WE CARE ABOUT FOOTBALL No. 147 | April 2015 In this issue

Official publication of the XXXIX Ordinary UEFA Congress Union of European Football Associations in Vienna 4 Representatives of all the UEFA member associations convened in Vienna on 24 March for the annual UEFA Congress, where Chief editor: they re-elected Michel Platini for another four-year term as Emmanuel Deconche UEFA President and voted in a number of Executive Committee UEFA Produced by: members, three of them new ones. GraphicTouch CH-1110 Morges Executive Committee meeting Printing: 8 Images Artgraphic Cavin SA The UEFA Executive Committee met ahead of the Congress

CH-1422 Grandson in the Austrian capital to discuss the financial distribution system Getty Editorial deadline: for the UEFA club competitions, among other matters. via

7 April 2015 UEFA

The views expressed in signed articles are not necessarily the official views of UEFA. Women’s Champions League final The reproduction of articles in Berlin 12 published in UEFA·direct is authorised, provided the Berlin is getting ready to host this year’s European women’s source is indicated. football showpiece on 14 May. Images Getty

European Under-17 Championship finals in Bulgaria 14 16 teams will be competing in Bulgaria from 6 to 22 May

in the final round of the European Under-17 Championship. Catry David

Cover: News from member associations 16 Michel Platini addresses the 39th Ordinary UEFA medicine matters Congress on 24 March No. 23 | April 2015 in Vienna, where he was Supplement Editorial ProtEcting thE PlayEr – thE Primary objEctivE of football mEdicinE re-elected for a third term Much has happened in the world of football – regulations, and formalised guidelines have been and the world of football medicine more issued covering the cooling equipment that is specifically – since the last edition of Medicine required to protect players competing in extreme • Matters, which is fitting given that edition’s heat. In addition, a new pre­competition medical This issue of UEFA medicine matters looks at the protection focus on evolution. The summer of 2014 saw a screening procedure for players is being developed magnificent FIFA World Cup, won by Germany, and is expected to be introduced at the start of as president of European which featured the usual number of medical the 2016/17 season. incidents that would be expected from a major tournament but also generated some wider The theme of protecting players will also discussions, particularly with regard to the be central to the third UEFA Football Doctor management of concussion. This encouraged Education Programme workshop, which will take everyone involved in the game to review pro­ place in Budapest in April 2015 and marks the UEFA of players’ health and physical condition through evolutions in cedures and has ultimately resulted in significant end of a three­stage course for national team Dr Michel D’Hooghe football’s governing body. improvements to the rules in this area. This doctors that began in 2012. That course trains edition will continue to look forward, focusing specialist football doctors to practise football on issues of interest from the front line of elite medicine to the highest standards across Europe. football medicine – issues which doctors are UEFA Football Doctor Education Pro gramme confronted with on a daily basis and affect the workshops also continue to be delivered at health of the players competing in our beautiful national level as part of the ‘cascading’ the design of football boots and the treatment of head injuries. game. responsibilities of the doctors who attend the programme. It is to the great credit of our The articles in this edition focus on protecting member associations that this process has been the health and fitness of the players, for example so well supported, and it is my hope that the through the design of football boots and the initiative will be taken up by more and more current hot topic of concussion, both of which associations in the future. Photo: UEFA directly relate to UEFA’s main objective of pro­ tecting players’ health on and off the pitch. Since It should also be noted that a major impro­ the last edition, UEFA has introduced numerous vement to UEFA’s anti­doping programme – the initiatives with a view to achieving this goal, most significant for a number of years – will be including encouraging member associations to introduced at the start of the 2015/16 season. set up national medical committees and imple­ UEFA firmly believes that protecting players is a menting several new rules and guidelines in its matter not only of health and fitness, but also of competitions regarding the management of protecting their right to win cleanly. In the year potentially serious health situations. New rules that sees the introduction of the new 2015 relating to head injuries and concussion have World Anti­Doping Code, UEFA will become one been incorporated in all UEFA competition of the first anti­doping organisations in the world to implement a steroid profiling programme as part of its annual anti­doping programme. This will give UEFA a vital new tool with which to deter and detect the misuse of steroids in in thiS iSSUE football.

It is a great pleasure to present these insightful bootS, StUdS and articles by members of UEFA’s Medical Committee, injUriES in football 2-7 which showcase the great work that is being carried out within Europe’s medical community. l thE UEfa ElitE clUb injUry StUdy mEEting – a UniqUE Dr Michel D’Hooghe forUm for ElitE clUb doctorS 8-9 Chairman of the UEFA Medical Committee

diagnoStic aPProach to hEad injUriES in footballErS 10-12 UEFA • medicine matters | 04.15 | 1

2 | UEFA •direct | 04.15 Editorial UEFA

Pride mixed with concern

The XXXIX Ordinary UEFA Congress in Vienna Of course, football cannot fight this scourge was a very special occasion for me as I was alone. We need the support of all our stake­ chosen by you to serve a third term as UEFA holders and the authorities, therefore I will once President. I feel truly honoured and privileged again explore the possibility of creating a police to have been entrusted with another mandate force that can deal specifically with this problem. and I thank you for your support. On a lighter note, I could not finish this I meant what I said in my speech regarding message without paying homage to a man who the pride I feel in the way we work together has been a long and loyal servant of European for the greater good of European football. It is football, ¸Senes Erzik. A member of the UEFA indeed a pleasure to be this team’s captain and Executive Committee since 1990, he retired from I look forward to leading you and working with his UEFA duties last month. ¸Senes always worked you for the next four years. tirelessly to make sure that the best decisions were taken to uphold our values and will be Together we have conquered many challenges sorely missed. and overcome many obstacles, but we all know there is still a lot of work to be done. I have become deeply concerned about the behaviour of fans in and around our stadiums. It was not so long ago that hooliganism was the greatest threat to the future of our game and we must take this rise in violence seriously and act now to stamp it out. I cannot and will not accept seeing Michel Platini players being victims of verbal or physical abuse UEFA President on the field of play and fully support our disciplinary bodies in the tough measures they have taken to close stadiums and impose heavy fines.

UEFA •direct | 04.15 | 3 Congress

“ROMANTICISM AND REALISM, IDEALS AND ACTIONS”

Vienna continues to hold a special place in UEFA’s history. The Austrian capital staged the inaugural UEFA Congress on 2 March 1955, and two further Congresses followed in 1972 and 1994. On 24 March this year, UEFA returned to Vienna for a fourth time for its 39th Ordinary Congress, which saw Michel Platini re-elected for a third four-year term as UEFA President, elections for the UEFA and FIFA Executive Committees, and honorary membership conferred on S¸enes Erzik (Turkey), who stepped down from his UEFA duties after more than three decades of outstanding service – including over 20 years as a UEFA vice-president.

Michel Platini was confirmed in office by “I hope to make the right decisions at the acclamation as the only candidate, and vowed to right time, both for you and for football, during carry on the work he has undertaken in my third term,” the UEFA President continued. conjunction with the European football family “And I hope to do so while continuing to enjoy since his election at the Dusseldorf Congress in myself as much as I have for the past eight years. January 2007. “Thank you for your trust and Because leading this remarkable institution is not your kind support,” he told the representatives just an honour, it is also a genuine pleasure day

UEFA via Getty Images UEFA of UEFA’s 54 member associations. “This means to day.” more to me than you can possibly imagine.” Austria’s Congress hosts expressed their pride Michel Platini “I am proud to be your team-mate, proud to at welcoming the European football family. be the captain of this winning team and proud of “Football is exceptionally popular in Austria and our achievements,” he added. “And I am excited its roots here go all the way back to the 19th to be taking on the challenges that await us over century,” said the president of Austria, Heinz the next four years. I know that I can count on Fischer, by video message. “I know that UEFA you. And you know that you can count on me. It was established in 1954, which was also the year is the closeness of that bond between us that of the dramatic FIFA World Cup in Switzerland, makes us strong and allows us to take these bold where Austria managed an admirable third place. and courageous decisions – decisions which Not long afterwards, in 1955, the first UEFA always pay off. This mutual trust, this participatory Congress was held in Vienna. For Austria, 1955 democracy, is our hallmark, our trademark, and was also the year in which we signed the State we will continue to work this way over the next Treaty, so it was a year of great historical signi­ four years. You have my word on that.” ficance and one that we have fond memories of.”

4 | UEFA •direct | 04.15 Development the top priority adoption of UEFA’s first official statutes. Those The president of the Austrian Football statutes were approved and took effect that Association (ÖFB), Leo Windtner, said that foot­ same day, just a few streets away.” ball’s development was the overriding priority for Mr Platini said that various challenges within the future. “We must European football had needed tackling since he ensure that all age groups, took the helm in 2007. During those eight years, whether male or female, he underlined, great efforts had been made to take an interest in foot­ remain faithful to the philosophy and values of ball, irrespective of their UEFA’s pioneers, while also permanently pursuing ethnic origins,” he stres­ reinvention to maintain forward momentum. sed. “Our national teams “We have developed a kind of participatory are the drawing cards – democracy,” he told the associations. “The

UEFA via Getty Images UEFA the stars are role models ini­tiatives that UEFA has launched in recent Leo Windtner for youngsters. It is our years, the projects it has developed and the top priority to further decisions it has taken are your initiatives, your develop football’s appeal as the top sport on projects and your decisions.” our continent – and all criminal activities, such as match-fixing or fan disturbances, must be confronted with the utmost decisiveness.” In his opening address, Michel Platini recalled Honorary UEFA membership the first UEFA Congress in 1955. “Sixty years for ¸senes Erzik after that founding Vienna Congress,” he said, “European football is still 11 against 11, and it still arouses just as much passion. We have simply grown to 54 member associations – evidence not only of the universal nature of our sport, but also of the geopolitical changes that have taken place across the continent in the interim.” “Ultimately, though, if we compare Vienna 1955 with Vienna 2015, the issues at stake have not changed a great deal,” he reflected. “Proof that football is a never-ending story. Sixty years and 22 days ago, the official agenda included the following items, and I quote: the broadcasting of matches on television, betting on football, match and competition fixture lists, and the UEFA via Getty Images UEFA UEFA via Getty Images UEFA

