UEFAdirect-84•E 16.3.20099:11Page1 No 5884 – FévrierApril 2009 2007 Including 4.09 for football outlines hisvision UEFA president League final UEFA Champions for the card system Innovative in Warsaw Racism conference Unite Against for football outlines hisvision UEFA president League final UEFA Champions for the card system Innovative in Warsaw Racism conference Unite Against 08 07 03 08 07 03 UEFAdirect-84•E 16.3.2009 9:11 Page 2

Message Photos: UEFA-pjwoods.ch of the president Extra pairs of eyes Everyone agrees on the need to help referees. With football getting ever faster and the players ever fitter, it sometimes seems the men in black face a mission impossible. For some players it has become almost second nature to use hands and arms to pull their opponent’s shirt, push them or hold them back, to the point where the culprits seem genuinely surprised when they are penalised and simulation has become an everyday part of the game. But while there is consensus on the need to assist the referees, opinions differ on how: for many video evidence is the solution, as it is considered perfectly suited to our modern world and used successfully in other sports. For others – and it is no secret that I am one of them – video refereeing would only spoil football, as it means the game would have to be stopped, however briefly (or not), to review the scene, ideally in slow-motion and if necessary comparing the footage with that of another camera because, as everyone knows, a different angle can invite a different interpretation. Of course, the human eye is not foolproof either. But thanks to the radio system in place, additional pairs of eyes on the penalty area can be of valuable IN THIS ISSUE assistance to the main referee. Not only can they change the behaviour of players, Unite Against Racism who, knowing there are extra eyes on them, are less likely to use underhand tactics, conference in Warsaw 03 but more importantly – as the first trials with five referees have indicated – they strengthen the referee team in number, confidence and affinity. The International An innovative idea FA Board, which welcomed the positive results of last year’s tests, has now given us for the UEFA Champions the go-ahead to extend the trials to the professional game. League final in Rome 07 The best teams are often the ones which demonstrate the greatest The UEFA president cohesion, with players who complement one another and have a rapport. By addresses strengthening the position of the main referee, by allowing the assistant referees the European Parliament 08 to concentrate more on offsides and by offering an opportunity, for example, to referees who have reached the normal retirement age to continue their careers UEFA Futsal Cup in a new position and, in doing so, contribute the wealth of their experience final round heads to help the main referee, we would be creating the ideal conditions for the referee to Ekaterinburg 12 team to also be one of the best. News from member associations 15

COVER Michel Platini Bayern Munich (Zé Roberto, UEFA President in white) caused a stir in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 by chalking up 12 goals in their two matches against Sporting Portugal. Photo: Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images

02 uefadirect 4.09 UEFAdirect-84•E 16.3.2009 9:11 Page 3 A two-day conference in Poland UniteUnite AgainstAgainst RacismRacism UEFA-pjwoods.ch

IT’S INTERESTING TO WONDER HOW MANY OF THE 280 PARTICIPANTS ciation, reiterated “the global commit-

ASKED THEMSELVES THE SAME SORT OF QUESTIONS AS THEY TRAVELLED ment to no tolerance of intolerance” and referred to the Polish programme aimed TO WARSAW FOR UEFA’S THIRD UNITE AGAINST RACISM CONFERENCE, at achieving a football “free from racism HELD FROM 3 TO 4 MARCH. WOULD IT BE A FURROWED-BROW EVENT WHERE and hate”. Adam Giersz, secretary of

A SMILE MIGHT SEEM OUT OF PLACE? AND, AS A CONFERENCE IS, state in Poland’s ministry of sport, elabo- rated on plans currently being put in BY DEFINITION, DISCUSSION-BASED, WOULD ANY TANGIBLE RESULTS EMERGE? place. It is generally acknowledged that racist attitudes cannot be eliminated Answers were quickly provided the face of the conference. The need for overnight but most anti-racism projects – and positive ones at that. Admittedly, a balance between negative and positive are medium-term. the opening afternoon featured a visit to was highlighted by various speakers, the Jewish Historical Institute where among them Emine Bozkurt, a member Wide participation it was difficult to raise a smile. “It’s a of the European Parliament, who talked The event was organised by reminder,” reflected William Gaillard, of the importance of counterbalancing UEFA, the professional players’ union adviser to the UEFA president, Michel severe penalties with positive measures FIFPro and the Football Against Racism Platini, as he opened the conference, such as anti-racist clauses in players’ con- in Europe network FARE, who were rep- “that meetings such as this one are, tracts and incentives for good behaviour. resented on stage by William Gaillard, unfortunately, still very useful.” But, from The Polish national association Theo van Seggelen and Piara Powar that moment until the final curtain the hosted the event with efficiency, warmth respectively. The weave was further emphasis was on looking forward rather and enthusiasm. Former star striker enriched by 70 envoys from NGOs, than back, and a smile was reinstated on Grzegorz Lato, who now heads the asso- leagues, clubs and political spheres to

03 UEFAdirect-84•E 16.3.2009 9:11 Page 4

Piara Powar, Visit to representing the Jewish the FARE Historical network. Institute.

create a magnificent opportunity for general secretary, David Taylor, who The platform for doing so diverse flows of information and experi- signalled the magical atmosphere at was provided by five workshops during ence to be pooled. EURO 2008 and the success of the which fundamental topics were For example, representatives from Respect programme as symptoms of addressed and debated. How can foot- organisations which are not football- progress. “But we maintain the mes- ball best be used in the fight against oriented were unaware of measures sage of zero tolerance for racism in our discrimination? What do we need to already put in place by UEFA. One of the football stadiums,” he added. “UEFA understand about fans if we are to proposals to emerge from the workshop President Michel Platini wrote to all strengthen them as a positive force sessions was that income from disciplinary match delegates at the beginning of against racism? How can minorities – sanctions be re-invested in anti-racism proj- this season urging them to recognise such as the Roma and Sinti ethnic ects – and, of course, UEFA has, for many the gravity of any racist incidents and groups – best be integrated into foot- years, been dedicating these monies to so- make sure that they are properly ball and into society? How can football cial responsibility programmes. reported. At UEFA we try to be vigilant break down barriers between commu- But, asked whether the broad spec- and on our guard, and we’re ready to nities? How can institutional discrimi- trum of the participants could be counter- take action where incidents occur. nation be addressed? Where is the productive, Piara Powar had no doubts. But sanctions are not the long-term dividing line between healthy national “Not so. In Warsaw, people were eager to answer. That lies in better education, identification and xenophobia or sec- share what they were doing – and there awareness and cultural change. tarianism? was a competitive edge which should defi- This requires time and effort and nitely not be discouraged. Let’s face it, the our social partnerships with FARE Lilian Thuram’s convictions ‘real’ work in this area happens at national and FIFPro are very important The reactions to these and or regional level, so we have to make sure to make changes occur. We need many other crucial questions were pre- there’s dialogue between the NGOs and the their expert advice and national sented during a session on the final national associations – which is where UEFA networks to help us spread the mes- afternoon when among the listeners is performing very well.” sage. We need the active involvement was Lilian Thuram. The 142-time of players and former players to French international and spearhead Symptoms of progress make the whole campaign credible of the anti-racism foundation which UEFA’s role in the battle against and this conference is an opportu- bears his name flew into Warsaw for racism and campaigns aimed at increasing nity to challenge conventional issues barely a few hours to take a place respect for diversity was reviewed by the and thinking.” on the podium, to deliver strong mes- sages about the way racism should be tackled and to answer questions from a riveted audience. He opened by expressing con- cern about the possibility of the current financial crisis promoting a resurgence of racist attitudes. But his core con- cerns go far beyond the vagaries of stock markets. “To combat racism, we must understand it,” he commented. “We have to look at history, dismantle prejudices and then reconstruct. If you watch kids playing football, you’ll immediately see that they enjoy the game without any thoughts of religion or colour. We have to be careful not to make the mistake of talking only about racism in football because Lilian Thuram delivered a strong message. I firmly believe that there is less racism

04 uefadirect 4.09 UEFAdirect-84•E 16.3.2009 9:11 Page 5

Theo van One of the Seggelen, workshops. the FIFPro general secretary.

in football and at football clubs than hear absurd stories like the coach who “A lot of it is purely psycho- there is in society. But I think that decided to change his training sched- logical,” he adds, “or in the imagina- there has been reluctance to see some ules because he’d been told black peo- tion. And I believe that people are things as they really are. You might ple get up later.” ready for change, if we can remove get a club president who shrugs his apprehension and add comprehen- shoulders and says that you can’t con- The way of information sion. For a start, we must encourage trol supporters. That’s not good. It’s up and education people to speak up. Not doing so is to each of us to ask ‘what can I do Lilian Thuram is convinced that also a deep-rooted instinct that we to change things?’ EURO was a good information and education provide the have to change. I remember that the illustration that football is a great most valid way forward. “We need to first person to tell me to keep quiet instrument to inform and guide, to supply historical information to fans was my mother!” transmit important messages.” throughout Europe so that they can “We also have to be careful The Fondation Lilian Thuram is trace the origins of racism. For exam- how much we talk about ‘minorities’. conducting in-depth scientific, histori- ple, the first time that black people I don’t accept that I’m one of a cal and sociological research on the appear in most European history books ‘minority’. Do I have to accept what roots of racism with a view to pinpoint- is during the times of slavery. These the ‘majority’ want because of the ing the origins and working on precon- are the prejudices that we have to dis- colour of my skin or my beliefs? Quite ceived ideas. “Some racist concepts are mantle, to deconstruct. It can be done. often the French Football Federation not especially offensive but they irritate Think back to the 1950s in the United asks me to visit schools or other in- me,” he admitted. “I get fed up with States when Rosa Parks wasn’t able to stitutions and one of the messages black people being associated with take a seat on a bus. The fact that I deliver very strongly to kids who physical strength or being associated Barack Obama is now the country’s regard themselves as ‘social victims’ is only with sport and singing. You even president clearly changes concepts.” the importance of not nourishing

In different ways, all the sectors represented at the conference stressed their desire to eradicate racism. Photos: UEFA-pjwoods.ch

