No. 179 REAL HISTORY REAL HISTORY IN THE MAKING IN THE MAKING

No.179 • July/August 2018

EDITORIAL

THE ACTION NEVER STOPS

ne thing is certain in modern-day The summer also brings talented young football – time never stands still. footballers onto the major European stage. ONo sooner had we brought the England and Lithuania were excellent hosts curtain down on the 2017/18 European club of the men’s and women’s Under-17 finals competition season in May than we were all respectively – won by the Netherlands and Spain eagerly awaiting the World Cup in Russia. – and the next opportunity to view the potential Europe’s representatives are attempting to top players of tomorrow comes in July, with the continue the continent’s proud recent record, men’s Under-19 finals in Finland and the with Italy (2006), Spain (2010) and Germany women’s Under-19 finals in Switzerland. (2014) crowned world champions at the last By September, the new club competition three tournaments. season will be in full swing, and national team The European club competition campaign football – such a crucial source of national pride finished on a high note with three excellent and identity – will return to the spotlight with finals. Kyiv was the setting for the UEFA the kick-off of the inaugural UEFA Nations League. Champions League showpiece, which culminated Indeed, time really does wait for no one in the in Real Madrid’s third successive triumph in this beautiful game … and we join fans everywhere competition. Lyon won a record fifth UEFA in looking forward to a wealth of excitement Women’s Champions League crown in the same and entertainment in the months ahead. city. Earlier in May, in Lyon, Atlético Madrid had captured their third UEFA Europa League title in style. This meant a superb ‘double’ for the city of Madrid – the first time this feat had been achieved since 1994, when Milan provided the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup winners. Consequently, the two Madrid clubs will come together in August to contest the Theodore Theodoridis UEFA Super Cup in Estonia’s capital, Tallinn. UEFA General Secretary

UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 – 03 CONTENTS

UEFA 18

Official publication of the Union of European Football Associations

Chief editor: Emmanuel Deconche

Deputy chief editor:

Dominique Maurer 6 Afrim Peposhi/FSHF

Chief writer: Mark Chaplin

External contributors: IN THIS ISSUE Graham Turner (pages 6-9 and 28-29) Simon Hart (pages 12 and 30-35) Paul Saffer (pages 26-27) 6 GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL 24 LOOKING BACK Giorgio Iacovazzo, ASF (page 38) How UEFA is promoting football in schools. It was 60 years ago that the Executive Mikael Erävuori, SPL (page 39) Committee, meeting in Stockholm, Maarja Saulep, EJL (page 40) 10 CLUB COMPETITION FINALS decided to create the European Nations’ Cup. Translations: In Kyiv and Lyon, host cities for this year’s UEFA Language Services club competition finals, thousands joined in the celebrations. 26 UNDER-17 FINAL TOURNAMENTS Production: Spain and the Netherlands took the Touchline honours in the European Women’s 15 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Under-17 and European Under-17 Printing: Istanbul, Gdansk, Vienna and Porto Artgraphic Cavin, Championships respectively. CH-1422 Grandson are selected to host the 2020 club competition finals. Editorial deadline: 30 THE TECHNICIAN 12 June 2018  The step up from youth to elite level 18 MICHELE UVA is sometimes not that huge. Cover photo: UEFA vice-president and Italian FA UEFA chief executive Michele Uva talks UEFA GROW to UEFA Direct. 36 Revenue growth is crucial to developing football overall, as the Polish FA’s success story shows.

04 – UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 CONTENTS

26 Saulius Čirba

38 UNDER-19 FINAL TOURNAMENTS 10 Finland is all set to host the Under-19 final tournament, while Switzerland is looking forward to welcoming the Women’s Under-19 finals.

40 UEFA SUPER CUP  The Madrid derby will take place in the Estonian capital, Tallinn, on 15 August.

41 NEWS FROM MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS Presse Sports 24 UEFA

UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 – 05 SCHOOL TIME

“Time spent in sport activities at school and at university produces health and education benefits which need to be enhanced.” The challenge of converting the words from a European Commission white paper on sport into a tangible reality has been accepted by UEFA with a large dose of enthusiasm.

he result is a football in schools project that forms a perfect marriage with the Tprinciples of UEFA’s Grassroots Charter and the ongoing programmes associated with it. The immediate impact of a pilot scheme has offered great incentives to accelerate along the right track. Before going any further, the priority is to point out that this is not UEFA patting itself on the back. As a governing body, the role is to support and encourage member associations RFS to jump on board and breathe life into a concept that UEFA firmly believes in. The primary aim is to promote football activities as an integral part of children’s physical education and link into the European Commission’s Be Active campaign, which emphasises the health benefits pegged to higher levels of physical fitness and well-being. The dividends are worth having. Recent research in Austria, for example, concluded that the state was being saved some €50m a year by the equation ‘more active youngsters = less illness’. One of the fundamentals of the UEFA Grassroots RFS Charter is to make football accessible to everybody. And schools, basically egalitarian institutions, are ideal companions when it The pilot scheme immediately highlighted comes to allowing children to enjoy football in a the importance of this degree of flexibility, safe environment, irrespective of ability, gender, thanks to Russia. Working on the educational ethnicity, religion or physical constitution. curriculum is not just a matter of sending a Injecting football into the physical education courier van to schools with a bagful of curriculum is one of those things that are footballs. Far from it. Nor is it reasonable to easily said but not so easily done. Hence a expect PE teachers to be well versed in the arts pilot scheme aimed at seeing exactly how the of football. To illustrate the point, the reality project could be made to work. Six member for many member associations is that a associations kicked off the football in schools considerable percentage of teachers are project – and one of the significant features women who, during their own educational GEORGIA was the sheer diversity of their approaches years prior to the explosive growth of the Free tuition for 954 teachers to the initiative. This was highly positive, as women’s game, probably had no opportunities it demonstrated that the scheme was not about to become acquainted with the niceties of Female participation up to 25% UEFA simply demanding compliance with a rigid football. Andrey Vlasov, who coordinates by 2020 set of rules. Instead, the project is all about activities in Russia, said: “One of our main Project linked to 20 tailor-made programmes to suit the needs priorities before we could launch the project professional clubs and circumstances of each individual country. was to train the teachers.”

06 – UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 GRASSROOTSTHE TECHNICIAN FOOTBALL

RUSSIA 3-YEAR PLAN YEAR ONE YEAR THREE 24,000 120,000 children at 600 children at 3,000 schools in 6 regions schools in 20 regions

Russia is, by far, the largest of the six pilot countries in terms of sheer geographical spread. With each association having been encouraged to set steadily increasing targets over a three-year period, Andrey Vlasov’s scheme provides the most grandiose figures, beginning with 24,000 children at 600 schools in six regions in the first year and targeting 120,000 at 3,000 schools in 20 regions in the third. The number of tutors involved will triple from 100 to 300 over the three-year period. Work in the schools is accompanied by online contests, 83 grassroots football festivals and football competitions at the country’s summer camps that entertain some 10 million youngsters. At the other end of the scale: Northern Ireland. “We agreed to step on board as the programme exactly matched the targets we had set in our youth strategy,” said Keith Gibson, the Irish FA’s football development manager. “This programme gives the youngsters a more varied education. It also improves the association’s reputation in society at large and helps us reach young people, which is directly in line with our objectives.” From a starting point of 800 boys and 800 girls in 15 primary and five secondary schools, the target is to triple the figures within three years – and, at the time of writing, that target is by and large within sight. The Northern Irish recipe for success also includes classes by

And this immediately raised an interesting issue that might easily be applicable to other member associations inside and outside the former Soviet bloc. Prevalent legislation – even NORTHERN IRELAND at grassroots and volunteer levels – required 3-YEAR PLAN teachers and leaders to possess a university YEAR ONE YEAR THREE qualification that might take as long as three years to obtain. Legal parameters have now 1,600 3x boys and girls in the figures been adapted with a view to making it easier for teachers to acquire enough grassroots 15 primary and 5 secondary schools educational skills (such as D or C licences) to be able to implement the football in schools philosophy. In other words, even though this is essentially a football-driven scheme, it needs to be implemented in cooperation with the ministry of education and other relevant educational authorities. IFA

UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 – 07 08 08 Under-11 tournaments and regional and regional tournaments – Launch of Under-10 of Launch UEFA • DIRECT mini-competitions AZERBAIJAN leagues, 25 leagues, July/August school & 2018 launched byanational managerandsix football inschoolsprogramme hasbeen to teacherscompletelyfree ofcharge.Their football educationbyoffering Dlicencecourses placed similaremphasisonthequality of the peoplewhoeducatethem.” are thefuture andthatfuture dependson Associations ofAzerbaijan.“Thesechildren football director fortheAssociationofFootball influence,” saysJahangirHasanzada,grassroots with therightskillscanhaveapositive working withthechildren because onlythose “It isessentialtotrainthepeoplewhowillbe acquired Dlicencesand26 Clicenceholders. is beingconductedby109teacherswhohave ambassadors. Attheschools,footballtraining team whoare endorsingthe schemeas been provided byfourmembers ofthenational mini-competitions. Additionalmomentumhas andregionalleagues, 25schooltournaments plans tolaunchUnder-10 andUnder-11 the sameagegroup, thoughunderpinnedwith events organisedbythenationalassociation. opportunities totakepartasvolunteersat education infootballdevelopmentand 11–14 agebracketthechancetogaincertified qualified coachesaimedatoffering pupilsinthe The nationalassociationofAlbania has Azerbaijan’s footballinschoolsproject targets

AFFA 16,000 children and150teachersat120 launched inFYRMacedonia(aiming toinvolve up to25%by2020.Similarly,the project Focusing onencouraginggirlsto playfootball, 954 teachersincoursesconducted regionally. similarity, asdoesthefree tuitionoffered to skills, equalityandgoodhealth.” football andpassonthebenefits,suchassocial education system,wecanteachthemtoplay are where thechildren are and,through the to makecloserlinkswithchildren. Schools “To helpfootballgrow, webelievehave Zere, whoheadsuptheprogramme, says: rising to45,000at400inthethird year. Andi children inthe7–9agegroup at150schools, regional coordinators initiallytargeting20,000 the associationaimstobringfemale participation type ofgrassroots scheme funding tosupportthis associations andtooffer to allothermember intends toopenitup in schoolsproject, UEFA success ofthefootball In viewoftheinitial In Georgia,thetargetfigures beargreat FSHF 150 at group children in the 7-9 age 20,000 YEAR ONE YEAR schools

3-YEAR PLAN 3-YEAR ALBANIA children in the 7-9 age group at 400 at group 45,000

YEAR THREE schools

GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL FFM

schools by the end of the three-year period) sets As Bojan Markovski puts it: “It is vital for out to bring 3,000 girls into the fold, with the coaches and teachers to be well trained to 5v5 games for younger children featuring work with children taking their first steps in a minimum of two girls per team and the 8v8 football.” Georgia, meanwhile, is linking the FYR MACEDONIA matches for the older pupils at least three. football in schools project to 20 professional 3,000 girls introduced to The association has decided to focus on the clubs. football, 5v5 games featuring 7–10 age category. Bojan Markovski, who runs But the most rewarding aspect of the minimum of 2 girls per team, the programme, explains: “We realised that project as a whole is to see that it has made 8v8 featuring minimum of 3 at that age children have few opportunities an immediate impact and is helping to set to play football if they don’t belong to a club best-practice standards. This is going to be but that not all families can afford to pay the highlighted and reviewed at a conference in membership fees. We pass on true values to Minsk in Belarus, where there are plans to the children, and that enables us to have an launch a specific club development project impact on society. that will, again, illustrate the benefits of “Children love to compete. That’s why close cooperation between the national competitions are an integral part of our project. association, the ministry of education and schools. They also help the children understand what’s In view of the initial success of the football expected of them if they go on to join a club.” in schools project, UEFA intends to open it up The transition to club football is one of the to all other member associations and offer knock-on benefits of the football in schools funding to support this type of grassroots project – which in turn promotes an increase in scheme. From 2020, when the next cycle of the number of registered players. This is where HatTrick payments kicks in, €50,000 will be the new scheme intermeshes neatly with the added to the €150,000 paid for membership principles of UEFA’s Grassroots Charter and, of the Grassroots Charter – and this will be if schools are increasingly the place where earmarked funding for specific football in youngsters get their first taste of football, schools programmes, benefitting the schools, it becomes essential that the first experience the teachers, the clubs and, by promoting a is positive enough to encourage them to healthy lifestyle and egalitarian values, society continue playing in a club environment. as a whole.

UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 – 09 e’re singing in Ukraine, just “ singing in Ukraine, what a PARTY TIME Wglorious feeling, we’re happy again,” roared a group of Liverpool fans, adding their own twist to the Gene Kelly classic. IN KYIV Their enthusiasm was catching. Locals gathered round – some for The Ukrainian capital proved the perfect host an impromptu game of keepy-uppy, as the Champions League finals came to town. others to take photos of the new arrivals. Two days before the Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid, the centre of the Ukrainian capital was being transformed into the centre of the footballing world. Kyiv’s main thoroughfare, Khreshchatyk, was given a Champions League makeover as the Champions Festival opened its doors to visiting fans and proud Kyivians, who were delighted to see their city shine in the spotlight. With the Champions Pitch at one end of the festival and the main stage at the other – and a dizzying array of games and skills challenges laid on by competition sponsors in between – fans were encouraged to get involved at every opportunity. And they did. The Champions Festival was a Between 24 and 27 May, an astonishing big hit with the fans and local population, with 200,000 visiting 200,000 visitors attended the festival, with between 24 and 27 May. the #EqualGame message that football is for everyone clearly being taken to heart. The UEFA Champions League and UEFA Women’s Champions League trophies, prominently displayed on the starball stage in the middle of the festival, were the main attractions. As many as 8,000 people had their photo taken with that silverware in the run-up to the two finals – the first of which, between Olympique Lyonnais and VfL Wolfsburg, was held on the Thursday night. Crowds streamed out of the festival and across Independence Square for the short walk to the Valeriy Lobanovskyi Stadium, which sits nestled in the woods on the right bank of the Dnieper river. Home to FC Dynamo Kyiv, the ground UEFA

Real Madrid CF 3-1 Liverpool FC *after extra time

Attendance: 61,651 Referee: Milorad Mažić

Goals: 1-0 Benzema 51, 1-1 Mané 55, 2-1 Bale 64, 3-1 Bale 83 UEFA CHAMPIONSWORLD LEAGUE CUP

is named after their late great coach, level still further. Croatian duo 2CELLOS’s who took the club to the semi-finals of live rendition of the UEFA Champions the European Cup three times, as well as League anthem then brought the crowd winning the European Cup Winners’ Cup to their feet as the two teams lined up. in 1974/75 and 1985/86, and had a huge Finally, the moment had arrived. An impact on the Ukrainian game. estimated global television audience of Children climbed up on his statue 160 million tuned in as all the drama, and sat on the bench next to him. Out Sportsfile heartache and glory was beamed around on the pitch, Lyon eventually triumphed the world – Salah’s tears, Karius’s despair, 4–1 after extra time, with a crowd of Bale’s genius. 14,237 watching as the French side In the end, it was Sergio Ramos who won a record fifth European crown. hoisted the trophy aloft, with Real Madrid Back at the festival, the UEFA securing a historic third successive title Women’s Champions League also and a record 13th overall. For Ramos, As many as featured prominently in the Champions this completed a unique double, with the Gallery, which highlighted the illustrious defender having helped Spain to claim the history of both the men’s and women’s 8,000 Henri Delaunay Cup as UEFA EURO 2012 people had their photo games. While people lingered over iconic winners in that same stadium six years taken with the trophies images, others took photos of their own earlier. alongside signed shirts and balls featuring As Real Madrid fans partied long into each of this season’s competing teams. the night, locals were waking up to a Out on the Champions Pitch, past Further down Khreshchatyk, Liverpool and celebration of their own. By chance, Kyiv and present collided as former stars of Real Madrid fans mingled, with chants of Day – an annual city-wide holiday that falls the game showed they still had what ‘Hala Madrid’ and ‘Y Viva España’ being on the last weekend in May – coincided it takes in a four-team tournament countered by ‘Allez, Allez, Allez’ – a song with the final day of the Champions featuring Real Madrid and Liverpool that became synonymous with Liverpool’s Festival, and local orchestras and bands greats, a team captained by final journey to Kyiv – and endless homages to provided the soundtrack to the day’s ambassador Andriy Shevchenko and a Mohamed Salah. festivities from the main stage. side composed of UEFA Champions The incongruous sight of hundreds “Yesterday we hosted the most League stars. Roberto Carlos, Luís Figo, of dancing Hare Krishnas in the midst prestigious event in European football,” Steve McManaman, Robbie Fowler, of the revelry only added to the festive Kyiv’s mayor – and former world Shevchenko, Serhiy Rebrov, Marcel atmosphere as fans of both teams joined heavyweight boxing champion – Vitali Desailly and Deco were just some of their parade. One Real Madrid fan was Klitschko told the assembled crowd. the talents on display as a crowd of accompanying his 85-year-old father to “And the atmosphere in our wonderful 10,000 watched the games on the his 12th final, and the pair swayed happily capital was enjoyed not only by locals and Friday afternoon. as the burgeoning group slowly danced people from other corners of Ukraine, but As a baking hot day turned to night, and sung its way towards the stunning also by tens of thousands of foreign visitors fans gravitated to the other end of the Olimpiyskiy complex. from all over the world. festival to listen to a set by DJ Hardwell Thousands of Liverpool fans had “Our hosting of this major event was a – one of a series of high-profile acts that spent the afternoon basking in the sun huge success – as highlighted by the UEFA provided the soundtrack to four days in Shevchenko Park, before the short walk president, Aleksander Čeferin, as well as of celebrations. to the ground. The sense of anticipation various visitors to our city, foreign fans Kyiv had also hosted the final of EURO was growing, and a set by Dua Lipa during and many others. This party will live 2012, and this year fans were again the opening ceremony raised the noise long in our memories.” made to feel at home across the city. A giant replica trophy on the square outside St Sophia’s Cathedral was a Andriy Shevchenko, beautiful and hugely popular spot ambassador for the final, for a selfie, with the UEFA Champions up against Alvaro Arbeloa in the Ultimate Champions League anthem blaring out of nearby tournament. speakers. Further entertainment was laid on for Liverpool fans in Shevchenko Park – named after the Ukrainian poet, rather than his footballing namesake. The day of the final brought another cloudless sky with more glorious sunshine, and the giant beanbags and umbrellas of the Together #WePlayStrong stand at the festival provided welcome

respite from the heat and sun. Sportsfile THREE CHEERS FOR ATLÉTICO

Spain’s stranglehold on the UEFA Europa League continued as Club Atlético de Madrid secured a third triumph in the competition with their final victory over Olympique de Marseille.

