No 49 – May 2006 the horizon Finals on in Portugal round Under-21 final conference football Grassroots in Budapest Congress UEFA the horizon Finals on in Portugal round Under-21 final conference football Grassroots in Budapest Congress UEFA 5.06 13 11 06 03 03 13 11 06 Including COVER IN THIS ISSUE Eleven questions for Joseph Mifsud 09 UEFA Champions League newcomers Under-21 final round in Portugal 11 Villarreal achieved great things by qualifying for the semi-finals. th Revised competition regulations 12 Here, Inter Milan’s Javier Zanetti 30 Ordinary UEFA Congress 03 outpaces Marco Senna, but Villarreal Luxembourg to host the Under-17s 13 were to come out on top Grassroots football in the quarter-final return leg. conference 06 News from member associations 17 PHOTO: SORIANO/AFP/GETTY IMAGES

A timelessEditorial structure

It would be nice if the image of football could always be like the one portrayed by the recent UEFA Congress in Budapest, that of a united and supportive movement that shares the same values and is constantly seeking to improve and to live in harmony with FIFA and its fellow football confederations. However, it has to be acknowledged that the unity expressed in Budapest was prompted above all by the dissident views of a number of renowned clubs that have grouped together to defend their own interests. Meanwhile, the lawsuits, complaints and criticism in the media present anything but a picture of unity to anyone who was not there to witness the unanimous show of solidarity from the UEFA Congress. Of course, there is nothing wrong with having different ideas and opinions; it is not a negative influence and can even contribute to progress. But differences of interest can be detrimental; egoism prevails when vision is blinkered, which leaves no room for solidarity but, at best, charity. The traditional structure of football is not outdated, as some would claim; on the contrary, it is the embodiment of a democratic structure in which each component can be heard and climb the rungs of the hierarchical ladder. Not only that, but it has equipped itself with instruments for dialogue, like the European Club Forum, the Elite Coaches’ Forum and various conferences where groups of experts can express their points of view more directly and forcefully. This representative system is also the only way to view the bigger picture, to distil the essence of different opinions and points of view, and to steer a long-term course. To take just one example: some clubs wanted to keep – and would still like to bring back – a second group stage in the UEFA Champions League, mainly for financial reasons. The Executive Committee, however, looking at the situation from a wider perspective, realised that the format with two group stages was not to the liking of the television channels or the fans, Extending and that it congested the calendar. It therefore decided to abolish the second group the knockout phase and stage, and the competition found a new lease of life and even generated more abolishing the revenue, for the good of football in general and the lasting interest of its competitions. second group stage has At the end of the day, only a balanced structure can be a sound one. increased the drama of the UEFA Lars-Christer Olsson Champions League – Chief Executive as the recent quarter-final between AC Milan (Kaka) and Olympique Lyonnais (François Clerc)

went on to show. FLASH PRESS we care about football

02 uefadirect 5.06 30th UEFA Congress Delegates stand united UEFA

ON 23 MARCH, UEFA HELD ITS CONGRESS IN BUDAPEST FOR THE FIRST TIME, that happens in European football affects world football.” Later on, after the MAKING HUNGARY THE TWENTIETH NATION TO HOST THE ORDINARY GENERAL adoption of the resolution, which had MEETING OF EUROPE’S NATIONAL FOOTBALL ASSOCIATIONS. been tabled with the support of FIFA and the other continental confederations, Mr Blatter declared that “united we It was the tenth time that addresses, both the FIFA and the UEFA are strong.” Lennart Johansson had presided over presidents reminded the congress of an ordinary UEFA congress since his elec- the need to adopt a united front and to Defending the European model tion in 1990. The congress, which was show solidarity in the face of the attacks In his opening address, the UEFA attended by delegates from all 52 UEFA against football’s world and European president underlined the fact that the member associations, took three hours governing bodies, which posed a threat for democratic structure of UEFA gave every- to complete its usual business, such national team football and consequently one the possibility to be heard. He also as approving the reports of the Executive for the national associations themselves. stressed the role of the national associa- Committee and of the CEO, as well “Can you imagine football with- tions and international authorities: as the accounts and budget, and recognis- out the national associations?” the FIFA “Football, and even professional foot- ing long-serving committee/panel mem- president, Joseph S. Blatter, asked. ball, is not just about money. To avoid bers for their dedication. “The solidarity of football is at stake,” excesses, it needs regulatory bodies in the In addition, a number of other he continued. He also condemned the lack shape of the national associations and specific items were on the agenda this of respect: “We supply the basic commo- supranational sports authorities. In order time, and the proceedings were domi- dity, the players; we organise competi- to fulfil their role, they need to be com- nated by a current issue and the una- tions, we provide stadiums and safety – petent and strong and also need to be nimous adoption of a resolution on this and yet we come under attack!” The FIFA given the tools for performing their tasks subject (see page 4). In their opening president pointed out that “everything by the legislators.”

03 Four honorary members of UEFA: Gerhard Aigner and Des Casey (left), Hans Bangerter and Egidius Braun (from right).

A unanimous resolution The week of the congress began with the opening of proceedings at the court in Charleroi in Belgium being brought against football’s authori- ties by the local club, which is challenging FIFA’s rule on the release of players for their national teams. R. Charleroi SC are supported by a self-appointed group of 18 European clubs. The publication of this group’s “vision” in the press added fuel to the discussions, and left the congress with no option but to respond to these threats to the stability of European football, which it did by unanimously adopting the following resolution.

1 Football is constantly changing and to compete and maybe one day to adapting to new challenges. even win a big event, like the It is a key function of UEFA to face World Cup or the European Champ- these challenges and find solutions ionship. It may only be a small which fit the future but which chance, but at least it is a chance. also respect the historic ethos of our sport. It is crucial that, when we 5 A self-appointed group of clubs face the future, we never lose sight has challenged this rule. They are Calling attention to the impor- of our core principles and beliefs. not interested in protecting com- tance of the independent review of petition, but only interested in European football being conducted to 2 Football is about fairness, opportu- protecting themselves and their analyse how to best implement the nity, excitement and variety. It is not economic interests and in dictating a closed shop, where only the richest their conditions on others. This Nice declaration on the specific charac- and most powerful are invited to group of clubs does not care if teristics of sport, the UEFA president the table. UEFA will not tolerate there is less competition between said: “For us, the role is clear: we a structure or system where smaller nations and less competition believe in the value of the existing clubs, smaller nations and all their between clubs. But UEFA does European model of sport, with its open supporters never have the chance care, and that is why we will de- competitions based on the promotion to follow their dream. This is not fend the rule and are working to- and relegation system and the decisive what UEFA is about, this is not what gether with FIFA to do so. role of sporting results; we uphold Europe is about, this is not what the traditional democratic structure of football is about. 6 UEFA will also defend the open football, with representation within nature and central marketing struc- the leagues, regional and national 3 These principles reflect a reality. ture of the UEFA Champions associations, and international federa- The reality is that football is not just League. Just like the player release tions; we believe in the social value a money-making exercise, not just rule, this is also an expression of a business. We have rules and princi- solidarity in European football. of football, in the role it can play in ples that reflect our values and which We will leave the door open for clubs integration, in promoting fair play, and protect the interests of our sport and, from smaller nations to play at the in tackling violence and racism. Above in particular, the millions of fans who top level of European club football. all, we are convinced that the wider follow football. Among these key We will not close the door, which public interest should always prevail principles is the rule that clubs must seems to be what this self-appoint- over individual considerations.” release players for the national team. ed group of clubs wants to do. The congress also approved amendments to articles 59 to 63 of 4 Why do we have the rule on player 7 UEFA will not stand in the way of the UEFA statutes concerning release? To ensure that national those who want to leave the family recognition of the UEFA statutes, and teams are composed of the best (which also means the domestic disputes. The amendments in question players that each and every country competitions) and who do not remove any distinction between has to offer. Furthermore, the rule share our sporting values. But you disputes of a sporting nature and ensures that players will always have cannot “pick and choose”. We will those of a pecuniary nature, and the opportunity of representing defend our beliefs and we will their country, which is, as any player defend our rules. Our structures aim to ensure that all persons con- will confirm, the greatest honour may evolve but our core beliefs are cerned (associations, leagues, clubs, in the career of any footballer. This set in stone. All national associa- players and officials) are legally in turn means that all nations, partic- tions stand together with UEFA on bound by UEFA’s statutes, regulations ularly smaller nations, have a chance this fundamental issue. and decisions.

04 uefadirect 5.06 Guests from the other continental confederations.