05 UEFAdirect-84•E 16.3.2009 9:11 Page 6

David Taylor, Emine the UEFA Bozkurt, general representing secretary. the European Parliament, with Willi Lemke, UN special adviser. Photos: UEFA-pjwoods.ch

long-standing prejudices by prolonging A platform for further progress stereotypes. I recognise that, because As first vice-president of UEFA, Senes Erzik took the stage in Warsaw of my record as a player, I can say things to deliver one of the keynote speeches as the plenary sessions got under way. that others can’t – or rather, people are As he was attending his first Unite Against Racism conference as chairman of readier to listen.” UEFA’s Fair Play and Social Responsibility Committee he had a special interest This was one of the common in the success of the event. denominators of the conference, from “I have to say,” he said after the conference had been closed, “that I start to finish. FIFPro screened Show was really, really impressed. Soon after we opened the conference, we asked Racism the Red Card featuring a num- the participants to stand up and talk about their expectations for the event. ber of top players, with Theo van Normally, there’s a timid response. But not in Warsaw. Not only at that point but right throughout the confer- Seggelen reporting that, in one way or ence, everybody was more than another, around one third of the FIFPro ready to make their voices heard membership is using role-model status and to propose solutions to prob- to deliver anti-racism messages. And lems and ways to move forward. the last word in Warsaw belonged to Frankly, I was delighted. Willi Lemke, a man who became a “The main purpose we had familiar figure in European football dur- traced out before the conference ing 18 years at Werder Bremen and is was to review progress since the now a UN special adviser for sports and previous events in London and Barcelona and to find ways of es- development. He agreed with Lilian tablishing and implementing good Thuram (who jokingly described himself practice right across the continent. as “an apprentice politician”) that politi- This objective was most definitely cal initiatives had a major role to play achieved. in the fight against discrimination but, “We were especially keen for the participants to evaluate the efforts in a passionate speech which had little and involvement of UEFA and I was pleased to receive so many positive com- to do with the text he’d previously pre- ments about progress so far, especially in the last two years. The activities im- pared, was adamant that “if you think plemented at EURO 2008 represented a climax to that period and I think we politicians can tell kids what to do successfully used the platform to convey a lot of different messages under the and what not do, you’re totally wrong. Respect banner. It also showed that we don’t just expect others to get on They can help with legislation and with the job but are more than prepared to get our hands on the work our- guidelines but the kids won’t listen to selves. It was important for us to receive the World Fair Play Award in Istan- bul because it demonstrated that UEFA’s work was being positively evaluated them. The people they will listen to are by outside bodies. It gives us confidence that we are on the right track. Lilian Thuram and the other top players “Warsaw then showed us that we have excellent partners in our who have become idols. They are the battle against racism, xenophobia and all forms of discrimination. It strength- ones who can exploit football to deliver ened my belief that football is a powerful force for integration and tolerance the really important social messages.” in a Europe caught by a mood of pessimism. We have a saying in Turkey that “The agenda in Warsaw a tree can be bent when it is young – and I am convinced that education is a showed that Europe is moving for- key factor for future progress. ward,” commented Piara Powar. “There “In my personal opinion – and this is something we will be debating were detailed and invaluable discussions within UEFA – I feel another positive step for the future would be to encour- about good practice, whereas before age participation by the supporters. One of the clear messages delivered in there were none. New agendas are Warsaw was that, in terms of racist attitudes, we’re not talking about players, emerging, emphasising that UEFA, coaches or referees but rather the public inside and outside the stadium. FARE, FIFPro and all the other stake- So maybe we need to broaden our horizons and to establish more direct rela- tionships with supporters’ organisations – as we did recently by inviting them holders need to come together to face to visit UEFA in Nyon – and to help to create pan-European groupings and to up to challenges in fan culture and promote social projects. I think that the enthusiasm and dynamism that was other areas and to make sure that transmitted during the conference in Warsaw gives us all an excellent platform they are tackled – and tackled in the for further progress in such a vital area of life in European societies.” right way.”

06 uefadirect 4.09 UEFAdirect-84•E 16.3.2009 9:11 Page 7

In 1984, Liverpool won Demetrio Albertini, the Champion Clubs’ pictured with Cup in Rome, Marios N. Lefkaritis, defeating AS Roma. presents the card Michael Robinson that will be more and Bruce Grobbelaar than just a ticket hold the trophy aloft. to see the match. The Stadio Olimpico in Rome. FIGC Empics Sport/PA Photos Empics Sport/PA Photos UEFA Champions League final in Rome An innovative project

ROME, 16 FEBRUARY 2009: 100 DAYS UNTIL THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL, SCHEDULED TO BE PLAYED AT THE OLYMPIC STADIUM ON 27 MAY.

At the press conference held to the public services and museums, this 2 March via a special page on the to unveil the ticket reservation system, initiative has been fully implemented. official UEFA website. The public had another important milestone was The card is meant to be a way until midday on 16 March to apply announced: at the historic headquarters of thwarting forgeries, accelerating entry and then had to cross their fingers in of the ATAC (Rome's public transport into the stadium and providing greater the hope of receiving a positive company), the supporters' ticket security thanks to the checks that will response by the end of the month. reservation procedure was out- be carried out on all holders before If demand exceeds supply, a draw lined and an innovative initiative the cards are distributed. will take place. Individuals can only of the Italian Football Federation Marios N. Lefkaritis said he apply for two tickets each. Marios (FIGC), known as the card was optimistic about working with N. Lefkaritis also explained that each project, was launched. the organising committee and sure finalist will receive 20,000 tickets and UEFA was represented at the that the final would be a success. that the remaining 17,000 will be press conference by one of its vice-presi- The press conference concluded reserved for the European football dents, Marios N. Lefkaritis, and by the with the symbolic presentation of a giant family, including the organising director of its Competitions Division, ticket, which the UEFA vice-president committee, national associations and Giorgio Marchetti; the FIGC was repre- handed to Demetrio Albertini and final commercial partners. The ticket prices sented by vice-president Demetrio ambassador Bruno Conti, a member are identical to those for last year's Albertini, the Italian Olympic Committee of the 1982 World Cup winning team. final in Moscow, another gesture (CONI) by Emilio Di Toro and the Rome in favour of the supporters who will municipal authority by Pietro di Paolo. Distribution of 67,000 seats descend on the Eternal City to enjoy a Actual ticket sales (10,000 are true football spectacle. Card replaces ticket available to the general public) began on Barbara Moschini The traditional paper ticket will be replaced by a card for the first time in UEFA Champions League history. Although a card was used for the 2004 final in Gelsenkirchen, it did not offer any additional services. Thanks to the cooperation of the Rome munici- pal authority and CONI, this new card will entitle the holder not only to enter the stadium, but also to use public trans- port free of charge from 26 to 28 May and to visit the Capitoline museums and the Ara Pacis. As the FIGC vice-president pointed out, with the agreement of UEFA, which adopted the project and supported it financially, CONI, the services which made the access system compati- ble with the card, and the Rome munici-

pal authority, which has granted access FIGC

Demetrio Albertini, Bruno Conti 07 and Marios N. Lefkaritis present a symbolic giant ticket. UEFAdirect-84•E 16.3.2009 9:11 Page 8

The UEFA president addresses the European Parliament. Lode Saidane

UEFA president and shared by the members of the European Parliament, as demonstrated by their resolutions News from on the future of professional football in Europe (cf. uefadirect No. 59) and on the White Paper on Sport (cf. uefadirect No. 75). On this occa- sion, Michel Platini was therefore able Brussels to speak in a forthright manner about A groundbreaking speech his determination to combat “the false notion [that] unfortunately still at the European Parliament exists in certain circles [according to which] competition law [is] the funda- mental law of Europe. Let me be clear, AT THE INVITATION OF THE POLITICAL GROUPS OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, unequivocal and perhaps even a little UEFA PRESIDENT MICHEL PLATINI OUTLINED HIS VISION FOR FOOTBALL brutal: [the football family] refuse[s] IN BRUSSELS ON 18 FEBRUARY. IT WAS A GROUNDBREAKING SPEECH categorically to be held in a straitjacket THAT COVERED TOPICS INCLUDING THE SPECIFICITY OF SPORT, THE PROTECTION or tied to prefabricated models that are based on the false equation OF YOUNG PLAYERS, EXCESSES WITHIN THE GAME AND THE RESULTING that professional sport = a purely NEED FOR REGULATION. HERE ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS. economic activity.” The economic crisis, from Never before had the UEFA of people who play organised football… which nobody is safe, gives a little president addressed the European Parlia- It is vital that the values represented more strength to the UEFA president's ment, the only institution that embodies by elite football are in unison with the argument and heightens the need the democratic legitimacy of the Euro- social and educational objectives of grass- for better regulation of football pean Union (EU). It was a major first, roots football.” He praised the European in Europe. “For the past 15 or 20 therefore, and a wonderful opportunity Parliament's contribution in this respect years, we have grown tired of hearing to defend the values represented by because it had “been firmly committed to that there is no need to regulate, that European football, some of which are, safeguarding these essential values of the market regulates itself perfectly, unfortunately, under greater threat European football.” that excesses and imbalances will than ever. disappear of their own accord, and Michel Platini began by consid- Specificity of sport that the growth of income in football ering the social aspect of football. Recognition of the specificity of is an endless upward spiral. We now “Elite football represents less than 1% sport is another principle defended by the know that none of this is true: that in football as in the economy in general, the market is incapable of correcting its own excesses, and it was not the UEFA president who said so, it was Barack Obama!”