he final on 16 May took place on third defeat in the final of the UEFA Cup/ French soil at a Stade de Lyon filled UEFA Europa League. T predominantly with OM’s noisy Rudi Garcia’s men had entered the supporters. But it was Atlético’s night as competition ten months earlier in the third they joined compatriots Sevilla FC in securing qualifying round and their road to the final Olympique 0-3 Club Atlético a trio of UEFA Europa League successes in was illuminated by eight wins in nine matches de Marseille de Madrid this past decade. at an increasingly feverish Stade Vélodrome. Atlético’s shining light was Antoine Their victims included RB Leipzig, the German Attendance: 55,768 Griezmann, who scored two goals to earn newcomers to Europe who reached the the man of the match award. Overlooked by quarter-finals via the UEFA Champions League Referee: Björn Kuipers Lyon as a boy in nearby Macon, the France group stage, but fell 5-2 in southern France. (Netherlands) forward gave Atlético a first-half lead with an Atlético also entered in the round of 32 ice-cold finish following a mistake by André following an early UEFA Champions League exit. Goals: 0-1 Griezmann 21 Zambo Anguissa. Griezmann slotted his second Beaten UEFA Champions League finalists in 0-2 Griezmann 49 goal after 49 minutes and, after Marseille 2014 and 2016, they drew from their deep well 0-3 Gabi 89 substitute Kostas Mitroglou had headed against of experience to negotiate a tough semi-final a post, Gabi crowned Atlético’s victory with against Arsenal FC, eventually prevailing 2-1 a late third goal. on aggregate to end Arsène Wenger’s dream It was a night of contrasting emotions for of a valedictory final before he stepped down Griezmann’s international colleague Dimitri as manager of the Gunners after 22 years. Payet. The Marseille playmaker left the action Overall, the 2017/18 campaign featured 48 after 32 minutes with a thigh injury and tears in teams representing 29 countries. There was a his eyes. He had begun the match by teeing up first taste of group-stage football in a major Valère Germain with a clear opening on goal UEFA competition for nine clubs: Atalanta BC, Atlético will be lining up against their but the striker’s shot flew over and OM’s night Madrid rivals in Tallinn on 15 August to TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, İstanbul Başakşehir, went downhill from there as they suffered a play for the 2018 UEFA Super Cup trophy. 1. FC Köln, FC Lugano, Östersunds FK, FK Vardar, SC Vitesse and FC Zlín. In Atalanta’s case they finished the group stage undefeated in their first European campaign since 1991. Köln’s supporters showed what their European participation meant to them when 20,000 made the trip to London for their match at Arsenal. Sweden’s Östersund provided the most romantic plot line: a fourth-division club only seven years earlier, they overcame Galataşaray SK and PAOK FC in the qualifying rounds and travelled all the way to the round of 32, where they won at Arsenal, albeit in a 4-2 aggregate defeat. No team put more into the campaign than FC Salzburg who, in becoming Austria’s first European semi-finalists since 1996, equalled the record for the longest endurance run in UEFA club competitions, playing 20 matches overall, from the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League on 11 July through to semi-final elimination by Marseille on 3 May. That was a night for Marseille to dream, but it would be Diego Simeone’s Atlético who stamped their class and authority on

Getty Images the final. #EQUALGAME SPOTLIGHT AT THE CLUB COMPETITION FINALS UEFA’s #EqualGame campaign promoting diversity, inclusion and accessibility in football came into sharp focus at the European club competition finals in Kyiv and Lyon in May.

ith the attention of the world A third event at the Champions Festival, “It was an absolute pleasure to take part centring on the finals of the staged in the #EqualGame dome, involved in this unique occasion …,” said former W UEFA Champions League, UEFA UEFA’s social responsibility partners, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan Women’s Champions League and UEFA together with the host association for midfielder Figo,“…sharing the joy of Europa League, a series of activities in both the finals, the Football Federation of football and promoting diversity and host cities helped to convey #EqualGame’s Ukraine, and emphasised the importance inclusion – values that are a crucial key message – that football is open to all, of social inclusion in football. The partners element of this great sport.” irrespective of ethnicity, age, gender, engaged with fans and visitors to the “Our match has showcased equality sexual orientation, social background or festival by showing and explaining their on the pitch,” added Ada Hegerberg, religious beliefs. different areas of activity. “and highlighted just how football In Kyiv, the setting for the men’s and should be accessible to all, no matter women’s Champions League finals, Special match in Lyon who they are, what they do or where Football for Social Inclusion matches were #EqualGame brings some of the game’s they come from.” held on the Champions Festival mini-pitch leading lights together with grassroots Ramutė Kartavičienė, who has set under the #EqualGame/Respect banner. players, and a few of them met up at up a team of grandmothers in Lithuania, The matches featured amputee football, the UEFA Europa League Village ahead of scored three times during the game. cerebral palsy football, Special Olympics the final in Lyon. Grassroots players from “But this match was not about scoring football for players with learning throughout Europe who have featured in goals,” she said afterwards. “It was disabilities, and football for children from the campaign to date were joined on about playing together with all kinds conflict areas, which aimed to show that the pitch by Portuguese legend Luís of people from different backgrounds although people are different, everyone Figo, former Olympique Lyonnais and and with a variety of abilities. We didn’t can find common ground in their love of Barcelona favourite Éric Abidal and current know each other before we came the game. Olympique Lyonnais women’s stars Ada here, but I made new friends. We Each of the organisations involved is Hegerberg and Shanice van de Sanden. have one thing in common – we love an official football social responsibility Since #EqualGame’s launch last August, a the game. partner of UEFA – Homeless World Cup, number of grassroots players have shared Special Olympics, the International their fascinating stories with UEFA on its At the Champions Festival in Kyiv, Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football various communication channels, generating Brazilian star Cafu helped show that and the European Amputee Football vast interest in the campaign as a result. football truly is accessible to everyone. Federation. Another partner, the Centre for Access to Football in Europe (CAFE), arranged audio-descriptive commentary for some of the matches. The mayor of Kyiv, former professional boxer Vitali Klitschko, expressed his total support for #EqualGame. “It’s very important to spread the message of social inclusion and diversity,” he said, “and we want to do this through sport. As Nelson Mandela said: ‘Sport has the power to change the world.’” The UEFA Champions Gallery at the Champions Festival presented the history of the UEFA Champions League/European Champion Clubs’ Cup and the UEFA Women’s Champions League, while an #EqualGame exhibition highlighted grassroots football stories from across

Europe. UEFA THREE IN A ROW FOR LYON

The French side claimed a hat-trick of UEFA Women’s Champions League titles and a record fifth overall with victory against Amandine Henry scores the equaliser

Wolfsburg in Kyiv on 24 May. which set Lyon on the road to victory. Sportsfile

lympique Lyonnais struck three resources that the club has put at our times in five minutes in extra time disposal." VfL 1-4* Olympique to beat VfL Wolfsburg 4-1 at the The Kyiv final was the last to be played O Wolfsburg (0-0) Lyonnais Valeriy Lobanovskyi Stadium in Kyiv and *after extra time in conjunction with the men’s showpiece, with become the first team to win three the change highlighting the growing stature of successive UEFA Women’s Champions Attendance: 14,237 Referee: Jana Adamkova women’s football. Next season’s women’s final League crowns. (Czech Republic) will take place in Budapest on 18 May, with Lyon have contested seven of the past Goals: 1-0 Harder 93, 1-1 Henry 98, the men’s in Madrid two weeks later. nine finals, including a defeat by Wolfsburg 1-2 Le Sommer 99, 1-3 Hegerberg 103, in 2013 before beating them on penalties 1-4 Abily 116 ‘Limitless potential’ two years ago. This was another tight affair, Speaking in Kyiv, the UEFA president, as defences held the upper hand in normal Aleksander Čeferin, explained the decision: time. Lyon came closest when Noelle Maritz power down the right, and in the 103rd “The potential for women's football is cleared off the line from Amandine Henry, minute she teed up Hegerberg, who limitless, and it is with this in mind that who then saw her close-range shot knocked in Lyon’s third goal in five minutes. we decided to separate the two UEFA brilliantly saved by Almuth Schult with eight It was the Norwegian star’s 15th strike this Champions League events. That will give minutes left. Three minutes into extra time, season, a new competition record. the women's game a platform of its own though, Wolfsburg struck first when Pernille With four minutes to play, van de Sanden to continue to grow and become an Harder’s low shot from outside the box beat – a UEFA Women’s EURO winner with the unmissable event and television spectacle goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi as she dived to Netherlands in 2017 – cut the ball back to in its own right.” her right. Camille Abily, who angled her low shot into The 2018 final ambassador, Iya That brought the 14,327 crowd to their the far corner. The veteran midfielder’s smile Andrushchak, meanwhile, hopes this feet, and the noise increased further as said it all; this was her record 81st and final match will prove a catalyst for growth. Reynald Pedros’s side hit back. Lyon had match in the competition before retiring, “I was glad to see more than 14,000 people never previously come from behind to win a and to round it off with her 43rd goal and in the stands, which is beyond doubt a UEFA Women’s Champions League final, fifth title was a fairy-tale ending. For Lyon, record attendance for women's football but following Alexandra Popp’s 96th-minute however, there is no end in sight to this in Ukraine,” she said. “It's so nice to hear dismissal for a second yellow card, that was golden era. young people discussing the goals, the about to change. Within two minutes Henry "It’s simply incredible that we’ve won teams and their new favourite female had smashed in the equalising goal three in a row,” said Le Sommer, one of players. We'll have to wait and see the results, following a fine pass from Ada Hegerberg, four players alongside Abily, Bouhaddi but for now I'm just happy that my country and just a minute later substitute Shanice and Wendie Renard to have featured in all saw this showpiece and that I was part of it. van de Sanden crossed low for Eugénie Le five Lyon triumphs. “It shows how much And even more so, that so many people Sommer to put Lyon 2-1 ahead. Wolfsburg quality we have in the squad and we’ve came and really enjoyed this celebration had no answer to van de Sanden’s pace and been rewarded for our hard work and the of women's football.”

14 – UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

2020 CLUB FINAL HOSTS SELECTED The selection of hosts for the 2020 UEFA club competition finals, the UEFA EURO 2020 final tournament match schedule and the 2018 UEFA Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations were key items on the agenda at the Executive Committee’s meeting in Kyiv on 24 May.

he committee selected Istanbul’s the club game in Europe. The Executive These indicators are the sustainable debt Atatürk Olympic Stadium to host Committee approved revised Club Licensing ratio that will enhance the monitoring T the UEFA Champions League final in and Financial Fair Play Regulations aimed at of club debt, and a player transfer deficit two years’ time, and the Arena Gdansk in further strengthening the existing rules and indicator which will improve the monitoring Poland was appointed to stage the UEFA adapted to the ever-changing European of clubs’ transfer spending beyond a Europa League final. The 2020 UEFA football environment. This follows a certain amount. Women’s Champions League final will take comprehensive review undertaken in Finally, the 2018 regulations contain place at the Austria Arena in Vienna, and consultation with UEFA member various provisions designed to upgrade the Estádio do Dragão in Porto will stage associations, as well as the European the protection and education of youth the UEFA Super Cup match. Club Association (ECA), European Leagues players – these include the introduction The year 2020 will also bring another and players’ body FIFPro Division Europe. of a child protection policy, new medical EURO – a special one this time around, The new regulations seek to increase requirements and reinforced youth with the final tournament being staged in transparency, with clubs obliged to publish development programmes – as well as 12 cities across Europe to commemorate their financial information, including to raise the standards and foster the the 60th anniversary of the inaugural payments to agents. Furthermore, there development of women’s football finals. An important step forward was will be improved harmonisation of financial in Europe. taken in Kyiv with the approval of the and accounting reporting principles on The Executive Committee also EURO 2020 final tournament match football-specific transactions, such as appointed the president of the Cyprus schedule (see pages 16/17). Rome’s Stadio specific accounting requirements for the Football Association (CFA), George Koumas, Olimpico will stage the opening match transfer of players. as a member of the FIFA Council until the on 12 June. A more proactive approach will also 2019 UEFA Congress. He replaces his Club licensing and financial fair play be pursued in order to anticipate financial predecessor as CFA president, Costakis measures introduced by UEFA in 2009 have issues, through the introduction of a series Koutsokoumnis, who passed away in March. had a crucial impact in introducing more of new financial indicators enabling stricter The next meeting of the UEFA Executive discipline and rationality within club monitoring of clubs’ budgets by the UEFA Committee will take place in Nyon on football finances, for the overall benefit of Club Financial Control Body. 27 September.

The Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul will be hosting its second UEFA Champions League final in 2020, 15 years after the unforgettable final between AC Milan and Liverpool (3-3). EMPICS EURO 2020 MATCH SCHEDULE

At its meeting in Kyiv at the end of May, the Executive Committee approved the EURO 2020 match schedule, with the opening match to be held at the Olimpico Stadium in Rome before the tournament extends to 12 cities right across Europe.

INTERVIEW

MICHELE UVA

‘YOU FEEL RESPONSIBILITY FOR MILLIONS OF PEOPLE’

When Michele Uva reflects on the repercussions of his work as CEO of the Italian Football Association (FIGC), the word he repeats is responsibility. It is easy to understand why – after all, as he does not hesitate to acknowledge, “Your work has an impact on millions of people.” The 53-year-old feels the same way as a UEFA vice-president, a new responsibility that he assumed last September. He is proud to be part of a team marking a new path at the service of European football.

rom volleyball to basketball and Michele, how do you embody your consultancy abroad for New York football, Michele Uva has had the role of CEO at the Italian Football MetroStars. After that, I was with a Fopportunity to work on sports Association? company called Sport-Markt in Germany, development at all levels, and he has The way I interpret being a CEO is to be followed by two years in basketball and written extensively on the subject, as well the coach of a team formed by 500 four years at the Italian Football as being an associated university professor. professionals, helping them to work well Association as Chief Development Officer. In a broad-ranging interview, the sports together, and giving them a clear vision Then I was CEO of the Italian Olympic administrator discusses his hopes and fears and a deep insight into football and the Committee and, since September 2014, I for football, and his attempts to revive objectives of the Italian Football have been CEO of the Italian FA. Every calcio. While the Azzurri men’s team Association. My motto is: “The best of experience has been wonderful, each one failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World today is not enough to excel tomorrow”. taught me a lot – but you never stop Cup in Russia, the women’s side made learning. If I had to pick my favourite, it history in qualifying for the 2019 FIFA What was your background, and would be the first job with young athletes, Women’s World Cup in France, which how did you get into the world because they gave me so much in terms of echoes a series of impressive results at of sport? emotions and understanding. youth national-team level. Indeed, I graduated in scientific subjects, but Uva believes the future is bright for during my studies I pursued my passion What were the reasons for you Italy: “What I’m doing now will have for sport. At 21, I started out as a sports becoming a football administrator, a big impact in the medium to long administrator back in 1985, becoming the specifically? term, not tomorrow. Investing in the head of the youth sector for a volleyball My transition from volleyball to football future is crucial to achieve sporting team in Serie A in Italy. I did ten years in was straightforward, as the same company and social results.” volleyball, then club football, and then which owned my volleyball club also

“If you don’t respect your opponent, the referee, the fans, you are basically not respecting yourself. And that is not what football is about.”

18 – UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 INTERVIEW

UEFA INTERVIEW

Michele Uva was a huge fan of 1969 Ballon d’Or winner Gianni Rivera (pictured, right).

Were you, like virtually every Italian, a football fan from an early age? I grew up a fan of AC Milan, but when I went to work as the CEO of Parma [1996–2001], I got to know lots of players and lots of coaches. So, nowadays, I’m lucky to just enjoy football, and I like watching it.

Where are you from originally? From southern Italy – a place called Matera. It’s a small city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the Basilicata region.