Turning to another project, UEFA’s HatTrick programme has been extremely successful for the national associations. The status report pre- sented at the congress showed that the investment projects of 42 asso- ciations had already been approved, accounting for a global amount

The Executive Committee. PHOTOS: UEFA

In another statutes-related of refereeing at all levels. The conven- decision, the congress approved an tion consists of two modules: education, exceptional departure from the UEFA involving an observation and develop- The UEFA President, Lennart Johansson, statutes regarding the terms of office of ment system, and organisation, whereby in conversation with his counterpart from FIFA, Joseph S. Blatter, with Urs Linsi, FIFA General committee and panel members. This refereeing must be independent of the Secretary, looking on. departure is the logical consequence leagues and clubs and under the direct of the exceptional one-year extension responsibility of the national associa- of over CHF 85 million. The projects of the terms of office of the UEFA presi- tion. The scheme will take off this year approved concern mainly stadiums dent and of the members of the UEFA with a group of pilot associations and (40%), head offices (29%) and Executive Committee approved by will then be extended to the other asso- training courses (13%). As far as the the UEFA Congress in Tallinn last year. ciations at the beginning of next year. mini-pitch projects are concerned, For the sake of consistency, the terms of It also entails a financial incentive over 47 projects of 40 associations committee and panel members elected six years consisting of a CHF 200,000 had been approved for a total of this year will therefore be extended payment on signing the convention CHF 37 million, corresponding to by one year, to 2009. Similarly, the once the admission procedure has been the financing of 2,200 mini-pitches. members of the organs for the adminis- completed and CHF 100,000 per year The HatTrick education programme tration of justice, who are normally for five years, subject to the standards is also in progress, in close cooperation appointed for four-year terms, will serve being maintained. with the Top Executive Programme. exceptionally form 2006 to 2011. Changing the subject, CEO Lars-Christer Olsson presented the dele- 144 years of service to UEFA gates with an offer – valid until the end Twelve loyal committee or panel members were honoured in Budapest of June – for the marketing of EURO for having served UEFA in that capacity for twelve years: 2008 qualifying matches whereby the associations could receive EUR 15,000 Vladimir Aleshin (Russia) per televised match in exchange for Semen Andreev (Russia) making advertising boards available. Lars-Åke Björck (Sweden) Petr Fousek (Czech Republic) Refereeing convention Michael Joseph Hyland (Rep. of Ireland) The delegates also supported Dane Jost (Slovenia) the creation of a UEFA convention Viacheslav Koloskov (Russia) on referee education and organisation. Jozef Marko (Slovakia) Based on UEFA’s existing coaching Janis Mezeckis (Latvia) convention, the refereeing convention Mathieu Sprengers (Netherlands) aims to strengthen the position of Michel Vautrot (France) After presenting the accounts and the budget, the treasurer, Mathieu Sprengers, the referee and improve the standard Michael Joseph Maessen (Netherlands) went up on stage to receive an award from Lennart Johansson for his 12 years of service to UEFA. 05 Hansruedi Keld Hasler of Bordinggaard Switzerland. of Denmark.

activities. The SFV had adopted a two- track approach to youth football: on the Grassroots Football one hand, the most talented players in the Under-14 to Under-21 categories were offered support, while on the Conference other, recreational football was organ- Programmes of the ised by clubs for various age groups, from children to veterans. member associations This strategy embraced three objectives: under the motto “Teaching Sport”, participants were taught how THE SIXTH UEFA GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL CONFERENCE WAS HELD IN NYON to play football and, most importantly, (SWITZERLAND) FROM 14 TO 17 MARCH. AT THIS IMPORTANT EVENT, WHICH WAS how to enjoy it. The second motto “Teaching Through Sport” had an edu- ORGANISED BY UEFA’S FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT DIVISION, FOUR NATIONAL cational aspect, i.e. children should ASSOCIATIONS PRESENTED THEIR RESPECTIVE GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES. develop their personalities and their football club should act as a social net- work. The third aspect, under the head- UEFA is strongly committed to tives of its 52 member associations, but ing “Socialisation”, dealt with football grassroots sport. In 2005, it created also by delegates from the continental as a cultural asset that should be looked a Grassroots Charter, under which the confederations of Africa (CAF), Asia after by its players. It was important associations are invited to enter into (AFC) and North and Central America to remember that, although these certain obligations related to their and the Caribbean (CONCACAF). CAF concepts certainly had an educational philosophy, infrastructure and activi- alone brought a seven-strong delega- and social effect, their value should ties. It will soon organise six regional tion, including its director of football not be overstated. “Football is not the workshops, at which it will encourage development, to Nyon. The conference answer to all the problems of Swiss the associations to sign the charter. was designed to provide opportunities society,” said Hasler. The Summer of Grassroots Football, for the mutual exchange of experiences The SFV also ran various other activities for the disabled, the Starball and opinions, while four European asso- projects, some of which were designed match linked to the UEFA Champions ciations presented their own grassroots to give parents a better understanding League final and the mini-pitch ini- football programmes. of children’s football, for example. tiative are also projects that lie close Other components of the SFV’s grass- to UEFA’s heart. The examples of Switzerland… roots football programme included a The importance UEFA attaches Firstly, the technical director of campaign for greater tolerance between to grassroots sport is illustrated the Swiss Football Association (SFV), players, referees, coaches and spectators simply by the fact that the conference Hansruedi Hasler, gave an insight into and for less aggression on the pitch, was attended not only by representa- his association’s grassroots football as well as a special fair play trophy

06 uefadirect 5.06 Jean-Pierre A strong delegation Morlans of technicians of France. from other continents.

which was based on observations made and member of the UEFA Technical ... and France before, during and after matches and Instructors Panel. He particularly focused The fourth grassroots pro- supplemented the fair play competition. on structural aspects of grassroots foot- gramme to be presented was that of ball and presented an overview of the the French Football Federation (FFF). … Denmark… organisational structure of Italian foot- Jean-Pierre Morlans, deputy technical The Danish Football Association ball. It became clear how many different director, explained the FFF’s youth (DBU) was represented by Thomas elements had to fit together in order strategy, which combined a number Slosarich, DBU grassroots foot- to ensure a perfect organisation: of special projects. These demonstrat- ball manager and member of the “Grassroots football is more than ed that the French association was en- UEFA Grassroots Football Panel, just the sum total of the non- deavouring to create an ideal environ- and Keld Bordinggaard, assistant professional parts of the game. ment for the stars of the future. to Danish national coach Morten It is important to understand The FFF attempted to create Olsen. They emphasised the who the various protagonists are”, a healthy balance between family, important role played by children said Ferrari. school, leisure time and football by in football development. In Den- The Italian football pyra- trying to promote relations between mark, more and more young mid, in which the FIGC acted parents, coaches and clubs. Clubs that people were giving up football as a kind of coordinating body, developed such a positive environ- and the lack of local talent was resulting was an impressive structure. Leaving the ment were awarded an FFF stamp of in the recruitment of foreign players. professional game to one side, “Serie D”, quality. The association considered the It was important to find ways of revers- with 162 teams, was the highest and 12-15 age group to be crucial to the ing this trend. functioned as the national amateur development of young talent. It was The DBU had studied children’s league. Five rungs below, the “Third at that stage that decisions were football in great depth. Why did chil- Category Championship” contained made about who would be given spe- dren play football? What was the ideal no fewer than 3,377 teams. Women’s cific support and who would be di- learning environment for children? football involved 30,000 players, around rected into the amateur game. As part What coaching methods should be two thirds of whom were registered of the “1000 Collèges” programme, used? It had been concluded that with the association, and 422 teams the FFF had signed agreements with coaches and parents tended to impose competing in FIGC competitions. In schools, under which the school too much control on children and did futsal, there were three divisions and timetable for talented young players not give them enough freedom and national Under-21 and Under-18 could be adapted so that they could opportunity to develop their creativity. championships. Finally, in children’s attend more midweek training ses- Consequently, many children did not football, the size of the teams increased sions. Between the ages of 15 and 20, enjoy playing football and turned as the players got older, i.e. five-a-side they would then attend a professional their back on the game. The Danish FA for the Under-8s, seven-a-side, nine- training academy, where all coaches was using these findings in a new foot- a-side and then eleven-a-side for 12- had to have an A licence as well as an ball development programme. to 14-year olds. additional coaching qualification. From a technical point of view, this meant, for example, that children under ten developed best if they played four-a-side football. A study had revealed that, compared to eight- a-side games, matches between two teams of four involved significantly more passes, shots, one-on-one en- counters and dribbles, which were what children needed to practise. As Keld Bordinggaard aptly pointed out, “Children are the future of football. Their needs are football’s needs. They must be looked after and cared for.”

… Italy… It was then the turn of Franco

Ferrari, director of the research centre PHOTOS: UEFA of the Italian Football Association (FIGC) A practical session to illustrate the theory.

07 The heads From left to right: Wallace Browne, of the Jim Boyce, Howard Wells and Thomas Slosarich. 16 centres and others involved in the programme launch Primary school children ceremony. admire the skills of Nam the Man.

Irish Football Association Grassroots development programme launch BELFAST’S CITY HALL WAS THE VENUE FOR THE LAUNCH OF THE IRISH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION’S (IFA) GRASSROOTS PHOTOS: IFA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 2006.