The Vienna Congress saw the retirement from UEFA duties of Şenes Erzik (Turkey) after 25 years of service on the UEFA Executive Committee, first as a member (1990–94) and then as a UEFA vice- president (1994–2015). His outstanding work on behalf of UEFA since 1982 has also included membership of a variety of committees, bodies and working groups. Şenes Erzik was made a UEFA honorary member, and received a standing ovation from delegates and guests at the Congress. “There is no doubt that the man who is about to be made a UEFA honorary member deserves it more than any other leader in football today,” said UEFA President Michel Platini. “This man is a gentleman … This man is respected and respectful – respectful of values, principles and all people, regardless of their position. This man is the very embodiment of wisdom. Indeed, one might even say that he is wisdom itself.” “I have been a lucky member of the European football family,” said Şenes Erzik in his farewell address. “I must thank the national associations for supporting me through my 25-year tenure as a member of the [UEFA] Executive Committee,” he added. “I was lucky all through my fabulous football journey through time, witnessing and being part of some of the most important changes in European football.” l UEFA

UEFA •direct | 04.15 | 5 Congress UEFA via Getty Images UEFA

The new UEFA Executive Committee pictured after “We have, together, taken some big decisions Michel Platini went on to highlight the many the Vienna Congress for European football and the national asso­ challenges that lay ahead in the future for UEFA ciations of Europe. Most of these projects are and the associations. These included fighting the result of our joint discussions or discussions political interference in associations’ affairs, and between yourselves in which we were privileged redoubling the fight to eliminate match-fixing, to be involved. I am of course thinking, among doping, violence, racism and other forms of others, of the 24-team EURO, which will be an discrimination. “Even if we sometimes have the exceptional festival of football and is already bitter feeling that these battles are matches we producing the most exciting, nail-biting qualifying cannot win,” he emphasised, “we have to keep competition yet.” playing until the end. We have to play as if it was “I am also thinking of EURO 2020, which will a cup final – as if it was the most important span the entire continent and allow 13 countries game of our lives.” to host one of the biggest events in the world. Mr Platini identified social dialogue in football And how can I not mention the new financial as another challenge to be faced: “It is essential distribution models that have enabled us to that the contracts of all of Europe’s professional increase considerably the solidarity and develop­ players are respected and the commitments ment payments made to each of our member made are honoured. The establishment of mini­ associations within the space of just two HatTrick mum conditions to protect players is a matter of cycles?” principle.” “These achievements, I repeat, are not mine. The UEFA President focused on two issues They are yours,” Mr Platini emphasised. “They which he identified as being of particular concern belong to the UEFA Executive Committee, whom – growing nationalism and extremism in Europe, I thank most warmly again today, and to UEFA’s which were also being reflected within football, 54 member associations. Together, we have and secondly, the worry that UEFA and football shown that it is indeed possible to combine were being left to fight certain battles by romanticism and realism, ideals and action.” themselves. “And yet,” he stressed, “these are battles that can only be won with the help of the “A winning team” public authorities. I therefore renew my call for The UEFA President praised the national greater awareness of this issue among public associations for their achievements, and spoke authorities, so that we can avoid reliving the with pride about his role, which he described as dark days of a not-so-distant past – a past where being like the captain of a winning team – “one hooligans and all manner of fanatics called the that wins because it boasts 54 talented presidents shots in certain European stadiums … We need and general secretaries who are prepared to play tougher stadium bans at European level and – for each other, who work hard and put others I will say it again – the creation of a European before themselves, and who share both a love of sports police force.” football and a sense of responsibility… As far as the next four years are concerned, I propose “A time of maturity, wisdom, that we remain on the same path, continuing mutual trust and common sense” together the fantastic journey that we have been The Vienna Congress approved the principle on for the last eight years.” of including representatives of other stakeholder

6 | UEFA •direct | 04.15 groups as members of the UEFA Executive IV cycle will amount to €11.1m over four years, Committee, pending the amendments to the representing an increase of €1.6m when com- UEFA Statutes that would be required. “Stake­ pa­red with HatTrick III. holders must never be regarded as the enemy … The Vienna Congress approved the 2013/14 they are our partners,” said Mr Platini. “And activity report of the UEFA President and I believe the time has come to grant all or at least Executive Committee, as well as the report of some of them the status that they deserve. I am the UEFA administration for the same period. now convinced that we have reached a time of Both can be read on UEFA.org. The chairmen of maturity, wisdom, mutual trust and common UEFA’s 19 committees also gave reports, in the sense. In other words, it is time to invite some or form of videos, on their respective committees’ all of those branches of the family to join us at recent activities. the top table.” Other decisions made during the UEFA Football was, he added, a “fantastic, wel­ Congress included the approval of the 2013/14 coming sport that fosters integration and financial report and the 2015/16 budget. Next embraces diversity, a ‘school of life’ that teaches year’s Ordinary UEFA Congress will be held not the importance of sharing, tolerance and equal too far away – in Budapest – when Hungary will opportunities. One of our challenges is to ensure welcome Europe’s football parliament on 23 March that football continues to play that key role as a 2016. creator of social ties. Every village in Europe Mr Platini closed by expressing the belief that needs to be in the best possible position to cater institutions such as UEFA have an “obligation to for children who want to do just one thing, the devote themselves to ambitious social respon­ most beautiful of things: to play football.” sibility projects, to civic and solidarity initiatives… That is why we have established the UEFA HatTrick payments on the rise Foundation for Children.” The board of trustees The Congress heard about the increase in of the UEFA Foundation for Children was HatTrick payments – which serve to finance, appointed and held its inaugural meeting in among others, the campaign against match- Vienna. “The foundation will now be able to fixing, grassroots development, running costs and put in place its first initiatives in support of good governance, coach and referee education, children very soon,” the UEFA President said. the implementation of club licensing, and the “This foundation belongs to you and the children development of infrastructures for the UEFA of your respective countries. Those children, in member associations. The funding each UEFA turn, are the future of European football and member association receives during the HatTrick Europe as a whole.” l

TRIO OF NEWCOMERS ON THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE The UEFA President’s re-election was followed by the election of seven UEFA Executive Committee members, for whose seats there were 12 candidates. Three outgoing members were standing down: UEFA vice- president Şenes Erzik (Turkey) and members Sergey Fursenko (Russia) and Mircea Sandu (Romania). Candidates needed at least 28 votes – an absolute majority of the 54 associations – to be elected in the first round. The following six achieved this: • Fernando Gomes (new member, Portugal) – 48 votes • Sándor Csányi (new member, Hungary) – 42 votes • Peter Gilliéron (outgoing member, Switzerland) – 42 votes • Ángel María Villar Llona (outgoing member, Spain) – 42 votes • Grigoriy Surkis – (outgoing member, Ukraine) – 41 votes • Davor Šuker (new member, Croatia) – 34 votes via Getty Images UEFA A simple majority was enough in the second round, The three new members of the UEFA Executive Committee, from left to right: Sándor Csányi (Hungary), Fernando Gomes and outgoing Executive Committee member Borislav (Portugal) and Davor Šuker (Croatia) Mihaylov (Bulgaria) was re-elected with 20 votes. other candidates, both were elected by acclamation. The other candidates were Yngve Hallèn (Norway), Trefor Having been re-elected as UEFA President, Michel Platini Lloyd Hughes (Wales), Campbell Ogilvie (Scotland), Geir automatically kept his position as vice-president of FIFA. Thorsteinsson (Iceland) and Servet Yardımcı (Turkey). Finally, David Gill (England) was elected as the FIFA FIFA Executive Committee elections were also on the vice-president representing the British national agenda in Vienna. Ángel María Villar Llona was re-elected associations (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and as a FIFA vice-president, and Wolfgang Niersbach Wales) for the 2015–19 period. He replaces Jim Boyce (Germany) was elected as a member. As there were no (Northern Ireland), who steps down. l

UEFA •direct | 04.15 | 7 Executive Committee

IMPORTANT DECISIONS IN VIENNA

Alongside the new financial distribution system for clubs competing in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League (see opposite), regulations featured heavily on the agenda of the UEFA Executive Committee meeting on 22 March.

Various competition regulations were approved the association remains with four places in the in Vienna, including those for the 2015–18 UEFA UEFA Champions League. However, if that club Champions League and UEFA Europa League. has already qualified for the UEFA Europa League The UEFA General Secretary, Gianni Infantino, via its domestic league, it results in five clubs clarified the positions available in UEFA’s club participating in the UEFA Champions League, competitions for the new cycle. “Clubs winning and two – not three – participating in the UEFA either the UEFA Champions League or the UEFA Europa League.” Europa League,” he said, “will not add an extra The Executive Committee also increased the place to the total number of places available for number of teams entering the 2016/17 UEFA that association in the subsequent club compe­ Women’s Champions League. The top 12 asso­ tition season – with one exception. cia­tions in the rankings – up from 8 at the “The only time an association can gain an moment – will be allowed to enter both the additional place in the subsequent season’s club winners and runners-up of their domestic competitions will be if one of its clubs wins either competition. the UEFA Champions League or the UEFA Europa The format of the European Qualifiers for the League and, at the same time, does not finish in 2018 FIFA World Cup was also confirmed. Russia a place in its domestic league or domestic cup qualify as hosts, and Gibraltar is not a FIFA which automatically grants a place in a UEFA member, so UEFA’s 52 remaining member club competition. associations will be divided into nine groups: “It should also be stated,” the UEFA General seven groups of six teams and two groups of Secretary added, “that an association with, for five. The nine group winners will qualify directly, example, four places in the UEFA Champions and the eight best runners-up will enter the play- League can increase that to five places if one of offs to decide the last four teams in the final its clubs wins the UEFA Europa League the round. previous season. Finally, Gibraltar has joined the UEFA Grassroots­ “If that club has already qualified for the UEFA Charter, which now spans all 54 UEFA member Champions League via its domestic league, then associations. l Images Getty via UEFA

8 | UEFA •direct | 04.15 INCREASED PAYMENTS AND ENHANCED SOLIDARITY

The financial distribution system for UEFA’s club competitions for the 2015–18 cycle sees the amounts available to participating clubs and for solidarity payments increase substantially relative to the 2012–15 cycle.

