaching school), this Mirkovic’s international career was bril- After Javier Clemente’s arrival as the symposium debated the general theme liant. He won 59 caps from 1995 to 2003 first foreigner to coach the national team, “The modern coach and his duties for the and played in the 1998 World Cup in new colours for the national team, progress of football”. Within the scope of France. He was part of one of a brilliant changes at the level of the national asso- this vast theme, Romanian specialists pre- generation of players, along with his ciation and a number of innovations sented topics such as “Specialisations of team-mates Dragan Stojkovic, Dejan Sav- (round tables, organisation of ceremonies the modern coach and their implications”, icevic, Sinisa MIhajlovic, Predrag Mijatovic, all over the country, etc.), the appointment “The coach’s mentality”, “The coach and Vladimir Jugovic and Slavisa Jokanovic. of Zoran Mirkovic as sports director is a the media” and “How to analyse future About his new challenge, Mirkovic further step along the road to transfor- opponents”. said: “I shall have a lot to do. My job is mation which the leadership of the asso- Each of the participants was also asked different from that of a club’s sports ciation firmly believes will lead to the ulti- to voice his opinion on these themes and director. I will not thinking about trans- mate goal – results for the “A” national reveal his own coaching philosophy. fers; I shall concentrate on cooperation team on the European and world stage. Representatives from 20 countries between players and head coaches in both Aleksandar Boskovic

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on 13 April. At each stop, football will be in the spotlight for at least one day. Fas- SWITZERLAND cinating information about Swiss football can be found in the red and white foot- The Swiss FA on tour... ball truck. Divided into 12 subject areas, the wide range of information will be pre- UEFA-pjwoods.ch The ball is rolling at the Swiss Football sented in the form of short films. The Peter Rees, president of the FA of Wales, Association in preparation for EURO 2008 900m2 outdoor village offers fun and en- with the UEFA president, Michel Platini. in Austria and Switzerland – and how! tertainment for the whole family: from the Football in all its aspects is being experi- goal wall and target practice, to a “top enced and celebrated by means of the shop” competition, goal-scoring practice WALES great national football roadshow, “Play and table football – there is something for Football Switzerland on Tour.“ Until EURO everyone. Apart from the roadshow, the 2008, the red and white football truck will Swiss FA has enlisted six exclusive ambas- Cardiff takes the be visiting each of the country’s 26 can- sadors for the 13th European Football European football spotlight tons, stopping off in about 70 cities, Championship: Roger Federer, the world’s All eyes were on Cardiff in April as the towns and villages. Altogether, 140 event number one men’s tennis player, Simone Football Association of Wales (FAW) wel- days are scheduled. The roadshow got Niggli-Luder, the world’s number one in comed European football to its capital city. under way at parliament square in Berne women’s orienteering, Michael Schu- For the first time in its history, the FAW macher, seven- was honoured to host a meeting of the time Formula One UEFA Executive Committee, as well as world champion, meetings of UEFA’s HatTrick Board and Peter Sauber, for- National Teams Committee, and was mer Formula One then even further privileged to host the team leader of announcement of the successful bid to Sauber-Petrona, stage EURO 2012, which was won by Bernhard Russi, Poland/Ukraine. world downhill The three meetings all took place at the skiing champion St David’s Hotel, a striking, dynamic and and Olympic gold- contemporary five-star hotel and spa sit- medallist, as well uated on the waterfront of Cardiff Bay. as Stéphane Cha- The 2012 announcement took place in puisat, the former the lavish Cardiff City Hall, which stands Swiss internation- in the heart of Cardiff. It is the centrepiece al footballer (103 of one of the world’s finest civic centres, caps). an area of impressive buildings, land- SFV Marco Oswald scaped gardens and broad tree-lined Football in the spotlight in the heart of the Swiss capital, Berne. avenues – certainly the perfect venue for an occasion of such great magnitude. Appearances by Grigoriy Surkis, presi- The UEFA Executive Committee was dent of the Football Federation of Ukraine, also welcomed to an evening banquet in UKRAINE and another special guests, like national the enchanting fairytale towers of Cardiff team coaches Oleg Blokhin and Oleg Castle as guests of the Rt. Hon. The Lord Kuznetsov, Dynamo Kiev footballers Mayor of Cardiff. Speaking with pride fol- Football Day under the slogan of Vladyslav Vaschuk and Ruslan Rotan, and lowing the event, the Football Association EURO 2012 many well-known Ukrainian politicians, of Wales’ general secretary, David Collins, At the end of April, many different were much appreciated by the partici- said, “The FAW, working in partnership activities took place all over of Ukraine on pants. with UEFA and the city and county of Football Day, which was being celebrated It did not matter who played best on Cardiff, made the three days a tremen- for the 15th time. This year’s event was this special day; in this event, there are no dous success. It was a great privilege for held under the slogan of EURO 2012, fol- winners or losers, but only winners. And the FAW to work closely with UEFA to por- lowing the success of the joint bid of above all, it is a great victory for football. tray our capital city in such a wonderful Ukraine and Poland to host the UEFA tour- Valery Nykonenko light. The FAW trusts that the UEFA Exec- nament. utive Committee will want to return to The celebration united all regions of Wales in the near future for other major the country. Numerous events were on the events.” programme, but the majority of them The UEFA president, Michel Platini, was took place in Kiev, at the training complex impressed with this latest visit to Cardiff named after Victor Bannikov, the former and wrote: “The organisation, working famous footballer. Teams of orphans, dis- conditions and ambience were just per- abled people and students took part in fect and even more unbelievable was the this event. All of them had their sights set nice weather!” on the 2008 University Clubs’ European Indeed, the three-day event in the city Championship, which will be held in the was further enhanced by the glorious Ukrainian capital. There was also a mini- spring weather, as the sun shone bright- tournament between students and show- Celebration of ly on Cardiff, Wales and the FAW on the business personalities, which was won Football Day. days when all eyes of European football by one of the best students’ teams, the were looking on. Mercury team. FFU Andrew Howard