The launch, chaired by the a brief coaching session on footwork, 16 grassroots centres IFA director of coaching, Roy Millar, with the help of the former Northern To implement and support and hosted by The Right Honourable Ireland international, Mal Donaghy, the programme, 16 grassroots officers Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor and the IFA disability football develop- have been appointed and will be Wallace Browne, emphasised the ment manager, Alan Crooks. based at new grassroots centres need to give all young people the best throughout Northern Ireland. It will possible start when learning to play Improve the quality of life be their job to promote and develop football. The event brought together The launch highlighted the football at the basic level through many influential representatives, fact that grassroots football is the various programmes with local including IFA chief executive Howard foundation on which the develop- schools and community groups. Wells, IFA grassroots managers ment of the game depends. It is here Development programmes Lee Carroll, Ian Stewart and Trevor that people derive their love of the initiated by the grassroots officers, Erskine, UEFA Grassroots Panel mem- sport and go on to be future players, alongside an efficient management, ber Thomas Slosarich and IFA presi- coaches or administrators. It is strongly monitoring and evaluation framework, dent Jim Boyce, who were all united believed that grassroots football should constitute an overall pro- in support of the new programme. in Northern Ireland should not only gramme that will not only modernise The packed programme for introduce more players to the game, and improve grassroots football, the event included fabulous entertain- but also be used as a tool to improve but also have additional benefits for ment from the Band A-Freek-A from the health, well-being and quality society as a whole. the Belfast School of Music, and a of life of people in towns and cities The grassroots officers will display of freestyle soccer skills from throughout Northern Ireland. liaise with the regional performance Nam the Man, who put some of the Football can also serve coordinators in nurturing talented children through their paces by holding as an educational platform for basic young players throughout the country. social and human values, such as This will hopefully put them on the tolerance and respect. Encouraging pathway to future recognition, possi- more youngsters to play the game bly at international level. enhances the possibility of nurturing It is the aim of the association and developing the stars of tomorrow. to develop all aspects of grassroots Involving more families in football football in Northern Ireland. It is can help us to discover more coaches, believed that the successful imple- volunteers, administrators and even mentation of the development pro- referees. Fostering this affinity for gramme will play a major part in football within our families and the promotion and development of Two girls from the band communities will hopefully increase football throughout Northern Ireland A-Freek-A. our future fan base, both at local and and reap benefits for years to come. international level. Caroline Menary

08 uefadirect 5.06 JOSEPH MIFSUD Member of the UEFA Executive Malta Committee since 1994. 13.8.1950 President of the Malta Football Association since 1992. PORTRAIT

Eleven questions for the Executive Committee members Joseph

FOR THE SEVENTH PART IN THE SERIES DEDICATED TO UEFA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS, JOSEPH MIFSUD ANSWERS OUR ELEVEN QUESTIONS. Mifsud

Your first contact with invited me (I was the match delegate) football? to a show in a nightclub, together with the On TV, thanks to RAI – three referees. It was a nice evening an Italian channel that has always and the referees were enjoying a joke with been very popular in Malta. Of course a young lady who, every now and again, my first real contact with football would kiss all three of them. Every- was as a child, kitted out in football one was laughing, right up until boots and on the pitch with my the point when the young lady got team, FC Qrendi. up to leave and lifted off her giant First experience of UEFA? wig: she was a he! 1984. I was representing the Defender or attacker? Malta FA at the congress in Paris. Defender. At the back – That was also the year I was appointed counsel for the defence! to the Appeals Body and became We give you a ball, a match delegate. what do you do with it? A player? I shoot. Pelé. He had it all: speed, imagi- A town? nation, technique. He was the greatest. Rome. An amazing A memorable match? mix of the old and the new, That’s a hard one. There’ve artistically combined. And, well, been so many. 1999, Manchester United it was the first big city I went v Bayern Munich in Barcelona – the last to as a child. five minutes in particular. Detective story or A memory linked to economic treatise? a UEFA activity? Detective story. Two anecdotes. The first is Sea or mountains? about our president, at that Barcelona Sea. I have always been too match. He had come down ready to scared to learn to ski, especially hand Bayern the cup, then took the lift after seeing so many friends come back up because extra time was loom- back from playing winter sports with ing, and was then promptly told to all kinds of broken bones. come back down and present it to Man- A dream? chester United. The second is slightly A united footballing family, more risqué. After a European Cup that includes the big clubs, in match in Belgrade about 20 years ago, which everyone works for the good

the local team had quite innocently of the sport. PHOTOS: UEFA

09 Lively discussions on selected topics for the associations.

Top Executive Programme Initial results announced at the UEFA Congress

UEFADIRECT FIRST REPORTED ON THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED TOP EXECUTIVE PROGRAMME (TEP), DESIGNED

TO STRENGTHEN THE ROLE OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AS DECISION-MAKERS AND AS THE GOVERNING BODIES OF FOOTBALL

IN THEIR OWN COUNTRIES, BACK IN DECEMBER. THINGS HAVE ALREADY MOVED ON SINCE THE FIRST WAVE

OF ROUND-TABLE DISCUSSIONS TOOK PLACE IN LATE AUTUMN 2005, DURING WHICH ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT WAS FOUND,

IN PARTICULAR, IN THE AREAS OF MARKETING, YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND INTERNAL ORGANISATION.

The results of the first five televised home games, which would earn groups that will take responsibility for spe- round-table discussions, in which a total them an extra EUR 15,000 per match. cific projects. These groups will be made of 26 associations took part, have now up of representatives from the national been weighed up. Having identified Concrete proposal associations, chosen because of their the main needs of the associations, five Headed by the Executive Commit- knowledge of the relevant project areas. different projects are now being devel- tee’s National Associations Working Group oped, to be launched this summer. and under the overall control of UEFA’s Pilot scheme They will look at ways to increase asso- National Associations Services unit, the The most recent development ciations’ income in connection with second wave of round-table discussions in the Top Executive Programme is a commercial rights; establish models will take place in September/October, for consultancy project, which has started demonstrating associations’ relationships associations which already took part in the working with four associations in a pilot with both leagues/clubs and with first round. Another 18 associations, scheme that will run until the end of national governments; draw up a youth to which first visits are currently being paid, 2006. UEFA has assigned four consultants, development checklist; and, finally, will then be invited to their first series of who to a certain extent will function as set up a national associations’ database round-table discussions in October/Novem- a link between UEFA and the pilot associa- for benchmarking purposes. ber, where they too will have the oppor- tions, to promote information sharing and At the congress, the associations tunity to set forth their needs. to advise and support the associations were already presented with one of the It is very important to those coor- on how such information can be put to use. discussions’ outcomes, from the field dinating the TEP to actually involve the Within the whole TEP service package, the of marketing. It concerns the EURO 2008 national associations in shaping the pro- consultancy side will become increasingly qualifying matches and, more specifically, gramme. This will happen by means of the important as time goes on, as collective the option for national associations to round-table discussions and, in some cases, support gradually shifts towards more supply advertising boards at each of their through specially designed reference individual support and personalised advice. PHOTOS: UEFA

10 uefadirect 5.06 The The Lars-Åke Lagrell, Portuguese representa- chairman of Football tives of the the National Teams Federation tournament Committee, president, organisers conducts the draw Gilberto at the con- for the final Madail. tract signing round in the ceremony. presence of the legendary Eusebio. FPF FPF GETTY IMAGES Under-21 Champion- The schedule Two former winners of the competition have qualified for this final round, the last to be played ship in Portugal in an even-numbered year: Italy, Celebration five-times European champions (1992, 1994, 1996, 2000 and 2004) time again in May! and France (1998). Serbia and Mon- tenegro also counts in a sense, as the successor of Yugoslavia (1978). Only ANOTHER FEAST OF EUROPEAN FOOTBALL IS DUE TO TAKE PLACE IN four of this year’s finalists took part PORTUGAL. FOR 13 DAYS (23 MAY TO 4 JUNE), THE PORTUGUESE PEOPLE WILL in the 2004 finals: Italy, Germany, AGAIN GO THROUGH ALL THE EMOTIONS CONNECTED WITH HOSTING Portugal and Serbia and Montenegro.

A MAJOR UEFA COMPETITION, FOLLOWING ON FROM THE OTHER BIG EVENTS

ORGANISED BY THE PORTUGUESE FOOTBALL FEDERATION (FPF) IN THE

LAST THREE YEARS, NAMELY THE 2003 EUROPEAN UNDER-17 CHAMPIONSHIP,

EURO 2004 AND THE 2005 UEFA CUP FINAL.

The enthusiasm with which The final round of the European the European Under-21 Championship Under-21 Championship is divided, is being awaited is justified since some as usual, into two groups. Group A, com- of the most talented players in this posed of Portugal, Germany, France category from the “old continent” and Serbia and Montenegro, will FPF The Bessa Seculo XXI stadium. will be in Portugal representing the be based in the district of Braga, with eight national teams – Denmark, matches to be played at the magni- Group A France, Germany, Italy, the Nether- ficent municipal stadium of Braga, 23.5 Barcelos Serbia and Montenegro lands, Portugal, Serbia and Mon- the modern Dom Afonso Henriques v Germany tenegro and Ukraine. These teams stadium in Guimarães, and the 23.5 Braga Portugal v France have already come through a very de- practical Cidade de Barcelos stadium 25.5 Guimarães France v Germany manding qualifying round, which started in Barcelos. 25.5 Barcelos Portugal v Serbia and way back in September 2004. Group B, consisting of Denmark, Montenegro “The way ticket sales are going the Netherlands, Italy and Ukraine, will 28.5 Guimarães Germany v Portugal both on the Internet and through the stay in the district of Aveiro, and their 28.5 Braga France v Serbia Portuguese post office (CTT) is a very matches will take place at the colourful and Montenegro encouraging indicator and undeniable municipal stadium in Aveiro and the reno- proof that the Portuguese will give their vated municipal stadium in Águeda. Group B full support to another great sporting The final will be staged on 4 June 24.5 Agueda Ukraine v Netherlands event staged in our country,” said the tour- at the “British-style” stadium of Bessa 24.5 Aveiro Italy v Denmark nament director, João Morais. Século XXI in Porto. 26.5 Aveiro Denmark v Netherlands Morais heads a team of 60 peo- Interestingly enough, four of the 26.5 Agueda Italy v Ukraine ple, mainly FPF staff, who constitute six stadiums which will host the tourna- 29.5 Aveiro Netherlands v Italy the local organising committee (LOC). ment are a product of EURO 2004, having 29.5 Agueda Denmark v Ukraine They have been hard at work since Decem- been specifically built or renovated for ber 2005, when the host nation for the that competition, and this offers certain Semi-finals tournament was named. quality guarantees as regards the comfort 1.6 Braga Winners Group A All organisational aspects are of the teams, the spectators and represen- v Runners-up Group B being covered in detail, with the aim tatives of the media, who will cover the 1.6 Aveiro Winners Group B of involving municipalities, sponsors, event for worldwide audiences. v Runners-up Group A schools and the media in this great com- So everything is ready – the com- petition, which will rely on the invaluable petition can start! Final cooperation of 1,500 volunteers. Filipe Félix 4.6 Porto