What’s your first memory of football when you were a boy? A live Milan game away to Bari. The city where I was born, Matera, is 50km from Bari. My father knew how much I liked Milan, so he took me to Bari, and I still remember how full the stadium was. I must have been five years old. I remember it perfectly. I have such a vivid image of it. It’s perhaps one of the few memories I Presse Sports have from those years. I don’t remember where I lived, but I remember that stadium. owned a football club (Parma). They said Did you have a favourite player? to me, ‘You’re a good manager for Gianni Rivera first, then Franco Baresi. volleyball, and you could be a great one in football, as long as you keep your Why Rivera? common sense.’ This was my route in, Because I supported Milan, and because he and also my key lesson, which I relied on had style. He played with his head up, and both in good and bad times. when you play like that, it means that you see everything around you. Did you ever have any ambition to have a career actually playing 22 April 2016: Michele Uva presents Speaking generally about football the men’s and women’s UEFA Champions sport? League trophies in Milan, where both in Italy, is it possible not to grow up Like many Italians, I played football with finals would be played. as a football fan, given the passion friends, but my real sport was volleyball. for the game? I went to university in Bologna and It’s impossible for a boy not to be a fan. when I was there, I played in the youth The passion is infectious. My son is nearly team for a Serie A club [Zinella Volley]. six years old, and the first thing he did at My ambition was to play in Serie A, but school, before finding friends, was to I soon realised I’d never be able to. I choose a team to support. So, in Italy, it’s understood that there was a limit, so I infectious among all children. Maybe it’s in started my career as an administrator for the Italian DNA. That’s how it is. that club. In life, you must always be aware of your own limits. You must For you growing up watching have the ambition to play in Serie A, football and then working in but you can’t always achieve that. In the football, what’s the best match managerial game, you can get where you you’ve ever seen? want to be if you study, have talent, take In my life I’ve seen hundreds, thousands of it seriously and always maintain openness. UEFA games. However, when you see them live,

20 – UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 INTERVIEW

they’re the ones that usually stay with you. “In life, you must always be aware of your As I said, there’s the first one that I ever own limits. You must have the ambition to play watched, then there’s Milan’s 5-0 victory in Serie A, but you can’t always achieve that.” against Real Madrid in the semi-final of the European Cup in 1989. I was studying in Bologna and I went to see the game. Fantastic, because I like to see the people Youth team matches are my favourites to Arrigo Sacchi’s Milan played extraordinary who come ... I like to see all the youngsters, watch. There is innocence, enthusiasm. football: Rijkaard, Van Basten, Gullit, Baresi, to see their excitement, their passion, to see They don’t think about personal success Maldini, Ancelotti … all the families. It’s a brilliant feeling. You but, instead, of the team. The other day, understand what football is about, but you I was in Rotherham for the Under-17 [EURO] And the best goal? also understand that your work has an final. We lost the penalty shoot-out in the Diego Maradona’s goal in the 1986 World impact on millions of people. If your work final against the Netherlands. Watching Cup against England – his run and dribbling has an impact in Italy, for example, it has these 17-year-olds, who play with from halfway. It was something extra an impact on 36 million fans. And it’s a enthusiasm and passion and are proud to special. He displayed great ability, passion, big responsibility. wear the Italian shirt, cry in the dressing talent – what else can I say? Panache, room afterwards was very emotional. daring, and then, in the end, success … When you watch football, It’s a little bit like the professional lives of which teams and which players We have no Italy in the World each of us. You start from far out, you’ve excite you? Cup currently taking place in got the ball, you need to overcome lots of When you no longer support a team, it’s Russia. It doesn’t seem right … obstacles, but you need to keep your eye a wonderful thing, because you can enjoy The whole of Italy is upset, but many on the goal. That’s your objective. the games. Something is missing – the abroad are too. In sport, however, you passion and suffering you get from have to get used to the fact that these When you walk into a stadium supporting a team – but you can watch things can happen, especially in football: now for a big match like the UEFA football and enjoy it. Now, the Italian things don’t always go the way you think, Champions League final, how do national team’s games are the most difficult and this is perhaps what makes it such a you feel? ones to watch, especially the youth ones. beautiful game. While we are sad for

In 1999 Parma, with Michele Uva as CEO, won the UEFA Cup against Marseille (3-0). Getty Images

UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 – 21 INTERVIEW

Michele Uva has fond memories of the great Milan team – here Christian Panucci and Dejan Savicević – that were winners of the 1994 UEFA Champions League final against Barcelona (4-0). Getty Images

not making it, on the other hand, you have You can approach this role in two different Do you find when you write joy and surprise for a country that is not ways in Italy – with a sense of power, that ideas and thoughts come expected to qualify, and instead does. because it’s an important position in at any time of the day? society, or with a sense of responsibility. No, at night. I go to bed at ten o’clock. When you’re representing the You feel responsibility for millions of At two in the morning, I wake up. Always. Italian Football Association, are people. The association has 1.25 million This has been the case for 20 years. you still able to celebrate a goal people registered: 1.1 million registered I’m awake from two until five or six, when Italy score? I’m thinking of players and 834,000 who are under 18. and then I go back to sleep for an hour. when you have a colleague from I feel responsibility, and that my actions In those two or three hours, my brain is another association next to you have an impact on millions of people. productive. at an international match. What In addition, this is a special year, as we do you do? celebrate the 120th anniversary of the Do you have a favourite writer? You can celebrate, but with respect. It’s founding of our association – one more Do you read books as well? impossible to do nothing, but it’s also reason not only to be proud, but also to I like reading books about history: Roman not right to celebrate too much. Always, work hard and live up to our important times, contemporary history, major world always respect the opponent and always history. conflicts. I like to understand what was respect the referee. This is the philosophy. going through people’s minds. I prefer And it’s the philosophy we also teach the What do you do to relax away historical figures, people who made youngsters in the national youth teams. from football? history, because they all had differing I love to write. I take notes during the visions: Churchill, De Gaulle. How do you feel personally about year, and then put them together in the the responsibility of being at the summer. I write things that I think will be Going back to football, you were head of the football association in important for the future. Just recently, I elected onto the UEFA Executive a country that is crazy about published my sixth book – this one is on Committee in April last year. How football? women’s football. proud are you of your involvement with UEFA, and what do you think of the work that it is doing for “Football is for all, men's and women's. This is one European football? of the biggest cultural leaps that football still needs I’m extremely proud. It’s an honour to be to make.” involved with UEFA, and there’s a great

22 – UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 INTERVIEW

‘give-and-take’ atmosphere. We have a negative forces almost everywhere. another World Cup, but that would be president who is a leader with a vision, boring. [My dream would be for Italy] and an Executive Committee that really How important are the words to be successful in youth competitions works like a team. This is very stimulating ‘respect’ and ‘fair play’ in football? and help the development of women’s from a human and professional First of all, if you don’t respect your football. Football is for all, and women’s perspective. I think that, while in Italy you opponent, the referee, the fans, you are football has been the topic of my latest have a responsibility to over 30 million basically not respecting yourself. And that book. This is one of the biggest cultural fans, when you do something for UEFA, is not what football is about. leaps that our sport still needs to make. the number of people increases to hundreds of millions. If you had one wish for football One final question: a young in the future, one wish for the boy comes to you and says, What do you think are the whole of football, what would ‘I want to play football’ and main dangers that football that wish be? asks you what he should do. has to face today? That as many children as possible in What would be your words Violence and bribery. In Italy and in the world can play football. Many children of advice? Europe, violence in stadiums is reducing, are fortunate and can do so, but many Enjoy, follow your instinct and play for but there are still issues outside of the cannot do it for thousands of reasons. the team. This works well in football, event, which for me represents an even A wish for the whole world is that every but also in life. Football is a “life bigger risk. The other concern is that child can have a ball to play with. academy”; it has a cultural impact, criminals, who are not only violent, but and it can teach something to children who also use money to fix matches, could As an Italian, what would be which also then helps them off the abuse football. I see football as strong and your dream for Italian football pitch. Being a team player, helping your clean on the inside but, due to its in the future? teammates, playing together as one – relevance, it represents a target for The simplest answer would be to win that is the real victory.

On 10 April, Michele Uva congratulated Sara Gama on winning her 100th FIGC cap for her country. HISTORY

UEFA’S EURO – 60 YEARS YOUNG The European Football Championship is now a major worldwide sporting attraction. And it was 60 years ago, in June 1958, that the illustrious and prestigious competition was born. Here, we look at how the EURO, as it has become known, took shape and took flight in the 1950s.

he idea of a European competition for the overriding feeling being that a continental national teams had already been mooted confederation of FIFA should have its own T years previously by Frenchman Henri national team competition. In the autumn of Delaunay, who became UEFA’s first general 1954, UEFA set up a subcommittee to consider secretary when the organisation was founded draft regulations. Its work eventually led to the in June 1954. In 1927, Delaunay was involved, presentation of a proposal at UEFA’s inaugural along with eminent Austrian football Congress in Vienna in March 1955. That administrator Hugo Meisl, in submitting a proposal involved splitting the competition proposal to the world football body, FIFA, for into two phases, with a knockout phase in the the creation of a European national team cup. season before the FIFA World Cup and a final Delaunay’s dream would take 30 years tournament in a single country the following to reach fruition, but it was clear that a Until 1968, the competition went season. To prevent fixture congestion, the key early UEFA objective was to create under the name of the European proposed new competition would also serve Nations’ Cup. France hosted the first, such a national team competition – it was four-team final round in 1960, losing as the European qualifying competition for even written into the first UEFA Statutes, 5-4 to Yugoslavia in the semi-finals. the World Cup. Initial signals from FIFA, which had to authorise such a competition, were, however, reticent. Its general secretary at that time, Kurt Gassmann, wrote to UEFA saying that he did “not entirely agree with the ideas that were presented concerning a UEFA competition and the qualifying competition for the 1958 World Cup”. Gassmann felt that the proposal went against FIFA’s interests and that staging the final phase of a European competition in the same year as the World Cup finals would present unwelcome competition for the FIFA tournament and threaten crucial FIFA revenue. His suggestion was that the European competition’s knockout phase should take place two years before the World Cup finals and that the final tournament should be staged one year ahead of the FIFA finals. It would also be advisable, Gassmann reflected, “to separate the knockout stage of the European competition from the preliminary stage of the FIFA competition.”

‘Premature’ idea Consequently, the Vienna Congress sent the idea – deemed “premature” – back to the UEFA subcommittee’s drawing board. A revamped proposal avoided clashes with the World Cup finals, and the group-stage idea was jettisoned for a direct knockout format to prevent overloading the calendar. Opposition to the idea remained. Clubs were consulted, and they were reluctant to release PresseSports players for an increased number of national

24 – UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 HISTORY

The USSR won the inaugural European Nations’ Cup, thanks to a winning goal from their striker Viktor Ponedelnik in extra time of the final against Yugoslavia.

before moving on with the agenda. It had been a long and difficult birth, but it was now ‘full steam ahead’, and the draw duly took place at the Foresta Hotel in Stockholm two days after the Congress. There were 17 entrants for the inaugural competition – Austria, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, East Germany, France, Greece, Hungary, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Ireland, Romania, Spain, Turkey, the USSR and Yugoslavia. And there were three notable PresseSports absentees – England, Italy and West Germany. The first official match in the European Nations’ Cup, as it was called, took place Sources team matches. The project was postponed on 28 September 1958, when the USSR met again at the Lisbon and Copenhagen Hungary at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium. The UEFA – 60 Years at the Heart Congresses in 1956 and 1957, and was put on hosts won a round of 16 match 3-1 in front of Football, Andre Vieli (2014) the agenda for the next Congress in Stockholm of 100,572 fans (a subsequent preliminary 25 Years of UEFA, UEFA (1979) in June 1958. However, in 1957, supporters match – drawn by lots to decide the two Official UEFA archives of the project had won a vote by 15 to 7, with teams to play it – saw Czechoslovakia emerge four abstentions and one blank ballot paper. victorious against the Republic of Ireland over The debate at the Congress in the Swedish two legs to create the 16-team knockout field). capital on 4 June 1958 was intense. The Anatoli Ilyin scored the first-ever EURO goal for Congress minutes record that the Italian FA the USSR after just four minutes. president, Ottorino Barassi, “did not consider the creation of this competition as desirable, as Delaunay’s dream comes true it would restrict the international calendar and Sadly, Henri Delaunay would never see his risked exciting national passions.” West dream become reality. He had passed away Germany said it was inappropriate to create a on 9 November 1955, and was succeeded as competition without regulations having been UEFA general secretary by his son Pierre, who submitted to the Congress. Nevertheless, a continued to staunchly champion his father’s majority of the delegates present at the idea until it was given the green light. In Stockholm Congress came out in favour of recognition of Henri Delaunay’s role in the launching the competition. creation of the new competition, the trophy – provided by the French Football Federation – Lunchbreak talks was named after him. UEFA’s first president, Denmark’s Ebbe Schwartz, Pierre Delaunay was optimistic for the future asked the subcommittee to rediscuss the project of the competition. “It can be expected,” he during the Congress lunch break, suggesting wrote in the Official UEFA Bulletin in September that the start of the competition be put back to 1958, “that, allowing for the experience gained 1959 – an idea that the subcommittee did not from this first edition … the number of nations wholly endorse. There were calls from delegates will be greater in 1962.” His optimism was not for the 31 UEFA member associations at the misguided – 29 associations entered the second time to be given the opportunity to reexamine EURO, staged from 1962 to 1964. the project. At the start of the afternoon The inaugural competition concluded session, however, the UEFA president ended with a final tournament in France in July the toing-and-froing conclusively, declaring, 1960, featuring four teams – the hosts, according to the Congress minutes, that Czechoslovakia, the USSR and Yugoslavia. “the draw would take place on Friday 6 June,” The USSR triumphed by the odd goal in three after extra time in the final against Yugoslavia at Delaunay’s dream would take 30 years the Parc des Princes. From small acorns do large to reach fruition, but it was clear that a key oaks grow – and the stage was set for the development of a competition that has early UEFA objective was to create such a graduated, over six memorable decades, into national team competition – it was even one of the biggest and most popular sporting written into the first UEFA Statutes. events in the world.

UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 – 25 hosts Lithuania, and Finland. The latter SPAIN END GERMAN had qualified in dramatic fashion with a five-goal spree in the second half against Scotland in their last elite-round game. JINX TO CLAIM FOURTH Their 5-0 victory saw them leapfrog France and qualify on goal difference WOMEN’S U17 CROWN by a single goal. Daunting debuts After losing the last two Women’s Under-17 finals to In Lithuania, the Finns faced a baptism of fire against six-time winners Germany, who Germany on penalties, Spain turned the tables on their were looking to complete a hat-trick of main rivals in Lithuania thanks to a pair of goals from back-to-back titles. The holders were given a mighty shock when they fell behind to a captain Eva Navarro. 53rd-minute Aino Vuorinen goal. However, in the last nine minutes, Shekiera Martinez pain claimed their fourth European finals since winning the last four-team scored twice to give Germany victory. Women’s Under-17 title and in doing version of the tournament in 2012/13, In their opening match, the hosts – the Sso ended their German hoodoo. which was the only other time they had first women’s side from Lithuania to play The two teams – who between them have qualified for this stage. The Poles opened in a major final tournament – suffered a won all but one of the titles since the the scoring before England took a 2-1 chastening 9-0 defeat at the hands of competition began in 2007/08 – also lead going into the dying stages, only the Netherlands, for whom Kirsten van de contested the 2013/14, 2015/16 and for Paulina Tomasia to grab a dramatic Westeringh bagged a hat-trick. Three days 2016/17 finals, and on each occasion last-gasp equaliser. later they performed far more creditably in Spain lost on penalties. a 4-0 reverse against Finland, who also had Salmon leaps to victory a hat-trick hero in Annika Huhta. Spain’s captain fantastic Three days later Italy registered another However, in Lithuania two second-half 0-0 draw, this time against Poland, while Comeback queens Eva Navarro goals ensured it was Spain Spain stole a march on the rest of the The Netherlands seemed to be heading who lifted the trophy. Navarro, who also group by beating England 2-1, with out of the group as they led Germany 2-0 scored the only goal of Spain’s semi-final Navarro scoring the winner ten minutes with just seven minutes to go; but again against Finland, was the only player left from the end. She added two more as the holders showed their ability to fight from the 2017 final. The only other a 5-0 victory over Poland put Spain top back. First Martinez pulled a goal back, ‘veteran’ of 2017, Barcelona’s Claudia of the group, while England leapt from and then Laura Donhauser equalised deep Pina, who scored 15 goals in qualifying, fourth to second thanks to a win over Italy. in added time. was ruled out of the finals because of At half-time, it was the Italians who Germany endured another frustrating injury. And it looked as if her firepower seemed to be heading to the semi-finals start against Lithuania, needing 35 might be sorely missed when Spain’s with a third consecutive 0-0 draw; minutes to break the deadlock and secure Group B opener against Italy ended however, a second-half hat-trick from a one-goal lead going into the break. goalless. England captain Ebony Salmon in the However, the holders hit form in the Poland and England, the other two space of 19 minutes set the Lionesses on second half and eventually ran out teams in Group B, also shared the points their way to a 4-0 victory. 8-0 winners, with Martinez bagging a on the opening day, producing a 2-2 draw. Meanwhile, Group A featured two ten-minute hat-trick to become the only It was Poland’s first appearance at the teams making their debut in the finals: player to score in all three group games at a Women’s Under-17 final tournament.

High-flying Finns The Netherlands and Finland faced off to decide who would join Germany in the semi-finals. The Dutch had looked set to win the group before conceding that late equaliser to the reigning champions, but they now found themselves dumped out of the competition by the Finnish newcomers.