The UEFA President, Michel Platini, and the chairman of the ECA, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, UEFA sign the new agreement

The new system was adopted by UEFA in €1.5m for a win and €500,000 for a draw. close cooperation with the European Club Teams in the round of 16 will receive €5.5m Association (ECA) and was presented to the each, quarter-finalists €6m, and semi-finalists ECA’s member clubs at their annual general €7m. The UEFA Champions League winners meeting in Stockholm on 31 March. All revenue will receive €15m and the runners-up €10.5m, from the two competitions will, for the first time, inclusive of their ticketing revenue share. A be centralised in a single pot, with the redistri­ ­ club could therefore receive, at best, €54.5m, bution to participating clubs based on a fixed not counting the play-offs or its market pool ratio of 3.3:1 between the UEFA Champions share. League and the UEFA Europa League. The 2015 UEFA Super Cup winners can expect to receive €4m and the runners-up €3m. UEFA Champions League The total pot available for distribution to UEFA Market pool (€482.9m) Champions League clubs is forecast to stand at The above amount will be distributed accor­ €1.257bn per season. Clubs in the play-offs will ding to the proportional value of each TV market receive €50m: €2m for each play-off winner and represented by clubs taking part in the UEFA €3m for each eliminated club. The €1.207bn Champions League (group stage onwards) and that is available to clubs from the group stage split among the participating clubs from a given onwards will be split, as usual, between fixed association. amounts and market pool. However, the market pool will be reduced from 45% to 40% of the UEFA Europa League total, and fixed amounts will increase to 60%. The amount available each season for clubs participating in the UEFA Europa League (from Fixed amounts (€724.4m) the group stage onwards) is forecast to stand at The 32 group-stage clubs will each receive €381m in the 2015–18 cycle (up from €233m €12m. Group-stage performance bonuses bring in the 2012–15 cycle). This will be split 60:40

UEFA •direct | 04.15 | 9 Executive Committee

between fixed amounts and market pool pay­ second qualifying round will be paid €300,000, ments, as in the 2012–15 cycle. and those eliminated in the third qualifying round will receive €400,000. In addition, Fixed amounts (€228.6m) domestic champions that do not qualify for the Each of the 48 group-stage clubs will receive UEFA Champions League group stage will receive €2.4m. In addition, group-stage performance €250,000. bonuses of €360,000 for a win and €120,000 In the UEFA Europa League, clubs that are for a draw will be paid. Group winners will then eliminated in the first qualifying round will receive a qualification bonus of €500,000, and receive €200,000, those knocked out in the runners-up €250,000. second qualifying round will be paid €210,000, Teams in the round of 32 will receive those eliminated in the third qualifying round €500,000 each, teams in the round of 16 will receive €220,000 and those knocked out in €750,000 each, quarter-finalists €1m each, and the play-offs will be paid €230,000. semi-finalists €1.5m each. The UEFA Europa League winners will receive €6.5m and the Solidarity payments to clubs not qualified for runners-up €3.5m, inclusive of their ticketing UEFA competitions revenue share. A club could therefore receive In the 2015–18 cycle, solidarity payments up to €15.31m, not counting the market pool made to non-participating clubs via their national share. associations and/or leagues (formerly 6.5% of the UEFA Champions League clubs’ share) will Market pool (€152.4m) represent 5% of the overall gross revenue The above amount will be distributed according from the two competitions. Thus, €112m will to the proportional value of each TV market be distributed­ to national associations and/or represented by the clubs in the UEFA Europa leagues for their clubs (up from €82.4m in the League (group stage onwards) and split among 2012–15 cycle). Of that, 80% will be distributed­ the participating clubs from a given association. to national associations and/or leagues with at least one club participating in the UEFA Solidarity payments Champions League group stage, and 20% will An enhanced distribution system also provides be given to national associations and/or leagues for larger solidarity payments to clubs knocked with no participating clubs. Only clubs not out in the early stages of the UEFA Champions participating in the group stage of either com­ League or the UEFA Europa League. The distri­ petition will be entitled to a share of these bution to clubs taking part in the qualification solidarity payments. phases of either competition and not qualifying Distribution to national associations and/or for the UEFA Champions League group stage leagues will no longer be based exclusively on will represent 3.5% of the overall revenue. At their market value: 60% of the available amounts least €78.6m will be distributed, up from will be distributed in equal shares among all €47.5m in the 2012–15 cycle. national associations and/or leagues, and only Clubs that are eliminated in the first qualifying 40% will be based on market values, thereby round of the UEFA Champions League will ensuring a fairer distribution of solidarity pay­ receive €200,000, those knocked out in the ments to European clubs. l

THIRD-PARTY OWNERSHIP CONTESTED

UEFA and the players’ union FIFPro Division Europe of professional players, including their right to a have formally lodged a complaint with the European dignified and honourable existence. Commission, questioning the legality of third-party Inherent in the practice of TPO is the desire and ability ownership of players (TPO) under EU law. of so-called ‘investors’ to control and/or influence the The complaint was lodged on 1 April, on the basis transfer activity of players who are the subject of a TPO that third-party ownership is harmful to the interests arrangement (including players who are not even aware of players, clubs and fans and undermines the that their ‘economic rights’ have been sold to a third standing and integrity of the game. In addition, party). Third parties are driven by a simple motivation, it is felt that the practice of TPO undermines the which is to maximise the ‘return’ on their ‘stake’ in employment relation­ship between clubs and players individual players. and interferes with important EU legal norms. UEFA and FIFPro consider that this is not in the best UEFA is the governing body of European football interests of players, clubs or the game of football more with a mandate to protect the overall interests generally. Players (including young and vulnerable of the game and act as a representative voice players) can be exposed to the whims of third parties. for European football as a whole. FIFPro has a In the meantime, clubs can be driven into a vicious circle specific remit to pursue and defend the interests of debt and dependence. l

10 | UEFA •direct | 04.15 UEFA Europa League

WARSAW IS READY FOR THE 2015 EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL

Poland is hosting the UEFA Europa League final, for the first time in its history, on 27 May. Almost three years after the EURO 2012 semi-final between Germany and Italy, the National Stadium in Warsaw will once again be filled with over 55,000 fans and esteemed guests for a night of European football at its greatest.

The National Stadium Warsaw will be back in the European football spotlight when it hosts the UEFA Europa League final in May PZPN

28 June 2012 was a date to remember for hundreds of people interested in helping out football fans around the world. Two goals by with transport, airport customer service and Mario Balotelli at the National Stadium in accreditations. Each interview lasted around Warsaw gave Italy a secure lead over Germany in 25 minutes and the applicants were assessed their EURO 2012 semi-final showdown. Mesut on their experience in the given field and in their Özil converted a late penalty but it was not foreign language skills. enough to beat the Italians. Three years after This year’s Europa League final will be a that highly entertaining game, Warsaw is once tremendous opportunity for Warsaw to yet again again hosting some of the best footballers in the prove itself worthy of organising a big football world, this time in a head-to-head for the UEFA event under UEFA auspices. It is a great chance Europa League trophy. to promote football in Poland, especially with two The Europa League final, however, is not Polish internationals still in the race for the final. limited to the action at the stadium itself. It is a Grzegorz Krychowiak and his team, Sevilla FC, great event which demands a lot of preparations are the reigning Europa League titleholders, by the many people involved. UEFA, the Polish having beaten SL Benfica 4-2 on penalties last Football Association, the local organising com­ year. While Sevilla have to overcome Russian mit­tee, the stadium operator and the city of league champions FC Zenit in the quarter-finals Warsaw have all joined forces to provide safety, before they can set their sights on the final, comfort and the best service possible to all those FC Dynamo Kyiv striker Łukasz Teodorczyk and who decide to watch the game live and those his team-mates face ACF Fiorentina. who will be racing home to watch it on TV. Who will make it to the final at the National All operational plans were approved during Stadium in Warsaw? Whether it be SSC Napoli, UEFA’s last site visit, including the dates for the VfL Wolfsburg, Sevilla or any of the other teams trophy handover and tour, which will take in still in the competition, one thing is sure – various locations around Poland. Two weeks Warsaw will be ready to host the grand finale later we started interviewing potential volunteers and fans all around the world will enjoy a game keen to lend a hand at the 2015 UEFA Europa to remember for years to come. l League final. We have already interviewed Press office of the Polish Football Association

UEFA •direct | 04.15 | 11 UEFA Women’s Champions League

BERLIN – CAPITAL OF WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

It’s a pretty good formula: UEFA’s women’s club football showpiece played in the biggest city of Europe’s biggest women’s football nation.