11 The candidates to host EURO 2012 present their bids at the Congress in Budapest. From left to right: Italy, Poland and Ukraine, Croatia and Hungary.

is also added and a further impor- tant innovation is the centralised Meetings marketing of the TV and sponsor- ship rights from the quarter-final stage onwards, a move supported by the majority of European Club and other activities Forum members. Adoption of ■ UEFA Intertoto Cup, whose regula- tions confirm the new formula numerous regulations adopted for this competition, with just three rounds, 49 participants BEFORE THE 30TH ORDINARY UEFA CONGRESS, THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE and, in principle, only one represen- HELD ITS SECOND MEETING OF THE YEAR IN BUDAPEST ON 21 AND 22 MARCH. tative from each national asso- ciation. The rule on homegrown players also applies. Current events, particularly the participating clubs to include at Charleroi court case, were clearly a topic least four “homegrown” players ■ UEFA Women’s Cup, where there of discussion for the Executive Committee in their squad of 25. These players are no significant changes com- and drew a response which was backed should have been trained by the pared with the previous edition. up by the Congress in the form of a resolu- club itself or within its national ■ UEFA Futsal Cup, which has a new tion (see page 4). Fortunately, however, association (no more than two of formula, with a preliminary round, the life of European football is not confined the four should belong to the latter the main round, an elite round and to the courtroom and the Executive Com- category). The participation of the a final phase, including the semi- mittee also discussed next season’s UEFA trophy holders is also now guaran- finals, third-place play-off and final, competitions. The regulations for these teed under the regulations, which played in the same city over three competitions had been submitted for the explain the consequences that days. committee’s approval following the usual this might have for the overall rep- consultation procedures, which this year resentation of the national asso- A wish granted included examination by an Executive ciation concerned. Another innova- The Executive Committee also Committee working group chaired by tion is the use of the UEFA-supplied approved a new UEFA Champions UEFA vice-president Geoffrey Thompson. official ball in all matches. League revenue distribution model for ■ UEFA Cup, where the trophy the 2006-09 period. Although the The regulations of the following compe- holders are also guaranteed a place principle remains the same (75% of titions were approved for next season: if they have not qualified for the revenue goes to the participating clubs ■ UEFA Champions League, where the UEFA Champions League. The and 25% to UEFA up to an amount main innovation is the obligation for clause on “homegrown” players of EUR 530 million, at which point the proportions change to 82% and 18% respectively), the surplus over A palatial setting for the Executive projected revenue (EUR 750 million) Committee discussions. will be used to increase by more than EUR 10 million the payments to clubs eliminated in the Champions League and UEFA Cup qualifying rounds. These sums, which have remained unchanged since the Champ- ions League was launched, were increased at the request of the Euro- pean Club Forum. Clubs participating in the Champions League will also enjoy an increase in prize money, which will still be split into a participation premium, a performance-related bonus and a PHOTOS: UEFA 12 uefadirect 5.06 José Luis The Josy Barthel Arnaut in stadium conversation will host the final. with the UEFA president.

The Luxembourg

UEFA Under-17 team. FLF

share of the market pool, depending on the value of the relevant domestic commercial market. The exact distri- bution chart will be confirmed by the Executive Committee in May. All sums will in future be given in euros. The centralised marketing of the UEFA Cup will follow the same distribution principles as those that FLF apply in the Champions League (75%/25%). The clubs’ share will be ionship and the qualifying competi- clearly that things are evenly balanced split as follows: 60% in the form of tion for the 5th Women’s World Cup. in this age group, largely due to fixed sums distributed to the 40 teams Associations wishing to use such the excellent youth development work competing in the group stage and pitches will have to announce their done by the national associations. 40% as market shares for the eight intention before the deadline for The draw to decide the com- quarter-finalists. Meanwhile, in the communicating match venues rather position of the groups, which took UEFA Intertoto Cup, the sums paid to than when they enter a competition. place in Luxembourg on 6 April, was the 49 participants will rise from conducted by Jim Boyce, chairman CHF 50,000 to EUR 50,000 per round. European Under-17 of the Youth and Amateur Football As well as reviewing the Committee, and Michel Platini, mem- activities of the UEFA committees and Championship final ber of the Executive Committee. its own working groups, the Executive round in Luxembourg The group line-up is as follows: Committee discussed a number of The Luxembourg Football Federa- Group A: Luxembourg, Spain, topical issues concerning the national tion has chosen to stage the final Hungary, Russia. associations or European football round matches at six venues. Group B: Belgium, Germany, as a whole. In particular, it was Because of its history, Serbia and Montenegro, Czech Republic. addressed by José Luis Arnaut, who its role in the European The tournament will be held is heading up the independent review Union, its multilingual from 3 to 14 May. of European football. The former character and its posi- Portuguese minister summarised the tion as a major banking efforts already made and outlined centre, the capital, the timetable of work to come, with Luxembourg-Ville (85,000 inhabitants, the report expected at the end of 138,000 with the outlying districts), May, i.e. before the World Cup and seemed ideally qualified to be a key the EU Summit in Vienna on 15 June. venue for this European youth compe- The report will then be presented tition. Some matches will be played to the parliaments and governments at the Josy Barthel stadium, with a of all the EU member states. seating capacity of more than 8,000. The other centres are Hespérange Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany The Executive Committee also: congratulates Lennart Johansson, (Alphonse Theis stadium, 4,100 seats), standing beside Joseph S. Blatter. ■ approved the measures necessary UEFA Mondorf-les-Bains (John Grün stadi- for the creation and development Distinctions for of a documentation centre within um, 3,600), Grevenmacher (Flohr the UEFA administration; stadium, 4,000), Ettelbruck (Deich presidents sports centre, 3,100), and Dudelange ■ adopted the new Anti-Doping Regu- During their stay in (Jos Nosbaum stadium, 3,500+). Budapest, FIFA President Joseph lations, which include the out-of- Apart from Luxembourg, S. Blatter and UEFA President competition testing procedure and who qualified automatically, Belgium, Lennart Johansson were conform with the relevant WADA the Czech Republic, Germany, Hun- received by the Hungarian Prime and FIFA regulations; gary, Russia, Serbia and Montenegro Minister, Ferenc Gyurcsany, at ■ amended the rules concerning the and Spain will contest the final round. the Parliament in Budapest, use of synthetic pitches in the 2006-08 One thing all the teams have in com- where they were presented with European Championship, the mon is that none of them took part in the Cross of the Order of Merit 2006-07 European Under-21 Champ- the final round last year, which shows of the Hungarian Republic.

13 The UEFA Last year, Dinamo Moscow Regions’ Cup (Sergey Malyshev, in white) kicks off lost out in the final with the to Action 21 Charleroi. draw, conducted by Jim Boyce and Paulo Sousa. UEFA UEFA

UEFA Regions’ Cup teams from the preliminary round) or Group 5: Ukraine, Belgium, The draw for the qualifying between 1 October and 30 April 2007 Slovenia, Liechtenstein. rounds marks the launch of the (the other groups). Group 6: Georgia, Switzerland, 5th UEFA Regions’ Cup, a com- Azerbaijan, Serbia and Montenegro. petition which is exclusively for Preliminary round Group 7: Bulgaria, Romania, amateur players. Group Central-West: Northern winner Group Central-East, San The draw in Nyon on Ireland, Finland, Latvia, Scotland. Marino. 15 March was con- Group Central-East: Greece, Group 8: Malta, Germany, ducted by Jim Boyce, Russia, Belarus, Moldova. Poland, Italy. chairman of the Youth and Amateur Football Intermediary round Committee, and former Group 1: France, Republic of 5th UEFA Women’s Cup Portuguese international Paulo Sousa. Ireland, Spain, Lithuania. FFC Turbine Potsdam – A total of 37 national associations Group 2: Netherlands, Portugal, FFC Frankfurt have entered the competition. Estonia, Sweden. Both teams are Ger- The preliminary round will be played Group 3: Bosnia and Herze- man and both have between 1 August and 30 September, govina, best preliminary round runners- already won the UEFA while the intermediary round will up, Hungary, Croatia. take place between 1 August and Group 4: Czech Republic, winner Women’s Cup, apart 31 December (for groups without Group Central-West, England, Slovakia. from dominating European women’s club football this year. They have already faced each other in the Bun- desliga and the German Cup, and will meet again on 20 and 27 May in the two-leg final of the UEFA Women’s Cup. In 2005, FFC Turbine Potsdam beat Djurgården/Älvsjö in the final (2-0 and 3-1). One year on, the team coached by Bernd Schröder is dream- ing of a second title. They will come up against FFC Frankfurt, who have also qualified for their third final in five years. Having beaten Montpellier in the semi-final, the Frankfurt women and their coach, Hans-Jürgen Tritschoks, will be relying on their experience. The all-German final will be contested at the Karl Liebknecht stadium in Potsdam on 20 May and at the Bornheimer Hang stadium in Frankfurt on 27 May. Eva Oedlund from Sweden will referee the first match and Czech official Dagmar Damkova will be in charge of the second. WAGNER/BONGARTS/GETTY IMAGES WAGNER/BONGARTS/GETTY

Joy for the Turbine Potsdam players on reaching the final of the UEFA Women’s Cup.

14 uefadirect 5.06 Report from Brussels

UEFA is supporting the govern- ment of the Brussels region in its plans to celebrate, in 2007, the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, the founding text of the European Union.