Financial transparency Nobody was in any doubt that Michel Platini had the United States in mind when he talked about the idea of a “European salary cap” as a way of giving football “greater financial transparency and better gov- ernance. We are currently looking at the idea of limiting, to a certain degree, a club's expenditure on staff – salary and transfer fees combined – to an as yet undecided percentage of its direct and indirect sporting rev- enue. (…) We are only at the begin- Lode Saidane 08 uefadirect 4.09 UEFAdirect-84•E 16.3.2009 9:11 Page 9

Clubs which Michel Platini make an with Hans-Gert effort to Pöttering, train youth president players of the European should be Parliament. encouraged. Lode Saidane Vogelzang/PA Photos Vogelzang/PA

ning of this discussion, but it will argued, in conformity with the con- tional – transfer of players under continue in the form of dialogue with clusions of the French presidency of 18 should be prohibited, fully in accor- the clubs about the future of our the European Union, which were pub- dance with the FIFA statutes. (…) licensing system and any changes will lished in December (cf. uefadirect We have already begun talking to the be made on a consensual basis and No. 82), in favour of a two-part European Commission about this issue with a view to strengthening this sys- project “that fully prepares the young and I hope that, with your support tem.” Michel Platini explained that person for a career in sport but which (that of the members of the European “We will not impose any kind of dik- does not neglect the general educa- Parliament), we will be able to assert tat” on anyone, but that UEFA “should tion that will enable them to succeed football's point of view and the be able to decide independently under in further education if their sporting need to protect the interests of our what conditions clubs may participate career does not work out as well as young people.” in the competitions that it organises.” they had hoped.” Before leaving the podium, He therefore urged political decision- Michel Platini sent out a message of makers to ensure that “inappropriate Support for training clubs hope to the Euro-MPs. “The European legislation [does not stop us] from Providing sports training and, Parliament is the largest democratically establishing financial fair play (…) and at the same time, offering young elected institution on our continent; from putting in place mechanisms athletes a suitable educational pro- UEFA organises and gives structure to that foster the integrity of our compe- gramme nevertheless represents a something Europeans are extremely titions and more transparency in the huge financial commitment for a passionate about. Together we can management of our affairs.” It is training club because of the necessary restore confidence in the positive values the morality of football that is at stake. investment in staff and infrastructures. that Europe has to offer. (…) If we It is therefore vital to ensure that want to prevent football from losing its Protection of children training clubs are protected. “If such a soul and being eaten away from within, The need to protect children, club loses its best players at a very we need to take the initiative and radi- particularly young footballers, was also young age, it will find it extremely cally change certain types of behaviour emphasised by the UEFA president. difficult to continue making a serious and, in particular, certain rules.” How “Most youngsters who are brought to commitment to this kind of work.” can this be achieved? “I will do all I can, Europe from third-world countries do The UEFA president has but I urge you to do the rest”, said the not become Ronaldinhos or Eto’os. “thought about this problem a great UEFA president. A message that was Often enticed by a shady agent, they deal and [is] now convinced that received loud and clear by an audience stagnate for a few years in a semi-pro- the international – and only interna- that had been completely won over… fessional club in eastern or southern Europe, usually ending up with no qualifications, no future in sport and no identity papers. (…) And when you pay a child or their parents to travel overseas, when you uproot them from their home environment, when you make them emotionally disorientated, I call that child trafficking (…). It is a “sort of procuring for the purposes of sport” that must be stamped out. Child trafficking is not the only threat that needs to be curbed. Helping youngsters who fail to make it as professional footballers to find another career should also be given priority. “Experience shows that the failure rate is much higher when a young player's school education is disrupted by an untimely move abroad and, after being uprooted in such a way, very few have flourished

in a sporting and psychological sense.” Getty Images For this reason, the UEFA president Unlike Eto’o, very few young immigrants actually succeed in living out their dream.

09 UEFAdirect-84•E 16.3.2009 9:11 Page 10

Philippe Albert Hoffenheim 1899 playing for were not averse Newcastle United. to doing some cycling to prepare for the new season. Getty Images Footballers and

EVEN THOUGH FOOTBALL IS BECOMING MORE AND MORE DEMANDING,

Empics Sport/PA Photos SOME PLAYERS, EVEN AT PROFESSIONAL LEVEL, ALSO PLAY OTHER SPORTS.

Footballers love playing card a footballer's career is short,” explains At Newcastle, just like other clubs, games, snooker and billiards, which help Philippe Albert, who discovered golf everyone played golf, and the foreign- them pass the time when they are trav- while playing for Newcastle United. ers were more or less obliged to join elling or relaxing and which also repre- The former international is superb at in. We used to organise golf days sent a form of team building. They also tennis, a sport that he has played assidu- as a team. We would meet on the tend to have a good eye for a ball and ously since hanging up his boots. course at 10 a.m. and spend the day often excel at tennis and golf. These two “Before, I only played in the holidays walking around in the fresh air. sports are undoubtedly the most popular because the English season is so intense It relaxed our muscles and our minds. among footballers, although they some- that I had to save my energy during the We had tremendous fun and it was times play other, more surprising sports… season. I anticipate a lot in tennis and it's great for team spirit. Once I had fin- as long as their schedule permits. actually easy for us footballers to learn ished at the driving range, where how to play ball games. I discovered golf I spent a certain amount of time learn- Taking no risks in England. It's an institution over there! ing how to strike the ball, I joined Those who play a variety of The English play it from a very young my team-mates. We would finish the sports clearly have neither the time nor age. Even the youth teams play golf on day by having a drink together. It was the energy to indulge in another physical their days off. They have excellent handi- an unforgettable time.” activity during the season. “It would caps. Kevin Keegan is a brilliant golfer, There are two types of golf be stupid to take unnecessary risks, since almost as good as the professionals. club in England: private and public, which are run more democratically. “Football players go to the course nearest to where they live, regardless of whether it is public or private.” Georges Grün, a former Bel- gian international who now commen- tates for private channel RTL, is a keen angler. “It has always helped me relax and recharge my batteries. I like the contact with nature and the healthy, pleasant environment. I always go fishing with friends. I often disappear for a few days to go fly-fishing. I discovered this sport in Italy. It is not a question of sitting down all day waiting for a fish to bite. I fish in the river and walk several kilometres in the water.” A type of aquajogging! Belgian international Eric Deflandre (Dender) loves playing ten- nis. “I play for two hours every Tuesday evening with some friends who want to stay fit. We have been playing Golf is a popular sport

among footballers. Getty Images doubles for the past year. It is more

10 uefadirect 4.09 UEFAdirect-84•E 16.3.2009 9:11 Page 11

Cross-country Footballers skiing are generally is a less at ease dangerous with a ball, form of whatever skiing for its size. footballers. Getty Images Keystone Laif Guenter Stnadl/laif

Eric Deflandre discovered Alpine skiing at Olympique Lyonnais: “We used to go skiing in Tignes. other sports Like cycling, skiing added variety to our physical preparation, whether tactical, a bit less serious… although after reaching the official age limit, has fitness training or muscular work. I find it hard to keep my competitive always been something of a fitness I went cross-country skiing a few instinct in check! Tennis is my favourite fanatic. As well as referee-specific train- times in Belgium with Standard and sport after football. When I was playing ing, he has always enjoyed long-distance FC Liégeois. Georges Grün is right: in the European Cup, it was obviously running, sometimes running for up to bans on particular sports vary accord- much harder to play because of the busy two hours. “I have twice run the ing to people's mentalities. Since schedule, as well as the fact that I was Jungfrau marathon at an altitude of Liège was near the Fagnes, cross- away on Tuesdays.” Eric Deflandre agrees 2,000 m, I have competed in triathlons country skiing seemed a natural thing that footballers are interested in all and I am also a mountaineer. I enjoy to do. That said, these bans are usu- ball sports: “When we are away training, combining sport, nature and adventure.” ally linked to insurance policies, which if there is a tennis or volleyball court, often prohibit the practice of sports it is always very popular. Table tennis What clubs think other than football. Since I do a lot of is the same. All of these sports require Some clubs ban their players other sports, I have taken out my own coordination similar to that required from practising so-called hazardous personal insurance.” Insurance com- to play football.” sports such as skiing, diving and motor panies have a considerable influence sports. At Anderlecht, Georges Grün on how much latitude is granted to Mountaineering was not allowed to indulge in these footballers. Not surprisingly, they tend Belgian player Filip Vandewalle sports. “Even horse-riding was banned. to reflect the mentality of the country loved to spend his holidays climbing However, skiing was permitted in Italy. concerned. Bayern Munich, for exam- mountains. His enthusiasm was such I even went skiing with the team. I just ple, do not ban any sports at all. that he even built a mountain chalet think that skiing is more deeply embed- in a forest near Bruges. Swiss interna- ded in people's mentalities over there.” Pascale Pierard tional Christophe Bonvin used to go rock climbing, before taking up mountaineer- ing at the end of his career. “I used to go with my friends on Sundays. They were much better than me. It helped me to keep my success on the football pitch in perspective.” Players are not the only ones who enjoy different sports. German national coach Joachim Löw is an experi- enced mountaineer, who has climbed Kilimanjaro and numerous Alpine peaks. It is a sport that enables him to escape and fits with his rigorousness. He also enjoys long-distance running and recently combined his two favourite sports when filming an advertisement for a major car manufacturer. The advert shows the German national team, led by their coach, wearing old mountaineering gear on the Zugspitze, Germany's high- est peak. Joachim Löw often compares tournaments and qualifying campaigns to mountain expeditions. Merkus Merk, Getty Images A lot of footballers enjoy playing tennis, but not many are as lucky as Real Madrid’s Raul who was forced to retire from refereeing and have the opportunity to play with the world No 1, Rafael Nadal.

