No. 170

Interview with UEFA’s Interview with UEFA’s first vice-president KARL-ERIK NILSSON UNDER-21 CHAMPIONSHIP Germany’s day Germany’s

DUTCH

DELIGHT #EQUALGAME UEFA’s new UEFA’s Respect campaign The Netherlands take the first major women’s trophy first major women’s EURO by storm to win their

No.170 • September 2017 www.uefafoundation.org EDITORIAL

WOMEN’S EURO HITS THE MARK

uring the 22 days of Women’s EURO football on display in Poland once again 2017 in the Netherlands, we all showed that our youth tournaments are D witnessed something historic – not far behind the senior level. the biggest women’s national team The summer also saw Real Madrid lift competition ever. yet another trophy. In what was a night to Yes, for the first time ever we had 16 remember in Skopje, Real beat Manchester competing teams, but this tournament made United and took the UEFA Super Cup back history in many other ways as well. It was the to Spain. biggest UEFA Women’s EURO in terms of the Some cycles may have finished, but another number of fans who attended matches, the is already beginning, with the new UEFA club number of people who watched the action competition season officially kicking off in on TV and the number of online users who Monaco. It is the perfect opportunity to engaged with its digital content. launch a new social responsibility awareness What does all this mean? It means that if campaign and I am proud that we will be there were ever any doubts that women’s further promoting inclusion, diversity and football is a premier product, then they accessibility in this new communications have certainly been dispelled. initiative. Football is for all and I hope we will There was another indicator that women’s be able to spread this message far and wide football is growing at a record pace: none with the new #EqualGame campaign. of the four semi-finalists had ever won this tournament before. In the end it was the home side who lifted the trophy, and this maiden triumph prompted wild celebrations from Oranje fans all over the country. Another champion was crowned in the European Under-21 Championship, with Germany reigning victorious in Krakow after Aleksander Čeferin an intense final against Spain. The level of UEFA President

UEFA DIRECT • September 2017 – 03 04 04 CONTENTS

16 UEFA – Esben R. G. Pedersen (page 66) (page Pedersen G. R. Esben Hedvig Pellerud, NFF (page 67) (page NFF Pellerud, Hedvig UEFA • DIRECT Julien Hernandez (page 34) (page Hernandez Julien Andrew Haslam (page 26) (page Haslam Andrew the Union of European European of Union the Graham Turner (page 12) (page Turner Graham Official publication of publication Official External contributors: External Football Associations Türker Tozar (page 28) TozarTürker (page Deputy chief editor: Simon Hart (page 30) (page Hart Simon Emmanuel Deconche Editorial deadline: Editorial Paul Saffer (page 6) (page Saffer Paul CH-1422 Grandson Dominique Maurer Dominique Artgraphic Cavin, Cavin, Artgraphic 8 August 20178 August Cover photo: Cover Chief editor: editor: Chief Getty Images Getty Production: September Touchline Printing:

2017 Championship 26 diversity. 16  12 6  06

uoen Under-19 European CONTENTS Championship #EqualGame European Under-21 Women’s EURO 2017 title since 2009. title Under-21 European second their win Germany At Poland, final in round the the final round in Georgia. final in round the Under-19 first their England win at title on spotlight the #EqualGame, puts UEFA’s campaign, Respect new trophy. the on name anew and Women’s first 16-team The EURO

38 34 30 28

Karl-Erik Nilsson Karl-Erik European Qualifiers The Technician UEFA Cup Regions’ Cup final tournament, won by Zagreb. by won Cup tournament, final Regions’ tenth the host Istanbul UEFA Direct why football inspires him. inspires football why UEFA Direct tells UEFA’svice-president first to mount. starting 2018 World Cup, is suspense the the for Qualifiers European in the to four go matchdays just still With football. counterattacking is towards trend quick, the League, UEFA the and Europa League UEFA the Champions both In

Getty Images 68 64 programme. 62 44 associations Programme Getty Images UEFA

Through the lens Through the News from member controlDoping officers been awarded grants for 2017/18. grants awarded been have projects research new Six faces of UEFA’sThe anti-doping season. competition 2016/17 ofA snapshot the UEFA Research Grant 38 26

Getty Images Getty Images UEFA •September DIRECT CONTENTS 2017 2017 44 12 – 05 WOMEN’S EURO

DUTCH DELIGHT AS HOME NATION WINS WOMEN’S EURO

Germany’s 22-year reign as European women’s champions came to an end as the Netherlands delighted sell-out crowds by claiming the title for the first time.

omen’s international football, Shanice van de Sanden often with some justification, (Netherlands) celebrates with the trophy after Whas been accused of being the final. predictable at the top level. UEFA Women’s EURO 2017 could not have been further from that stereotype. The long-awaited expansion of the European Women’s Championship finals to 16 teams took effect for Women’s EURO 2017. Beforehand there had been concerns as to whether the lower-ranked teams would be able to compete with the traditional powers, but with the nations ranked 12th and 13th meeting in the semi-finals, the former having ended Germany’s 22-year reign in the quarter-finals, the extra berths proved fully justified. The team that were the first to inflict an elimination on Germany since 1993 were Denmark, who were to meet all-conquering hosts the Netherlands in a sold-out Enschede final. It was the home side who emerged triumphant to become only the fourth nation to win the title, after a thrilling final watched by more than 28,000 fans. All six of the hosts’ games sold out for an aggregate attendance of 110,897 out of a record tournament total of above 240,000.