The Brussels region has teamed up with UEFA and a local designer to prepare a public exhibition LEFOUR/AFP/GETTY IMAGES around the theme of Europe and football. The exhibition will run ionship, achieving one win apiece. UEFA Futsal Cup from spring to autumn 2007, prob- The first leg of the 2005/06 Futsal Cup Another Spanish-Russian duel ably in the Cinquantenaire area final will take place on 26 April in In this year’s UEFA Futsal of the city, close to the institutions Madrid, and the return leg will be played Cup final, Boomerang Interviù, of the EU. in Moscow on 7 May. the winners of the 2003/04 edition, face Dinamo Moscow, last year’s beaten finalists. Blind futsal seminars Both teams won their a resounding success semi-final matches con- vincingly. The Spaniards Fifty-five coaches and referees beat Shakhtar Donetsk from five countries gathered at the of Ukraine by an aggre- beginning of March to take part in blind gate score of 11-4 futsal seminars in Thessaloniki, Greece. (6-1 and 5-3), while the Russians beat Held as part of the International Blind Sports Association’s Futsal Develop- unfancied Kairat Almaty from Kaza- UEFA/STUDIO DANN ment Project Europe with sponsorship khstan 8-2 (3-0 and 5-2) over two legs. First meeting to prepare the exhibition. The pairing for the final is all from UEFA, the seminars were a great success, giving participants from Greece, the more dramatic in that Spain and The goal of the project will be Bulgaria, Turkey, Cyprus and Israel Russia have already met twice in to create an accessible, popular the chance to learn about blind futsal. the final of the European Futsal Champ- exhibition that allows people National coaches from three of all backgrounds to see Europe countries conducted the coaching semi- through football. By focusing nars, which included both theoretical on the human side of the game – sessions on working with blind players on the players, the fans and their individual and team skills and hands-on clubs – the exhibition will show sessions on a blind futsal pitch. Thirty that football continues to offer coaches attended. a unique microcosm of our societies. For the refereeing seminars, A central theme of the exhibi- an international IBSA blind futsal referee tion will be players’ lives: the was on hand to explain the rules of stories behind their careers and the game to 26 participants. The referees their personal journey across were tested on their knowledge of the Europe. By playing for different rules at the end of the weekend. clubs in a variety of countries, These seminars are one of the the players offer a powerful sym- key parts of the development project. bol of Europe’s cultural diversity. Work will now focus on producing a And yet football also demonstrates blind futsal coaching and refereeing DVD. that those cities and nations IBSA IBSA hopes to organise have something vital in common: A blind futsal European Championship the values of sport and fair play, match between Spain similar seminars all over Europe in the and Russia last November in Malaga. coming years. and a shared set of rules. ➜

15 As in previous years, ➜ UEFA staff The local designer, Olivier will take part Guilbaud, will create an exhibi- in the Special Olympics European tion that is modern and acces- Football Week sible. The event should avoid by playing a local Special becoming a nostalgic look to the Olympics team. past, and instead explore how UEFA football reflects today’s society. Mr Guilbaud has already secured the participation of Sony, who Special Olympics in the Special Olympics European Youth will provide Playstations that Football Week Games that will be held from 30 Sep- tember to 5 October in Rome. Unified will allow the public to interact The sixth annual Special Football will be one of seven sports in directly with the exhibition. Olympics European Football Week the games that focuses on young people will be held from 24 April to 3 May. between the ages of 12 and 21. A record 50,000 players with intellec- In addition, Football Week will tual disabilities will participate in continue to emphasise grassroots foot- football events in more than 50 coun- ball development, particularly in eastern tries throughout Europe/Eurasia. Europe, again with a focus on involving “The Special Olympics European school-age children with intellectual Football Week continues to expand each disabilities. year with the outstanding support of the Football Week is one of the European football family. There is no doubt that it leads to greater understand- highlights of the Special Olympics ing and acceptance of the abilities of football development project which is

UEFA/STUDIO DANN people with intellectual disabilities supported by UEFA. Raymond Kopa (left) in discussion with throughout Europe,” said Michael Smith, “Football Week has developed Evelyne Huytebroeck, William Gaillard, UEFA’s director of communications and public managing director of the Brussels-based into a highly inclusive initiative that affairs, and Olivier Guilbaud. office of Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia. brings many new opportunities to This year, events will include players with intellectual disabilities. On 27 March, an 18-strong the application of SO Get Into It, the UEFA is pleased that clubs and associa- expert committee met in Brus- Special Olympics school curriculum that tions continue to play an active role sels to discuss the content of the encourages understanding, tolerance and to ensure that UEFA’s partnership with exhibition. Evelyne Huytebroeck, acceptance among young people, and Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia under- minister of the Brussels region, “Unified Football“, in which players with lines the broader benefits football can opened the meeting and and without disabilities play on the same offer within society,” said Lars-Christer pledged her government’s sup- team. Many of these teams will compete Olsson, UEFA Chief Executive. port for the project. The com- mittee comprised sports jour- nalists, museum directors, repre- sentatives from national asso- ciations and the European Commission, and a special for- mer player: Raymond Kopa. Mr Kopa, himself the son of a miner, worked in the coal mines of Belgium before becoming a professional footballer – and the only player to finish in the top three of the European Golden Ball four seasons in a row, between 1956 and 1959. Mr Kopa won the award in 1958. For UEFA, the exhibition is an opportunity to reach all of our EU stakeholders – the Com- mission, Parliament and mem- ber states – in an entirely new

way. The exhibition will em- The UEFA club competitions are phasise the social and cultural approaching their climax. In the quarter-finals, AC Milan aspects of what we do, and had to wait until the dying present UEFA as a modern minutes of their match against Olympique Lyonnais to qualify once organisation, close to supporters again for the semi-finals. and clubs, and aware of our Andriy Shevchenko’s power proves too much for Caçapa.

place in society. LINGRIA

16 uefadirect 5.06 In future, any transfer money collected by players’ agents will have to pass through the Belgian FA first. An additional clause will be News included in players’ and coaches’ from member associations contracts, barring them from betting on matches they are involved in.

with the return leg scheduled for 9 June ARMENIA in Yerevan. In their first friendly game, Samvel Petrosyan’s players inflicted 2006 Armenia Cup gets under way a 3-0 defeat on Armenian championship third-place holders Banants. The headquarters of the Foot- Arayik Manukyan ball Federation of Armenia (FFA) was PHOTO NEWS the setting for the draw for the 2006 Ar- Jan Peeters announces the measures taken menia Cup, which was attended by FFA at the assembly. executive committee members, the media BELGIUM Any players, coaches or man- and club representatives, conducted by agers who notice any unlawful activity Slava Sargsyan, a well-known football A special meeting (such as attempted bribery, for example) commentator, and kicked off by Armenian for a special matter will be able to tell someone specially player of the year Aram Hakobyan. designated by the FA. A total of 12 teams are parti- On 20 March the president of the Finally, anyone found guilty cipating in the cup competition, namely Belgian Football Association, Jan Peeters, of bribery will have to pay a fine equal Pyunik, Mika, Banants, Kilikia, Ararat, invited the presidents of Belgium’s 18 first- to two or three years’ wages. Ararat-2, Shirak, Gandzasar, Pyunik-2, division clubs to come together and Pierre Cornez Mika-2, Banants-2 and Hay Ari. The first discuss the issue of match-fixing in the games were played on 25 March. national championship. After four hours of deliberations, there was no denying that progress had been made. It seems BOSNIA AND that everyone’s willingness to cooperate HERZEGOVINA and their genuine desire to restore public faith in football won through and made all Proposal for a new constitution the difference at this special meeting. A delegation from UEFA and FIFA The presidents of Belgium’s foot- visited the Football Federation of Bosnia balling elite all agreed to sign a charter and Herzegovina (FF BHZ) in mid-March promising to comply with the regulations for talks with the FF BHZ president, laid down by the FA and to not legally Iljo Dominkovic, national executive mem- challenge any of the results from the bers and regional association members 2005/06 season. They approved other in Sarajevo and Banja Luka. The reason measures too but these are to be fleshed for the visit was to discuss a proposal out by a working group set up by the for a new FF BHZ constitution, which has

FFA Belgian Professional Football League and to be drawn up in line with UEFA and Draw ceremony for the Armenia Cup. it is this group that will be responsible for FIFA regulations. the precise form the measures take. On the first working day, the del- As you can see, however, their egation officials visited the Office of the The FFA has organised a number High Representative of the International of training camps for the Armenian impact will be far from negligible. From now on, in order to get Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina youth teams. The Under-17 national team (OHR) for talks with associates of the High has held its training camp in Tsakhkadzor their licences, first-division clubs (who will under new coach Arsen Chilingaryan, all be given the same status) will have who took charge in 2006. In the coming to undergo not one, but three financial weeks the Under-17s are scheduled to audits. What’s more, Belgian football’s play several friendly games. licensing commission will be made up The Under-19 national side has of people from outside the clubs’ mem- also had an intensive training camp. bership, the aim being to increase its Coached by Armen Gyulbudaghyants, impartiality. the side will take part in the Hunan Other changes include informing Avetisyan memorial competition in Armavir. the Belgian FA of clubs’ capital structures, The Under-21s have also started meaning, in turn, that the identities of their preparations for the European all investors will have to be made known F. KRVAVAC Under-21 Championship qualifying match and that members of the same family against San Marino. The first leg will will no longer be allowed to hold shares in be played on 17 May in San Marino, two different clubs. Work with the delegation from FIFA and UEFA.