The bar has been set high for the But the German Football Association are no 2015 UEFA Women’s Champions strangers to moving tickets for big occasions League final at Berlin’s Friedrich- such as this, as proven in 2012 and at the Ludwig-Jahn-Sportpark – three years previous year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup. ago a competition record 50,212 Women’s football is an easier sell in a nation fans watched Olympique Lyonnais beat 1. FFC with 2 world titles, 8 UEFA Women’s EURO Frankfurt at the Olympiastadion in Munich. The victories and triumphs in 8 of the 13 UEFA competition’s biggest crowds before that, dating women’s club finals. from the UEFA Women’s Cup era, have all been at finals in Germany: Duisburg in 2009 and Pulling out all the stops Frankfurt in 2008, 2006 and 2002 – the latter a Promotion began in January with the distri­ one-off game rather than over two legs as for all bution of 20,000 flyers in the Berlin region, and subsequent Women’s Cup finals. in March a campaign aimed at younger fans The Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Sportpark’s more began on social media, with a trip to the final up limited capacity means that those records will for grabs. Even before the ticketing launch, the not be broken this year, but appetite for the UEFA Women’s Champions League trophy was fixture is high at the first stadium where anyone on display at the ITB Berlin tourism trade fair, and threw a javelin over 100 metres (Uwe Hohn on once tickets went on sale they were promoted 20 July 1984). Tickets went on sale on 14 March at big sports events throughout the German and in less than a fortnight more than a third of capital, including Hertha BSC Berlin’s home them had gone, with no way of even knowing matches. yet whether a German team will make it. Throughout the city, it would be difficult to miss the promotional videos playing in the public A new challenge transport network, not to mention thousands There was another ticket sales challenge, as – more flyers and adverts in magazines and for the first time since the UEFA Women’s newspapers. Final ambassador Steffi Jones is Champions League final was introduced in embarking on a programme of school visits, and 2009/10, in the same city as the men’s decider on 29 April the UEFA Women’s Champions – the match is not being played the same week League trophy will be handed to the city of Berlin as the men’s showpiece. With that match on together with the men’s cup – a key moment in 6 June, the day the FIFA Women’s World Cup the promotion of the annual fixtures. As 14 May The Friedrich-Ludwig- Jahn-Sportpark, venue kicks off in Canada, the women’s final is being approaches, Berlin’s cinema-goers will also see for the Women’s played on 14 May, i.e. outside the week when special promotional videos. Champions League the eyes of global football will be firmly on Berlin. Those outside Berlin will not miss out on final on 14 May the build-up either, not least thanks to UEFA’s own social media channels – keep an eye on @UWCL and the official UEFA Women’s Champions League Facebook page (more than three million likes) for all the #UWCLfinal news. And, of course, the game can be watched in Europe (and beyond) on Eurosport, who have screened live matches throughout the competition, as of the early stages. In the meantime, we must see what happens in the semi-finals in April to find out which two teams will compete for the trophy in Berlin. Whoever goes head to head on the day, a repeat of last year’s seven-goal thriller in Lisbon would be a fine reward for ticket Sportsfile holders and TV viewers alike! l

12 | UEFA •direct | 04.15 Social responsibility

UEFA DONATION TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS

Ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between Real Madrid CF and FC Schalke 04 in March, Toni Kroos and Cristiano Ronaldo presented a UEFA donation of €100,000 to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The funding is for the ICRC’s physical rehabilitation­ programme in Afghanistan, which uses football as a means of recovery for victims of landmines. Both players were selected by fans for UEFA.com users’ Team of the Year. “For football players who are in the public eye and are role models, it’s important to be active in that domain,” said German international Kroos, with reference to social res­ ponsibility projects. “We’re doing very well and there are many people for whom things are not going so well, so when you have the opportunity to help them, you should. Football can play an important role because it is such an important topic around the world. It is the number one sport with the biggest platform and we have the chance to do some positive things.”

Making a difference Video footage on UEFA.org high­ lights the tangible results of the rehabilitation work carried out in Kabul as a result of the funding and a via Getty Images UEFA partnership that has been fruitful Left to right: Yves since the late 1990s. The funding helps the “Nowadays, making a prosthetic for a kid is Daccord, Toni Kroos, programme to provide artificial limbs, physio­ difficult, because it uses very complicated Cristiano Ronaldo and therapy and vocational­ training and uses football material – it must be durable. But also, because Peter Gilliéron to offer the possibility of a brighter future to a child grows up very fast, you have to change many. “It’s very natural: sport is very good for their prosthetics and you have to follow up with everyone,” said Masoud Hamidi, one of the them throughout their life. This donation is athletes benefitting from the ICRC initiative. “And crucial because it allows us not only to give it makes us stronger. For me, the main thing was physical support but to go a step further in to become an example for other people with integrating people into society. One thing I’m disabilities and to give them the feeling that they proud of today is that if you look at the seven are not weak.” ICRC centres in Afghanistan, 90–95% of people “Everyone loves something in their lives,” working there are former patients. That’s fan­ 20-year-old Nangyali added. “My love is football. tastic and that was made possible because UEFA It saves me from being depressed and sad. When helped us in the long term.” I play football, I feel like a normal player.” The UEFA President, Michel Platini, praised the efforts to make a difference through football. A fruitful partnership “I would like to pay tribute to the work of the The cheque was delivered to the players ICRC in Afghanistan, which has been working by UEFA Executive Committee member Peter relentlessly on the reintegration of landmine Gilliéron, who is also the chairman of the UEFA victims, among them many children and women,” Fair Play and Social Responsibility Committee. It said Mr Platini. “The UEFA-ICRC partnership has was collected from the players by the director been running for more than 15 years now, and general of the ICRC, Yves Daccord. “The money we want this to develop, showing that football [we get from UEFA] is spent on building and contributes to society beyond the boundaries of repairing prosthetics,” explained Mr Daccord. the pitch and will continue to do so.” l

UEFA •direct | 04.15 | 13 14 youthtournamentthe first since2002to feature 16teams. roundThe final ofthis season’sEuropean Under-17 Championshipwillbeahistoric event– BULGARIA WELCOMES TH European Under-17Championship Tournament ambassador Dimitar Penev, withthe Committee, JimBoyce, |UEFA chairman oftheYouth at thedrawon2April and AmateurFootball • direct |04.15 on theBlackSeacoast–anotherfirst. stay inthesameplace,SunsetResort respectively. Moreover, all16teamswill Burgas, Sozopol,StaraZagoraandSliven Stadion HadzhiDimitarinthecitiesof Arena Sozopol,StadionBeroe and included UEFA officials,starsofBulgarianfootball nament wasmadeon2AprilattheSunsetResort in Pomorie.Theguestlistfortheceremony junior men’s tournament. taken partinthefinalround ofUEFA’s most since 1991thatBulgaria’s nationalteamhave prestigious UEFA event.Thisisalsothefirsttime until nowforanotheropportunitytohostsucha both 1969and1974–butwehavehadtowait again –beingcrowned European championsin Georgi SokolovandPetarVelichkov. stars suchasDimitarYakimov, NikolaKotkov, Krastev, and thesquadalsocontainedfuture winning goalwasscored byAnton win theirfirsteverEuropean title.The European Under-18 Championshipto beat Italy1-0inthefinalof in 1959.On6April1959,Bulgaria magnitude, andthefirstwaswayback ofthis Bulgaria hashostedatournament guests. and atotalof200officialsofficial matches Between 6and22May, 33tournament The long-anticipateddrawforthefinaltour Bulgaria wentontowinthetournament This isonlythesecondtimethat willbeplayed,involving288players being the venuesinquestion used onlyfour stadiums, has final tournament that aEuropean 16-team It willalsobethefirsttime Stadion Lazur,

BFU TARS OFTHEFUTURE

BFU ­

Russia, group willalsobeplayedon6,9and12May. Slovenia, BelgiumandGermany. Matchesinthis Austria on12MayatArena Sozopol. at StadionLazur, followedbyagameagainst Zagora. TheywillthenplaySpainon9May 2013), theNetherlands(2011and 2012),Germany England (2010and2014), Russia (2006and of theEuropean Under-17 Championship– ­petitive, withthewinners of thelastnine editions between thelosingquarter-finalists. all qualify, as willthewinnersoftwoplay-offs ber to8November. Thefoursemi-finalistswill Cup, whichwilltakeplaceinChilefrom 17Octo­ Netherlands, ItalyandtheRepublicofIreland. the defendingchampions,England,willface sented inBulgaria. (2009) andSpain(2007 2008)–allrepre­ on European teams that qualify for the U-17 World broadcast liveonEurosport. Lazur inBurgas.Tournament matcheswillbe the finalwilltakeplaceon22MayatStadion The semi-finalswillbeplayedon19May, and 15 MayinBurgasand16StaraZagora. to thequarter-finals, whichwilltakeplaceon Matches inGroups CandDwilltake place Group BconsistsoftheCzechRepublic, promisesThe tournament tobehighlycom­ The toptwoineachgroup willgothrough willalsodeterminethesix The tournament 7, 10and13May. Group CcontainsGreece, Austria, Belgium,Croatia, theCzechRepublic, automatically ashosts).Those15teams (withBulgariaqualifying final tournament England, France,Germany, Greece, peted forthe15availableplacesin ScotlandandFrance,whileinGroup D match againstCroatia on6May the Netherlands,RepublicofIreland, will kickoffwitha thetournament tee, JimBoyce,were alsoinattendance. Russia, Scotland,SloveniaandSpain. Group A.AlexanderDimitrov’s team such asDimitarPenev, PavelPanovand Kralev, andthechairman Youth andAmateurFootballCommit­ minister for Bulgarian coachofthe20thcentury. A totalof52nationalteamscom­ by DimitarPenev, themostsuccessful Emil Union, Borislav Mihaylov, the Bulgarian Dimitar president oftheBulgarianFootball nickname ‘Hero’ inBulgaria).The As hosts,Bulgariawere placedin The fourgroups offourwere drawn Kostadinov, and coaches such as Dimitrov l sport and youth, Krassen (whoboaststhe oftheUEFA Pavel Kolev

inStara

Italy, are - -

Youth development

NEW ELITE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

A new UEFA programme designed to help Europe’s national associations foster talented young footballers is moving into top gear and already beginning to have an impact and achieve its objectives.