Dana Leskinen and her Finland team-mates produced a turn-up for the books by beating England 2-1 in the match for third place, qualifying for the U-17 Women’s World Cup as a result. Sportsfile Sportsfile Paula Aranainthe boxbysavingthe Koivunen madeupforbringing down the firsthalf, andgoalkeeperAnna to withstandconstantSpanishpressure in Women’s Under-19 finals. Russia’s ElenaDanilovainthe2005 the 1984European Championship and alongside MichelPlatini’s tallyforFrance at UEFA puttingher footballfinaltournament, also equalledthemostgoalsscored inany was notjustaWomen’s Under-17 record; it three goalstookhertotalto nine,which as thechampionsranout8-0winners.Her on toclaimasecondconsecutivehat-trick doubled Germany’s lead,andshewouldgo own net;lessthanaminutelaterMartinez Kyla Rendelldeflectedtheballintoher went wrong forEnglandfrom themoment Germans itwasnotnearlyasclose.Things eventual champions.Thistimeagainstthe when theywere edgedout4-3bythe Germany twoyearslateratthesamestage Spain inthe2013/14semi-finalsand to faceGermany.Englandhadfallen semi-final againstSpain,leavingEngland Their victorysenttheFinnsthrough toa Martinez onaroll the Dutchthree minutesbefore theend. up anexcitingfinishwithapenaltyfor for theFinnsbefore RoméeLeuchterset Kaisa JuvonenandAinoVuorinen scored In theothersemi-final,Finland managed probable, with Germanylookingslightly encounter, asimilar outcomelooked on penalties. 80 minutes,withGermanygoing ontowin occasion theyhadbeendeadlocked after also the2013/14edition,andon each contested theprevious twofinalsand fest unlikely.Thetwoteamshad be atightlycontestedaffair, withagoal of Marijampole,itwasalwaysgoingto the latestintimeLithuaniancity When SpainandGermanyfacedoff for Familiar foes between 1995and2013. team, whowonsixconsecutiveEUROtitles competition byGermany’s seniorwomen’s bettered inaUEFA nationalteam 2013/14, andonethathasonlybeen expanded from fourtoeightteamsin sincetheformatwas tournament final –arunthathasincludedevery a 1-0wintoreach theirfifth consecutive the playandclosedmatchoutwith duly slottedhomepastKoivunen. put Navarro through ongoal,andthelatter deadlock inthe52ndminute,asherpass first half, eventuallyhelpedSpainbreak the who hadalsorattledthecrossbar inthe into thebreak goalless.PaolaHernández, resulting penaltytoensure theteamswent And halfway through their latest Spain continuedtoenjoythebetterof of somefuture stars. football, afewsurprisesandfirst glimpse rewarded withplenty ofentertaining impressive return–andtheywere amply stagedinthecountry–an tournament uptowatchthefirstwomen’sturned final a resounding success.Over11,000people thatwas back withprideonatournament any upsetsonthepitch,buttheycanlook As forLithuania,theymaynothavecaused Cause forpride the previous year. after havingclaimedtheUnder-19 crown the firstUnder-17 Championshipin2008 simultaneously, afterGermany,whowon only thesecondcountrytoholdbothtitles Women’s Under-19 EURO,they became Under-17 title. effort sealedSpain’s fourthWomen’s seven minutesleft,Navarro’s brilliantsolo finals record oftengoals.Instead,with was frustratedinherbidtosetanew pressed foranequaliser. ButMartinez ability tocomefrom behindandthey finished withaplomb. through ballfoundNavarro andtheskipper teeth earlyinthesecondhalf, asArana’s had intheirsemi-final,Spainshowed going intothebreak. However, justasthey the likeliertoscore astheyfinishedstrongly W The holdershadalready shown their ith Spainalsohavingwonlastyear’s UEFA •July/August DIRECT Third-place match Spain Germany Semi-finals England Spain Poland Spain Poland Italy Group B Netherlands 1-2 Germany Lithuania Germany Lithuania Finland Group A Germany 0-2Spain Final England 1-2Finland RESULTS

(21 May)

1-0 Finland 8-0 England 4-0 Italy 5-0 Poland 0-0 Italy 2-1 England 2-2 England 0-0 Spain (9, 12and15May) 8-0 Lithuania 0-4 Finland 2-2 Netherlands 0-9 Netherlands 1-2 Germany (9, 12and15May)

(18 May) Finland

(21 May) 2018 2018 – 27 Spain had no such luck, failing to earn dividends from three gilt-edged opportunities during the second half. A TOAST TO With everybody defeating the powerful Serbs, Spain found themselves obliged to defeat Germany in a do-or-die encounter ABSENT FRIENDS between two former champions. Another tale of the unexpected opened with a set-play goal for Spain with about 100 The Netherlands defeated Italy to claim their third European seconds on the clock and closed with an U17 title. Although absent from this summer’s World Cup, eyebrow-raising 5-1 scoreline, with Santi Denia’s team accounting for all six goals both nations laid the foundations for future success. – the consolation for Germany being a long-range shot deflected into the net by a defender.

No less drama in Group A Elsewhere, groupings may have had lower profiles. But not lower levels of drama. Notably Group A, where world champions England had to shake off first-game nerves fuelled by a large crowd. After a narrow 2-1 win against Israel, alarm bells sounded when the hosts trailed Italy 1-0 at the break – the collective high pressing implemented by Carmine Nunziata’s side producing a high interception while England were trying to play their way out, followed by a conclusive long-range shot. England’s power play, however, made relentless demands on the Italians, who surrendered to two second-half goals. Even so, there was a twist in the tail. Switzerland, beaten by Italy on the opening day, produced an Sportsfile outstanding collective effort to defeat England 1-0 to create a three-way tie on t was the first men’s age-limit The final was played at Rotherham stadium six points. Had the England keeper not in Yorkshire on 20 May. tournament to be staged in England thwarted a point-blank, added-time shot, Isince The FA hosted the last finals to be England would have been eliminated on disputed beneath the Under-16 banner in tournament’s group of death. goal difference. As it was, they were 2001. On that occasion, a certain Fernando The quartet of Germany, the Netherlands, through to the quarter-finals by the skin of Torres scored the solitary goal that gave Serbia and Spain, drawn into Group D their teeth. Spain victory over France. And, 17 years certainly whetted appetites – and left later, while the Italians and Dutch were aftertastes of sweetness or bitterness Surprises all round warming up on the turf of the New York depending on the flag spectators were Not to be outdone, the other two Stadium in Rotherham, Torres was being waving. Few, including, by his own groups also produced surprises. Portugal, given a standing ovation at the end of his admission, their coach Kees van Wonderen, champions in 2016, could find no farewell performance for Club Atlético de expected the Dutch to be 3-0 up against goalward pathways against Norway – Madrid. It was inevitable to wonder how Germany by the 41st minute of the the only team to operate with three at many of the 320 players on show at the opening match. Or that Germany the back. Having ostensibly rediscovered tournament in England would go on to would fail to find a reply. the winning trail with a handsome merit a standing ovation. Also by his own admission, Van win over Slovenia, they lost their way On the other hand, when the ball started Wonderen “took a bit of a risk” by once more against Nordic opponents. rolling on 4 May, onlookers were frowning changing six outfielders for the second A 1-0 defeat by Sweden’s industriously into crystal balls, trying to conjure up an match against Spain. But luck teamed up implemented 1-4-4-2 system sent them image of who might be worthy of an with good football to produce a 2-0 win – home. In their opening Group C game, ovation in 16 days’ time. A school of the first goal after a Spanish defender had Denmark had a comfortable 2-0 half-time thought maintained that the eventual slipped, the second cannoning into the net lead which could easily have been doubled, winner might well emerge from the via the woodwork and the keeper’s back. but for Bosnia and Herzegovina, playing

28 – UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 RESULTS

Quarter-finals Italy 1-0 Sweden with much greater conviction and passion, materialise – notably when a penalty was Norway 0-2 England to emerge as 3-2 winners. The shell- saved by Italy keeper Alessandro Russo just Belgium 2-1 Spain shocked Danes were stunned again by before half-time. Netherlands 1-1 Rep. of Ireland an early long-range goal from the Republic Netherlands win 5-4 on penalties of Ireland, who then claimed second spot An unusual penalty ending with two late goals against Bosnia and The greatest drama, however, was acted Semi-finals Italy 2-1 Belgium Herzegovina. A 1-0 win for Belgium out in Chesterfield. The Dutch struggled to England 1-2 Netherlands against Denmark gave them three wins find solutions against Irish deep, compact, Netherlands win 6-5 on penalties without conceding and condemned the resolute 1-4-5-1 defending, with one-way latter to an early trip home. traffic running into a solid jam on the Final outskirts of the penalty area. But the match Italy 2-2 Netherlands Positive vibes was uncorked in the simplest of fashions: Netherlands win 4-1 on penalties By this time, the tournament was a corner on the right and an unimpeded transmitting positive vibrations. The header from centre-back Liam van pitches at the six venues in the English Gelderen. While the Dutch were wiping against Spain, only for Italy to strike a Midlands were in impeccable condition; their brows and breathing a collective long-range second nine minutes from the 16 teams were singing the praises ‘phew’ of relief, Colin O’Brien’s team time. The champions of the two strongest of facilities in the three centres where proceeded to elaborate a crossfield move; groups were to meet in the final. they were accommodated; coaches a cross from the left; a neat one-two in were, in general, offering development the box; and a coolly taken equaliser by Rock and roll in Rotherham opportunities to the members of squads, Troy Parrott. And so to penalties – with an The roller-coaster which had propelled the newly expanded to 20 players; and some unusual ending. After the Irish had missed tournament to its finale continued to rock singularly un-British weather made pitch their first, eight spot kicks hit the net. and roll in Rotherham. The Dutch, with watering a basic requirement. The scene The match ball was then saved by Kees van Wonderen again ringing the was set for a fascinating series of James Corcoran – who was flagged for changes, looked the more potent force knockout games. encroachment. Having been booked for in the opening stages. But Italy, obliging Spain continued the fluent combination time-wasting with 20 minutes to play, them to play long balls more frequently play against Belgium that had dismantled the second yellow spelled red. Defender than they might have liked, played their the German defence. But, at half-time, Oisin McEntee, donning the keeper’s shirt, way back into the game – yet fell behind Thierry Siquet reminded his players that, failed to save the retaken kick and the six minutes after the break. Carmine miraculously, they were only 1-0 down. Dutch were home. Nunziata made a shrewd tactical change, Sure enough, a dynamic reboot yielded Their reward was a semi-final against injecting attacking midfielder Nicolò Fagioli two replies in ten minutes and the the hosts – a match that lived up to and, within eight minutes, the No17 had Spaniards, having burned the candle down expectations in terms of tempo, intensity, set up goals for Samuele Ricci and Alessio so far against Germany, could find no technical expertise, alternating spells of Riccardi which, in a matter of seconds, further physical or mental resources to domination and scoring chances … but not turned the final on its head. Another come back. There was a more predictable goals. The tournament’s second shoot-out substitution, however, provided the final outcome to England’s quarter-final against produced 11 consecutive successes, sting in the tail – target striker Brian Norway. Although Norway manfully played followed by the save from Joey Koorevaar Brobbey turning in a cross to make it 2-2. their way back into the game, their main that opened the door to the final. In the Joey Koorevaar saved the first two of threats stemmed from dead-ball situations other semi-final, Italy, although deprived Italy’s spot kicks, while the orange gloves and a 2-0 defeat put an end to a very of their main attacking threat Alessio (another small irony) of Alessandro creditable campaign. Italy began to don Riccardi through suspension, were too Russo failed to prevent any of the the ‘dark horse’ mantle by scoring early fluent and skilful in their play for Belgium Dutch penalties from hitting the net. against Sweden, whose collective industry who, nonetheless, again restricted the When Ramon Hendriks struck home continually threatened to wear down their half-time deficit to a single goal. the conclusive 4-1, the orange shirts opponents. But the threats failed to Back they came, as they had done swarmed around their keeper beside the posts he had successfully defended, while the Italians were swept to the ground, as if hit by a hurricane. The small irony here was that the Dutch had won the title without winning any of their knockout games. But, although both nations would be missed in Russia, they had raised national spirits with stirring performances in England.

Italian Alberto Barazzetta challenges Dutch player Elayis Tavsan.

UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 – 29 Sportsfile THE TECHNICIAN

BOYS TO MEN Skill and maturity grow hand in hand as players go up through the ranks of youth football. But the key is in the competition.

o gauge the value of youth quality of the food, the travelling …” tournament football, it is worth Torres remembered. opening the pages of Andrés Iniesta’s “That tournament helped both Andrés book The Artist: Being Iniesta. Inside and me grow up fast, because it showed us is a fascinating insight from Iniesta’s the flipside of this game, the pain of defeat,” Tformer Spain team-mate Fernando Torres into added the Atlético icon. “We were the main the precious learning curve that a youth players in that squad and so we were singled The Under-21 competition can provide. In this case, the U-17 out for blame when it all went wrong.” The competition certainly World Cup in Trinidad and Tobago in 2001. lesson served both men well. provided crucial Iniesta and Torres were then 17 years old and As Torres explained, he wrote a message experience for the key players in a Spain team eliminated in the on a shirt that he gave to Iniesta on their Iceland players who first round after defeat by Burkina Faso. On the homeward journey from the Caribbean. It read: went on to stun plane home, Torres and Iniesta sat writing a “One day, you and I will win the World Cup letter about the difficulties encountered. together.” The striker’s prescience was England, and the “The awful training facilities, the completely impressive. Iniesta, as we now know, would watching continent, unacceptable standard of hotels, the debatable score Spain’s winning goal in the 2010 World at EURO 2016.

30 – UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 THE TECHNICIAN

National teams with the most youth experience at EURO 2016 (by caps won)

Before excelling at EURO 2016 (below, against England), Iceland’s Birkir Bjarnason cut his teeth at the European Under-21 Championship finals 125 114 98 in 2011 in Denmark.

62 SPAIN

49 GERMANY ENGLAND 42 36 31 32 29 29 27

U17 U19 U21 Getty Images

Cup final against the Netherlands, two years after Torres himself had decided the destiny of the EURO 2008 final against Germany. This just shows that there can be something significant to learn in defeat as well as victory. And the intensity of the occasion can give the lesson extra force. Spain’s regular participation in the final stage of youth competitions meant their footballers had plenty of learning opportunities before that unique winning sequence, at senior level, of two European titles and one world crown between 2008 and 2012. The Spanish team continue to arrive at the major tournaments having garnered the most

Getty Images know-how as youth footballers – by EURO THE TECHNICIAN

2016, for instance, they had accumulated 125 his experiences with Spain’s junior sides. games combined in Under-17, Under-19 and And so did his team-mates. Under-21 finals. Second on the list, meanwhile, “Players who learn to compete as Under-17s were Germany with 114 matches between and Under-19s have an advantage when they them. Back in 2009, they served early notice go on to the senior national team. A player of the World Cup-winning potential that was develops when he’s competing, and if he realised in 2014 when Manuel Neuer, Jérôme doesn’t compete at the highest level he doesn’t Boateng, Mats Hummels, Benedikt Höwedes develop properly. If you do things that are too and Mesut Özil helped capture the European easy, you hardly get better at all. Competition Under-21 title in Sweden. In that same summer is everything. It’s what makes the biggest mark. of 2009, Mario Götze, scorer of their 2014 It’s fundamental. Without competition they World Cup final-winning goal, became a “The players who can’t improve.” European Under-17 champion. There are “completely different” challenges at Ginés Meléndez Sotos, technical director of pass through these each age level, adds Meléndez, who notes how the Royal Spanish Football Federation, speaks competitions act Under-17 players, for instance, face the test of of the ‘positive baggage’ that a player collects differently when handling a spell of time in a foreign country. through such participations at youth level. they’re older and “Three weeks is a long time not to have some He was coach of the Spain team, including have greater drop in morale with the younger age groups, Juan Mata and Gerard Piqué, that won the potential than those especially when results aren’t good.” European Under-19 Championship in 2006. who’ve not had the “The players who pass through these A good tradition competitions act differently when they’re same experience.” These opportunities are nothing new for the older and have greater potential than those best teenagers in European football. The first who’ve not had the same experience,” he says. Ginés Meléndez Sotos UEFA Youth Tournament was played in 1957, Technical director Piqué, he notes, was “always a leader, with of the Royal Spanish taking over from the FIFA Youth Tournament a winning mentality” but he still gained from Football Federation that had been introduced nine years earlier. Getty Images

Gerard Piqué, with Mario Suarez, basks in the glory of winning the European Under-19 title in 2006, little knowing that four years later he would be clutching the World Cup, along with Cesc Fàbregas. Getty Images

32 – UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 THE TECHNICIAN

In 1981, this became the European Under-18 John Peacock watched the recent European Championship, then a year later UEFA created Under-17 Championship in England in his role ‘THE BOY its sister competition for the Under-16s. In as a UEFA technical observer. Formerly coach DONE GOOD’ 2001 the two competitions were relaunched of the England side that won the event in 2014, as Under-19 and Under-17 tournaments he believes every opponent now offers different UEFA Youth respectively. While they had a long-established hurdles to overcome. League graduates tradition of a final round involving 16 teams, “Whatever country you play nowadays, in it was not until 2000 that a group-stage format Europe or the world, they’re very difficult to Number of mins/ was introduced to the Under-21 final round, beat,” he argues. “If you’re England playing appearances in then featuring eight teams. one of the smaller nations, invariably they will UEFA Champions League The Under-21 competition certainly provided defend deep and defend in numbers around crucial experience for the Iceland players who the box, and that’s a different aspect from went on to stun England, and the watching what they are used to back in England, where HÉCTOR continent, at EURO 2016. The team that they play pretty much toe to toe, week in BELLERÍN overcame England en route to the quarter-finals week out.” (Arsenal) in France included five players – Birkir Facing different tactical questions is just Bjarnason, Johann Gudmundsson, Aron one of the challenges, as Peacock adds. Gunnarsson, Kolbeinn Sigthórsson and Gylfi “When you’re playing for your country and Sigurdsson – who had earlier caused a ripple you’re abroad, with different facilities and a or two by beating Germany 4-1 on their way different culture, it’s a massive learning curve. to their first Under-21 finals in 2011. Once When they get into senior football these are there, they eliminated the hosts, Denmark. things they’re going to have to contend with. Indeed it was Sigthórsson, scorer of the “You want a little bit of pressure to try and opening goal in the 3-1 defeat of the Danes, do well, but the skill of the head coach now 1,391 mins, 15 apps who would hit the winner against England is to make sure the environment isn’t so in Nice five years later. pressurised that players don’t perform.