17 Representative, Dr Christian Schwarz- in the “Skolburti” competition, which Schilling. Together with the FF BHZ presi- began on 25 March and will finish in late dent, they issued the following statement May, are being played on 20 football to the press: pitches in ten districts of Tbilisi city, with “Initial meetings were held with the participation of all 204 Tbilisi schools. OHR representatives in Bosnia and The organisers hope this will be an unfor- Herzegovina to consider the legal aspects gettable fun-filled event for the children, of matters relating to the constitution. bringing them a lot of joy and happiness. It is very important that the constitution There will be many prizes and surprises is drawn up in accordance with the laws for the winners, with the best players of and regulations in force in Bosnia and the tournament receiving special awards

Herzegovina and that sporting organisa- THE FA from the Ministry of Culture and Sport. tions have autonomy. We have strong The Ministry of Education will also provide John Barnes does his bit for the campaign support from most national association against all forms of violence. a high-quality artificial pitch for the win- delegates for this proposal on the consti- ning school. Apart from that, the mayor tution, which will already come into force The FA. He said that the Israeli players of Tbilisi is planning to renovate 70 next season if the proposal is adopted had a key role to play. schools in the Georgian capital, with the by the assembly at its next meeting. Speaking at the launch of Israeli construction of football mini-pitches a These were important meetings for the football’s new campaign, inspired by The part of the programme. The GFF will future development of football in Bosnia FA’s Football for All strategy and England’s make every effort to promote this won- and Herzegovina.” Kick it Out campaign, he said: “Before derful event throughout the country in Iljo Dominkovic added, “After all laws and legislation are put in place, the very near future. the meetings, I can say that I am very it is the players that the fans will listen to Bakar Jordania satisfied. I would like to thank the UEFA – they provide the momentum for change.” and FIFA representatives for their great Another former Liverpool player, support and help with the proposed Avi Cohen, now chair of the Israeli PFA, GERMANY changes to the constitution, which are reinforced this view. intended to allow the FF BHZ to function “Instinctively I have always smoothly without any obstacles to the wanted to shut my eyes to this problem “Paule” the eagle is new decision-making process.” but I will keep them open and talk to DFB mascot Out on the pitch, the focus at our players,” said Cohen. “It is important “Paule” is the new mascot who the start of spring has been on the youth that they understand the role they have to will be supporting all the German national teams. The national Under-21 team play – first of all as human beings rather teams from now on. The black eagle in played Slovenia in a friendly match in than just as footballers.” the DFB strip made his debut at the senior Modrica. At the Lukavica and Vogosca The delegation visited Bnei Sahknin, national team’s friendly match against stadiums in Sarajevo, the Under-16 the only Arab club in the Israeli first division, and Under-18 sides played their counter- the USA in Dortmund. “Paule” was the to better understand the problems they name chosen by the readers of Sport-Bild, parts from FYR Macedonia. Bosnia and face. Arabs make up only 18% of the popu- Herzegovina also played Croatia in who were given four names to pick from lation of Israel and suffer consistently from at the start of the year: Horst, Knipsi, these two categories as part of the quali- racist abuse in the football arena. fying campaign for the European Under- Butzi and Paule, which received 42.5% The Israeli anti-racism campaign of the votes. DFB executive president 17 and Under-19 championships. is being led and coordinated by the New The senior national women’s Theo Zwanziger thought it a good choice. Israel Fund, which promotes democracy and “The name really suits him. Apart from that, team’s perseverance was rewarded with social equality in Israeli society. The cam- a 1-0 victory against Malta after two paign is also supported by the Israel FA. defeats against Slovenia and Croatia in qualifying matches for the 2007 Women’s Jane Bateman World Cup. Fuad Krvavac GEORGIA

ENGLAND A new youth tournament A new youth football tourna- Anti-racism initiative in Israel ment, informally called “Skolburti” (literally: It was the third visit to Israel by “school ball”), has been launched in The Football Association in just over two Georgia. The official name of the competi- years in response to a cry for help in tion is the 2006 Pepsi Cup, named after tackling the racism and violence which its general sponsor. After being initiated blight Israeli football. by the Georgian Football Federation (GFF), Former Liverpool and England the event has been organised by the winger John Barnes, who was the victim Georgian Street Football Association and of racial abuse as a player in the 1980s is widely supported by the municipality and has played a major part in England’s of Tbilisi, the Ministry of Culture and Sport DFB anti-racism campaign, joined forces with and the Ministry of Education. Matches Paule is a smash hit.

18 uefadirect 5.06 there have been plenty of footballers called players and on young talents mainly from national championship, but also on the Paul in the history of German football.” the Under-21s. We don’t plan to change national team, youth football and all “Paule” made a successful debut the composition of the squad all the time other areas of the game as well. Nordea in Dortmund. Apart from going down well – we will only take someone off if he has already been backing the LFF for with the fans in the stadium (where he is in really bad form. But the door is open three years. As Siksnis himself pointed did a walkabout), the mascot has already to the younger players, even to those in out, “the bank has had great financial been a hit with the general public too and the Under-17s,” Bozsik declared at his intial results after supporting football for these will be on sale in the shops from the end press conference. last few years.” of April. The national-team players them- Márton Dinnyés In early April, FIFA held a three- selves are happy that their self-appointed day Com-Unity seminar with the LFF in “greatest fan” will be running up and Riga, with discussions and debates about down the touchline, urging them on and LATVIA more cooperation between the LFF and cranking up the crowd’s support even Latvia’s government, media and clubs. further. No wonder national coach Jürgen Michel Platini came along to open the Klinsmann named the DFB mascot at an Premier league becomes seminar and attended a mini-tournament early stage for the World Cup on home LMT Virsliga that pitted football teams from the government, the media, the LFF and its turf. “He’s clever, cunning and always in Just like the Barclays Premiership, sponsors against each other. a good mood. There’s no question about it: the T-Mobile Bundesliga and the Carnegie Paule’s place in my World Cup squad is safe.” Premier League, Latvian football’s top Martins Hartmanis Stephan Brause division has aquired a sponsor, in the form of mobile communications operator Latvijas Mobilais Telefons (LMT) – hence LIECHTENSTEIN HUNGARY the new name, LMT Virsliga. Three changes to the board New influences for the At the general meeting of the national team Liechtenstein Football Association, held on 27 March, three changes were made to In March, the Hungarian Football the board. There was, however, no change Federation (MLSZ) announced that Péter at the top, with Reinhard Walser re-elected Bozsik and Lajos Détari were to be the duo president for a further term. Rolf Eggen- responsible for leading Hungary’s EURO berger (head of finance) was replaced 2008 qualifying campaign: Bozsik as head by Urs Gerner, while Manfred Beck (head coach and Détári his assistant. of professional football) was succeeded Péter Bozsik enjoyed his greatest by Rudolf Marxer. The duties of general coaching achievement at Zalaegerszegi

LFF secretary will be assumed by chief adminis- TE in 2002, when he helped the western trative officer Roland Ospelt, replacing Hungarian club win its first ever champ- The LMT president, Juris Binde, and his LFF counterpart, Guntis Indriksons, shake on Oliver Gerstgrasser, who was stepping ionship title. They also managed to beat the contract. down. Since the general secretary will no Manchester United in the first leg of longer have a seat on the board, a new the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, The contract provides clubs play- position, head of marketing, has been cre- although they failed to get through after ing in the LMT Virsliga with significant ated. It is is occupied by Georges Lüchinger. the second leg. material support, which will hopefully, in As well as amendments to the Bozsik’s father, József, was one turn, improve the overall standard of foot- statutes, introduced to comply with of the Magical Magyars’ key players back ball in Latvia. There are eight clubs in certain UEFA and FIFA requirements, a in the fifties and he went on to head the 2006/07 LMT Virsliga – FHK Liepajas change was made to the cup regulations. the Hungarian national team as caretaker Metalurgs, Skonto FC, FK Ventspils, Semi-finalists will in future be given a coach, so Péter is clearly following in the FC Dinaburg, FK Jurmala, FK Riga and two bye in the first round of the following right footsteps. new clubs – BSK Dizvanagi and SK Ditton. season’s competition. As for Lajos Détari, the Hunga- Having agreed a sponsorship rian international was capped 61 times in deal with LMT, the Latvian Football Federa- ten years – he was a footballing star in tion (LFF) now has the chance to buy Germany, Italy and Greece and, having prime-time slots on LTV7 for 28 matches coached at Budapest Honvéd FC and this season, which would represent the Nyíregyházi FC, is well placed to provide widest football coverage on Latvian TV. Bozsik with some valuable support. Two weeks after signing the con- Hungary’s road to EURO 2008 tract with LMT, the LFF’s general sponsor, starts in September with a difficult match the Latvian branch of Nordea Bank Finland against Norway in Budapest. Expectations plc, also signed a deal with the LMT Virsliga are high, as always, but Bozsik’s job is for this year, and Guntis Indriksons, the to build a Hungarian national team that is LFF president, and Valdis Siksnis, the presi- capable of going on in future years. dent of the bank’s Latvian branch, con- LFV ”We would like to build a national firmed that the next four years were also team in which it is an honour to play. under discussion. This long-term coopera- We will base the squad on experienced tion could focus not only on the Latvian The general meeting in Liechtenstein.