The UEFA Elite Youth Player Development Programme aims to help nurture talented young players, especially in Europe’s medium-sized and smaller national associations. Three countries – Armenia, Georgia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia – have been chosen for the pilot programme, and youth teams from all three travelled to Cyprus at the beginning of March to take part in a youth development tournament that provided an excellent opportunity to measure their progress. U14 and U15 players are the target group and the objective is to implement a technical and educational programme within each participating association, based on the premise that proper

football education, schooling and rules of conduct Cyprus FA are all extremely important elements in a young player’s development. The young players The associations are being helped to develop For a good number of the youngsters, the welcomed the effective national academy systems that foster Cyprus tournament was a new experience, with opportunity to go close relationships between the association, many never having even visited another country head to head in Cyprus schools and clubs, thus creating a top-quality before. “Most of these young players are travel­ environment for talented players and a clear link ling abroad for the first time, so the opportunity between football training and school education. to play football at the highest level and have The youngsters are also being taught life skills high-level training with highly qualified coaches and given education in positive values such as is a great experience for them,” noted Giorgi fair play and respect, in addition to high-quality Khachidze, academy manager at the Georgia technical, tactical and fitness training – the latter Football Federation (GFF). in key areas such as nutrition. One of those youth players, Sandro Davituliani, During the tournament, UEFA’s head of voiced those same sentiments, having already football development, Jean-François Domergue, seen up close the transformation in his native was able to see at first hand how the project – Georgia. “It’s been fantastic – a great experience,” which began as an idea by the UEFA President, he said. “I have seen a very big difference. I myself Michel Platini – is developing apace. Mr Domergue have seen players improving and new talents has spent time at each of the three academies, joining this team.” Davituliani is one of dozens of living with the young players and observing their U14 and U15 players involved in the scheme. daily lives and development. “I can say that there “The progress is already obvious,” added Artur has been big progress as far as the players are Azaryan, coordinator of youth development concerned, especially in their education and projects at U14 and U15 level at the Football behaviour during training sessions,” he says. Federation of Armenia (HFF). “We gathered those players in August and already now, we can see Great experience the difference in their quality. They are happy to Mr Domergue visited 15 associations before be at this academy and, of course, they are deciding on the trio for the pilot phase. The happy to be in Cyprus, because it’s their first programme got under way in August and following international experience.” the progress that was evident in Cyprus, plans Filip Popovski, general secretary of the Foot­ are now in the pipeline to expand the project. ball Association of the Former Yugoslav Republic “The next step is to continue as we are, as we of Macedonia (FFM), is encouraged by the young have two more visits between now and the end players’ response. “They are dedicated to the of the season,” he said. “We will also try to take programme, as well as to the education that on other national associations in this project – they are receiving at the association,” he said. this is something that we want to do, because “This programme means a lot to us, because we many associations want to benefit from this are recruiting young talents from all around the development programme. In the next few years country, bringing them together and preparing we could perhaps have around 20 national them as potential additions to our [senior] associations involved in this project.” national team.” l

UEFA •direct | 04.15 | 15 Miscellaneous member associations

Draw for the final Austria www.oefb.at round of the UEFA Regions’ Cup National youth teams on a roll advantage. Having just missed out with the Under-21s and the Under-19s, I am even more On 30 March, the draw was made The Austrian Football Association’s national delighted that the Under-17s have made it.” in Dublin for the final round of the youth teams are celebrating one success after The final round will begin on 6 May, with 2014/15 UEFA Regions’ Cup, with the another at the moment. Andreas Heraf’s Austria’s Under-17s taking on the seven other Under-20 side recently qualified for the U-20 group winners and the top seven runners-up eight qualifying­ teams being divided World Cup in New Zealand in June, and now from the elite round, as well as the hosts, into two groups of four. The hosts, Manfred Zsak’s team have followed suit by Bulgaria. The tournament will also act as the the Eastern Region of the Republic of topping their elite round group in the European European qualifying competition for the U-17 Ireland, will take on Ankara (Turkey), Under-17 Championship – ahead of hosts World Cup, which takes place in Chile this Russia, Wales and Iceland – and securing a autumn. There are six European places up for South Moravia (Czech Republic) and place in the final round of that competition. grabs. Tuzla Canton (Bosnia and Herzegovina) This is the sixth time an Austrian team has l Carmen Redl in Group A, while Group B will com­ qualified for the final prise Zagreb (Croatia), Dolnośląski round of a youth (Poland), the Eastern Region of competition since 2013, once again supporting Northern Ireland and Württem­berg the national association’s (Germany). The winners of the two decision to launch the groups will contest the final. Projekt12 youth develop- The final round kicks off on 26 June ment programme. A beaming Manfred in the Irish capital, with the final Zsak reflected on his taking place on 4 July. team’s achievements: With the holders, Veneto, not there “I am thrilled to have to defend their title, Dolnośląski will qualified for the final have the opportunity to win the round. We won our group ahead of the tournament for a second time, having favourites, Russia, already lifted the trophy in 2007. l who also had home

The U17s are on a roll ÖFB

Azerbaijan www.affa.az

Sportsfile Annual congress and emphasised both the achievements and and progress reports challenges faced by football in Azerbaijan Left to right: retired Irish footballer Ray during the period under review. The reports Houghton, UEFA Regions’ Cup ambassador The Association of Football Federations of of the chief accountant, Khalid Javadov, and James Walsh, and the chairman of the UEFA Azerbaijan (AFFA) held its annual congress on the representative of the independent auditors, Youth and Amateur Football Committee, 6 March. It opened with a video celebrating the Babak Mammadov, were also presented, Jim Boyce appointment of Baku as a host city for EURO and the chairman of the AFFA coaches 2020. The AFFA president, Rovnag Abdullayev, committee, Vagif Sadigov, gave an update then welcomed UEFA Executive Committee on his committee’s activities. Annual meeting with member Karen Espelund and the congress Karen Espelund, the guest of honour delegates, guests and media representatives. representing the UEFA Executive Committee, supporters’ groups Mr Abdullayev gave a short overview of the then took the floor and wished the congress On 16 March, representatives of events the AFFA had organised to further develop and Azerbaijani football as a whole every football in Azerbaijan over the last 12 months success in their work. In her speech, the UEFA three supporters’ groups (Football and reported good progress in this regard. Executive Committee member emphasised two Supporters Europe, Supporters Direct The AFFA’s general secretary, Elkhan things in particular: the importance of taking Europe and the Centre for Access to Mammadov, presented a more detailed report tough action to combat match-fixing and the Football in Europe) came to the House need for premier league clubs to incorporate women’s teams. of European Football for their annual The creation of a new appeal and meeting with UEFA. They talked about arbitration committee was put to the vote the progress they had made with and unanimously approved. A report was current activities and discussed future also presented to the football community and government officials on the 2005–15 projects. The issues addressed inclu­ state programme for football development, ded cooperation with supporters, club which was approved on the orders of the licensing, access to stadiums­ at UEFA president of the republic, Ilham Aliyev, on EURO 2016 and discipline, with the 10 October 2005. The report was prepared supporters’ groups suggesting various by the AFFA. After the congress, a meeting of the AFFA ways of improving matters. The executive committee was convened and the meeting was attended by the UEFA AFFA AFFA president held a press conference. President,­ Michel Platini. l Karen Espelund representing UEFA in Baku l Nubar Aghazada

16 | UEFA •direct | 04.15 Bosnia and Herzegovina www.nfsbih.ba

Futsal team qualify the European Under-17 Championship. for the play-offs Unfortunately, they only finished third in Group 7, so failed to qualify for the final tournament The latest stage of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s in Bulgaria. They lost their first match 2-0 bid to qualify for EURO 2016 in France began to Scotland, before drawing 2-2 with the F. Krvavac F. with the team’s first win. Watched by their new Czech Republic and beating Hungary 2-1. coach, Mehmed Baždarević, they won 3-0 in The Czech Republic topped the group with Bosnia and Herzegovina beat Latvia 7-3 in qualifying Andorra, remaining in touch with their rivals 7 points, followed by Scotland and Bosnia for Futsal EURO 2016 in Group B in the race for a place in the final and Herzegovina with 4 points, while the tournament. hosts finished bottom with a solitary point. penalties, neither side having managed to Meanwhile, the national Under-21 team Meanwhile, the national futsal team score in normal time. In the group stage of began to prepare for their next competition, performed brilliantly in Group 1 of the main the competition, Samira Hurem’s team lost where they will attempt to qualify for the final round of the European Futsal Championship, 1-0 to Costa Rica, before drawing 0-0 with round of the European Under-21 Championship, finishing second in the group and qualifying Wales and 3-3 with France. which will take place in 2017 in Poland. However, for the play-offs in their bid to reach Futsal The women’s Under-16 team played in under their new coach, Dragan Nestorović, EURO 2016. In the Juan Antonio Samaranch a UEFA development tournament in Zagreb. they lost 5-2 to the US Under-23 team at Olympic Hall in Sarajevo, Boro Matan’s team They lost all three of their matches – 2-0 to Stadion Tušanj in Tuzla. Their next two matches beat the Netherlands 2-1 in their first game, Serbia, 4-1 to Croatia and 3-1 to Slovenia – and – also friendlies – are against Turkey and before defeating Latvia 7-3. In the deciding finished in fourth place. The women’s Under- Montenegro, before their first qualifying match match against Russia, however, they lost 2-1. 17s, on the other hand, played two friendly against Norway on 13 June. The women’s national team recently competed matches against their Turkish counterparts­ in The national Under-17 team recently travelled in the Istria Cup in Rovinj, finishing in 11th Istanbul. They won both games, 1-0 and 3-1. to Tatabanya, in Hungary, for the elite round of place after beating Northern Ireland 5-4 on l Fuad Krvavac

Croatia www.hns-cff.hr

Campaign against 35-year-old forward, who won his 100th racism and violence international cap last November against Italy HNS

at San Siro. Olić thanked Šuker for more than / In March, the Croatian Football Federation just the award: “It was Davor Šuker who set (HNS) launched a national campaign called up my first goal for Croatia. It is a special feeling #mojatribina (meaning ‘my stand’) – another to play for your country 100 times, and I will important step in its ongoing battle against be available for as long as the team needs Drago Sopta racism, discrimination and violence in football me.” Olić celebrated that award with a goal stadiums. The HNS is working in cooperation Davor Šuker with Ivica Olić and his centenary shirt in Croatia’s 5-1 win against Norway, earning with Croatia’s top-flight clubs, whose players a standing ovation from the capacity crowd. and coaches appear in nine different videos and in football stadiums. In the next phase That brilliant victory capped a fantastic talking about fans’ behaviour. By promoting of the campaign, national team players, fans, month for Croatian football, in which the positive values and condemning all forms of referees and other football stakeholders will country’s Under-17 and futsal teams qualified hooliganism, the HNS wants to send strong all get involved. for the final rounds of their respective European and clear messages that will educate fans and Before the recent EURO 2016 qualifying championships, while Davor Šuker was elected improve the atmosphere at football matches. match against Norway, the tireless Ivica Olić was to the UEFA Executive Committee – the first Those 30-second clips have been shown, presented with a special award in recognition of time that a Croat has been a member of UEFA’s among other places, on national television his 100 international caps. The president of the executive body. channels, on news websites, on social networks HNS, Davor Šuker, presented the award to the l Tomislav Pacak