11 UEFAdirect-84•E 16.3.2009 9:11 Page 12

The draw on 28 February. The Ekaterinburg sports palace. UEFA UEFA

players in the world and for the youngsters to improve their skills. Playing at home is an Futsal Cup: final extra responsibility for the players but also a chance to show our skills to a big audience.” The philosophy is understandable four in Ekaterinburg at a club with an all-Russian squad and an academy where 500 players develop their Final test futsal skills. Viz’s daunting first hurdle is a semi-final against MFK Dinamo Moskva for Russia’s Viz-kids who, having strung together six Russian league titles, five UEFA Futsal Cup semi- 2008 TURNED OUT TO BE A RED-LETTER YEAR FOR RUSSIA, WITH FC ZENIT finals and the European title in 2007, are ST. PETERSBURG ACHIEVING A UEFA CUP AND UEFA SUPER CUP DOUBLE, MOSCOW now led by Brazilian coach Sérgio Aguiar SUCCESSFULLY STAGING THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE AND UEFA FUTSAL Guimarães Filho, affectionately known by his CUP FINALS, AND THE NATIONAL TEAM WINNING PLAUDITS FOR AN IMPRESSIVE nickname Sapo (frog) because, as a young- EURO 2008. THAT WAS NOT ALL. A TEAM CALLED MFK VIZ-SINARA ster, he was thought to have big eyes. EKATERINBURG, MAKING ITS DEBUT IN THE UEFA FUTSAL CUP, BEAT SPAIN’S This season’s four domestic league meetings have yielded three wins for Viz and one FS ELPOZO MURCÍA ON PENALTIES TO TAKE THE EUROPEAN TITLE. draw and, barely three weeks before the UEFA showdown, the clubs will have met Fans in less easterly areas of the have successfully defended the title twice more, in the Russian Cup final. continent might be forgiven for needing an despite playing in front of their home atlas to find the city of 1.3 million inhabitants fans. Breaking this tradition is the chal- Interviú Madrid–Kairat Almaty on the other side of the Ural mountains, lenge for the team coached by Sergei The surprise factor can therefore be some 1,700km east of Moscow in a time Skorovich. As newly named Russian expected to carry more weight in the other zone four hours ahead of central Europe. national team coach, he can, curiously, semi-final, between Interviú Madrid and But, in April, Ekaterinburg is the venue for team up with Guus Hiddink to make Kairat Almaty though, even here, elements the final four of the UEFA Futsal Cup, where history as a tandem who combine club of the opposition have been under scrutiny, Viz will be aiming to put the city literally and and national team duties in the indoor as Spain and Kazakhstan have been paired figuratively on Europe’s footballing map. and outdoor games. in the European Futsal Championship 2010 Skorovich acknowledges the dif- qualifiers. Inter, as they are known in Spain, Russian semi-final ficulty of Viz’s title defence but focuses on are bidding to become the first to complete Since the four-team final tourna- the positives. “The important thing,” a hat-trick of UEFA Futsal Cups, having won ment was implanted in 2007, neither he insists, “is that it’s a great event which twice under Jesús Candelas. The squad, FS ElPozo Murcia nor MFK Dinamo Moskva allows the spectators to watch the top who have already won Spain’s Copa del Rey this season, now travel to Russia, led by Candelas’s former assistant Juan Luís Alonso, alias Juanlu who, at 33, is the youngest of the finalist coaches and of the same genera- tion as many of his players, Spain’s futsal player of the year, goalkeeper Luís Amado, among them. Their opponents, Kairat Almaty, currently coached by João Barbosa, are a fascinating blend of domestic and Brazilian talent and, having made an impact by reaching the 2006 semi-finals, the club from Kazakhstan is keen to consolidate its posi- tion among the European elite.

In last year’s final, The draw for the semi-finals was Viz-Sinara Ekaterinburg held in Ekaterinburg on 28 February. (in white) came up against ElPozo Murcia. The semi-finals of the UEFA Futsal Cup will be played at the 5,500-capacity sports palace in Ekaterinburg on Friday

Sportsfile 24 April, with the bronze-medal match and the final two days later.

12 uefadirect 4.09 UEFAdirect-84•E 16.3.2009 9:11 Page 13

Meeting of Friedrich the UEFA Club Stickler’s last Competitions meeting. Committee. UEFA-pjwoods.ch Sportsfile ???????????????

Club Competitions Committee – Meetings and examination of the regulations The UEFA Club Competi- other activities tions Committee met in Nyon on 23 February, for the last meet- A resolution ing presided over by Austria’s Friedrich Stickler, chairman of the to protect minors committee since 2002. The examination of the regu- AT ITS MEETING ON 9 MARCH AT UEFA HEADQUARTERS IN NYON, lations for the forthcoming UEFA club THE PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL STRATEGY COUNCIL ADOPTED competition season traditionally takes A RESOLUTION ON THE PROTECTION OF FOOTBALLERS UNDER 18. up the bulk of the committee’s first meeting of the year. This time it was With this resolution, the four fers should apply both inside and even more important than normal, as constituents of the strategy council – outside Europe. the competitions are about to enter a UEFA, the leagues, the clubs and the The council also focussed on new cycle, with changes to the access players – have taken a joint stand financial fair play in the UEFA club com- routes to the UEFA Champions League against the potentially harmful conse- petitions. It discussed reinforcing the group stage and a whole new format quences of the international transfer existing club licensing system and trying for the UEFA Europa League, which of minors (under-18s), uprooted prema- to make sure it was applied more con- takes the place of the UEFA Cup. turely from their home environments. sistently throughout Europe. It examined The UEFA Intertoto Cup has also been The resolution calls for a revision of various concrete measures, such as discontinued, and the qualifiers for Article 19(2)(b) of the FIFA Regulations the creation of a financial control body the Europa League start in June. on the Status and Transfer of Players, and stricter cost control measures. So there were lots of changes which exceptionally allows transfers The agenda for the strategy to consider and submit to the Executive of players aged 16 to 18 within the council’s first meeting of the year Committee in March for its approval. EU or EEA. The strategy council believes was rounded off by items on European The committee was also that the same ban on underage trans- social dialogue and EU matters. given information about preparations for this year’s finals and financial forecasts for the following editions. UEFA meets supporter groups in Nyon On 23 February, UEFA held a meeting with fan groups from across Europe at the House of European Football. The aim of this type of meet- Other topics discussed at the ing (the first was organised in Decem- meeting included the inaugural Euro- ber 2007) is to maintain regular dia- pean football fans’ congress held last logue between football’s supporters year, the setting up of a European sup- and leaders, an idea championed porters’ network and how fans can get by the UEFA president, Michel Platini. involved in the running of their clubs. The latest meeting focussed primarily on how supporters can contribute Four bids received to the modern-day game. for EURO 2016 For UEFA, the meeting was By the deadline of 9 March, also an opportunity to present its prior- the UEFA administration had received ities for 2009 (protection of minors, four bids to host EURO 2016. financial fair play in the UEFA club France, Italy and Turkey informed competitions and preparations for UEFA that they would submit single bids, EURO 2012) and explain how its disci- with Norway and Sweden applying to plinary bodies work, in particular host the tournament together. UEFA will In this last ever the procedure and penalties applied in now carry out a preliminary assessment UEFA Cup season,

cases linked to supporter conduct. of the different candidates. SABE AFC Ajax knocked out ACF Fiorentina in the round of 32. 13 UEFAdirect-84•E 16.3.2009 9:11 Page 14

The official inauguration ceremony for the new football academy of the AFFA. Association of Football day. I convey the regards of the FIFA and UEFA presidents. Mr Blatter and Mr Platini Federations took part in the ceremony to lay the foun- dation stone of the AFFA’s headquarters. Today we are witnesses to a greater event in the history of Azerbaijan football. I'm convinced that this football academy will of Azerbaijan play an important role in the development The football academy of football in Azerbaijan. We will also help opens its doors

THE OPENING CEREMONY FOR THE FIRST FOOTBALL ACADEMY IN AZERBAIJAN, CONSTRUCTED WITH THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF UEFA AND THE ASSOCIATION OF FOOTBALL FEDERATIONS OF AZERBAIJAN (AFFA), TOOK

PLACE AT THE END OF FEBRUARY.

The ceremony was attended by the the development of youth football in our president of the AFFA, Rovnag Abdullayev; country. We express our deep gratitude to Photos: AFFA FIFA Executive Committee member and UEFA for its support.” Senes Erzik (right) unveils the UEFA UEFA vice-president Senes Erzik; FIFA techni- commemorative plaque with Rovnag cal director Jean-Michel Benezet; Ismayil Well-equipped centre Abdullayev, president of the AFFA. Ismayilov, deputy minister for youth and The AFFA president also remarked sport; Chingiz Huseynzada, vice-president of that the facilities of the academy met all the the AFFA further because the association the national Olympic committee; members standards. Able to accommodate a team has chosen the right policy and strategy for of the AFFA Executive Committee; football of 27, the academy has 12 bedrooms, a the development of football. I congratulate veterans and other officials. conference hall fitted with modern equip- each member of the football family of Azer- In his opening speech, Rovnag ment, computer rooms equipped with com- baijan on this great day!” Abdullayev said: puters connected to high-speed internet, Ismayil Ismayilov, deputy minister “The construction of the football a doctor's consulting room, a massage for youth and sport, noted that all condi- academy is a great event in the history of room, a fitness hall, a swimming pool and tions for the development of all kinds of Azerbaijan football. The academy, con- a sauna. The fitness hall is equipped with sport, including football, had been created structed with the financial support of UEFA the latest training apparatus for the physical in the country. The construction of the and AFFA, will play a significant role in preparation of pupils of the academy and football academy was another striking members of the national teams when train- demonstration of this fact. ing at the academy. After the speeches, the AFFA In brief, the academy has every- president and UEFA vice-president Senes thing necessary for the preparation of Erzik unveiled a UEFA commemorative young footballers. plaque on the wall and cut the ribbon on “I am sure that pupils from the the new academy building. academy will represent Azerbaijan in inter- The AFFA officials and visitors national competitions with dignity and acquainted themselves with the football become worthy players of national teams academy, after which the ceremony partici- and clubs in the future,” Mr Abdullayev said. pants visited the mini-pitch with artificial turf built near the AFFA headquarters and Historical day watched youth players in training there. UEFA vice-president Senes Erzik A press conference took place at said that he was glad to be visiting Azerbai- the end of the opening ceremony.