KYLIAN MBAPPÉ (Monaco, PSG)

1,321 mins, 18 apps

ANDREAS CHRISTENSEN (Mönchen-­ gladbach, Chelsea) Getty Images

In the space of five years, Manuel Neuer went from being a European Under-21 Championship winner in 1,321 mins, 15 apps Sweden in 2009 to a World Cup winner in Brazil in 2014. Getty Images

UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 – 33 THE TECHNICIAN Getty Images

In 2003, Wayne Rooney went straight from the England Under-19 team to the senior team. He made his final England appearance on 11 November 2016 in their 3–0 win over Scotland in the World Cup qualifiers.

them in good stead at a senior level.” Wayne Rooney, England’s record goalscorer, was also involved in this year’s European Under-17 Championship as tournament ambassador. In what now feels like a different age, the Getty Images then 16-year-old Rooney earned the golden ball for his five-goal feat at the 2002 finals in Denmark. Speaking ahead of the latest tournament, Rooney dwelled on the potential these competitions hold as a launch pad for a young footballer’s career. It’s about getting the right balance really,” Peacock continues. Glimpse of the future “The ones that reach the very top are “I got used to scoring goals for my country, the ones that have this drive and can handle which at any level is a great moment,” said pressure. Sometimes, for the ones that can’t Rooney, who made his first-team debut at handle it, it’s going to be difficult to sustain the Everton FC within three months of his Under-17 level of career at the top level that they’d want. feats. “I think it’s brilliant to see what level you You do find out a lot more about the player, are, but also to try and get into the rhythm of and a lot more about the team, trying to playing tournament football. compete in this environment. “There are things you can show in these “The acid test is you are trying to get to games that can make your club manager a World Cup and these experiences that stand up and think, ‘Well he’s got a chance, the players have gained can hopefully stand I’m going to take a chance on him, give him

34 – UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 THE TECHNICIAN

a go’. These tournaments can catapult players to the next level, into the first teams in whatever clubs they’re at,” he added. One up-and-coming England midfielder, Lewis Cook, highlighted his own promise as part of John Peacock’s triumphant side at the 2014 finals in Malta. He went on to captain England to victory at last year’s U-20 World Cup and became a Premier League regular with Bournemouth in 2017/18, to earn a place in Gareth Southgate’s standby squad for the World Cup finals. Peacock remembers the small but significant steps the then Leeds United player took with England’s Under-17s. “I saw a definite Three months after improvement in that 2013/14 season. I saw playing in the UEFA a very committed player with lots of ability Youth League, Matthijs but who just needed to fine-tune parts of his de Ligt was in the starting XI for Ajax game. He was very competitive, but on the in last year’s UEFA international stage you need to be a little bit Europa League final. more careful about when you can produce that tackle. He matured as the season went on and he did outstandingly well in the finals in Malta.”

Club competition This decade has brought further opportunities for young players at the continent’s leading clubs and then in the UEFA Youth League, which was launched in 2013/14. The Youth League enables youngsters to get accustomed to the routine of midweek international club football – travelling and testing themselves against their counterparts from other countries – and, in theory, lessens the impact when they step into the senior European game. In all, 135 players have stepped up from the UEFA Youth League to the UEFA Champions League. The equivalent figure for the UEFA Europa League is 170. One particularly noteworthy graduate from the Europa League is teenage defender Matthijs de Ligt, who played for Ajax in the Youth League Getty Images in February 2017 and three months later Getty Images produced a display of extraordinary composure for the Amsterdammers in the Europa League final against Manchester United. “There are certain tournaments abroad “These tournaments Jason Wilcox, academy manager at where we make a real effort to win, and I can catapult players Manchester City, is appreciative of possibilities think that’s important. But we try and build to the next level, into that the UEFA Youth League provides for the boys’ character so that this game is not a the first teams in his young prospects to sample different development game, this is about learning how styles as well as environments. to win big football matches, and the pressure whatever clubs Speaking in Nyon ahead of City’s semi-final that involves. If the boys can’t handle the they’re at.” defeat against eventual Youth League pressure of playing in a [UEFA Youth League] champions FC Barcelona in April, he said: “One semi-final, they’ve got no chance of handling Wayne Rooney thing we always say is that our development the pressure in a senior Champions League programme is not all about ‘win at all costs’ at final, which is what the ultimate aim is.” academy level, but there are going to be times And, as Andrés Iniesta and Fernando Torres when we have to put the boys under a little can vouch, reaching that ultimate goal can bit more pressure to go and win. mean some harsh lessons along the way.

UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 – 35 UEFA GROW PZPN

POLISH FA REAPS THE BENEFITS OF REVENUE GROWTH Revenues are essential if a national association is to protect, promote and develop football at all levels. If an association successfully manages to grow its revenue, this can have a positive knock-on effect on participation, engagement and image.

EFA GROW is a central business purpose of protecting, promoting and development support programme developing football, whether this involves Ulaunched in 2015 with the aim of investing in facilities, grassroots participation, systematically and strategically growing European brand development, or digital infrastructure, football through the national associations. as well as improving coaching or funding The programme’s revenue pillar offers other initiatives. national football associations tailor-made At the same time, national team football – commercial consultancy to support their and especially men’s senior national teams revenue programmes and grow football – exists in a highly commercialised media and in their countries. marketing landscape and it must offer partners value for money in order to generate optimal Unique market position revenue within this environment. All national associations have the same core Since national associations’ revenue purpose: to protect, promote and develop programmes must operate in both these worlds An average of football for everyone within their borders. – developmental and commercial – they have 7.43m They were all established with a broad different strategic priorities, and so represent people saw POLAND’S European Qualifiers mandate to serve the public and most of a unique proposition to the market. They can on TV them receive public funding. therefore work with partners in a different way. For national associations, generating revenue For instance, national associations can seek is a means rather than an end. By increasing deeper partnerships that enable partners to revenues they can better achieve their core support football authentically, by funding

36 – UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 UEFA GROW

Since 2012, the Polish Football PZPN able to attract a wide range of Federation has seen its ticketing revenue grow from €5m to €12.5m. both international and domestic partners. “In 2012, the PZPN was harvesting an annual revenue of €5m from ticketing and hospitality,” says the PZPN’s general secretary, Maciej Sawicki. “However, last year the association managed to earn €12.5m, with all Poland games now played at the National Stadium in Warsaw. During our five home European Qualifiers for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, an average of 54,646 fans came to watch Poland play.” The federation has also made significant efforts to integrate grassroots football more directly with its revenue programme, with very positive results. For instance, the PZPN created the ‘Łaczy Nas Piłka’ (Football unites us) brand for all its customer-facing activity and uses LaczyNasPilka.pl as a single portal for all such activity, including grassroots organisation, national team information and ticket sales. This allows the federation to promote its revenue offerings to grassroots participants, publicise its grassroots programmes among national team fans, and use its digital infrastructure to target everyone with By bringing in more its marketing efforts. revenue, the Polish Football The PZPN has certainly benefited from Federation can invest in the success of its national team, but a and increase participation in football, thereby creating successful national side does not always a virtuous circle. mean the national association will PZPN maximise its true revenue potential. Since embracing all the pillars of UEFA GROW specific initiatives, directly promoting seen extremely positive results, with the in 2016, the federation has taken football football, gaining coverage and distribution efforts of the Polish Football Federation development in Poland to the next level. for matches or giving retail support for (PZPN) representing a notable success. “UEFA GROW has been a fantastic tool ticket and merchandise sales. This unique for the Polish Football Federation,” says position makes a much broader strategic Polish success story Sawicki. “The revenue strategy created as approach essential. The PZPN has made significant changes part of the programme has contributed to its revenue programme since joining considerably to an increase in PZPN Strategic approach is key the UEFA GROW programme in early income. Without funding, it wouldn’t While a clear purpose and a clear 2016 and has already seen very positive have been possible to implement the overall strategy are vital, the revenue results from its endeavours. many excellent projects that are helping programme must be tightly integrated The key for the PZPN has been to to develop football in Poland.” into this strategy. The UEFA GROW revenue invest in building its national team brand, pillar is designed to help national accompanied by a positive match The future associations take a broad, strategic view of experience for fans and corporate The national associations that will succeed their revenue programmes, identify the key customers, which has helped drive ticket commercially in the future are those that commercial priorities, and then seek sales and hospitality revenue. have a clear overall strategy, integrate bespoke support in key areas where it is Interest in the national team is now their revenue strategy properly within it, warranted. It is closely linked to strategy, booming. An average of 7.43 million prioritise their efforts, invest the necessary brand, communications, planning, digital people saw Poland’s European Qualifiers time and resources, and capitalise on their engagement and participation because all on TV, with around 9.5 million watching unique position in the overall media and these areas strongly affect commercial their final match against Montenegro – not marketing environment. The UEFA GROW value. Several of the national associations bad for a country with a population of 38 revenue pillar provides bespoke taking part in the UEFA GROW scheme have million. The Polish national side is now an consultancy designed to help national embraced this strategic approach and have appealing brand for sponsors, with the associations do precisely that.

UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 – 37

in Biel/Bienneon10April(1-1). warm-up matchagainsttheUSA Switzerland’s Under-19s intheir Final Semi-finals stage Group CALENDAR Group B Group A GROUPS SFV

Germany, Italy Netherlands Spain, France Switz

18, 21 and 24 July 24 30 July 27 July 27 erland, Norway, erland, Norway, ,

Denmark,

E Denmark, Italy and Norway. Norway. and Italy Denmark, the Women’sof final Under 17 Championship, inthe Spain’sGermany, were opponents who Under-17 Lithuania, in final Championship Women’s year’s European inthis triumphed 2017,EURO who Spain, champions reigning Women’s won women’s side senior whose Netherlands, the are contenders other the 18 on inWohlen nation July. Among host the take on match, will France opening the In phase. tournament twice, having done so for the first time in 2006. 18 to 30 July, making it the first nation to have hosted the eight-team Championship final round, which is heading to Switzerland from Preparations are in full swing for the European Women’s Under-19 TO ATHRILLERUP BE SHAPING CHAMPIONSHIP WOMEN’S UNDER-19 this event,” said tournament director Damien Damien event,” director this tournament said “It’s a huge honour for Switzerland to host to host for Switzerland honour ahuge “It’s four for the right to contest the knockout knockout the to contest right four for the of groups intwo compete will teams of Europe’sight women’s top Under-19

SFV beautiful setting. beautiful ina experience cultural arich enjoy to chance the with fans visitors and provide will and facilities top-class boast of which –all Zug and Yverdon Bienne, – Biel/ cities host other inthree played possible.”as many people as among awareness raising at aimed activities non-football exciting various by staging it, off also but pitch the on only not women’s football to promote intend “We Association. Football Swiss the at of women’s football head Schild, coverage,” media Franziska said of good plenty is there because awhole as football women’s fillip for areal are Championship Under-19 European the as such “Events generally. more women’s football promoting to in akey has play role also tournament fans.” to our passion and enthusiasm transmitting and ability of our best the to perform sure we making key aspects: two on We’ll focusing be tournament. the at progress for our decisive even maybe and crucial be match will opening the stage, any group with As best. very the against own our hold can we that past inthe we’ve shown but Spain, champions defending the and France with hands our on group a tough got “We’ve clearly Häuptle. camp,” in the Nora feeling coach said there’s and agood players outstanding have “We tournament. to have asuccessful to come.” inyears game women’s elite the grace will who players quality, featuring highest of the to matches forward look can Spectators fans. football for intoparty giant a finals the to turn there are ingredients the All tournament. memorable atruly make deliver sure we to best their doing is “Everyone Mollard. As well as Wohlen, matches will be be will matches Wohlen, as well As the itself, competition the from Aside keen are team nation Naturally, host the GROUPS

Group A Finland, Portugal, Norway, Italy Group B Turkey, Ukraine, France, England EXCITEMENT GROWS CALENDAR Group A 16, 19 and 22 July

IN OSTROBOTHNIA Group B 17, 20 and 23 July

Semi-finals + U-20 World Cup The Under-19 Championship finals will kick off play-off 26 July

on 16 July in Ostrobothnia in western Finland. Final 29 July Europe’s brightest young talent will come together on Finnish soil to compete for the trophy.

he tournament, which will be played representatives of all the participant in the cities of Vaasa and Seinäjoki, countries and the media, while the T is different in many respects from its tournament host broadcaster, Yle, predecessors. The venues will certainly be screened the draw live. the furthest north since the introduction The weather was surprisingly warm of the under-19 tournament in 2001, but for late May, which provided the there is much more that sets it apart. perfect opportunity to show off the For the first time, the eight-team tournament-branded bikes in the city’s tournament will be played not just in streets alongside the tournament vehicles. two cities, but also in only two stadiums, The draw was certainly an event few which will keep the organisation of the people could have missed – and more tournament very compact. Another first was to follow. of Finland / Nanne Lindberg FA is the fact that it will be played on artificial turf, at new stadiums in Vaasa and Trophy on tour Seinäjoki. Just two days later, the local clubs from winning, and celebrating the best team. The stadiums each have a capacity of both host cities – VPS from Vaasa and SJK This will obviously be the main focus in just over 5,500 and have already proved from Seinäjoki – played the Finnish league’s Finland too, but it does not rule out other themselves to be fully functional in Finnish Ostrobothnia derby at the Vaasa stadium. values. The organisers are keen to help fans league games. This occasion also marked the start of the realise that they can enjoy the atmosphere “We are convinced that these stadiums trophy tour. The UEFA Under-19 Champi- even if their team is not winning or if they will provide the perfect home for the onship trophy arrived in Vaasa before the do not support a particular team. tournament. Even before the draw, match and spectators had the chance to Another characteristic of this ticket sales showed that there is huge take selfies with it. Since then it has been tournament is an extensive sustainability support for the tournament in the region, on display at several events, including programme. Wherever possible, the and we hope to be able to make every Finnish men’s and women’s internationals. environment will be prioritised. Recycling single game a joyous and memorable While the trophy itself will take a rest will be widely encouraged and the use experience for both the teams and the during the tournament, there will be plenty of plastic containers minimised, while spectators,” explained tournament of action on the pitch, as well as outside the message that Finnish tap water is director Jeannette Good. the stadiums. Most notably, there will be excellent and safe to drink will also be Although preparations had been fan zones in both cities where people keenly promoted. under way for a long time already, can breathe in the atmosphere of the On 29 July the champions will be the draw on 30 May officially kicked tournament, even between games. crowned in Seinäjoki – the moment that off the tournament. The Vaasa city hall Just like any other football competition, the tournament’s organisers have been played host to the draw, welcoming this tournament is ultimately about working towards. Along the way there will be magic moments for everyone – and hopefully fond memories will be created. “Everyone is important to us. The 6,000-seater Vaasa Stadium. Every player, team member, spectator; quite simply, everyone. We will do our utmost to offer an unforgettable experience for everyone. Our dedicated team of staff, club representatives and volunteers mean I can be quite confident that we will showcase Finland as a great place to host events now and in the future as well,” proclaimed Good.

UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 – 39 FA of Finland / Jussi Eskola FA TALLINN PRIMED FOR THE SUPER CUP DERBY

On 15 August the Estonian capital will host one of the biggest events in the European football calendar, the 2018 UEFA Super Cup. City rivals Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid – as 2017/18 UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League winners respectively – will face off in a derby at Lilleküla Stadium.

esides being the first UEFA club include a new conference centre. And Football Association, Anne Rei. The competition final to be held in two new giant screens have been added trophies will then move on to Freedom BEstonia, the match is of particular to enhance the fans’ experience. Square in the centre of Tallinn, where significance, as 2018 is the 100th A trophy tour will also be part of the they will be on display in the neutral fan anniversary of the country’s independence. Super Cup experience. During the weeks zone on 14 and 15 August. Throughout the year, Estonian football leading up to the big match, the UEFA Tallinn is doing its best to ensure will be celebrating the jubilee by featuring Champions League, UEFA Europa League fans enjoy the experience. The city will Estonia 100 visuals on posters and social and UEFA Super Cup trophies will be be decorated in the Super Cup colours media promoting national team and paraded in seven different cities: Tallinn, to create the right atmosphere, and league matches. Tartu, Narva, Paide, Kuressaare, Pärnu festival areas will be arranged at various All the celebrations will culminate with and Viljandi. locations with a variety of activities and Estonian football’s main gift to the country The tour will follow Estonian men’s performances. In addition to the neutral – the UEFA Super Cup. The match will top league matches to draw the fan zone, dedicated meeting points for draw a lot of attention from around the attention of young footballers, so Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid fans will world, while offering local fans the chance all league teams will have the rare be set up. The city will mark routes from to see two top European teams battling opportunity to put the the trophies the airport and meeting points to the it out for the Super Cup trophy. on show for their fans. stadium, so fans will find it easier to Lilleküla Stadium is being spruced up A small festival will be held alongside move around in the city. for the big day and changes have already each team’s home match, where the Anne Rei adds that: “Hosting the Super been made both inside and out. public can take part in various activities Cup is a really big thing for our country, While its total capacity has increased and have their photo taken with the our capital and our association. from 10,000 to 15,000, ingress has been cups. Cooperation is going very well and made smoother for incoming crowds, “We want the Super Cup to reach as I am grateful to all parties involved. and people with disabilities will now have many people as possible. That’s why the This is an unprecedented experience proper access to the venue. Media and trophy tour has been planned this way,” for Estonia and Estonian football, and TV facilities have been revamped to says the general secretary of the Estonian is sure to leave a lasting legacy.”