England www.thefa.com

For the Love of the Game respond to the issue with a range of methods, Women’s from guidance for stewards to the continued football is The FA has produced a short film entitled encouraging of reporting. Kick It Out has an going from For the Love of the Game, as it continues to app – and The FA has a range of short films strength to strength in inform and inspire girls to get into football. which guide both players and fans through the The FA England England women’s international Jess Clarke joined process – for swift and effective reporting of all Deb Owen from the Manchester County FA, forms of discrimination.” Wembley this season, which was a big success. referee Rebecca Welsh, coach Annie Zaidi and Rabbatts also contributed to a special BBC We all follow women’s football. I think we are on Sunderland AFC chief executive Margaret Byrne programme on the subject. The piece looked the front foot but let’s not kid ourselves: The FA in highlighting the breadth of opportunities­ at what The FA is doing to increase female didn’t come from the best of positions, it started available to women wanting to make a contri-­ representation and champion role models in all from a long way back and women’s football as bution to the English game in a range of roles. areas of the game. a result was a long way back in this country. It is The film came as The FA joined other UEFA FA chairman Greg Dyke was also asked about now making great progress.” member associations in marking International his view on growth in the women’s game, and That progress has been underlined by the first Women’s Day. Another initiative saw the launch specifically whether football has done enough to England women’s match at the new Wembley of a campaign calling for more reporting of tackle the issue of sexism in sport. “You have got Stadium last November, the establishment of sexist abuse in the game by the Women in to remember where The FA came from,” he said. a two-tier Women’s Super League in the country Football network. Heather Rabbatts, chair of “It banned women’s football for many years. In and the announcement of the first FA Women’s The FA’s Inclusion Advisory Board, said: “Dealing recent years, it has been on the front foot. It has Cup final to be played at Wembley. The with sexism in football is something which needs been incredibly active, very proactive. We played showpiece match falls on 1 August this year. to be tackled by all in the game. We need to the first women’s football match at the new l Danny Lynch

UEFA •direct | 04.15 | 17 Member associations

Faroe Islands www.football.fo

Leadership in football A good leader is able to make everyone in The course was very much focused on what his team feel like part of the group, at the same is generally known as ‘leadership DNA’, in this The Faroe Islands Football Association (FSF) time as feeling noticed and appreciated as an case applied to football. Around 45 leaders recently held a course for leaders from various individual. Generally speaking a good leader from various clubs in the Faroe Islands took part clubs around the islands. The purpose of the is able to make everyone feel at home in the in the course. course was to point out and discuss some basic group or team, and this is particularly important l Terji Nielsen things that leaders and coaches in football need if you want to have success in sport. to be aware of. The course was held at the FSF headquarters. It was run by two Swedish instructors, Greece www.epo.gr Calle Barling and Mikael Fahlen, both of whom have Talented young players good theoretical gather in Ioannina backgrounds and practical experience. In April, Greece’s most talented young Both have coached players travelled from all over the country to national youth teams participate in the final round of the national in Sweden and team pre-selection championship in Ioannina. together they have Hundreds of ambitious young players – the very written a book on the best of the many thousands who play football subject of leadership. in Greece – take part in this major annual The book is called tourna­ment, which stems from the strategic Lederskapsande – om development plan established by the Hellenic mennesker, som spelar Football Federation (EPO) for its national teams. fotboll (Leadership This was the third year in a row that the H. E. Danielsen spirit – for people who tournament had been organised in this The participants and instructors at the national stadium in Torshavn play football). particular way. The tournament is made up of three rounds, and the basic objective is to identify the best players in the local football unions’ teams, with all matches in all rounds Finland being watched closely by the head coaches www.palloliitto.fi of Greece’s national youth teams (Under-15s, Under-17s, Under-19s and Under-21s). First training camp for future UEFA competitions at senior level, First, the youth teams of the country’s for Under-20 futsal team Martić was also looking for talented young 53 local football unions are divided into players who could go straight into the senior 11 groups. After the first round of matches, The Football Association of Finland recently side, which almost qualified for the play-offs the EPO’s 11 regional coaches select the best established a national Under-20 futsal team and when it competed in the main round of the players from each local football union and the team’s first training camp was held in Oulu European Futsal Championship in Poland in create regional teams based on geographical from 16 to 18 April. March. criteria. After the second round, the head The training camp was led by the head Most of the players who were selected coaches of the national youth teams, assisted coach of the men’s national futsal team, for that training camp played in the domestic by the 11 regional coaches, take the best players Mićo Martić. While the establishment of an Under-20 futsal league this season. from those regional teams and create eight new Under-20 team should help Finland to prepare l Sami Terävä teams representing four geographical zones. Those teams then contest the final round of the tournament. The strategic development plan for Greece’s Gibraltar national teams seeks to give structure to the www.gibraltarfa.com training of young Greek players, establish a single philosophy spanning all of Greece’s Winter workshop 1. Application of Laws of the Game national teams and help players to learn the for referee observers 2. Control of the match fundamentals of life in the national team at the 3. Positioning, fitness and work rate very beginning of their careers – i.e. as soon as On Wednesday 18 February the refereeing 4. Alertness and awareness, including they are selected for the national Under-15 team. department of the Gibraltar Football Association management of stoppages The EPO has placed significant emphasis (GFA) held a winter referee observers course. 5. Communication on the grass roots in recent years, and it is The aim of this day-long course was twofold: to 6. Team work already reaping the benefits, with the national give further training to current referee observers, 7. Advantage rule Under-17 and Under-19 teams qualifying for and to encourage other experienced referees to For the past two seasons, match officials the final rounds of their respective UEFA join the referee observer scheme. GFA referee have been observed in all premier league championships in most years. observers are highly trained, attending frequent matches. A system is also in place to ensure l EPO press office courses and seminars in order to continuously the periodic monitoring of referees at lower improve standards. levels. This has greatly enhanced the support Such training focuses on maintaining given to our referees and their development. knowledge and awareness of issues, including The GFA’s director of refereeing, Adrian updates on the Laws of the Game and the Bacarisa, highlights the importance of the role referee observer scheme. Observers are that referee observers play: “Referee observers encouraged to develop their skills and offered play an important and integral role in developing practical help and guidance. One key objective the modern-day referee. They are the guardians is to establish a more uniform and consistent of standards and provide a quality service that

approach to the observing of referees. contributes to referee promotion, development EPO At matches, all referees are assessed fairly and retention. Primarily, the role of the referee and objectively by referee observers on the basis observer is to help referees to improve and Ioannina hosted the final round of the country’s third of the following core competencies: become better referees.” l Steven Gonzalez annual youth development championship

18 | UEFA •direct | 04.15 Israel www.football.org.il

Women’s Under-19s finish third in Sochi The Israeli women’s Under-19 team recently finished third in the prestigious Kuban Spring tournament in Sochi, Russia. This was the second time that the team had taken part in the The U19s are tournament, and it was their best performance rightfully proud to date. The team’s development is particularly of their third important at the moment, given that Israel will place finish be hosting the final round of the European Women’s Under-19 Championship this summer. Last month, the tournament director, Sharon Zeevi, announced the fourth stadium that IFA would be used in the summer. Matches will be played in the cities of Ramla, Rishon LeZion, the Israel Football Association is expecting a into the stadiums and generate lots of interest Lod and Netanya. Given the team’s success in great tournament both on and off the pitch. in women’s football. Sochi and the high standard of preparations, The organisers’ main goal is now to get fans l Michal Grundland

Italy www.figc.it

Tutors for national At a number of training camps and compe­- “This is a really important project for us. youth teams ti­tions lasting over a week, the FIGC will provide Education is vital for these young players’ tutors to help players with their liberal arts and futures because they need to understand the Good performances both on and off the science studies. The tutors will also accompany society they live in. This is the beginning of just field of play: this was the main aim of the new squads to international tournaments. The one initiative through which we, the FIGC, aim agreement between the Italian Football agreement covers all men’s and women’s national to make a difference,” said the FIGC’s president, Federation (FIGC) and Foro Italico University in youth teams, from Under-15s to Under-19s. The Carlo Tavecchio. Rome. This initiative seeks to foster and tutors began working with the players at the end “I am proud and honoured to be part of establish synergies between the school of March, when the elite rounds of the European this project,” said the university’s dean, Fabio education system and the sporting education Under-17 and Under-19 Championships were Pigozzi. “I thank the FIGC for this initiative, of players who are called up for national youth held in Germany (21 to 26 March) and Austria which will help to offer important educational teams. (26 to 31 March) respectively. support to the country’s top young players.” The FIGC’s chief executive, Michele Uva, stressed the importance of the scheme for the national youth teams: “Education is really important, and it’s only fair that all national youth teams are given the same opportunities, not just from a sporting perspective, but also in a broader sense within the organisation. We have a legacy to protect, and this investment of around €100,000 is our commitment to future generations.” The FIGC and “As a family man, it fills me with pride to tell Foro Italico families that we will take care of their children’s University in education, too,” added Giorgio Bottaro, the Rome as they newly appointed national youth team coordinator. embark on The Under-19 team’s captain, Lorenzo Pellegrini, a new initiative praised the tutors: “They are really well prepared and they connected well with us. We are really happy about this new scheme, because many of us have to sit our exams this year, and the FIGC tutors are a big help.” l Diego Antenozio

Latvia www.lff.lv

Start of the 2015 season which urges clubs and players to respect the principles of fair play and refrain from any Latvia’s 2015 football season kicked off in offensive or racist behaviour. We want Latvian mid-March. Eight teams have been admitted to football to be full of respect, sportsmanship, play in this season’s Virslīga, Latvia’s top flight progressive thinking, responsibility and honesty. – down two from last year. Those eight teams We want Latvian football to be a joy to watch. will play each other four times, with the league By the end of April, all of Latvia’s outdoor running until the beginning of November. The football tournaments and leagues will have Latvian Football Federation and the organisers kicked off and the Latvian Football Federation’s of the Virslīga believe that this format is ideally annual congress will have taken place. We are

suited to the current situation. looking forward to a colourful season full of LFF The new season is notable for the introduction intrigue and excitement! of a campaign entitled Tīra spēle! (Clean game!), l Toms Ārmanis Launching the campaign Tīra spēle! (Clean game!)