The centre is fully equipped all round, jan again. “I was here four years ago and including the fitness hall. I’m glad to be here on such an important Elkhan Mammadov

14 uefadirect 4.09 UEFAdirect-84•E 16.3.2009 9:11 Page 15

N EWS FROM MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

The club licensing section will be very informative and interactive. It will contain Armenian, English and Russian versions of various UEFA and FFA documents, as ARMENIA well as numerous articles and interviews • GEORGI MATEVOSYAN • with local experts, the UEFA Club Licensing Unit and other national association licens- Licensing system seminar ing managers. All visitors will be able The Football Federation of Armenia to express their comments on any of the (FFA), which considers the club licensing material published. system to be an important means of devel- Finally, at its meeting on 4 March, the FFA licensing committee (first instance

oping Armenian football, takes every possi- Photo News ble opportunity to improve its system body) took decisions on national licences, further. All related activities, including UEFA on the basis of which FC Pyunik, Ararat Antoine Vanhove (left) with the Belgian national team coach, René Vandereycken. and SGS audits, are treated as a chance to FC, FC Gandzasar, FC Mika, FC Banants, discover any problems or failings within the FC Ulisses, FC Shirak and FC Kilikia will national club licensing system. This is very participate in the top division of the altruism. Everyone who knew him spoke important, since the FFA hopes to achieve Armenian championship, which com- extremely highly of him, such was his natu- ISO 9001:2000 certification by 2011. mences on 21 March. ■ ral gift for giving priority to the human A recent visit by a UEFA representative aspect in an environment where it is too was therefore taken very seriously. The final often neglected. His death will leave a huge results of the visit will be communicated by gap in the hearts of many football lovers, the FFA at a later date, but there is no who will certainly not forget him in a hurry. ■ doubt that it helped the licensor to under- stand all the intricacies of its work. BELGIUM During the visit a one-day seminar was • PIERRE CORNEZ • held in Yerevan, where club CEOs, account- ants and licensing officers, as well as the Antoine Vanhove has passed away FFA licensing department experts, obtained Antoine Vanhove, an icon of Belgian BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA a great deal of information about club football known for his expertise in licensing development in other associations, the transfer market, died on 10 February, • FUAD KRVAVAC • benchmarking, matters related to financial aged 71. criteria, etc. Antoine Vanhove was born in Bruges on Investing in young people In his opening speech, FFA General Sec- 11 September 1937. He soon became a fan for a better future retary Armen Minasyan expressed his grati- of Club Brugge KV, which he represented For several years already, NK Siroki Brijeg tude to UEFA for the assistance it had pro- a few times at youth level, but his love for has been one of the best organised clubs vided to national licensors with the launch the club came mainly from his father, who in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Always and on and implementation of the club licensing played for the “Blauw en Zwart” first team time, they fulfil all the necessary licensing system. for ten years. criteria for both domestic and international The meeting was valuable not only in Antoine Vanhove was appointed chair- competitions. For such an attitude and terms of all the information that was given, man of the technical committee of the serious management approach, the club but also because most of it was interactive. Belgian Football Association (URBSFA) on has received much credit. The participants were therefore able to 1 July 2006 and also held other posts with- Of course, great credit for the success express and share opinions on different in the URBSFA. He was a member of the of the club at a sporting level, but also aspects of the FFA club licensing system and sports committee, chairman of the first for its infrastructural development, goes to its development. Armenian clubs clearly chamber of the sports committee and an its president, Zlatan Mijo Jelic, who, like do not have the same level of financial executive committee member. his club, has also received an award, as the resources as those in more developed coun- Apart from his duties with the national most successful sports administrator. ➜ tries, but they want to be as dynamic as association, Antoine Vanhove was very their foreign colleagues. much a one-club man, enjoying some great The visit and the seminar coincided with moments with Club Brugge KV. He became the addition of a club licensing section to the club's administrator in 1973 before the FFA website, a joint project implemented serving as its general director and official by the FFA's media and licensing depart- representative between 1975 and 2003. ments. The aim is to make club licensing During that period, he enticed numerous easier for the public to understand, since great players of the future to the city even after six years of practical imple- known as the “Venice of the North”, mentation, it is a subject that many including Jan Ceulemans, Jean-Pierre Papin, members of the Armenian football family Marc Degryse, Daniel Amokachi and know little about. Mario Stanic, to mention just a few. He had chaired the sports department of The licensing seminar was a good opportunity the “Blauw en Zwart” since 2003. to share information and views. In recognition of his enormous contribu- tion to Belgian football, he received several distinctions at federal level. For example, he was awarded the federal plaque in 1989, became an emeritus member in 1994, hon- orary member in 1999 and honorary chair- man of the sports committee in 2005. In addition to his great professional qualities, Antoine Vanhove impressed F.Krvavac people with his simplicity, sympathy and Siroki Brijeg (in blue) in a warm-up match.

15 FFA UEFAdirect-84•E 16.3.2009 9:11 Page 16

N EWS FROM MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

➜ “Our aim is to have our club participating This MoU commits The FA to providing in one of the UEFA competitions every year. a further five years of assistance to CAF We are working step by step, which allows within The FA’s International Develop- us to achieve significant results in a short ment Programme, where much of the period of time. Our Pecara stadium is one of work to date has focused on the UEFA- the most beautiful in the country,” Jelic said. CAF Meridian Project partner countries One example that demonstrates the Botswana, Malawi and Lesotho. Under significance of the aims of the club’s presi- the new MoU, The FA proposes to organ- dent is the rebuilt Musa-Karacic training ise two workshops/seminars a year, in centre in Mostarsko Blato, named in countries nominated by CAF. Ideally, memory of two boys, Josip Musa and Ivo these will focus on specialised areas such Karacic, who had been members of the as stadium safety and matchday manage- club until their early deaths. This is being ment, complementing the technical assis- turned into a modern sports complex. tance already offered by FIFA develop- Three pitches are ready, with one still to be ment programmes. made. Changing rooms for the first team “We have a long-standing relationship and youth teams are finished, as is the fit- with Africa, not least through our in- FSF ness hall. The centre has already been in volvement in the decade-long commit- The premier league has had a change use for ten years. The plan is to add ment to the UEFA-CAF Meridian Project,” of name and sponsor. grandstands too in the near future. A lot said Lord Triesman. “We welcome this has been invested, but for a good cause. Vodafone’s managing director in the renewal of our formal cooperation with The club has also bought 4,000m2 to Faroe Islands, Bjarni A. Bjarnason, is CAF. I have no doubt that it will be a build more sports grounds. looking forward to being able to use mutually rewarding partnership.” “These are investments in the future, ■ the Faroese football league in the com- because our youth academy will have all UEFA’s president, Michel Platini, was pany’s marketing. the necessary conditions for continuous in London this month to visit The FA and “This agreement gives us a new development. The interest of young peo- Wembley Stadium, which was recently scene for our marketing. It is a big ple from in and around Siroki Brijeg in selected to stage the UEFA Champions benefit for Vodafone to be part of the enrolling for a football academy has League final in 2011. biggest and most exiting sport in the grown a lot, which shows that we're on After last season’s all-English final country,” he said. the right track,” Jelic added. between Manchester United and Chelsea, There are two telecom companies Siroki Brijeg is the only club in Bosnia- the Frenchman believes it is a fitting in the Faroe Islands, Vodafone and state- Herzegovina to have a centre of this kind. venue. owned Faroese Telecom (Føroya Tele). Considering all the club’s other invest- “It’s very impressive,” Platini said. Vodafone’s market share is about 25%. ■ ments, especially those that go into the “The boxes are beautiful, the pitch is very infrastructure of the Pecara stadium, nice, the dressing rooms are beautiful. it is no wonder that NK Siroki Brijeg is the Wembley gives us the opportunity to do only club in the country that takes part many things. It will be a very beautiful in UEFA competitions every year. ■ final in 2011.” ■ FRANCE • YANN PERRIN • “Blue Culture” lessons launched This season, the French Football FAROE ISLANDS Federation (FFF) decided to include a • INGI SAMUELSEN • course on “Blue Culture” in the pre- season training it organises for young Premier league becomes internationals. Vodafone league The premier league in the Faroe Islands has got a new name. After signing

The FA a three-year agreement with the local Lord Triesman and Issa Hayatou. division of Vodafone, the president of the Faroese FA, Høgni í Stórustovu, announced on 26 February that the Faroese premiership for the 2009, 2010 and 2011 seasons would go under the ENGLAND name of the Vodafonedeildin. For the last four years, the Faroese pre- • JANE BATEMAN/STUART MAWHINNEY • miership has been sponsored by a local IT company, Formula.fo, and the league was New memorandum known as the Formuladeildin. As a result of understanding with CAF of a new company marketing strategy, The chairman of The FA, Lord Triesman, Formula.fo did not want to continue to was in Lagos, Nigeria, in February as a sponsor the football league. guest of the African Football Confedera- Høgni í Stórustovu is happy about the tion (CAF) at their annual general meeting. new deal. Ahead of the meeting, Lord Triesman met “Vodafone is an exciting partner for us. the CAF president, Issa Hayatou, to sign a With their experience from other leagues, new memorandum of understanding on especially the UEFA Champions League, football development assistance in Africa. we can expect good cooperation.”