19 Looking to the future, Reinhard However sustainable the current Walser explained his main objectives for situation is, recruiting new blood to take up 2006. The creation of a technical commit- the whistle is an ongoing process. Courses NETHERLANDS tee was particularly targeted at children’s are run on a regular basis and the response football. He also thought some catching up from young people is never lacking. A century of schools’ football was needed in the areas of coach educa- These aspirants are encouraged by The Football Association of the tion and refereeing. the fact that the young crop of Maltese Netherlands (KNVB) is proud to celebrate Judith Frommelt officials from the top level right down to the a century of schools’ football this year. lower ranks are performing very well, even given the peculiar conditions on the island LITHUANIA where referees and their assistants often have to officiate matches between the same teams and in front of the same crowds. Ekranas winners of the Super Cup According to a member of the This year, Panevezys-based FK Referees Board, the high level of refereeing in Ekranas were crowned champions of the Malta has been constant and one should not Lithuanian Super Cup, after beating FBK generalise when a referee or an assistant has Kaunas 2-1 in the final. an off day. After all, players are not immune to Goalkeeper Eduardas Kurskis was having a poor match on a particular day. voted FBK Kaunas’ man of the match, Prospective referees and assistant while Arunas Klimavicius was singled out referees are constantly reminded of the for the opposition.

incentives there are in such a career. Having KNVB officials on the FIFA list is the ultimate goal Schools’ football for girls and boys. and Malta can boast of being well represented in this regard. The way to the top is open once More than 7,000 primary schools from all these recruits have the ability and willingness over the country will compete in this year’s to learn. An MFA Referees Board sub-com- competition, which will be concluded mittee for recruitment and training and with the national finals at KNVB head- another sub-committee for coaching and quarters in Zeist on 21 June. Before then, schooling of referees are doing sterling work. 140,000 pupils aged 10-12 will play for New ground was broken some time their local schools in the preliminary ago when a woman referee made it to competition, which will be succeeded by 49 regional finals. Each of the six the top echelons of Maltese officials. The

LFF KNVB districts will have an ultimate winner total number of women officials has now in both the boys’ and the girls’ category. FC Ekranas, winners of the Super Cup. expanded and a new drive to recruit more Way back in 1906, schools women is in line with the policy being adopt- were encouraged to play football in order ed by all federations. Virginijus Liubsys, head coach at to improve the physical fitness of their It is pleasing to note that history FK Ekranas, was more than satisfied with his pupils. At that time, the organisers insisted was made on 22 February when three team’s victory. As he says, it will be great that part of the pupils’ education should Maltese women – referee Esther Farrugia for them to go into the new season on top. take place on the football pitch. Boys were and assistants Sadia Mizzi and Ivana Salerno – “We have just proved that our team, to receive physical training and schools’ officiated at the Malta v Italy Under-19 FK Ekranas, are champions worthy of the football was part of the curriculum. women’s friendly international. The fact that name. I hope the team does equally well The children learned not only to cope with in the coming season.” they acquitted themselves well should be defeat but also to show respect to their The Lithuanian Super Cup was set an extra source of encouragement for more defeated opponents in victory. On the up in 1995 and the first team to win women, in particular, to take up a career pitch, they learned that perseverance and it was Kaunas-based Inkaras Grifas. Their in this vital sector of the game. commitment could sometimes produce head coach at the time was the Lithuanian Alex Vella Football Federation’s current general secre- unexpected results. These experiences on tary, Julius Kvedaras. the pitch were intended to help children Vaiva Zizaite approach the challenges of arithmetic and writing in the same manner. Schools’ football also helped MALTA children to be more disciplined. A leaflet from 1949 endorsing schools’ football said that the police had fewer problems Referees in demand with children at the time of their annual The total number of referees school tournaments. Children were whole- in Malta is quite small in relation to the heartedly defending the honour of their number of matches in domestic com- school and had no time or opportunity to petitions. Despite this constraint, the Malta cause trouble elsewhere. FA Referees Board invariably copes with Over the years, schools’ football the demand and officials control matches D.AQUILINA has undergone major changes. After on a regular basis throughout the season. Maltese referees do a good job. starting off as an activity exclusively for

20 uefadirect 5.06 boys, girls became involved in the 1970s 21 July this year. Commenting on the vol- and 1980s. Nowadays there are separate REPUBLIC unteers, FAI chief executive officer John competitions for boys and girls. Sometimes OF IRELAND Delaney said, “Volunteers are the backbone a boys’ team is happy to include the First “club of the month” of our game and without them we would most talented girls of the school as wel- not have the strong sport enjoyed by over come reinforcements for the side. awards announced 450,000 people throughout the country. Circumstances may have changed The Football Association of Ire- There is, however, a huge challenge facing but the idea behind schools’ football land (FAI) has announced the “club of the the family of football. In order to sustain remains the same. month” award winners for January and the development of our game, we need Rob de Leede February in association with the Irish Daily more volunteers, we need more people to Star and Citywest Hotel. become involved in training, managing, The inaugural award for January coaching and mentoring. We hope this need NORWAY went to Abbey United FC of Sligo, who will be met through our technical develop- play in the Sligo/Leitrim league. The club ment plan.” was formed with the aim of not only Pat Costello Player development in providing an outlet for young people in professional clubs the Cranmore Estate/Abbeyquarter area In 2004, nine of Norway’s profes- of Sligo city to play football, but also ROMANIA sional football clubs took part in a new of helping them in their own personal development. project aimed at developing young talent. The fight against racism The Norwegian Football Association (NFF) The club’s youth and junior teams have been successful down through the While racism is not a problem and the country’s professional football in Romanian football, a few violent inci- league (NTF) joined forces to subsidise the years and the quality of their coaching has meant that a number of their players dents have taken place between fans at scheme, which involved each club hiring some of our domestic championship a special coach who would be responsible have progressed to under-age and junior international teams, as well as to “eircom” matches. In view of this and the fact that for the most talented of their 17 to 21 two Romanian teams were drawn against year olds. The NFF and the NTF agreed to league and cross-channel football. Apart from that, Abbey United each other for the first time in the UEFA cover half the cost, provided the clubs Cup quarter-finals (AFC Rapid Bucuresti would fund the rest. have just won the Sligo/Leitrim super league for the fourth time in a row. v FC Steaua Bucuresti), the Romanian FA Former head coach of the Norwe- took action to ensure that both the gian national team, Nils Johan Semb, The February award went to Murroe AFC, a Limerick district league club first and return legs would go ahead now works for the NFF as coordinator for without a hitch. the project. from the village of Murroe in east Limerick, about 12 miles from Limerick city. With A few days before the first leg, The pilot scheme has proved a meeting chaired by sports director so successful that, as of this year, all a membership of 200, it provides football from Under-10s to juniors and caters for Daniel Prodan was held at FA headquart- 30 professional clubs from the top two ers between association officials and Norwegian football leagues, Tippeligaen women’s football as well. and Adeccoligaen, have been encouraged Although only formed in 1968, to follow suit. As with the original nine Murroe has managed to raise EUR 330,000 clubs, the NFF and the NTF will contribute to provide its own facilities, including a to the cost of hiring an experienced coach clubhouse with dressing rooms, two for their up-and-coming players. full-sized playing pitches and a 54-space The president of the NFF, Sondre car park. Last month the club completed Kåfjord, has emphasised the importance the final piece in the jigsaw with the of such a project as part of an overall opening of their new all-weather, floodlit strategy for developing young talent. training pitch. “It is important that young players are given The awards were presented by the best possible opportunities to fulfil their David Blood, the president of the FAI, Paul potential within the professional clubs. Cooke, managing director of the Irish Daily Star, and Phil Jones, general manager of In order to achieve that, the young players Citywest Hotel, at a function which was must have special training programmes as attended by FAI officials, club represent- well as match experience and education. atives and representatives of the provincial Some even need to learn how to organise associations. Each “club of the month” their free time so they are in the best possi- award winner will be eligible for considera- ble shape for training sessions and matches.” tion for the “club of the year” award, The current project also involves which will be presented on 21 July. seminars and observing international In addition to the above, the FAI is youth tournaments, with Nils Johan also introducing a “service to football” Semb working in close collaboration award, which will recognise and honour with coaches from the Under-21 to the significant and valued contributions of Under-16 national teams. volunteers at all levels of the game who The project will last for three devote time and effort to fostering and years, until the end of 2008. developing the game of football in Ireland. MIHAILESCU/AFP/GETTY IMAGES Roger Solheim These awards will also be presented on Bucharest derby between Rapid and Steaua.