UEFA •direct | 04.15 | 19 Member associations

Liechtenstein www.lfv.li

Hugo Quaderer fascinated me since I was a boy,” grassroots football. The last two elected president he said, on becoming the 16th members of the executive president of the LFV. He explained committee, Rudolf Marxer and On 30 March, Hugo Quaderer was unanimously that he was very much looking Thomas Risch, have two years of elected president of the Liechtenstein Football forward to the challenge of leading their terms remaining. Association (LFV) at its annual congress. He the LFV, as he had seen that the The LFV’s new president did succeeds Matthias Voigt, who stepped down association was “moving in the right not have much time to settle in. after three years in office. direction, with a lot being achieved The very next day, he was on the The new president of the LFV is 50 years old in the area of youth football”. front line as Liechtenstein defeated and was a member of Liechtenstein’s government Meanwhile, Klaus Schmidle, San Marino 1-0 in a friendly. LFV from 2005 to 2013, where his responsibilities Marco Ender and Edy Kindle, other “I am of course delighted that my included running the sports ministry. He is members of the LFV’s executive Hugo Quaderer time in office has begun with a now the chief executive of a Liechtenstein committee, were unanimously win,” he said. “This is a positive media company and a member of its board of re-elected. Klaus Schmidle remains the LFV’s sign and will motivate me even more to do directors. Mr Quaderer has been involved in treasurer, but Marco Ender and Edy Kindle have my very best for Liechtenstein football.” football since he was a young child. “Football swapped roles, with the former becoming is one of my great passions. This sport has vice-president and the latter taking charge of l Anton Banzer

Lithuania www.lff.lt

Conference only by representatives of the Lithuanian evidence relating to match-fixing and players on integrity matters police, but also by police officers from Latvia risked wrecking their entire careers if they were and Estonia, as well as representatives of caught. The Lithuanian Football Federation (LFF) Europol and Sportradar. This very high-profile The LFF – which cooperated very closely with recently organised the country’s first ever conference highlighted the fact that match- Sportradar and UEFA even before this season – conference on integrity matters, in partnership fixing is a problem in football, but that it has obtained and carefully reviewed information with UEFA. The conference was attended not regularly affects other sports as well. about several footballers who have violated its “The fact that the idea of organising integrity rules. Before the season began, the this conference came from the LFF LFF’s integrity division organised many meetings and UEFA does not mean that this and discussions with clubs, players, coaches problem only exists here in football. and referees to inform them that evidence This ‘cancer’ affects all sports. of improper conduct was being recorded. Moreover, sports federations cannot With Sportradar’s advanced high-technology solve this problem on their own. programme allowing the monitoring of various We need to adopt and enforce state different aspects, they were advised not to give regulations and legislation in our in to temptation. country.” said Edvinas Eimontas, the Meanwhile, the LFF’s executive committee LFF’s general secretary. has decided not to approve new club owners UEFA’s integrity officer, Urs Kluser, or part-owners without proper checks and who had visited Lithuania in the past, confirmation from the LFF’s licensing committee. reported that match-fixing was now This decision was taken in order to prevent occurring more frequently in football. people with questionable reputations from LFF However, he explained that an owning clubs – small or large. The conference organised by the Lithuanian FA, in partnership extremely advanced system had been with UEFA developed that collected specific l Vaiva Zizaite

Malta www.mfa.com.mt

New pilot programme member clubs, with the aim of eventually interview. The MFA’s technical centre – part for female coaches obtaining their CYF qualifications and applying of its grassroots department – expressed great for the national C licence course. Candidates satisfaction at the very positive outcome. The Malta Football Association (MFA) has applying for a place on the pilot programme The MFA’s technical staff will use a specially recently decided to increase its number of were subjected to a review process and an designed system to maintain contact with these female coaches, following several FIFA and new coaches in the coming UEFA surveys in the past couple of years that years. This will keep the have pointed to a lack of women in this sector coaches up to date and help in many countries. The MFA has been to ensure continuity in their encouraging its member clubs to employ female services. The new coaches’ coaches, and the response has been very motivation, strong work encouraging. However, there is still much more ethic and commitment to to be done to involve women in coaching. developing themselves are To this end, the MFA has offered scholarships guarantees of a brighter to a group of prospective female coaches as future for women’s football part of a new pilot programme. This programme in Malta. includes highly popular Coaching Young Foot­- l Alex Vella ballers (CYF) courses, followed by a national C licence course. The prospective coaches have committed Aquilina The participants in the inaugural D. themselves to two years of coaching girls at Coaching Young Footballers course

20 | UEFA •direct | 04.15 Moldova www.fmf.md

13th ordinary congress Afanasenco, the vice-president of the Moldovan Piotr Cristioglo, Ion Comendant, Mihai Arsenii, Olympic Committee, Nicolae Piatac, the mayor Tudor Robu, Vladimir Crasilevschi and Grigore On 27 February, the Football Association of of Ciorescu, Ivan Scripnic, and two former Corzun in recognition of the major contribution Moldova (FMF) held its 13th ordinary congress presidents of the FMF, Grigore Cuşnir and that each had made to the development of at the FMF Futsal Arena in Ciorescu. The annual Constantin Tampiza. Moldovan football. congress is the FMF’s supreme governing body, In his opening address to the congress, l FMF press office with delegates from the FMF’s members the FMF’s president, Pavel Cebanu, cited the discussing and voting on various issues relating association’s various achievements over the last to Moldovan football. year, which give him confidence for the future. The meeting began with a minute’s silence “First of all, I want to thank you for your hard work in support of Moldovan football,” he said. Republic of Ireland in memory of all the figures from the world www.fai.ie of football who had passed away since the last “I am delighted that, for the first time in the FMF congress on 13 April 2014. history of Moldovan football, an FMF congress The congress was attended by Mircea Sandu, is taking place in a sports complex built by the Partnership with top Irish bank a member of the UEFA Executive Committee, FMF itself. Now we can better understand – on behalf of UEFA. It was also attended by the and even see – how the decisions of the FMF The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and Moldovan minister for youth and sport, Serghei congress become a reality.” As well as talking Bank of Ireland have announced a four-year about positive developments, sponsorship agreement, which will run until the the FMF president also end of 2018. This sees Bank of Ireland become stressed his determination the FAI’s official financial services partner and to combat negative elements the sponsor of its post-primary schools cup which persisted. competitions. The bank will also support the FAI A number of changes to and the national team during the EURO 2016 the FMF’s statutes (the legal and 2018 World Cup qualifying campaigns and foundations underpinning final tournaments. Moldovan football), the FMF The sponsorship of the schools cup compe- president and executive titions will help to develop the game at all committee’s report on 2014, levels, as the bank will support both boys’ and various financial matters and girls’ football in post-primary schools (including the consolidated around the country. Bank of Ireland will deliver annual accounts for 2014) 80 coaching sessions for schools and will were also discussed and provide coaching equipment to all the schools approved by the delegates that participate. Support will also be provided at the meeting. to school coaches, as the bank will host elite The FMF’s Order of coaching conferences each year. Over the FMF Honour was awarded to four years, 2,000 students from secondary The Futsal Arena in Ciorescu hosted the Moldovan FA’s 13th ordinary congress Anatol Stupa, Ivan Dragni, schools across the four provinces will be invited to watch the Irish team train, and attend international home fixtures. Northern Ireland www.irishfa.com

Spotlight on young volunteers The IFA’s president, Jim Shaw, said: “There are many opportunities for volunteering in As part of its delivery of the Sport in the sport, and the GoldMark Programme has Community programme supported by the helped promote some of these opportunities department of social development, the Irish to young people and encouraged them to get Football Association (IFA) recently teamed up involved in their local sports club. It has also with Ulster GAA and the Ulster branch of the shown clubs the benefits of giving young Irish Rugby Football Union to organise a joint people a meaningful role.” volunteer recognition event for young people. The IFA’s volunteer development and policy At the joint awards ceremony, the three sports officer, Stephen Garrett, praised the impact organisations shone the spotlight on young of the GoldMark Programme and stressed the FAI sports volunteers. The event formally recognised importance of recognising volunteers: “The Martin O’Neill, John Delaney and John Keegan all young people between the ages of 14 and GoldMark Programme is an excellent tool for at the launch of the partnership between the Irish FA 24 who had completed 50 or 100 hours of both recruiting and recognising volunteers. and the Bank of Ireland volunteering at their local sports club as part of Clubs can promote the fact that they are the GoldMark Programme. engaged within the programme, thereby John Keegan, director of distribution channels attracting and retaining the at Bank of Ireland, said: “We are very pleased volunteering services of young to become both the official financial services people. Furthermore, the certifi- partner to the FAI and the sponsor of the cates for 50, 100 and 200 hours post-primary schools cup competitions. We of volunteering are something already support schools with strong sporting which recognises the achievements cultures in a variety of ways, and this new of the young people and can sponsorship is further confirmation of our help to motivate them, as well strong belief in the positive role that sport plays as aiding their personal and in the lives of students and young people across professional development.” the country.” l Sueann Harrison The FAI’s chief executive, John Delaney, said: “We are very happy to have Bank of Ireland as our official financial services partner, and we are very excited about their involvement in Young volunteers receiving the post-primary schools cup competitions.” IFA recognition for their hard work l Stephen Finn

UEFA •direct | 04.15 | 21 Member associations

Romania www.frf.ro

Promoting tolerance non-Roma children under the title Football in the Rhythm of Change. and inclusion FRF At the beginning of the event, representatives On 21 March, about 50 children and young of the three organisations spoke about their Promoting tolerance and fighting discrimination football fans from poor and marginalised commitment to fighting discrimination and communities in Bucharest celebrated the stressed the importance of acceptance, inclusion a former top-division player, who appeared in a International Day for the Elimination of Racial and understanding on the pitch, in the stands UEFA Cup semi-final with FC Steaua Bucureşti). Discrimination at Romania’s national training and across society as a whole. Everybody left with happy memories of a fun centre in Mogosoaia in the company of a During the three football matches, the day and a better understanding of people from number of current and former professionals. children showed real star quality, demonstrating different social environments and ethnic The event was organised by the Romanian both talent and commitment. Some were very backgrounds. Football Federation (FRF), in cooperation with skilful indeed, and their performance was The FRF and its partner, the Policy Center for both the Policy Center for Roma and Minorities admired not only by their team-mates, but also Roma and Minorities, will continue to promote and the National Council for Combating by Aurel Ţicleanu (the FRF’s scouting manager, tolerance and fight discrimination – not only Discrimination. The programme for the event who spent years playing for the national team) by organising such events, but also by running included a small football tournament, as well and Victoraş Iacob (the head of the FRF’s public campaigns raising awareness of this as African percussion performed by Roma and corporate social responsibility department and issue. l Paul Zaharia