16 uefadirect 4.09 UEFAdirect-84•E 16.3.2009 9:11 Page 17

Traditionally, the primary objectives of ship, the Georgian Under-17 team has the August training sessions held at qualified for the elite round of the current Clairefontaine for all the national youth European Under-17 Championship. Aslan teams have been to launch the new sea- EORGIA Baladze and Levan Khomeriki remain his son, to carry out a broad review of the G assistants. players involved and to remind the • LASHA GODUADZE • Giorgi Devdariani, former head coach youngsters of the main tasks that lie of the Under-16 team, is the new head ahead. The most recent gathering, held Changes in the national coach of the Under-17 team. at the end of August, was no exception. youth teams The committee also made Alexander The Under-16, Under-18 and Under-19 At its meeting of 23 January, the execu- Chivadze, former captain of FC Dinamo boys, along with the Under-17 and Under- tive committee of the Georgian Football Tbilisi and of the USSR A team, hon- 19 girls were all involved. As well as par- Federation (GFF) approved the following ourable vice-president of the Georgian ticipating in group training and specific changes to the national youth teams: Football Federation. Celebrations for the workshops, they left their boots in the Kakha Tskhadadze, former captain 110th anniversary of Georgian football changing room to attend a special session of the the national A team, has been will be organised under his responsibility. in the amphitheatre of the national tech- appointed head coach of the Under-21 Last but not least, the GFF executive committee announced that Nodar nical centre in Clairefontaine. The theme? team. Zaur Svanadze, former head coach Akhalkatsi, president of the GFF, would be “Blue Culture”. The aim? To educate the of the Under-19 team, will be his assistant. standing as a candidate for election to the young French internationals about the Gela Shekiladze becomes head coach UEFA Executive Committee. ■ rights and obligations that go hand in of the Under-19 team. Under his leader- hand with representing the French na- tional team. For more than an hour, the stars of the future listened to various speakers, who had been asked to cover the main issues that affect the career of a current international player: the impor- ICELAND tance of marketing and sponsors, which • THORVALDUR INGIMUNDARSON • represent the FFF's main source of income; the role of the press, who pro- A milestone for referees vide a genuine link with the general A milestone was reached at the end of public; and the importance of image. January when the FA of Iceland signed the This final theme was addressed by a very UEFA Convention on Referee Education special guest: Lilian Thuram. In a hushed and Organisation. The Icelandic FA began auditorium, the former world champion to work with UEFA in 2007 with the goal who won 142 caps for France poured out KSI of meeting the criteria set for member The women’s national team celebrate advice and described his personal experi- associations to be part of the UEFA referee qualifying for the 2009 Women’s EURO. ences in order to raise the youngsters' convention. This work paid dividends this awareness of their obligations: to give January and an important step was taken Denmark. In April, the Netherlands are their best and to set a good example with regard to referees in Iceland. Last playing a women’s friendly in Iceland and both on and off the pitch, by embracing year, the Icelandic association had referee in July Iceland’s women’s team plays values such as generosity, humility, com- seminars especially for female referees. England and Denmark as all three prepare mitment and friendliness. The message This was a huge success and as a result for Finland. All Iceland’s opponents are was heard by everyone in the audience, Iceland now has its first female FIFA referee, among the top ten in the latest FIFA rank- who realised that selection for the Bryndis Sigurdardottir. ings, except for the Netherlands who are national team would immediately propel The UEFA Grassroots Charter is another ranked 17. ■ them into another world – the world of matter that the FA of Iceland has been the elite and all its demands. ■ focusing on. In January last year, the asso- ciation signed the charter and was awarded its first star. Now, the UEFA Executive Committee has awarded Iceland two addi- tional stars for its grassroots work. Stars ISRAEL are awarded based on the number of registered regular players and the number • NIMROD SUZIN • of female participants within the UEFA Grassroots Charter star system. The per- European Futsal Championship centage of female players is especially high mini-tournament hosted by the IFA here in Iceland, which reflects the success In February, the Israel Football Associa- of the women’s national team. tion (IFA) hosted a mini-tournament in the In August, an Icelandic national team preliminary round of the European Futsal will, for the first time, compete in the Championship with the participation of finals of a major senior football tourna- the national teams of Israel, Finland, Mon- ment when the Icelandic women’s team tenegro and Turkey. travels to Finland to rub shoulders with Finland and competition newcomers the best nations in Europe at the UEFA Montenegro, who achieved the best Women’s EURO 2009. Their preparations record of the four runners-up in the pre- have already begun and in the first week liminary round groups, have qualified in February, the coach, Sigurdur Ragnar for the next stage. The French Eyjolfsson, announced his training squad Finland finished above Montenegro on Under-16 team for the following weekend. In March, the the basis of the two teams’ head-to-head with their mentor, squad is playing in the Algarve Cup, where record, despite losing 3–2 to hosts Israel. FFF Lilian Thuram. it will compete with Norway, the USA and All six matches were held in Ramat-Gan. ➜

17 UEFAdirect-84•E 16.3.2009 9:11 Page 18

Twenty-two of them met for their first training camp of the year. They improved their refereeing and physical skills in sunny Turkey, where the training conditions were excellent. At the camp, the referees LITHUANIA worked on their physical and theoretical • VAIVA ZIZAITE • preparation, as well as refereeing some friendly pre-season games between A very popular tournament teams from different countries who were The biggest nationwide football project ■ IFA also in Turkey. in Lithuania gets under way soon. The The Israel FA has hosted another Eziogolas football tournament has a very UEFA qualifying tournament, this time in deep-rooted, big and popular tradition the European Futsal Championship. among secondary schools. The main char- acteristic of this tournament is that none ➜ This tournament adds to the many offi- of the participants are professional players, cial UEFA tournaments hosted by the IFA. LIECHTENSTEIN which means that none of them attend Last year, the association hosted a Euro- football or sports academies, nor have ANTON BANZER pean Under-17 Championship qualifying • • professional football training. Each team, round mini-tournament as well as mini- made up of players in the 10–13 age tournaments in the first qualifying round LFV celebrates 75th anniversary bracket, must include two girls, one of of the European Women's Under-19 The Liechtenstein Football Association whom must be on the pitch, with the sec- Championship and in the preliminary (LFV) is celebrating its 75th birthday in ond on the substitutes’ bench. round of the UEFA Regions' Cup. 2009. The LFV was founded in 1934 by Last year, the tournament attracted Last year the IFA also hosted an inter- representatives of the four football clubs about 6,000 participants, amounting national winter tournament involving that existed in Liechtenstein at the time. eight national teams. They were FC Vaduz, FC Balzers, FC Triesen In October of this year, it will host a mini- and FC Schaan, which had been formed tournament in the qualifying round of the two years earlier. European Under-19 Championship. ■ Today, all seven clubs in the small prin- cipality belong to the LFV. The founding clubs have been joined by USV Eschen- Mauren, FC Ruggell and FC Triesenberg. In 1974, the LFV became the 142nd member of FIFA and the 34th member of LATVIA UEFA. However, its first official international • MARTINS HARTMANIS • match did not take place until eight years later, on 9 March 1982. Liechten-

2009 LMT Virsliga – nine clubs, stein played Switzerland in a friendly LFF four rounds match, suffering a narrow 1–0 defeat. Last year, the winners of the Eziogolas tournament received their trophy from the UEFA president. This year, the top Latvian champi- The Liechtenstein Football Association is a onship, the LMT Virsliga, will be played in member of the Liechtenstein Olympic four rounds with nine clubs, as financial Sports Federation (LOSV) and a partner of problems have struck many and the the Football Association of Eastern effects are also being felt in football. Last Switzerland (OFV). year’s LMT Virsliga involved ten clubs in The Liechtenstein clubs have been playing in the Swiss league since 1933 two rounds, after which the top six con- ACEDONIA tested the medals and the clubs in because there are not enough of them to FYR M seventh to last place fought to stay in the form their own championship. • ZORAN NIKOLOVSKI • top division. However, the system did not During its jubilee year, the LFV will satisfy, as the second group lost viewer organise various sporting and social events Seminar for doctors interest and the decision was therefore in order to celebrate its anniversary with and physiotherapists taken not to divide the league any more. its friends and the Liechtenstein public in a Organised by the sports medicine and The 2009 LMT Virsliga started with fitting manner. The highlights of the anti-doping departments of the Football events programme include a jubilee inter- a great opening press conference on Federation of FYR Macedonia, the fifth national match against Portugal, a gala 10 March at the general sponsor’s, Latvian seminar for approved doctors and physio- evening serving as the official birthday Mobile Telephone, two matchdays prior therapists has taken place in Skopje, to the FIFA international dates at the end party and the inaugural presentation of the LFV awards for the best player, best attended by 60 participants. of March. The matches on the first two The first such seminar was held in 2004 domestic dates, 14/15 and 21/22 March, young player and best club coach of the as a way of protecting the health of play- were played on the indoor pitches at the year. In addition, however, the jubilee ers and stopping unofficial people from Olympic sports centre, where the Latvian year will be particularly devoted to youth sitting on the bench instead of doctors. Football Federation has its new headquar- football, with regional tournaments ters. The nine clubs taking part this year to be held for the Under-16 and Under-13 The discussion on doping controls are Ventspils, Liepajas Metalurgs, Skonto categories, as well as an international in the domestic championship highlighted (Riga), Dinaburg (Daugavpils), Jurmala Under-16 tournament. the need for education about doping City, Blazma (Rezekne), Olimps (Riga), Finally, a souvenir with lasting value will in sport. Daugava (Riga) and Tranzits (Ventspils). be produced in the form of a commemo- The seminar is an excellent opportunity The first league (second division) cham- rative publication entitled 75 Jahre – to provide information based on the pionship will start on 1 May. Two rounds 75 Köpfe – 75 Geschichten (75 years – experiences of FIFA and UEFA, which is of will be played until November. 75 people – 75 stories), in which 75 peo- great help to the clubs when handling prob- ■ In other news, Latvian referees have ple will tell their own personal stories lems connected with banned substances been preparing for the season in Turkey. relating to football in Liechtenstein. ■ and other doping-related questions.