The 15,000-seater Lilleküla Stadium in Tallinn has recently undergone extensive renovation. EJL MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

ANDORRA www.faf.ad SERIOUS FOOTBALL FUN

XAVI BONET

The 19th Francesc Vila memorial youth tournament in late May attracted teams from the Czech Republic, France and Spain. Espanyol, Villarreal and Slavia Prague won the three finals. Besides the 88 matches in three categories (Under-9s, Under-11s and girls), this tournament is well known for attracting large crowds, and the stands fill with supporters of all teams, ensuring a lively atmosphere throughout the weekend. On the field, there were players who will undoubtedly go on to play for their or other clubs’ first teams or even turn pro one day. But before that, besides honing their skills, they will need to consolidate their mastery of solid football values such as respect for their opponents, teamwork and fair play. FAF

AZERBAIJAN www.affa.az

We have talked with the president of SYMBOLIC TICKET PRESENTED the AFFA. I have no doubt the next UEFA Europa League final will be organised TO THE AFFA PRESIDENT magnificently.” The AFFA president, Rovnag Abdullayev, said: “Azerbaijan ULVIYYA NAJAFOVA is capable of staging significant events. Thanks to the firm support of the republic’s Before the start of the 2018 UEFA The UEFA general secretary, Theodore president, Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has Europa League final between Theodoridis, and his AFFA counterpart, hosted major sports competitions such Olympique de Marseille and Club Elkhan Mammadov, also took part in as the European Games and the Islamic Atlético de Madrid at the Stade de Lyon, the presentation of the symbolic ticket. Solidarity Games with great success, and the UEFA president, Aleksander Čeferin, The decision to hold the 2019 UEFA all of this provides good reason to trust in presented the president of the Association Europa League final at the Baku Azerbaijan. We are glad UEFA decided to of Football Federations of Azerbaijan Olympic Stadium was taken by the UEFA hold the 2019 UEFA Europa League final in (AFFA), Rovnag Abdullayev, with a symbolic Executive Committee at its meeting on our country. It will be a great celebration first ticket for the 2019 UEFA Europa League 20 September 2017. of football in Baku.” final, to be played at the Baku Olympic After the ceremony, the UEFA president The AFFA general secretary, Elkhan Stadium on 29 May next year. said: “I have seen the stadium in Baku. Mammadov, said: “The president of Azerbaijan has signed an appropriate order and given special instructions in connection with the staging of the UEFA Europa League final in Baku next year. The local organising committee has been set up. We are working closely with all the relevant state structures. We already have experience hosting major sports events and hope to be given the opportunity to host

AFFA other UEFA events in the future.”

UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 – 41 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA www.nfsbih.ba

second leg 4-0. For Krupa, making ZRINJSKI WIN LEAGUE AND it to the final was a huge success in itself, as they had never even played ŽELJEZNIČAR LIFT CUP in the top flight before 2016/17. So, Zrinjski will represent Bosnia FEDJA KRVAVAC and Herzegovina in next season’s UEFA Champions League, while In May, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Meanwhile, HŠK Zrinjski have been Željezničar, FK Sarajevo and NK Široki national Under-17 team contested crowned champions of Bosnia and Brijeg will all compete in the UEFA the final round of the 2017/18 Herzegovina for the third consecutive Europa League. Elsewhere, Mostar European Under-17 Championship in season – the first time that has been SG Staklorad won the Premier Futsal England. Unfortunately, despite a great achieved since the Bosnian and League by a huge margin, finishing start to the tournament, with a 3-2 Herzegovinian Premier League was 18 points ahead of runners-up victory over Denmark in their opening launched back in 2000/01. FK Željezničar MNK Brotnjo. As a result, they will game in Group C, Zoran Erbez’s players were runners-up, while NK Čelik and NK represent Bosnia and Herzegovina in did not make it through to the knockout Vitez were relegated. the inaugural UEFA Futsal Champions stage, as that win was followed a 4-0 Željezničar were not left completely League next season. defeat to Belgium and a 2-0 loss to the empty-handed, though, as they won the The 2017/18 season ended Republic of Ireland. This was the third Bosnian and Herzegovinian Cup – the first with a series of awards honouring time in a row that the Under-17s had time they had lifted the trophy since the best players and coaches in qualified for a major tournament, making 2011/12 – beating FK Krupa 6-0 on domestic competitions run by them the most successful of Bosnia and aggregate in the final. The Blues won the the Football Association of Bosnia Herzegovina’s various national sides. first leg 2-0, and they went on to win the and Herzegovina.

CROATIA www.hns-cff.hr

memorial tournament was organised DINAMO ZAGREB GET BACK in Vukovar, with a team from Rijeka emerging triumphant. That was TO WINNING WAYS followed by two HNS tournaments for Under-14 boys and girls in NIKA BAHTIJAREVIĆ Medulin. On the grassroots front, the HNS has again been highlighting May marked the end of Croatia’s Football Federation (HNS), as its head of the role that football can play in club competition season, meaning international affairs and licensing, promoting tolerance, with the that it was time for the country’s Ivančica Sudac, became the first woman federation helping Croatia’s World clubs and players to reap the rewards ever to act as UEFA delegate at the final Roma Organization to organise the of the year’s hard work. Following last of a senior UEFA men’s competition. Tenth National Minorities Football season’s dominant showing by HNK Modrić et al. had little time for rest Camp in Dubrovnik. Rijeka, GNK Dinamo Zagreb got back after their clubs’ successes, with head Meanwhile, with the competitive to winning ways, securing another coach Zlatko Dalić taking Croatia’s season drawing to a close, the HNS domestic double. To add to the club’s preliminary 24-man squad to Rovinj in recently kick-started its largest successes, Dinamo Zagreb can also take late May to start preparing for the World infrastructure project of the year – pride in having three home-grown Cup. One of the team’s first activities in the renovation of Croatian First former players appearing in the UEFA Rovinj was a CPR course. “We wanted to League pitches – with construction Champions League final in Kyiv, with educate the public on the importance work starting at NK Inter Zaprešić’s Croatian internationals Luka Modrić and of proper first aid and show our players stadium in mid-May. Mateo Kovačić representing winners Real that we care about their well-being. Finally, to add to the excitement Madrid CF and international team-mate CPR can save a lot of young lives,” surrounding the build-up to the Dejan Lovren playing for runners-up said team doctor Zoran Bahtijarević. World Cup, the HNS recently Liverpool FC. With many of the senior national launched a new annual event: the Croatian talent was also in evidence team’s players being products of Days of Croatian Football. This year’s at the UEFA Europa League final in Lyon, Croatia’s youth system, the HNS is keenly inaugural event, which took place in where the national team’s right-back, aware of the key role that youth teams Slavonia and was timed to coincide Šime Vrsaljko, helped Club Atlético de have to play in ensuring that the future with Croatia’s last friendly before the Madrid to victory. That final was also of of Croatian football is just as bright as World Cup, featured the HNS’s first particular significance for the Croatian its present. In late April, an Under-14 ever football award ceremony.

42 – UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

DENMARK www.dbu.dk

TEN RECOMMENDATIONS UEFA FOR WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

MIA KJÆRGAARD

On 9 May, a special committee The committee, which was tasked with tasked with increasing the identifying ways of achieving sustainable aim to become Denmark’s most popular number of women and girls growth and development in women’s sport among women and girls. By 2025, playing football in Denmark presented football, with the aim of improving the DBU should have at least 135,000 a series of recommendations aimed at women’s health and well-being and girls playing football in Denmark strengthening and promoting the empowering women working in the (compared with about 65,000 in 2018). women’s game. world of football, was chaired by former 2) At professional level, the national After almost two years of deliberations, Danish prime minister Helle Thorning- women’s team should aim to win a the committee, which was established by Schmidt, who is now chief executive of Women’s EURO, a Women’s World Cup the Danish Football Association (DBU) in Save The Children International. or an Olympic football tournament within 2016, unveiled its final report – which “Since the women’s national team the next ten years. includes three overarching goals and reached the final of the Women’s EURO 3) Within ten years, one third of all ten specific recommendations aimed at in the summer of 2017, interest in girls’ registered footballers in Denmark should fostering the development of women’s football has increased significantly in be women. Also, women should make football – at a major press conference. Denmark. We need to take action now, up one-third of the DBU’s board. Within ten years, the committee wants unless we want the countries around us Accordingly, one-third of all resources to see more women and girls playing to overtake us with their ambitious plans should be allocated to women. the game, more women in positions of for the development of women’s football,” The committee’s full report (in Danish authority at local clubs (e.g. on clubs’ she explained. and in English) can be found here: boards), and more women refereeing The committee has set three major www.dbu.dk/~/media/files/dbu_broendby/ high-level matches – in both women’s goals for the women’s game: kvindefodbold/kvindekommissionens%20 and men’s leagues. 1) At grassroots level, football should rapport%2009042018.pdf

ENGLAND www.thefa.com FIRST MIDNIGHT RAMADAN LEAGUE LAUNCHED IN BIRMINGHAM

JOHN REEVES The FA

In 2017 Birmingham County at the end of Ramadan. an excuse to stop exercising or playing Football Association, one of the 50 The tournament, which is supported by football as this is something we do on a regional associations in England’s The Football Association and hosted by daily basis. This league is about providing network, established the nation’s first the Aston Villa Foundation, is open to a space for people of all backgrounds to Midnight Ramadan League. Every Friday anyone who wants to play football come together, have fun and keep active throughout Ramadan, players from the between the hours of midnight and during a time of great importance to the Birmingham community come together 2.30am, not just Muslims. It was set Muslim community.” to participate in a round-robin football up after consultation with players from Over 150 people are participating in tournament with games played between Birmingham’s inner city football teams, the league, which has already been a midnight and 2.30am. many of which said they found it difficult resounding success. Moreover, many The Ramadan League consists of to keep fit during Ramadan as they were community groups attend the games 30-minute, seven-a-side matches fasting for 19 hours a day. to watch and provide an atmosphere for officiated by FA-qualified referees. Obayed Hussain, founder of the league, the high-quality football taking place. The competition is also affiliated to explained: “For Muslims, Ramadan is a The popularity of the Midnight Ramadan the Birmingham County FA, meaning month of self-discipline and kindness, but League has also encouraged other County the winners receive trophies and medals also a time to live your normal life. It is not FAs to follow suit.

UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 – 43 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

FAROE ISLANDS www.football.fo HONOURED FOR 1,000 MATCHES

TERJI NIELSEN

Former referee Niklas á Líðarenda as well as officiating numerous times was recently honoured for as assistant referee or fourth official. officiating in 1,000 matches As referee observer for a top division in a variety of refereeing roles. match between KÍ Klaksvík and EB/ Niklas á Líðarenda started out as Streymur, he brought his grand total a referee in the top Faroese division to 1,000 matches. He was honoured back in the 1980s and since then has for his devotion to the game before been refereeing regularly for the Faroe start of play. Islands FA. Niklas á Líðarenda has also been heavily He refereed 400 matches before involved in a number of referee courses in retiring and has so far acted as referee the Faroe Islands as well as performing observer for more than 400 matches, FSF international duties for UEFA.

GEORGIA www.gff.ge FIRST MATCH OFFICIALS GRADUATE FROM REFEREE ACADEMY

GEORGE PIRTSKHELANI

The first match officials recently and Jørn West Larsen. The latter had “Congratulations on successfully completed the first course run acted as an adviser to Georgian referees completing the course. You are set by the Georgian Football at UEFA, and it was under his guidance to become very important figures in Federation’s referee academy. That that Georgia joined the UEFA Convention Georgian football. I am delighted to course, which began in December 2017, on Referee Education and Organisation. see that you did not shy away from the was financed by the Georgian football The graduation ceremony for the first challenges presented by the extensive development fund, making it free for batch of successful young referees took application process, the busy schedule all participants. Hundreds of applicants place on 28 May. The president of the and the gruelling physical activities. applied to take part, with 30 initially Georgian Football Federation, Levan You thoroughly deserve the diplomas that being chosen to participate and more Kobiashvili, congratulated the graduates I am about to give you. I am especially being added to that list later on. Those and thanked them for their participation, happy for our female graduates. You are successful applicants included seven telling them that graduating from the part of a new generation that will help female referees. referee academy would be a major combat existing social stereotypes The opening of the academy was milestone in their quest to forge a about refereeing. I am sure that, in the attended by UEFA’s Jaap Uilenberg successful career in refereeing. future, more people in this country will want to get involved in football through refereeing,” he said. The director of the Georgian football development fund, Zaza Dolidze, talked about the importance of education, emphasising the government’s eagerness to prioritise projects such as the referee academy. He also indicated that the fund would continue to finance refereeing courses in the future. At the end of the graduation ceremony, the young referees received their diplomas and symbolic badges from Levan Kobiashvili and the federation’s GFF general secretary, David Mujiri.

44 – UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

GERMANY www.dfb.de GIBRALTAR www.gibraltarfa.com UEFA AWARDS €50,000 TO A GREAT DFB FOUNDATION PROJECT WEEKEND FOR THOMAS HACKBARTH WALKING

Since March 2015, more than Willkommen’ (1-0 for a welcome) FOOTBALLERS 3,400 applications from football project, through which football clubs STEVEN GONZALEZ organisations all over Germany were awarded €500 grants to promote have been approved as part of a refugee refugees’ social integration by initiative run jointly by the Egidius Braun encouraging them to play football. Gibraltar’s walking footballers Foundation of the German Football Now, under the ‘2:0 für ein Willkommen’ played in their first-ever Association (DFB) and the federal (2-0 for a welcome) programme, which tournament abroad in May, commissioner for migration, refugees was launched at the start of 2017, in Bristol in the UK, where they and integration. UEFA recently donated support is being offered for further competed in the over-65s International €50,000 to the initiative under its football integration measures such as vocational Super Masters Tournament, taking on and refugees grant scheme. orientation programmes, cultural diversity teams from Scotland, the Netherlands, In 2015, the DFB foundation, named events and specialised training Canada, England and Wales. after the association’s former president programmes for refugees who want They kicked off the tournament Egidius Braun, launched the ‘1:0 für ein to participate in organised football. with a 2-0 defeat to Ayr United FC from Scotland. Next up were the Netherlands, who had some former GREECE www.epo.gr Dutch internationals on show. Gibraltar lost 3-0 to their Orange opposition. A 1-0 win over Wales followed, with a IT’S A WOMAN’S GAME! goal from Eliot Federico. In their fourth game, they drew 1-1 with Inter UBC MICHALIS TSAPIDIS Veterans from Canada, with Gibraltar’s goal scored by Clive Beltran. Finally, they From 11 to 14 April, against one another at a stadium in Mikra. drew 0-0 with Birmingham Walking Thessaloniki proudly hosted Those matches – a first for Greek football Football Club from England. the #itsawomansgame festival – – were an invaluable opportunity for Overall, Gibraltar finished the a series of innovative initiatives aimed at national team coaches to watch the girls tournament in fourth place – a very promoting girls’ football, teaching people in person and see what they could do. creditable finish given the calibre of about fair play and raising awareness of The girls also attended a series of seminars the opposition they were up against key social issues. The event was jointly led by distinguished scientific specialists on and the fact that this was the first organised by the Hellenic Football the subjects of nutrition, psychology and tournament of its kind they had taken Federation (EPO), Thessaloniki city council pre-match medical checks, as well as having part in. The overall impression they gave and the regional amateur football the opportunity to chat to players and was amazing, so much so that Gibraltar association of Macedonia. coaches with years of experience at were awarded the fair play award at the As part of the event, 72 Under-15 girls international level. In addition, the EPO end of the tournament – a great way to from 39 women’s teams were invited to also organised, with invaluable assistance round off a hugely successful weekend participate in an informal mini-tournament. from various voluntary associations and for Gibraltar’s walking footballers. The girls, who were selected by national organisations, specialist information youth team coach Antonis Prionas following sessions on violence against women a series of preliminary training sessions, and the prevention and treatment of were divided into four teams and competed breast cancer. On 13 April, a huge football party took place in Aristotelous Square in central HFF Thessaloniki, with girls from local academies and other young players taking part in a range of activities. More than 300 girls between the ages of 5 and 15 took part in fun psychomotor games, played free-form football and danced Zumba, enjoying the kind of elation that only the world’s most popular sport can provide. GFA

UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 – 45 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

ISRAEL www.football.org.il CURTAIN CALL FOR CFM

EITAN DOTAN

The Israel UEFA Certificate in curriculum aims to address best practices media relations, media and public Football Management (CFM) in association management, developing relations, event management and course drew to a close in theoretical and practical knowledge, volunteer operation. Jerusalem in May. Held in various sharing up-to-date knowledge of Comprising e-learning modules and six European countries each year, the management techniques and best days of face-to-face seminars, the course course is run in cooperation with practices throughout Europe, consolidating lasted a total of nine months. The first UEFA and the University of Lausanne in participants’ empirical knowledge, and two-day seminars in Israel, in September Switzerland, and is intended to provide strengthening the football community and January, were held at the national tools and knowledge for national football throughout Europe. teams’ training centre in Shefayim and association and club management. The course topics are: football the last in Jerusalem in May. This course was attended by Israelis organisation, management of operational The certificate is awarded to participants and staff from various European football strategy, operational management, passing a 20-minute oral examination in associations and clubs. The CFM football marketing and sponsorship, English, covering all aspects of the course.