Scotland www.scottishfa.co.uk

Scotland Under-17s for the group stage was made on 2 April and in the final round there is an added incentive to succeed, with the tournament also acting as the qualifying Scotland’s national youth coach, Scot competition for the U-17 World Cup being

Gemmill, says the last-minute drama that sent FA held in Chile later in the year. Gemmill added: Scotland Under-17s to the European Under-17 “Their development will continue, regardless Championship finals in Bulgaria in May “couldn’t of how well they do at the finals. I felt that have been more dramatic”. Scottish about the elite round too. They are going home Despite losing 1-0 to the Czech Republic in Scotland’s U17s, ready for Bulgaria in May better players – both on and off the pitch.” their final elite round match, Scotland still l David Childs qualified for the 16-team tournament as one to goal difference or even disciplinary records – of the seven best runners-up. that’s how close it was.” Scotland have qualified for the Under-17 “Suddenly word came through that Bosnia- Ukraine finals twice before – in 2008 and in 2014 – and Herzegovina had scored. Our players started to www.ffu.org.ua this is the first time they have achieved back-to- celebrate a little bit but reservedly, as they knew back appearances following last year’s excellent the game hadn’t finished and even when it did, run to the semi-finals of the competition. Gemmill we still weren’t 100% sure. We were trying Andriy Pavelko elected said: “It couldn’t have been more dramatic. very hard to get it confirmed by UEFA and they president We sent a member of staff to the other game responded within around 20 minutes to confirm who was in direct contact with someone at our we had qualified. You could tell they were On 6 March the Football match. Our match had just finished and the last absolutely delighted and they deserve all the Federation of Ukraine (FFU) I heard it was 1-1 in the game with three minutes credit for what they have achieved.” held its 17th ordinary congress, to go. At that point we thought it was going to Now Gemmill’s attention turns to the where Andriy Pavelko was go right to the wire and could have gone down preparing for the final tournament. The draw elected as the new FFU president. Kubanov

He replaced Anatoliy Konkov, P. who had led the organisation Andriy Pavelko since September 2012. Switzerland Three candidates – Mr Pavelko (head of the www.football.ch Dnipropetrovsk regional football association), Yaroslav Hrysyo (head of the Lviv regional football New arena being built looking forward to seeing their new home. This association) and Yaroslav Kolomoyskyi (chairman in Bienne training centre for girls between the ages of of FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk) – addressed the 12 and 16 was established in 2004/05, with 137 delegates at the FFU congress before a The Swiss Football Association has moved places given to ten girls in each year group. secret ballot was held to determine the winner. its Credit Suisse Football Academy for girls At the new arena, the girls will have everything Mr Pavelko received 122 votes, Mr Kolomoyskyi from Huttwil to Bienne, where a new multi­ under one roof – training pitches, changing 8 votes and Mr Hrysyo 7 votes. functional sports arena is being built, rooms, a lounge area, offices and catering Vadym Kostyuchenko and Oleksandr Bandurko and pledged that the majority of the national facilities. l Pierre Benoit were elected as first vice-presidents of the FFU, Under-21 team’s home games will be played with Serhiy Kunitsyn, Vasyl Orletskyi, Oleg there. The ice hockey club EHC Bienne, who Shkreba, Victor Mezheyko, Mykhailo Lanyo, play in National League A, will also play their Igor Kochetov and Volodymyr Lashkul named home games at the arena, and the Swiss vice-presidents. Curling Association has pledged to move its “Today marks the start of a new chapter in training centre there. Ukrainian football. After this congress we can This new multifunctional arena – the first clearly say that Ukrainian football finally follows Swiss venue ever to cater for football, ice hockey, the principles of democracy. Ukrainian football ice skating and curling – will open this autumn. needs reforms, but for this it is essential for It will be a 5,200-seater football stadium, a people to have confidence in the football 7,000-seater ice hockey stadium and a 10-rink authorities. At this difficult time for the country, curling arena. we all need to unite for the future of our SFV The girls at the Swiss Football Association’s football,” the newly elected president said. Credit Suisse Football Academy are particularly The new stadium will accommodate 5,200 spectators l Yuri Maznychenko

22 | UEFA •direct | 04.15 Birthdays, calendar, notices birthdays Campbell Ogilvie (Scotland, 1 May) Rune Pedersen (Norway, 19 May) Peter Mikkelsen (Denmark, 1 May) Greg Dyke (England, 20 May) notices Vasko Dojcinovski (FYR Macedonia, Michał Listkiewicz (Poland, 20 May) 1 May) Serge Muhmenthaler (Switzerland, l Vladimir Geninson has replaced Ladislav Gadosi (Slovakia, 3 May) 20 May) Maksym Bondarev as general secretary of the Football Federation Vladimir Medved (Slovakia, 3 May) Platon Bozatzidis (Greece, 20 May) of Ukraine. Haim Jakov (Israel, 3 May) Sandra Renon (France, 20 May) Volodymyr Chorno-Ivanov (Ukraine, Ewa Gajewska (Poland, 21 May) 60th 3 May) Nicolai Cebotari (Moldova, 21 May) OBITUARY Peter Gilliéron (Switzerland, 5 May) Paulo Lourenço (Portugal, 21 May) l Faruk Basturk (Turkey), UEFA Christian Welander (Sweden, 5 May) Costas Kapitanis (Cyprus, 21 May) Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector since Costakis Koutsokoumnis (Cyprus, 5 May) Theo van Seggelen (Netherlands, January 2013, died on 22 March Kenneth Ridden (England, 6 May) 80th 22 May) following illness. He was 37 years Gudmundur Petursson (Iceland, 6 May) Karl Dhont (Belgium, 22 May) old and head of legal services at the Karl-Erik Nilsson (Sweden, 6 May) Christian Hockenjos (Germany, 23 May) Turkish Football Federation. Liam McGroarty (Republic of Ireland, Patrick Bonner (Republic of Ireland, l Leszek Rylski (Poland), a member 6 May) 24 May) of the circle of former UEFA Claus Thomsen (Denmark, 7 May) 50th Ainar Leppänen (Estonia, 24 May) committee members, passed away Tiago Craveiro (Portugal, 7 May) 40th Semen Andreev (Russia, 25 May) on 1 April at the age of 95. He was Pekka Luhtanen (Finland, 8 May) Suheil Daood (Israel, 25 May) a member of the UEFA Executive Michel Pralong (Switzerland, 8 May) 70th Hans Cooman (Belgium, 25 May) Committee in the organisation’s Marc Dobbeleir (Belgium, 8 May) Steven Martens (Belgium, 25 May) very early years, from 1956 to 1964 Miroslav Tulinger (Czech Republic, 8 May) Ivančica Sudac (Croatia, 25 May) 50th and then again from 1966 to 1968. Stuart Turner (England, 9 May) Evgeni Giner (Russia, 26 May) He was also a member of the Iouri Baskakov (Russia, 10 May) Robert Jeurissen (Belgium, 27 May) Committee on the International Armen Melikbekyan (Armenia, 10 May) Zdeněk Sivek (Czech Republic, 28 May) European Cup (1956–58), the organising committee for the Jean-Marie Gantenbein (Luxembourg, Jim Stjerne Hansen (Denmark, 28 May) European Champion Clubs Cup 11 May) Jean-Pierre Escalettes (France, 29 May) (1958–68), the UEFA Finance Ernst-Peter Radziwill (Germany, 11 May) 80th Committee (1966–72), the UEFA Timo Huttunen (Finland, 11 May) Jacques Antenen (Switzerland, 29 May) Youth Committee (1982–84) and Maxim Betsko (Ukraine, 11 May) Jozef Kliment (Slovakia, 29 May) the UEFA Board of Appeal (1984–88). Henrik Ravnild (Denmark, 13 May) István Huszár (Hungary, 31 May) In 2009, he was awarded the UEFA Mattia Piffaretti (Switzerland, 13 May) Arnaldo Cunha (Portugal, 31 May) Order of Merit in Ruby. Odile Lanceau (France, 14 May) Mad Øland (Denmark, 31 May) 50th Carlos Manuel Ferreira Matos (Portugal, 14 May) Maria Luisa Villa Gutierrez (Spain, 14 May) Forthcoming events Hans-Jörg Eissmann (Germany, 15 May) 80th Piotr Maranda (Poland, 15 May) Meetings 12/13 May 2015 Hakan Nyberg (Sweden, 15 May) UEFA Champions League: semi-finals 28/29 May 2015, Zurich Nikolay Levnikov (Russia, 15 May) (return legs) FIFA Congress Evzen Amler (Czech Republic, 15 May) 14 May 2015 Luis Cuervas Del Real (Spain, 15 May) UEFA Europa League: semi-finals 40th Competitions (return legs) Egon Franck (Germany, 16 May) Denys Lutiuk (Ukraine, 16 May) 5/6 May 2015 14 May 2015, Berlin Svein Johannessen (Norway, 17 May) UEFA Champions League: semi-finals UEFA Women’s Champions League: final 70th (first legs) Lars Appelqvist (Sweden, 18 May) 27 May 2015, Warsaw 6–22 May 2015, Bulgaria Tamara Chichinadze (Georgia, 18 May) UEFA Europa League: final UEFA European Under-17 Andreas Morisbak (Norway, 19 May) Championship: final tournament Jozef Marko (Slovakia, 19 May) 30 May–20 June 2015, New Zealand FIFA U-20 World Cup Gaetano De Gabriele (Malta, 19 May) 7 May 2015 Milovan Đjukanović (Montenegro, UEFA Europa League: semi-finals 19 May) (first legs)

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