18 uefadirect 4.09 UEFAdirect-84•E 16.3.2009 9:11 Page 19

to more than 400 teams. This year, the (former national team player), Petru Efros Lithuanian Football Federation (LFF) (former coach of FC Besiktas Chisinau) expects 7,000 participants to enrol. and Vasile Vatamanu (former press officer For the first time, all participants will of the FA of Moldova). be able to register individually online, Mihai Anghel was elected first vice- via a special website. president, with Gheorghe Cirlan, Radu The main sponsor of the tournament, Rebeja and Nicolae Sandu also becoming prepaid mobile services provider EZYS, has vice-presidents, and Nicolae Cebotari supported this big event since 2004. re-elected as general secretary. “The Lithuanian Football Federation is Clyton Pisanu Andrei Cecetov (president of FC Zimbru has received Chisinau), Serghei Chiseliov (vice-president very grateful to its faithful sponsor, EZYS. D.Aquilina his FIFA badge. It has been with us since the project was of FC Olimpia Balti), Nicolae Ziuzin (direc- in its infancy and together with it we can tor of FC Sheriff Tiraspol), Alexandru continue to grow each year. Every year Burlacu (president of the na- since 2004 we have had more and more tional futsal association) and 15 other candidates from the schools taking an interest in the Eziogolas ALTA football tournament,” said the LFF presi- M FA of Moldova, Moldovan dent, Liutauras Varanavicius. • ALEX VELLA • clubs and associations were elected to the executive com- To start with, the matches will be Maltese referees on FIFA list organised on a regional basis, then the mittee. final will take place in Kaunas on 18 June. The Maltese referees and assistant UEFA was represented at From April until June, all participants will referees who form part of the FIFA list for this event by Joseph Mifsud, be involved in the project – some on the 2009 were presented with their FIFA badges member of the UEFA Exe- football field, some in the classroom, by the Malta FA president, Joseph Mifsud, cutive Committee and presi- Boris Harcenco drawing special pictures, some putting in what has now become an annual event dent of the Malta Football and an occasion during which these match Association. A new term on special performances, etc. – thereby in office for extending the scope of the project to officials are reminded of their responsibi- “The delegates’ choice Pavel Cebanu. lities to discharge their duties with honesty encompass not only football, but the arts proves that our association is and to the best of their ability. and culture as well. on the right track. We'll continue our work Joseph Mifsud urged these match offi- In 2007, the final of the Eziogolas tour- for the benefit of Moldovan football,” cials to be vigilant and determined to do nament was a particularly unforgettable Pavel Cebanu said after his re-election. well without fear or favour, stressing that Pavel Cebanu is 53 and has been presi- occasion, as the UEFA president was on they should show firmness and efficiency dent of the Football Association of hand to present the trophy to the winners. when controlling matches. Moldova since 1997. As part of UEFA's Special prizes will be awarded this year. The Maltese referees and assistant golden jubilee celebrations in 2004, The winning team will get the possibility referees were again reminded that they he was named as Moldova's golden player to go to a football camp, while the other should behave with integrity also in for his long career as a midfielder with participating pupils can expect a lot of sur- LFF social circles so that their uprightness is FC Nistru Chisinau. ■ prises too, to ensure that everyone who always evident wherever they are. takes part is a winner. ■ Presently, the Malta FA is well repre- sented on the FIFA panel, which also includes a woman referee and a futsal The following presentations were on referee. When on international duty the agenda: these match officials perform with utmost NETHERLANDS – Diabetes and sport, by Dr Ilija Stoilov efficiency, as can be testified by the good ROB DE LEEDE – Sports injuries and their manage- ratings they regularly obtain. • • ment, by Dr Viktor Kamiloski Despite the smallness of the country – Diagnosis and rehabilitation of sports and the attendant constraints of familiarity New set-up for futsal top division injuries, by Dr Zoran Handziski with teams, players and supporters, the The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) standard of refereeing in Malta is compa- – Doping in sport, by Dr Ilija Stoilov recently decided to set up a new top divi- rable to the good levels reached by others – First-aid on the pitch: using sion in Dutch futsal from next season. in several countries. This is the result an automatic defibrillator, by Dr Vesna The main reason for this innovative step of a high level of work ethic which the Nedelkovska. was to increase the marketing value of the referees board within the Malta FA invari- The seminar was also an opportunity top division and to create new chances ably insists upon. ■ for Dr Ilija Stoilov to present his new book, for individual club sponsors and potential Doping in Sport. ■ media partners. The decision is fully en- dorsed by the corporation of top division futsal clubs (CEF) and the representatives of the 12 clubs that are currently repre- sented in the top division. MOLDOVA The new set-up entails a number of • VICTOR DAGHI • radical changes compared with the current situation. First of all, the clubs have to Pavel Cebanu re-elected president comply with the strict licensing conditions of the FA of Moldova that apply as from the 2009/10 season. On 6 February, Pavel Cebanu was The technical requirements are meant to re-elected as president of the Football improve the level of Dutch clubs and Association of Moldova for another four futsal in general, in order to eventually years. Votes were cast in his favour by bridge the gap with the leading interna- 170 of the185 delegates eligible to vote. tional countries. Clubs are required

FSM The other candidates were Alexandru to practise four times a week, with an A seminar for doctors and physiotherapists. Guzun (FIFA players’ agent), Igor Oprea absolute minimum of three times. ➜

19 UEFAdirect-84•E 16.3.2009 9:11 Page 20

N EWS FROM MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

➜ The KNVB will pay the rent for the facilities take to the stands to support their local of Ireland clubs. For the 2009 season, it will where clubs will practise and also offer help JJB Sports Premiership team. stand at over EUR 1m, a 26% increase to find appropriate facilities. The roadshow includes an interactive on last season. Subsidies for all clubs will In order to allow clubs to practise as football challenge and allows members of also rise. The prize fund will be distributed much as possible, national coach Vic the public to be photographed scoring in a in a more equal manner, in order to ensure Hermans will reduce the number of prac- virtual penalty shootout. All images taken greater stability. The new prize fund model tice sessions of the national team. One are emailed to participants and the best ensures that increased funding will be made licensing condition that is applauded all shots are voted for by Cool FM listeners available for each league position in 2009. ■ over the country is the compulsory measure via the radio station’s website. The photo- for players to play either outdoor football graph which receives the most votes will be or futsal. Many top players still play regular selected to feature in the advertising cam- football and futsal on alternating days. paign and the winner will see their image Furthermore, clubs are obliged to field an displayed on a billboard in their local area. Under-19 and Under-17 team and they ■ Newry City has become the first JJB must have a qualified coach. Sports Premiership club to appoint a female The new top division will have a maxi- Community Relations Officer. Joanne Quin mum of 14 clubs, as opposed to the current was appointed in November and has dozen playing in the top flight. No relega- embraced the values and ethos of football tion is foreseen for the first two years, for all by tackling this role head on. FAI whereas clubs can be promoted to the top She has arranged for players to visit local The official kick-off of the 2009 League of Ireland season, attended by representatives of the ten clubs. division. In this closed competition, clubs schools to help create awareness of the are free to choose either Friday or Saturday club for future supporters and to promote night for their home matches and can thus healthy lifestyles. In addition, she has volun- please local or regional media partners. teered to swap her high heels for football The KNVB has offered the clubs all possi- boots and undertake the first steps on the ble help in setting up the required orga- coaching ladder. nisational structure and staging additional The Irish FA community relations officer, ERBIA coaching courses for staff, if necessary. Colleen McCauley, spoke of her delight in S Finally, the name futsal will disappear, to be welcoming a new female presence in local • ALEKSANDAR BOSKOVIC • replaced by the better known Dutch equiva- football: “Joanne is a dedicated profes- lent “zaalvoetbal”, which was still used by sional and her strong ability to tackle this Memorandum signed the majority of officials, players and fans. ■ role is a great testament to the valuable On 13 February, at a ceremony which contribution women can make in our foot- was held in Belgrade, three parties – the ball environment. Full support and mentor- Football Association of Serbia (FAS), the ing will continue to be offered to Joanne Serbian ministry of youth and sports, and as well as to the other clubs’ community high representatives of the Norwegian relations officers.” ■ NORTHERN IRELAND • CAROLINE MENARY •

Irish FA on the look out for a star The Irish FA is giving football fans in Northern Ireland the opportunity to star in REPUBLIC OF IRELAND its national advertising campaign. The cam- • FRAN WHEARTY • paign, an outdoor advertising initiative entitled No Egos, No Diving, No Prawn 2009 League of Ireland season kicks off Sandwiches – Just Real Football, was The 2009 League of Ireland season was launched at the beginning of February officially launched at the end of February, province-wide. kicking off eight months of top-class football action in Ireland. The UEFA general secretary, David Taylor, was the guest of honour at the SFA official launch of the new season. Tomislav Karadzic, president of the FA of Serbia. The event took place in Tallaght, Dublin, overlooking the new Tallaght stadium, the government – signed a memorandum of new home of Shamrock Rovers, who ended understanding for the construction of two decades on the road when they played 60 mini-pitches throughout Serbia in the their first home match of the season in the next few years. Each party will contribute new stadium against Sligo Rovers. EUR 500,000, making it one of the biggest The Tallaght stadium is the latest in a football projects in the country. long line of infrastructural developments The FAS will provide its share of the that will benefit the League of Ireland. It money in cooperation with UEFA and its follows on from the recent construction of development programmes. UEFA and the IFA new stands at Terryland Park in Galway and FAS are both very satisfied with this new Joanne Quin with one of the directors the RSC in Waterford, as well as the new step in their cooperation in this field. of Newry City FC, Jim Feenan. St. Anne’s Stand at Turner’s Cross, home of In 2005 and 2006, UEFA and the FAS The association’s promotional roadshow Cork City, which was recently reopened. built 33 mini-pitches, with amazing results. has been on tour to shopping centres With top tier sponsors eircom, Newstalk All pitches are in use and local youngsters across the province in an attempt to find and the Irish Daily Star, together with offi- have a great place for playing and friendship. local people to feature in the advertise- cial suppliers Umbro, Boylesports, Lucozade For the 60 new mini-pitches, priority ment. The campaign aims to encourage the Sports and the National Dairy Council, the will be given to communities that have not public to recognise home-grown talent and prize fund will once again rise for League already received mini-pitches. The idea