ITALY www.figc.it ITALIAN FOOTBALL IN BETTER SHAPE

DIEGO ANTENOZIO

Over 570,000 official matches, That said, the total debt of Italian 32 million supporters through the professional football remains a real turnstiles, 4 million participants concern and has surpassed the €4 billion and 1.4 million registered members of mark for the first time. The number of the Italian Football Association (FIGC) … matches played by the various Italian These are just some of the numbers from national teams increased to 206 in the latest annual report on the state of 2016/17, the most in the last six seasons. FIGC Italian football. As a result, the total domestic TV The eighth edition of ReportCalcio, audience figures for the national teams UEFA rankings. Benchmarked against covering the 2016/17 season, was reached 117.6 million and their number the Bundesliga, the other leagues scored unveiled in Milan during the FIGC’s 120th of followers on social media hit 7.7 as follows: Ligue 1 +227.3 points; Serie A anniversary celebrations. Speakers at the million, an increase of 45.3% compared +208.3 points; La Liga +57.9 points; the event included FIGC chief executive and with 2015. Also worthy of note are the Premier League -25.7 points. UEFA vice-president Michele Uva, Carlo key contributions made by football to tax “ReportCalcio provides an overview Dell’Aringa from the Italian research and and social security funds (€10.2 billion of the entire Italian football industry,” legislation agency (AREL) and Emanuele over the last ten years) and the increase in said Michele Uva. “The overriding Grasso of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). stadium revenues (+2.9%), although other principle that drives the report is The report, which was produced by European countries remain ahead of Italy transparency. It highlights the strengths the FIGC in collaboration with AREL and in terms of sporting infrastructure. of Italian football but also flags the PwC, shows how professional football Among the new features of the latest problem areas we have improved and in Italy has become more economically report is Football Spread©, an index for continue to improve. The FIGC uses the sustainable, with the value of production measuring the difference in the economic, data from the report to drive our agenda. up by 28% compared with 2014/15, financial and sporting indicators of the Because the figures are certified, the thanks partly to the new economic and Bundesliga (which is seen as the report has become an important frame financial audit measures the FIGC has benchmark) and the other four major of reference for both industry introduced based on financial fair play. European leagues (La Liga, Ligue 1, professionals and the media.” The proportion of clubs running at a net Serie A and the Premier League). An English version of the report loss dropped from 87% in 2014/15 to The key indicators used are: average can be downloaded here: 74% in 2016/17, while aggregate net club revenue, wages as a share of http://www.figc.it/other/Report_ equity over the same period increased turnover, the ratio of turnover to total Calcio_2018/2018_0335_RepCalcio_ from €37 million to €358 million. liabilities, average attendances and eng_3005_1050_LowRes.pdf

46 – UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

KAZAKHSTAN www.kff.kz NEW PITCH FOR CHILDREN WITH CP

MEDIA DEPARTMENT

A football pitch for children with cerebral palsy (CP) musculoskeletal disorders was inaugurated at a school in Almaty in May. The Kazakhstan Football Federation (KFF) arranged for the new facility with funds from the UEFA HatTrick programme. The artificial turf pitch will enable children at the specialised boarding school to play their favourite game. They have already enjoyed training KFF sessions with Maria Yalova, the ex- captain of the Kazakhstan women’s Evgeniy Ozhogin and Eldar Serikpaev, Kazakhstan has 15,000 youngsters living national team, and former CSHVSM together with children’s entertainers with the condition. Last year the KFF Barys player Syuzanna Kornetsova. and football freestylers. joined the International Federation of The inauguration ceremony was The event was attended by the KFF Cerebral Palsy Football, leading to Almaty followed by a festival and a friendly general secretary, Azamat Aitkhozhin, hosting the country’s first football match for children with CP. The day champion wrestler Islam Bayramukov, championship for children and teenagers turned into a real celebration for all and Kairat striker Chuma Anene. with CP and neurological conditions. the children present, with the Cerebral palsy is the most common Six teams took part with players in participation of TV presenters motor disability in childhood and the 10–15 age range.

LATVIA www.lff.lv MIXU PAATELAINEN TAKES CHARGE OF THE NATIONAL TEAM

TOMS ĀRMANIS

Finnish specialist Mixu Paatelainen and assist them in order to do everything has been named as the new head for the improvement of Latvian football coach of the Latvian national in general. We have a big task to improve team, officially taking up the position our performances and results. It is on 24 May. He replaces Aleksandrs important to make the team believe Starkovs, who was let go in early April. in success. I believe we can have an After the first matches in his new effective team that plays together, position, in the Baltic Cup and a friendly because this togetherness is the key against Azerbaijan, Paatelainen will have to success. I believe that if we work the task of aiming for the top spot in hard and systematically, if we have a Latvia’s group in the UEFA Nations positive approach in everything we do, League. If he achieves that objective, we can achieve this,” Paatelainen said his contract will automatically be in his first public address. extended for the UEFA EURO 2020 As a player, Paatelainen scored 18 qualifying campaign. goals in 70 appearances for the Finnish “This is a moment of great pride and national team and played for nine honour for me. I am very much looking different clubs in four countries. Most of forward to this tremendous challenge. his career was spent in Scotland, where Of course, my primary work is with the he also had four spells as a manager. national team, but I also intend to work From 2011 to 2015, he was the head closely with the youth national coaches LFF coach of the Finnish national team.

UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 – 47 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

LIECHTENSTEIN www.lfv.li NEW TRAINING CENTRE FOR NATIONAL TEAMS

ANTON BANZER

The Liechtenstein Football clubs that play in the Swiss league. When it along with an extra football pitch, and will Association (LFV) has passed the first became clear that all six clubs would not be provide the LFV with the ideal location milestone on the road to completing able to share facilities at a single location, for training courses and national team a new technical centre for its national an agreement was reached with the get­- togethers. teams at the FC Ruggell training ground. Ruggell municipal authority and football The LFV’s technical centre will eventually For several years now, the LFV has been club to build a suitable base for the also include a training and match venue searching for a new home for its seven country’s national teams. The new facilities for the country’s top club sides as well as national teams and the six Liechtenstein are being built at the Widau sports centre, offices for the whole LFV administration.

MALTA www.mfa.com.mt FARRUGIA ‘PROUD AND HONOURED’ TO BE NEW HEAD COACH

KEVIN AZZOPARDI

Ray Farrugia has spoken of his joy association’s executive committee had in September. Malta have been drawn and pride after being named unanimously endorsed the 62-year-old’s in Group D3 along with Azerbaijan, Malta’s new national team head appointment. the Faroe Islands and Kosovo. coach. His appointment was announced Farrugia, who steps up from his role On the domestic front, Valletta FC on 2 May by Norman Darmanin Demajo, as assistant coach, having also had two completed a league and cup double president of the Malta FA, after the positive spells in charge of the Malta after winning the FA Cup. Under-21s, has appointed Branko Nisevic Two weeks after capturing their 24th as his right-hand man. The other league title, Valletta applied further gloss members of Farrugia’s coaching team to their season by beating Birkirkara 2-1 are Ronald Vella (technical assistant), in the cup final, played at the national Luca Pagani (physical trainer) and Charles stadium on 5 May. Sciberras (goalkeepers’ coach). Valletta will be flying Malta’s flag in the Farrugia’s immediate priority is to 2018/19 UEFA Champions League, while prepare the Maltese team for its UEFA Balzan, Gżira United and Birkirkara have D. AquilinaD. Nations League commitments, starting qualified for the UEFA Europa League.

MOLDOVA www.fmf.md MILSAMI WIN MOLDOVAN CUP

FMF PRESS OFFICE

The final of the 27th Moldovan 99th and 102nd minutes) were Carabulea Eugen Cup, which took place in Chisinau both scored by former Zimbru player on 23 May, pitted FC Milsami Maxim Antoniuc. Orhei against FC Zimbru Chișinău. At the official ceremony after the Following a dramatic match watched by match, Milsami captain Andrei Cojocari 8,942 spectators, Milsami lifted the was handed the trophy by Nicolai trophy for only the second time in their Cebotari, general secretary of the history, having beaten Zimbru 2-0 after Football Association of Moldova. This time, Bartosz Frankowski from extra time. In a cruel twist of fate, For the sixth final in a row, a foreign Poland was the man in the middle, Milsami’s two goals (which came in the referee took charge of the game. and he did a great job.

48 – UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

NORTHERN IRELAND www.irishfa.com MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMME LAUNCHED

NIGEL TILSON

The Irish Football Association and have signed up to a mental health has launched a new programme charter, which comes with an equipment to raise awareness of the issues pack and further training in using the surrounding mental health. The club guide. The initiative will also become association is working in partnership part of the Irish FA’s wider club with Train 2B Smart Soccer and the accreditation programme. TAMHI, MindSight, Inspire and Change The Irish FA president, David Martin, Your Mind charities to deliver the Ahead said: “It is important to raise awareness Of The Game initiative. of the issues surrounding mental health It marked the launch of the programme as they can affect anyone, including with the release of a mental health and those in the football family. Football plays well-being guide which will be distributed IFA a big part in the mental health of players, to football clubs across Northern Ireland. volunteers and even supporters as it can The guide aims to support clubs and Supported by UEFA HatTrick funding have a major impact on our emotions, volunteers when dealing with mental for football-related social responsibility relationships, identity and self-esteem. health issues, with a focus on challenging projects, Ahead Of The Game will reward Staying mentally well is comparable to the stigma and preventative measures. 100 clubs that demonstrate best practice staying physically fit.”

NORWAY www.fotball.no EAT MOVE SLEEP

MARI HAUGLI AND PEARSE CONNOLLY

The Eat Move Sleep programme was launched in 2015 and aims to encourage and enable children in Norwegian football clubs to make healthier choices about food, physical activity and sleep. It is a collaboration between BAMA, Norway’s largest private-sector distributor of fruit and vegetables, the Norwegian Football Association and the EAT Foundation, with research data provided NFF by the Norwegian institute of public health. added: “By using the wide reach of football tournaments all over the “BAMA has been a partner of the football, we can spread knowledge about country a 60% discount on fruit. Norwegian Football Association for 25 diet, nutrition and physical activity.” Another key toolbox activity is years. Its commitment to using football The programme provides clubs with coaching the coaches. They are taught to get its ‘eat healthy’ message across has a toolbox to help them use their venue, how they can use their influence as role always been strong. Now the slogan is activities and business models to promote models to guide children and young more comprehensive: Eat Move Sleep. It healthy and sustainable lifestyles. people to make healthier and more is a fine example of how our partners are The toolbox activities include creating sustainable lifestyle choices. ready to adapt to changing environments visibility at sports events, providing The programme is an example of how in order to keep their market position,” healthier food options at sports venues, football clubs and the public sector can explained Erik Loe, commercial director getting high-profile football personalities collaborate closely with food companies, of the Norwegian Football Association. involved and promoting a fruit scheme civil society and academia to bring about Rune Flaen, CEO of BAMA GROUP, that offers sports clubs and organisers of positive changes.

UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 – 49 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND www.fai.ie FESTIVAL OF FOOTBALL IN CORK

GARETH MAHER

The Football Association of looking ahead with developments such Ireland (FAI) will take its 2018 as the centre of excellence in Glanmire. festival of football and annual It is an exciting time for football in Cork. general meeting to County Cork from “Since 2007 we have been able to 10 to 18 August. visit different counties as part of the This will be the first time that the festival of football roadshow, and it festival of football and AGM will have is a great way to connect with those visited Cork, following previous years in making a difference in the development FAI Kerry, Mayo, Monaghan, Wexford, Clare, of our game. We look forward to visiting Donegal, Wicklow, Westmeath, Sligo/ Cork in August for the festival and also coaches to complete introductory level Leitrim, Tipperary and Kilkenny. our AGM.” coaching courses and workshops, while “I’m delighted that the FAI will be Among the events planned for the football fun days will also take place bringing the festival of football and AGM week-long festival of football are visits throughout the county. to Cork this year. Grassroots football is to more than 30 clubs by former The FAI will make equipment, funds, the foundation that we build everything Republic of Ireland internationals, match tickets and services available to else on, and Cork is one of the most well-known footballing personalities, clubs in Cork to mark the county’s impressive counties when it comes to FAI personnel and high-profile coaches, hosting of the 2018 FAI AGM. development, administration and with FAI summer soccer school camps Around 250 delegates representing volunteer work at grassroots level,” also taking place across the county. every league and divisional association in said the FAI’s CEO, John Delaney. The FAI coach education department Ireland are expected to attend the AGM, “A huge part of the festival of football will run its own festival in tandem while a delegates dinner will be held on is about celebrating what has been done during the same week to offer a unique 17 August where a number of national and recognising achievements, but also opportunity for parents and aspiring awards will be presented.

ROMANIA www.frf.ro GREAT EXPECTATIONS, GREAT REWARDS

PAUL ZAHARIA

Innovation on various levels introduce a new trophy for the winners remains high on the agenda of the second division. It was unveiled at of the Romanian Football a ceremony at the FRF’s headquarters in Federation (FRF), aiming not only to Bucharest on 23 May. The 60cm trophy FRF promote football’s values, but also weighs 13kg and is made of silver-plated recognise and reward all teams for bronze. Each second division champion represents greater responsibility. major achievements. will keep the trophy for one year and will It symbolises performance managed on This new project, comprising innovation receive a replica on handing it back to the pitch, and that cannot be achieved and the special branding of the league, the FRF. without performance in terms of club are being carried out with UEFA’s “It is a milestone in the second management. assistance and support. division’s evolution, which would not have “And it is also a responsibility, because ‘The big performance starts here!’ is been possible without all the successful the winners have a higher mission: to the motto the FRF chose for the second projects we have worked on since 2014 continue their performance at a higher division, while ‘Your team, your football!’ in cooperation with all FRF members,” level. I feel confident that, from the was picked for the third division, as these said the FRF president, Răzvan Burleanu, 2018/19 season, when a lot of strong are the two that prepare players, and at the launch ceremony. “Our target has teams and well-established brands in sometimes even stars, for the first division been to stabilise, strengthen, improve and Romanian football will be competing in and sometimes for international level. promote this competition. Every step we our second division, this competition will With this new configuration, in which took was a success because we all worked become stronger and tougher and will the lower divisions have their own brand together with the same goals. reflect its motto: ‘The big performance and sponsors, the FRF decided to “The new trophy is a symbol and starts here!’”

50 – UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

RUSSIA www.rfs.ru RUSSIAN-GERMAN FOOTBALL WEEK

EKATERINA GRISHENKOVA

association presidents also visited the memorial the following morning. Meanwhile on 9 May, when Russia celebrates Victory Day to mark the end of the Second World War, Alaev and Grindel visited the Rossoshki military memorial RFU cemetery outside Volgograd. They were joined by embassy staff from both From 6 to 10 May, Moscow and international Alexei Smertin, who is now countries, players from the German Volgograd – both of which are the RFU’s anti-racism inspector, as well Under-18 squad and academy players due to host matches during this as representatives from the Russian from Rotor Volgograd. summer’s World Cup – staged a Russian- football premier league. The climax to the Russian-German German football week, featuring a series Meanwhile, at FC Rotor Volgograd’s football week coincided with the 2017/18 of events as part of a cooperation Zenit Stadium on 8 May, the Russian and Russian Cup final, which was contested agreement between the national football German Under-18 national teams played by FC Tosno (from Leningrad Region) associations of the two countries. a friendly as part of their preparations and FC Avangard (Kursk) at the new The week began with a seminar in for the 2018/19 European Under-19 Volgograd Arena, which has been built Moscow focusing on fan engagement Championship. Coached by Guido for the 2018 World Cup. The match, in the run-up to Russia 2018, with Streichsbier, Germany emerged victorious which ended in a 2-1 victory for Tosno, participants from Germany – which with a 3-1 win thanks to goals from was attended by the German delegation. hosted the World Cup in 2006 – sharing Nicolas Kühn (2) and Eric Hottmann. “Our collaboration with one of the their experience of organising the Gamid Agalarov scored for Russia. world’s top football countries has been competition. A day earlier the two squads took time very fruitful,” said the RFU acting Among those attending the event out from their pre-match preparations president of the partnership with the were the acting president of the Russian to visit one of Volgograd’s most famous DFB. “Since extending the agreement Football Union (RFU), Aleksandr Alaev, landmarks, Mamayev Kurgan war a year ago we have launched a joint and the president of the German Football memorial, where they laid flowers at the training programme for players and Association (DFB), Reinhard Grindel. Eternal Flame in memory of the victims of staged an international friendly. It has Also present was former Russian the Second World War. The two national been a great success.”