21 senior officials from both clubs, the heads of their appearances for Scotland under of both fan groups and senior officers from the rules of the day. the police and private security company It has been a tradition in Scot- who were responsible for public order in land – as well as the other British coun- connection with the matches. Also attend- tries – to award a cap to international ing were top officials from the Romanian players, but there have been exceptions Council against Discrimination, the Roma- to the rule. David Taylor, SFA Chief Execu- nian Committee against Violence in Sport tive, said: “It may surprise many people and the National Youth Authority (all of to know that not all internationals them government bodies). All necessary

received caps, but different criteria were TFF measures were taken and a campaign applied in days gone by.” Signature of the auditing agreement. with the slogan “Show the offside flag Until 1975, the distinctive tas- to racism!” was launched. Before the first- selled caps were only awarded to players leg match, young police officers walked who took part in the British International By this agreement, the Turkish FA will gain on the pitch carrying a huge banner with Championship. That meant about 80 greater financial transparency, and that the slogan, and the clubs themselves players who played for Scotland between is an undertaking we made at our general launched campaigns against violence and 1929 – the date of the first ‘foreign’ assembly.” racism. Everything went off smoothly. international – and 1975 did not receive In other news, the Turkish natio- A day before the second leg, an- nal “B” team has once again lifted the other event was staged. The biggest sports a cap. David Taylor explained: “Times Future Cup. Germany, Austria, Scotland, hall in Bucharest, “Ioan Kunst Ghermanescu”, Poland and Turkey participated in this have changed, and although the British was the setting for a match against racism tournament, with Turkey finishing first Championship was once seen as the high- with the motto “Free kick against racism!”. on ten points from three wins and a draw. light of the season, playing for Scotland Organised by the Civic Alliance of the Germany were runners-up and Poland in any match is a great honour. We will Romanian Roma in partnership with the finished third. Romanian FA, the Romanian Council against award a commemorative Scotland cap Ilker Ugur Discrimination, the Romanian Foundation to any pre-1975 internationals who did for an Open Society, the National Youth Au- not receive one under the previous system, thority and the United Nations Development in recognition of their achievement at UKRAINE Programme, the match was played between being selected to represent their country. two teams composed of officials of all the International football is rightly regarded parties involved and a number of journalists. as the pinnacle of a football player’s career Promoting grassroots football The FA president, Mircea Sandu, who also and we can now celebrate the achieve- In March, a delegation from the attended the match, said: “The fight against ments of some famous names in Scottish Football Federation of Ukraine, headed racism and violence is a duty that falls not football.” by its vice-president, Borys Voskresenskiy, only to everyone involved in football but also to society as a whole. I want to congratulate The player with the most inter- attended the UEFA Grassroots Conference in the Steaua and Rapid players, officials national appearances to miss out on Nyon. For three days, all those present had and fans on their sporting behaviour and a cap was Eddie Turnbull, who played an opportunity to examine the various I am happy that the entire campaign has nine times for Scotland between 1948 aspects of grassroots football and the main been a success.” and 1958. He was presented with his features of UEFA’s Grassroots Charter. Paul Zaharia commemorative cap at the Scotland “Grassroots is the foundation v Switzerland match at Hampden Park of professional football,” said Borys Vosk- on 1 March. resenskiy. “All great players came from SCOTLAND Andy Mitchell the grassroots. There are many sides to grassroots football and it needs our protec- tion and support. Ukraine is making A cap for former TURKEY progress in this area, having made the pro- international players motion and development of grassroots, The Scottish FA is awarding a children’s and youth football a priority with- Financial audit commemorative cap to former internatio- in our national federation. We are currently nal players who were denied a souvenir The Turkish FA has reached an making every effort to sign up to the UEFA agreement with top financial services Grassroots Charter.” firm Deloitte concerning an audit of the In January, an expert from the association’s finances. The agreement UEFA Grassroots Football Panel visited was signed on 15 March by Kemal Kapul- Ukraine and spoke highly of the FFU’s luoglu, the Turkish FA vice-president, work. So far, six national associations have and Huseyin Gurer, a Deloitte Turkey been made party to the charter, but partner. In his speech at the signing cere- UEFA is planning to increase that number mony, Kemal Kapulluoglu said, “Our soon. Ukraine is a contender because financial structure will be audited by of the real efforts put in by the FFU and its independent auditors on a three-month, partner organisations in this area, and six-month and yearly basis. Deloitte is because of the Ukrainian national team’s successful performances recently. SFA a very important firm which works in Eddie Turnbull gets a cap at last! close cooperation with FIFA and UEFA. Valeriy Nykonenko

22 uefadirect 5.06 UEFA

Notice Communications The 31st Ordinary UEFA Congress will take place in Düsseldorf on Birthdays – Calendar 25 and 26 January 2007.

Obituary Birthdays ● Nicolai Cebotari (Moldova, 21.5) ● Theo van Seggelen (Netherlands, 22.5) Gérard Rousselot (France), who ● Mathieu Sprengers (Netherlands, 24.5) served on the Stadia Committee Gudmundur Petursson (Iceland), member of the ● Semen Andreev (Russia, 25.5) from 1994 to 1998, died on 21 March Match Delegates Panel, celebrates his 60th birth- ● Suheil Daood (Israel, 25.5) aged 64. He was a member of the day on 6 May. Jozef Marko (Slovakia), member of ● Robert Jeurissen (Belgium, 27.5) the Referees Committee, follows suit on 19 May. executive committee of the French ● Zdenek Sivek (Czech Republic, 28.5) On 4 May, Selami Özdemir (Turkey), member Football Federation, of which he was ● Patrick A. Daly (Republic of Ireland, 28.5) of the Youth and Amateur Football Committee, first vice-president from 1995 to 2000. ● David Davies (England, 28.5) reaches the half-century mark, as do Costakis ● Maria Rosario Garcia (Spain, 28.5) Koutsokoumnis (Cyprus), member of the Assis- ● Jim Stjerne Hansen (Denmark, 28.5) tance Programmes Committee, on 5 May; Nikolay ● Jean-Pierre Escalettes (France, 29.5) Match agents Levnikov (Russia), member of the Referees ● István Huszár (Hungary, 31.5) Committee, on 15 May; Helmut Krug (Germany), The Licensed UEFA Match Agents member of the Referee Observers Panel, on Panel has granted licences to: 19 May; Marco Tura (San Marino), member of Upcoming events the Match Delegates Panel, on 26 May; and Jacques Antenen (Switzerland), vice-chairman of Meetings Stefan Jagschich the Control & Disciplinary Body, on 29 May. JPM Handelsgesellschaft mbH UEFA would like to wish them all a happy 9.5.2006, Eindhoven CZO-Dienstleistungszentrum 1/3 birthday and also extends birthday greetings to: Jira Panel AT-7011 Siegendorf 9-11.5.2006, Nyon ● Mircea-Lucian Salomir (Romania, 1.5) Austria 6th Seminar for Referee Mentors and Talents ● R. Campbell Ogilvie (Scotland, 1.5) Tel.: +43 2687 42599 ● Peter Mikkelsen (Denmark, 1.5) 10.5.2006, Eindhoven Fax: +43 2687 426994 ● Johann Hantschk (Austria, 3.5) Players Panel Mobile: +43 6643819773 ● Anghel Iordanescu (Romania, 4.5) 14.5.2006, Luxembourg ● Eleonora Gambillara (Switzerland, 4.5) Youth & Amateur Football Committee Akin Coskuner ● Peter Gilliéron (Switzerland, 5.5) 17.5.2006, Paris Terminal TV Press Agency Ltd ● Kenneth Ridden (England, 6.5) Technical Development Committee ● Karl-Erik Nilsson (Sweden, 6.5) Club Competitions Committee Leylak Sok. Murat Ishani A BL. KAT 5 Kustepe-Sisli, TR-34387 Istanbul ● Pekka Luhtanen (Finland, 8.5) 22-23.5.2006, Glasgow ● Michel Pralong (Switzerland, 8.5) Executive Committee Turkey ● Marc Dobbeleir (Belgium, 8.5) Tel.: +90 212 2176666 ● 26.5.2006, Frankfurt Franco Baresi (Italy, 8.5) Women’s Football Committee Fax: +90 212 2178595 ● Haim Zimmer (Israel, 9.5) Email: [email protected] ● Robert B. Valentine (Scotland, 10.5) Competitions ● Arie Frost (Israel, 11.5) Meanwhile, licensed agent ● Ernst-Peter Radziwill (Germany, 11.5) 3-14.5.2006, Luxembourg Joao Paulo Rodrigues has moved ● Final round of the European Timo Huttunen (Finland, 11.5) from Luxembourg to Portugal. ● Jean-Marie Gantenbein (Luxembourg, 12.5) Under-17 Championship ● Henrik Ravnild (Denmark, 13.5) 7.5.2006, Moscow His new contact details are as follows: ● Carlos Manuel Ferreira Matos (Portugal, 14.5) UEFA Futsal Cup: final (return leg) Centro Empresarial de Telheiras ● Hans-Jörg Eissmann (Germany, 15.5) 10.5.2006, Eindhoven Rua Hermano Neves n° 18, ● Piotr Maranda (Poland, 15.5) UEFA Cup: final 2° andar, esc. 4 ● Hakan Nyberg (Sweden, 15.5) PT-1600 Lisbon ● 17.5.2006, Paris Evzen Amler (Czech Republic, 15.5) UEFA Champions League: final Portugal ● Svein Johannessen (Norway, 17.5) Tel.: +351 21 847 25 00 ● Lars Appelqvist (Sweden, 18.5) 20.5.2006, Potsdam ● UEFA Women’s Cup: final (first leg) Fax: +351 21 847 25 01 Andreas Morisbak (Norway, 19.5) Mobile: +351 91 901 19 50 ● Rune Pedersen (Norway, 19.5) 23.5-4.6.2006, Portugal ● Michal Listkiewicz (Poland, 20.5) Final round of the European ● Serge Muhmenthaler (Switzerland, 20.5) Under-21 Championship Finally, the licence of ● Fred Ernst (Switzerland, 21.5) 27.5.2006, Frankfurt Richard Wey (Switzerland) has been ● Natalina Ceraso Levati (Italy, 21.5) UEFA Women’s Cup: final (return leg) renewed until 15 March 2014.

WE CARE ABOUT FOOTBALL Editor André Vieli The views expressed in signed articles are not necessarily the Produced by Atema Communication SA, CH-1196 Gland official views of UEFA. Official publication of the The reproduction of articles Union des associations or extracts of any information européennes de football Printed by Cavin SA, CH-1422 Grandson published in uefadirect is authorised, provided the Communications and Public Affairs Division Editorial deadline: 7 April 2006 source is indicated. UEFA Route de Genève 46 Union des associations CH-1260 Nyon européennes de football Switzerland Phone +41 848 00 27 27 Fax +41 848 01 27 27 uefa.com