20 uefadirect 4.09 UEFAdirect-84•E 16.3.2009 9:11 Page 21

is to continue to spread them around the million in the bank,” said the association’s country and to extend grassroots football. president, Lars-Åke Lagrell. “We are delighted with this project, The Swedish FA has also signed a new, which has been so successful that we are record-breaking deal with the main spon- under pressure to build more mini-pitches. SWEDEN sor of Swedish football, gaming operator We are more than happy when we see • ANDREAS NILSSON • Svenska Spel. The five-year contract our young people playing football on (2009–13) is worth SEK 119 million annually, nice pitches. Also, it is our duty to invest New sponsorship deal to be shared by the FA (the national teams) in amateur football and to strengthen the The Swedish FA has announced a profit of and the clubs playing in the men’s Allsven- grass roots. We know that football has 56 million Swedish kronor (about EUR 5 mil- skan and Superettan and the women’s a social mission and we really want lion) for 2008. Of that profit, SEK 38 million Damallsvenskan leagues. to support that,” said the president of the stems from income related to Sweden’s partic- “We’re very happy about this deal, and FAS, Tomislav Karadzic. ipation in EURO 2008. especially Svenska Spel’s focus on women’s The ceremony was also attended by the “As usual we will divert our earnings into football. This will make it possible for us to Norwegian ambassador, Hakon Blanken- various projects to improve Swedish football. strengthen our position as one of the best na- borg, who said: “In Norway, the construc- But as a small security in these economically tions in women’s football,” said the Swedish tion of so many pitches like this has had a uncertain times, we are going to keep SEK 20 FA’s vice-president, Susanne Erlandsson. ■ huge impact. It might not be possible to FAI achieve the same result here, but what we want is to help football to develop and to let every youngster enjoy the game.” ■ support for the national team. There will also be tickets to be won for the forthcom- ing World Cup qualifiers against Greece and Israel. The website also contains stories and SWITZERLAND articles about the different national teams • PIERRE BENOIT • and fans. Former international players such as Stéphane Chapuisat, Jörg Stiel, Kubilay SLOVAKIA Successful launch for SFV fan club Türkyilmaz and Alexandre Comisetti are am- • JANKA PERACKOVA • The new SFV fan club was launched in bassadors of the SFV fan club and describe December. Fans of the Swiss national team can their experiences of playing for the national Workshop on security matters register free via the SFV website www.foot- team. Players and coaches also regularly The Slovak Football Association (SFA) ball.ch and will be able to participate in regular participate in live chats, with Ottmar Hitzfeld has taken steps to improve security in stadi- events and benefit from exclusive offers. More and Tranquillo ums. Firstly, the new position of event and than 3,000 members have already registered Barnetta security manager was created, and Peter and the number is growing daily. The fan club among those Palencik, from the international depart- was set up by the SFV and national team spon- who have ment, who has more than five years’ rele- sors Credit Suisse, Swiss Life, Kinder Nutella, already taken vant experience, was appointed to this Ochsner Sport and Puma. A members' draw part. ■ position. Then in mid-February, a workshop was held to give away 500 tickets for the World Cup qualifying match against Moldova. Membership of on security in football stadiums was organ- the Swiss national ised in Bratislava, where UEFA experts gave Sitting in their own sector of the stadium, the team’s fan club is presentations on a variety of topics. They lucky winners provided valuable additional growing daily. ASF/SFV highlighted the importance of UEFA stadi- um inspections and showed interesting videos of shocking, dangerous incidents. representatives and UEFA guests of honour Michael Kuchenbecker of Borussia Dort- will be staying. According to UEFA, the mund demonstrated standard security players should not be spread around the city measures and procedures at football stadi- KRAINE – they are to live in the same place. So, they ums in Germany, while the Scottish football U are staying at the Atlas hotel in Donetsk and environment and the development of safety • IVAN DYVAK • the Spartak hotel in Mariupol. The Spartak and security processes over the years were has also been selected as the organising illustrated in detail by William McDougall. Donbass prepares for Under-19 elite committee’s headquarters. Other groups are The workshop was attended by more than Ukraine is preparing to host the 2008/09 being accommodated in Donetsk at hotels 150 participants, representing different seg- European Under-19 Championship final tour- such as the Liverpool, Eva, Victoria and ments of the football family – police, clubs, nament from 21 July to 2 August. The eighth Donbass Palace. match delegates, members of the discipli- edition of this final tournament is being staged To stage the tournament one more nary committee, media and representatives in Donbass, one of the most powerful indus- important element is required – training of the ministry of education. trial regions of the country, with two cen- pitches. The teams will be holding their This SFA initiative received a positive tres, one in Donetsk and one in Mariupol. training sessions at FC Olympic, FC Tytan welcome, as a new law concerning the In Ukraine this tournament is also regarded a and FC Metalurh’s stadiums in Donetsk, organisation of sports events was adopted kind of a rehearsal for UEFA EURO 2012. and in Mariupol the Azovets stadium and by the Slovak parliament and came into Four renovated venues are being provided two FC Illichivets pitches will be available. force on 1 December 2008. ■ for the best youth teams in Europe: the RSC It is worth noting that UEFA will reimburse Olympiyskiy and Metalurh stadiums in Donetsk, a considerable part of the expenses, includ- A seminar on stadium security. and the Illichivets and Zakhidny stadiums ing the pitch rental, accommodation and in Mariupol. These venues were, in fact, transport for the participants. recently visited by TV channel Eurosport, Meanwhile, the preliminary date for the which is broadcasting nine of the tournament tournament draw is 12 June. The official matches live. ceremony will feature big names in football Also recently, the regional authorities from the Donbass region such as Anatoliy presented the list of hotels where competition Konkov, Mykhaylo Sokolovskiy, Viktor participants, delegations, referees, official Zviagintsev and Oleksandr Zavarov. ■

21 SFZ UEFAdirect-84•E 16.3.2009 9:11 Page 22

Committee

16-20 Februaryweek 2009 in Nyon Photos: UEFA-pjwoods.ch

22 uefadirect 4.09 UEFAdirect-84•E 16.3.2009 9:11 Page 23 UEFA-pjwoods.ch

Notices

■ In January, Sofoklis Pilavios Communications was elected president of Birthdays – Calendar the Hellenic Football Federation.

■ At the end of January, Many happy returns ● Roy Millar (Northern Ireland, 25.4) the Bulgarian Football Union ● Ole Myhrvold (Norway, 25.4) re-elected Borislav Mihailov ● Philippe Verbiest (Belgium, 25.4) Jan Peeters (Belgium), a member of ● Daniel Ryser (Switzerland, 25.4) as its president. the Amicale des anciens, celebrates his ● Philip Gartside (England, 27.4) 75th birthday on 2 April, while referee ● Jan Carlsen (Denmark, 27.4) ■ observer Gudmunder Ingi Jónsson (Iceland) ● Henk van de Wetering (Netherlands, 27.4) In February, Pavel Cebanu will be 60 on 29 April. ● George Frank (Israel, 29.4) was re-elected president of the Birthday greetings also go out this month to: ● Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros (Portugal, 30.4) ● Carlo De Gaudio (Italy, 1.4) Football Association of Moldova. ● Lale Orta (Turkey, 1.4) Forthcoming events ● Kaj Østergaard (Denmark, 3.4) ■ ● Dennis Cruise (Republic of Ireland, 3.4) On 14 February, the annual ● Yoav Strauss (Israel, 3.4) Meetings general meeting of the Icelandic ● Christian Kofoed (Denmark, 4.4) 3.4.2009, Leipzig Football Association re-elected ● William Attley (Republic of Ireland, 5.4) Draw for the final round of the ● Jan Ekstrand (Sweden, 5.4) European Under-17 Championship Geir Thorsteinsson as its president. ● Lennart Wangel (Finland, 5.4) ● Momir Djurdjevac (Montenegro, 5.4) 12–16.4.2009, Florence ● Aleksandra Nikolovska (FYR Macedonia, 5.4) UEFA coach educators’ course ■ On 20 February, the Football ● Isak Mikladal (Faroe Islands, 7.4) 20.4.2009, Nyon Association of Slovenia elected ● Pavol Peracek (Slovakia, 7.4) Jira Panel ● Jacques Devismes (France, 8.4) Medical Committee Ivan Simic as its new president. ● James Fleeting (Scotland, 8.4) ● 21.4.2009, Nyon Márton Esterházy (Hungary, 9.4) Stadium and Security Committee ● Ladislav Svoboda (Czech Republic, 9.4) ■ On 28 February, an extra- ● Zoran Petrovic (Serbia, 10.4) 22.4.2009, Nyon ordinary general meeting of the ● Panagiotis Tsarouchas (Greece, 10.4) Legal Committee ● Vlastibor Minarovjech jr (Slovakia, 10.4) 23.4.2009, Nyon Austrian Football Association ● Umberto Gandini (Italy, 11.4) HatTrick Committee elected Leo Windtner as its new ● Eduard Dervishaj (Spain, 11.4) ● Rodger Gifford (Wales, 12.4) 24.4.2009, Nyon president. ● François De Keersmaecker (Belgium, 12.4) National Associations Committee ● Paolo Piani (Italy, 13.4) Development and Technical Assistance ● Anja van Ginhoven (Netherlands, 14.4) Committee ■ The 59th Ordinary FIFA ● Olí Holm (Faroe Islands, 15.4) 27.4–1.5.2009, Nyon Congress takes place in Nassau in ● Georgios Bikas (Greece, 15.4) Mentors’ and talents’ seminar ● Manuel Enrique Mejuto Gonzalez (Spain, 16.4) the Bahamas on 2 and 3 June. ● Charles Schaack (Luxembourg, 17.4) Competitions ● Ernst Ravnaas (Norway, 18.4) ● Michael Kuchenbecker (Germany, 19.4) 7/8.4.2009 ■ The FIFA Confederations Cup ● Jean-Louis Valentin (France, 19.4) UEFA Champions League: quarter-finals takes place in South Africa from ● Jean Appietto (France, 20.3) (first legs) ● Jean-Luc Veuthey (Switzerland, 20.4) 9.4.2009 14 to 28 June. Europe will be ● Ronnie Lundqvist (Sweden, 20.4) UEFA Cup: quarter-finals (first legs) represented by world champions ● Vitor Manuel Melo Pereira (Portugal, 21.4) 14/15.4.2009 ● Alexandru Burlac (Moldova, 21.4) Italy and European champions UEFA Champions League: quarter-finals ● Patrick Fenech (Malta, 22.4) Spain. ● Jan Damgaard (Denmark, 22.4) (return legs) ● Morgan Norman (Sweden, 22.4) 16.4.2009 ● Martin Bodenham (England, 23.4) UEFA Cup: quarter-finals (return legs) ● Roland Tis (Belgium, 23.4) 24–26.4. 2009, Ekaterinburg Match agent ● Gheorghe Constantin (Romania, 23.4) UEFA Futsal Cup: final round ● Mehmet S. Binnet (Turkey, 23.4) ● Jacques Lambert (France, 24.4) 28/29.4.2009 Kikis Treppides (Cyprus) UEFA Champions League: semi-finals (first legs) ● Nebojsa Ivkovic (Serbia, 24.4) has surrendered his UEFA ● Avraham Luzon (Israel, 24.4) 30.4.2009 ● Sandor Piller (Hungary, 24.4) UEFA Cup: semi-finals (first legs) match agent licence.

WE CARE ABOUT FOOTBALL Chief editor André Vieli The views expressed in signed articles are not necessarily the Produced by Atema Communication SA, CH-1196 Gland official views of UEFA. Official publication of the The reproduction of articles Union des associations or extracts of any information européennes de football Printed by Artgraphic Cavin SA, CH-1422 Grandson published in uefadirect is authorised, provided the Communications Division Editorial deadline: 11 March 2009 source is indicated. UEFAdirect-84•E 16.3.2009 9:11 Page 24

UEFA Route de Genève 46 Union des associations CH-1260 Nyon européennes de football Switzerland Phone +41 848 00 27 27 Fax +41 848 01 27 27 uefa.com