SAN MARINO www.fsgc.sm GOING BACK TO THE FUTURE

PRESS OFFICE

On 31 May, the San Marino notably by returning to San Marino’s Football Federation (FSCG) internationally recognised colours of sky unveiled the new strip that blue and white. So the country could be the senior and Under-21 teams will wear said to be heading back to the future as it in forthcoming international matches. looks ahead to its forthcoming UEFA The first of these will be the opening Nations League and EURO 2020 round of games in the new UEFA Nations qualifying matches: there is plenty of FSGC League, which San Marino approaches enthusiasm about new beginnings, but with renewed hope and a brand-new also a nod to the past and to the identity La Fiorita earned the right to play in coaching set-up. it hopes to export across Europe. Europe’s premier club competition after The strip, which was designed and The same can be said of La Fiorita, they defeated Folgore 1-0 in the final of manufactured by Macron, working closely Folgore and Tre Fiori, the three clubs that the San Marinese championship, taking with the FSCG as part of UEFA’s kit will represent San Marino in the UEFA them to a historic double following their assistance scheme, pays homage to the Champions League and UEFA Europa 3-2 (aet) victory over Tre Penne in the national team’s traditions and heritage, League preliminary rounds next season. Coppa Titano.

UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 – 51 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

SLOVAKIA www.futbalsfz.sk NEW UNDER-21 COACH

PETER SURIN

On 6 March it was announced His transition to coaching in 2009 that Pavel Hapal, the Slovakia was smooth and he quickly proved he Under-21 team’s highly had what it takes. With his strong respected coach, would be moving to character, he is able to instil his AC Sparta Praha, accompanied by his philosophy and positive thinking in his long-serving assistant Oto Brunegraf. teams. He convinces players to believe His replacement has now been found: in their own abilities and strengths and 42-year-old Adrián Guľa was the these teams often achieve positive results, strongest candidate, chosen for his great while playing spectacular football. work helping younger players to progress He won the Slovakian second league and his reputation for inspiring good and promotion while coaching AS

morale, maintaining ethics and his Trenčín, and took MSK Žilina to the Adrián Gul’a consistent approach. Slovakian championship title. He was SFZ Previously, Guľa played in Slovakia and an excellent mentor for young prospects the Czech Republic for Prievidza, Opava, such as Milan Škriniar, who currently clubs, Guľa decided that his next career Jablonec, Púchov, Viktória Žižkov, Inter plays centre-back for Inter Milan. move lay in his home country with its Bratislava and then again in Prievidza. Despite interest from Czech and Polish Under-21 team. We wish him all the best!

SWITZERLAND www.football.ch WHERE IT ALL BEGINS

PIERRE BENOIT

Swiss football has been riding world rankings, the men’s senior team are not thin on the ground either, with high for many years now. playing in their fourth consecutive World world and European titles at Under-17 Currently sixth in the FIFA Cup this summer. Success at youth level is level among the accolades. Over in the women’s game meanwhile, the senior team qualified in style for the 2015 Women’s World Cup and look set to qualify for next year’s final tournament in France. Despite those excellent results at elite level, the Swiss Football Association president, Peter Gilliéron, who has been at the helm since 2009, insists that none of that success would have been possible without the excellent work being done at grassroots level throughout the country. Around 300,000 people hailing from almost 200 countries play football in Switzerland. For many of them, their football club is like a second home, where everybody is expected to get involved because everyone counts and belongs. It is also somewhere where they can share their ups and downs, and discover what they and their skills can bring to the team. A shared love of football has so much to offer – both on and off the SFV pitch, and from the bottom to the top.

52 – UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

UKRAINE www.ffu.org.ua FOOTBALL LOVERS FLOCK TO CHAMPIONS FESTIVAL IN KYIV

YURI MAZNYCHENKO

Over four days, from 24 to Ukraine’s top DJs and musicians. 27 May, Kyiv’s main street, The final day of the Champions Festival Khreshchatyk, played host to the featured a grassroots football programme Champions Festival, which was held to for children organised in conjunction celebrate the staging of the women’s and with the Open Fun Football Schools Pavlo Kubanov Pavlo men’s 2018 Champions League finals in programme, which uses the game to the Ukrainian capital. The festival was a promote social cohesion and post-conflict resounding success, with more than reconciliation. Some 30 young players 200,000 people visiting on the evening took part in a training session and were of the final alone. put through their paces in a series of The free programme of festivities drills focusing on technique, coordination, included the Ultimate Champions movement and communication on Tournament featuring four 5-a-side teams the pitch. of former stars (Real Madrid Legends, Anders Levinsen, the managing Liverpool Legends, UEFA Champions opportunities to get autographs and director of Danish Cross Cultures Project League Legends and Andriy Shevchenko even grab selfies with many of the Association, which runs the Open Fun & Friends), who entertained the fans on a game’s true greats. Football Schools, presented balls and specially constructed artificial pitch on the Fans at the Champions Festival football kits to all of the youngsters eve of the Champions League final. In the were also treated to a display of taking part. “The girls and boys had a tournament final, Real Madrid Legends some incredible tricks from a group of wonderful chance to play on the same and Andriy Shevchenko & Friends shared football freestylers. Meanwhile, UEFA’s pitch on which just yesterday some of six goals in a draw that was high on class sponsors laid on a varied programme of Europe’s best footballers showed off and entertainment. But the real winners entertainment and activities, while there their skills,” he said. “I’m sure we’ve were the fans, who enjoyed plentiful was non­stop music courtesy of some of made a lot of children very happy.”

WALES www.faw.cymru PARTNERSHIP WITH WELSH HEARTS

MELISSA PALMER

At the Wales national team open do not yet have defibrillators installed. they do for heart health in Wales. We training session in Wrexham on 21 The unique partnership between the FAW hope that this equipment will minimise May, the Football Association of and Welsh Hearts aims to change this by the terrible impact of sudden cardiac Wales (FAW) announced its partnership ensuring that every player and spectator arrests that have occurred at football with Welsh Hearts, The Heart Charity at every football club in Wales, no matter grounds throughout Wales.” for Wales. The partnership’s long-term how big or small, will have access to a aim is to deliver life-saving defibrillators, life-saving defibrillator in future. equipment and training to all football “At the Football Association of Wales, clubs in Wales. To kick off the we recognise the importance of investing partnership, the national team donated in the health and well-being of our their match fees to fund the first six footballers and the wider community defibrillators, one for every area using football facilities across the association in Wales. country,” explained the medical services Football clubs and training facilities manager and lead physiotherapist for across Wales often form community hubs the Football Association of Wales, Sean and are used by many different sports Connelly. “With this partnership we will teams and community groups. However, work together to fundraise so that we can many of these integral community spaces help Welsh Hearts with the amazing work FAW

UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 – 53 BIRTHDAYS, NOTICES, FORTHCOMING EVENTS

JULY BIRTHDAYS Giuseppe Mifsud-Bonnici Bisser Bochev (Bulgaria, 2 August) (Malta, 17 July) Andreas Schluchter (Switzerland, 3 August) Antonie Marinus Verhagen Alexander Safonov (Russia, 17 July) Kim Milton Eggers (Denmark, 3 August) (Netherlands, 1 July) Antonia Kokotou (Greece, 17 July) Thura Win (England, 3 August) Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium, 1 July) Kari Iuell (Norway, 19 July) Dariusz Pasieka (Poland, 3 August) Hannu Tihinen (Finland, 1 July) Alfredo Trentalange (Italy, 19 July) Franck Thivilier (France, 3 August) Razvan Burleanu (Romania, 1 July) Tormod Larsen (Norway, 20 July) Mustafa Caglar (Turkey, 4 August) Marinus Koopman (Netherlands, 2 July) Vladimir Radionov (Russia, 21 July) 80th David Gill (England, 5 August) Pjetur Sigurdsson (Iceland, 2 July) Gudni Bergsson (Iceland, 21 July) Yves Wehrli (France, 5 August) 60th Philippe Hertig (Switzerland, 2 July) Michel Wuilleret (Switzerland, 22 July) Aleh Chykun (Belarus, 5 August) Rusmir Mrković Iain Robertson Brines (Scotland, 22 July) Piet Hubers (Netherlands, 6 August) (Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2 July) 50th Balázs Makray (Hungary, 22 July) Pierino Lardi (Switzerland, 7 August) Mustafa Erögüt (Turkey, 2 July) Bontcho Todorov (Bulgaria, 23 July) Andrea Gotzmann (Germany, 7 August) Peadar Ryan (Republic of Ireland, 3 July) Pavel Malović (Slovakia, 23 July) Anna Bordiugova (Ukraine, 7 August) Bertrand Layec (France, 3 July) Marcelino Santiago Maté (Spain, 23 July) Marcel Vanelshocht Carolina De Boeck (Belgium, 3 July) David Gil (Israel, 24 July) (Belgium, 8 August) 70th Antonio Matarrese (Italy, 4 July) Gijs de Jong (Netherlands, 24 July) Plarent Kotherja (Albania, 8 August) Neale Barry (England, 4 July) 60th Mario Gallavotti (Italy, 25 July) 70th Olivier Henry (Belgium, 8 August) Roland Ospelt (Liechtenstein, 4 July) Claus Christensen (Denmark, 25 July) Nico de Pauw (Belgium, 8 August) Massimo Cumbo (Italy, 4 July) Ferenc Ragadics (Hungary, 25 July) Odd Flattum (Norway, 9 August) Lukas Pitek (Slovakia, 4 July) Nenad Radivojević (Serbia, 25 July) 40th Roy Hodgson (England, 9 August) Patrick Nelson (Northern Ireland, 5 July) Jacob Erel (Israel, 26 July) Nick Nicolaou (Cyprus, 9 August) Natalia Avdonchenko (Russia, 5 July) Alfred Ludwig (Austria, 26 July) Peter Fossen (Netherlands, 10 August) Tiago Craveiro (Portugal, 5 July) David Bowen (Northern Ireland, 26 July) Urs Vogel (Switzerland, 11 August) Hans Schelling (Netherlands, 7 July) Jeff Davis (England, 27 July) Laura Riposati (Italy, 11 August) Alaatin Aykac (Turkey, 7 July) Björn Ahlberg (Sweden, 28 July) Domenico Messina (Italy, 12 August) Slaviša Kokeza (Serbia, 7 July) Stefan Tivold (Slovenia, 28 July) Emil Kostadinov (Bulgaria, 12 August) Martin Glenn (England, 8 July) Nataša Joksimović (Serbia, 28 July) Roger Vanden Stock (Belgium, 13 August) Jacobo Betrán Pedréira (Spain, 8 July) Karl Espen Eriksen (Norway, 28 July) Joseph Mifsud (Malta, 13 August) Martin Maleck (Switzerland, 8 July) Robert Kispal (Hungary, 28 July) Cornel Cristian Bivolaru Ekaterina Todorova (Bulgaria, 8 July) Peter Stadelmann (Switzerland, 29 July) (Romania, 13 August) 60th Heinrich Schifferle (Switzerland, 9 July) Kieran O’Connor (Wales, 30 July) Patrick Willemarck (Belgium, 13 August) Yordan Letchkov (Bulgaria, 9 July) João Leal (Portugal, 30 July) Metin Tunçer (Turkey, 13 August) Sergiu Lisnic (Moldova, 9 July) Des Casey (Republic of Ireland, 31 July) Albano Janku (Albania, 13 August) Murad Mammadov Tugomir Frajman (Slovenia, 31 July) Michael Verschueren (Belgium, 13 August) (Azerbaijan, 10 July) 60th Jozef De Ryck (Belgium, 31 July) George Pandelea-Dobrovicescu Thomas Christensen (Norway, 10 July) Joël Wolff (Luxembourg, 31 July) (Romania, 14 August) 40th Markus Kopecky (Austria, 10 July) Javier Tebas (Spain, 31 July) Jevgeņijs Miļevskis (Latvia, 15 August) Levan Kobiashvili (Georgia, 10 July) Duncan Fraser (Scotland, 31 July) Kjell Alseth (Norway, 15 August) Nina Hedlund (Norway, 11 July) Cenk Cem (Turkey, 31 July) Thibault De Gendt Darko Čeferin (Slovenia, 11 July) 50th (Belgium, 15 August) 40th Filip Popovski (FYR Macedonia, 12 July) AUGUST BIRTHDAYS Jacques Lagnier (France, 16 August) Maria Teresa Costa (Portugal, 13 July) Victor Beceiro (Spain, 16 August) Sjoukje de Jong (Netherlands, 13 July) Sheila Begbie (Scotland, 1 August) Sergey Pryadkin (Russia, 17 August) Sharon Zeevi (Israel, 13 July) 40th Kimmo Lipponen (Finland, 1 August) Bente Skogvang (Norway, 17 August) Elke Günthner (Germany, 14 July) Igor Janković (Serbia, 1 August) Dane Jošt (Slovenia, 18 August) Ben Veenbrink (Netherlands, 15 July) Erich Rutemöller (Germany, 2 August) Romano Clavadetscher Ernst Nigg (Liechtenstein, 16 July) Luciano Luci (Italy, 2 August) (Switzerland, 18 August) Lars Lagerbäck (Sweden, 16 July) 70th Mehmet Süheyl Önen (Turkey, 2 August) Borja Santana (Spain, 18 August) Jiří Ulrich (Czech Republic, 16 July) Gerard Behan Luca Miranda (Italy, 18 August) Michail Anagnostou (Greece, 16 July) (Republic of Ireland, 2 August) Patricia Gregory (England, 19 August)

54 – UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 BIRTHDAYS, NOTICES, FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Hans Reijgwart (Netherlands, 19 August) Forthcoming events Graham Hover (England, 19 August) NOTICE Fabrizio Tencone (Italy, 19 August) Meetings • On 17 May, Luis Rubiales Per Ravn Omdal (Norway, 20 August) 5 July, Nyon was elected president of the Daniel Spreutels (Belgium, 20 August) UEFA Futsal Champions League/European Spanish Football Federation. Women's Futsal Championship: preliminary Eren Eroğlu (Turkey, 20 August) and main round draws OBITUARY Carmel Bartolo (Malta, 21 August) 23 July, Nyon • Fadil Vokrri, president of the Marta Atzori (Italy, 21 August) UEFA Champions League/UEFA Europa Football Federation of Kosovo, Eamon Breen League: third qualifying round draws died on 8 June aged 57. He had (Republic of Ireland, 21 August) 6 August, Nyon been third vice-chairman of the Kazimierz Oleszek (Poland, 22 August) UEFA Champions League/UEFA Europa UEFA Football Committee since July Geoffrey Thompson (England, 23 August) League: play-off draws 2017. After retiring from playing Demetrio Albertini (Italy, 23 August) 17 August, Nyon football, he had devoted himself to developing football in Kosovo, Igor Pristovnik (Croatia, 23 August) UEFA Women's Champions League: round of 32 draw culminating in 2016 in the Football Luis Manuel Rubiales Béjar 30 August, Monaco Federation of Kosovo becoming the (Spain, 23 August) UEFA Champions League: group stage draw 55th UEFA member association. Enrique González Ruano 31 August, Monaco (Spain, 24 August) UEFA Europa League: group stage draw David Delferiere (Belgium, 24 August) Competitions 7/8 August Johny Vanspauwen (Belgium, 24 August) UEFA Champions League: third qualifying 5 July Nicolae Grigorescu (Romania, 24 August) round (first legs) UEFA Europa League: preliminary round 7–13 August Rinat Akhmetov (Kazakhstan, 24 August) (return legs) UEFA Women's Champions League: qualifying Pavel Kolev (Bulgaria, 24 August) 10/11 July round Bert Andersson (Sweden, 25 August) UEFA Champions League: first qualifying 7–26 August, France round (first legs) Alexander Zorkov (Russia, 25 August) U-20 Women's World Cup Regina Konink-Belksma 12 July 9 August UEFA Europa League: first qualifying round (Netherlands, 26 August) UEFA Europa League: third qualifying round (first legs) Scott Struthers (Scotland, 26 August) (first legs) 16–29 July, Finland Ronit Glasman (Israel, 26 August) 14 August European Under-19 Championship: final UEFA Champions League: third qualifying Aisultan Nazarbayev tournament (Kazakhstan, 26 August) round (return legs) 17/18 July 15 August, Tallinn Karen Nalbandyan (Armenia, 27 August) UEFA Champions League: first qualifying UEFA Super Cup Tammo Beishuizen round (return legs) 16 August (Netherlands, 27 August) 18–30 July, Switzerland UEFA Europa League: third qualifying round European Women's Under-19 Championship: Savvas Constantinou (Cyprus, 28 August) (return legs) final tournament Denni Strich (Germany, 29 August) 21/22 August 19 July Vadym Kostiuchenko (Ukraine, 29 August) UEFA Champions League: play-offs (first legs) UEFA Europa League: first qualifying round Scilla Gennaro (Italy, 29 August) (return legs) 21–26 August Leo Windtner (Austria, 30 August) European Women’s Futsal Championship: 24/25 July preliminary round Charles John Grundie UEFA Champions League: second qualifying (Northern Ireland, 30 August) round (first legs) 23 August UEFA Europa League: play-offs (first legs) Marian Ruzbarsky 26 July (Slovakia, 30 August) 50th UEFA Europa League: second qualifying round 28/29 August UEFA Champions League: play-offs Boška Jovanetić (Serbia, 30 August) (first legs) (return legs) Christer Fällström (Sweden, 31 August) 31 July – 1 August UEFA Champions League: second qualifying 28 August – 2 September Cristel Brorsson (Sweden, 31 August) round (return legs) UEFA Futsal Champions League: preliminary Stefano Podeschi (San Marino, 31 August) round 2 August Pedro Dias (Portugal, 31 August) 50th UEFA Europa League: second qualifying round 30 August Christoph Kollmeier (Germany, 31 August) (return legs) UEFA Europa League: play-offs (return legs)

UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2018 – 55 No.179 • July/August 2018