21 MEETING UEFA-FIFA On 27 April, UEFA played host to a delegation from the FIFA administration for three friendly matches, played at the Colovray stadium opposite the House of European Football.

The first match, which was kicked off by the FIFA and UEFA presidents, Joseph S. Blatter and Michel Platini, was between the two women’s teams. FIFA won that match 2-0, as they did the match between the “experi- enced players”, which finished 2-1. However, “Europe” got their revenge in the match between the first teams of the two administrations, trouncing their FIFA opponents 9-0. The event marked the resumption of an initiative dating back to 1986, when the FIFA administration paid a social visit to UEFA at its then headquarters in Berne, a visit which was reciprocated in Zurich the following year, starting a tradition that continued for a number of years. Photos: UEFA-pjwoods.ch

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Notices ■ On 10 April, Evgeny Kalakoutski became general secretary of the Russian Communications Football Union. ■ On 10 April, Milos Tomas was appoin- Birthdays – Calendar ted general secretary of the Slovak FA. ■ On 27 April, Zsolt Füzesi was named general secretary of the Hungarian FA. ■ The Kazakhstan Football Union has changed its name officially to The Birthdays ● Pavel Mokry (Czech Republic, 15.6) Football Association of Kazakhstan. ● Muhittin Bosat (Turkey, 15.6) ● Michael Joseph Maessen (Netherlands, 17.6) Referee observer Lars-Åke Bjørck (Sweden) Match agents ● Markus Nobs (Switzerland, 17.6) celebrates his 70th birthday on 7 June. Jira ● Philippe Piat (France, 18.6) The Licensed UEFA Match Agents Panel has Panel member Michel Sablon (Belgium) has ● Hannelore Ratzeburg (Germany, 18.6) granted five new licences. The new licensed his 60th birthday the same day. He is joined match agents are: ● Michel Platini (France, 21.6) at the same milestone by match delegate ● Peter Peters (Germany, 21.6) Hubert Jacobus Roland Coquard (France) on 13 June, Zvi Oostmaaslaan 758 – 3063 DK Rotterdam ● Zoran Cvrk (Croatia, 21.6) Rosen (Israel), another match delegate, on Netherlands ● Keith Stuart Hackett (England, 22.6) 23 June, and Appeals Body member Barry Tel. +31 629045235 ● Vladimir Antonov (Moldova 23.6) Fax: +31 847556851 W. Bright (England) on 27 June. ● Leslie Irvine (Northern Ireland, 23.6) Meanwhile, two referee observers will be Christophe Lamothe ● Georg Pangl (Austria, 23.6) AD Sport marking their half-centuries: Stefano Braschi ● Emanuel Zammit (Malta, 24.6) Chemin de la Tour de César – Les Pinchinats (Italy), on 6 June, and Marcel Lica (Romania), ● João Rocha (Portugal, 24.6) 13100 Aix-en-Provence – France on 25 June. Futsal delegate Sergejus Slyva ● Jeanette Saarinen (Finland, 24.6) Tel. +33 442962342 (Lithuania) celebrates his 50th birthday on Mobile: +33 612033963 ● Reinhard Walser (Liechtenstein, 25.6) 12 June, with security officer Stephen Fax: +33 42963791 ● Foppe de Haan (Netherlands, 26.6) Thomas following suit on 17 June. UEFA also Email: [email protected] ● Sigurdur Hannesson (Iceland, 27.6) wishes many happy returns to: Sandro Stemperini ● Wim Koevermans (Netherlands, 28.6) Organizzazione Calcistica Internazionale ● Wilfried Gerhardt (Germany, 1.6) ● Ivan Borissov Lekov (Bulgaria, 29.6) Via A- Volta 12 – 06034 Foligno – Italy ● Tony Higgins (Scotland, 3.6) ● Joan Laporta i Estruch (Spain, 29.6) Tel. +39 0742342970 ● Ivaylo Ivkov (Bulgaria, 3.6) ● Orhan Erdemir (Turkey, 29.6) Mobile: +39 3492250122 ● Klara Bjartmarz (Iceland, 3.6) Fax: +39 0742342970 ● George Courtney (England, 4.6) Email: [email protected] ● Rolf Haugen (Norway, 4.6) Upcoming events Alain Veyssière ● Alastair L. Cox (England, 4.6) Sportevents – 80 Grand’Rue ● 40190 Villeneuve de Marsan – France Jean-Samuel Leuba (Switzerland, 4.6) Meetings Tel. +33 5 58032809 ● Franz Wöhrer (Austria, 5.6) Email: [email protected] ● Ludovico Micallef (Malta, 5.6) 13.6.2007, Linz Draw for the final round of the 2006/07 Abdelouadoud Zeaf ● Jaap Uilenberg (Netherlands, 5.6) World Sport Agency – Voltaire 5 ● Leon Straessle (Switzerland, 6.6) European Under-19 Championship 1006 Lausanne – Switzerland ● Michael Joseph Hyland 22-23.6.2007, Groningen Mobile: +41 792108618 (Republic of Ireland, 6.6) Executive Committee Tel. +41 216173060 – Fax: +41 216173055 ● Email: [email protected] Francesco Tagliente (Italy, 6.6) 29.6.2007, Nyon ● Kevin Beattie (Leeds, England) has, however, Kenneth J. Hope (Scotland, 7.6) Draw for the first and second qualifying ● Sondre Kåfjord (Norway, 7.6) surrendered his licence and is therefore no rounds of the UEFA Champions League longer recognised by UEFA as a match agent. ● Sándor Berzi (Hungary, 7.6) ● and for the first qualifying round of the Yury Dupanau (Belarus, 7.6) UEFA Cup New publication ● Johannes Scholtz (Netherlands, 8.6) ● Robert Anthony Boggi (Italy, 8.6) Competitions LE FOOTBALL PROFESSIONNEL ● Bryan Drew (England, 8.6) CONTRE LA VIOLENCE ● Hans Bangerter (Switzerland, 10.6) 10-23.6.2007, Netherlands ● The French Professional Football League Alun Evans (Wales, 11.6) Final round of the European Under-21 wants to “put violence offside, as it has no ● Kyros Georgiou (Cyprus, 11.6) Championship place in the game, nor in the ● Nathan Bartfeld (Moldova, 11.6) 23-24.6.2007 stadium”. This booklet has been ● Alain Courtois (Belgium, 12.6) UEFA Intertoto Cup: first round (first legs) produced to show what the league ● Jørn West Larsen (Denmark, 12.6) is already doing to eradicate ● Ante Vucemilovic-Simunovic Jr 30.6-1.7.2007 violence from football and what UEFA Intertoto Cup: first round (return legs) further measures it plans to take, (Croatia, 13.6) including its efforts to encourage ● Giulio Campanati (Italy, 15.6) 30.6-22.7.2007, Canada sportsmanship. A firm and determined stance ● Viacheslav Koloskov (Russia, 15.6) FIFA U-20 World Cup that does not concern France alone.

WE CARE ABOUT FOOTBALL Editor André Vieli The views expressed in signed articles are not necessarily the Produced by Atema Communication SA, CH-1196 Gland official views of UEFA. Official publication of the The reproduction of articles Union des associations or extracts of any information européennes de football Printed by Cavin SA, CH-1422 Grandson published in uefadirect is authorised, provided the Communications and Public Affairs Division Editorial deadline: 11 May 2007 source is indicated. UEFA Route de Genève 46 Union des associations CH-1260 Nyon européennes de football Switzerland Phone +41 848 00 27 27 Fax +41 848 01 27 27 uefa.com