Five debutants That this would become a tournament marked by surprises was not so clear in qualifying, as Germany and France made it through without dropping a point or conceding a goal, and 11 of the 12 finalists from 2013 booked their spots, and comfortably in most cases. The ones to miss out were Finland, who were the victims of the shock of the qualifying competition when they saw a 2-0 lead disappear in a 3-2 defeat by Portugal, who were in the fourth tie of seeds but then defeated Romania with an extra-time away goal in the play-offs. Like Portugal, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria and Scotland made their Women’s

Getty Images EURO debuts in the Netherlands, and all Right: AnnaBlasse(Germany)andKatrine Veje (Denmark) battle forpossession duringtheirteams’quarter-final. a huge step.”a huge that’s of and we’re what capable ourselves We’ve to for us. proven a breakthrough really is nation atop against performance said: “This Wiegman Coach Sarina inUtrecht. like monarch the born Sanden, inby Van de turned cross Martens’s goal, only for the combined they And Norway. against inspired were who Sanden de van Shanice and Martens Lieke wingers was it but Miedema Vivianne striker Dutch prolific on was focus pre-tournament The into save. abrilliant Hjelmseth Ingrid forced Donk de van Danielle seconds opening inspired. were Netherlands the start the from expectation; the with freeze hosts Some long. to last not was that amark and women’sfor Dutch football, of 21,732 of acrowd one game, –arecord opening to watch the of Utrecht city birth inhis was King Willem-Alexander Inspired hosts tickets. to buy event apromotional at up turning family included even had that campaign marketing months-long impressive an fans after of their hopes to up the live to able be would Dutch the to whether as doubts some were there finals, the before ayear than less coaches changed had hosts the considering and Netherlands, the against up were Norway game. opening inthe came to come was of what sign way, the all to go a but Norway expected runners-up Norway. amazingly, and, 2013 Iceland injury-hit to apoint, fail were to teams get two only fact In victory. one least at to gain were

Getty Images inthe and into tore Norway They many front, up Hegerberg Ada Boasting Above: CarolineWeir (Scotland)celebrates scoring herteam’s firstgoalagainstSpain. the royal royal the with Germany and Sweden. Both were to were Both Sweden. and Germany with B Group have been would it runners-up, and winners the both forth send would any section thought had anyone if tournament, the Before finalists. two the to produce Awas Group up shaped groups the How inTilburg. border the far from not of support plenty had who Belgium, for a2-1 to work made were against win they as group the topped Netherlands the while of Norway defeat a 1-0 with progress to book were Denmark half. However, second the dominating Denmark despite win for aDutch enough was goal 17 Spitse aSherida as later days unfold would that encounter high-scoring the not was It final. for the rehearsal adress as few saw inagame Denmark what the made difference.” that’s and inpossession dangerous very were said. “We Tessa Wullaert forward game,” Denmark the Belgium after frustration of some rid to get talk a group had “We upsets. biggest tournaments’ the ranked that among victory deserved afully 2-0, Norway to stun recovered debutants the But 1-0. Belgium starting slow- to beat goal early of an most the –made since impressed seldom had 2013 the but reached who semi-finals day, – opening Denmark the on Also have been further from that stereotype. that from further have been not could 2017 level. Women’s EURO UEFA top the at predictable being of accused been has justification, some with often football, Women’s international That evening the Netherlands faced faced Netherlands the evening That made some superb saves. superb some made who Tatyana keeper Shcherbak, teenage was star real the but Morozova, Elena and Danilova Elena long-serving from goals 2-1 13 Italy in game defeated they with as ended run That appearances. group-stage four previous intheir agame won never Denmark behind lots of drawing the on finals 2013 the on out missed only quarter- had B. They inGroup top on were who Russia fashion. unconvincing inominously but eight, make last the England penalties on 5-3 win Austria Austria 1-2 Germany Netherlands Quarter-finals RESULTS Netherlands Final Netherlands penalties on 3-0 win Denmark Denmark Semi-finals In fact, after the opening day, opening was it the after fact, In

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1-0 0-0 2-0 4-2 3-0 0-0 Denmark

Sweden

Spain France Denmark Austria England

Getty Images WOMEN’S EURO

Germany and Sweden drew 0-0 in their Melania Gabbiadini, who, to rub salt in successors to Germany as champions. opener, a game high on quality despite the Azzurre wounds, lost her status as the Would it be Iceland, in their third lack of goals. Four days later, though, both all-time UEFA Women’s EURO career consecutive finals, though hit by injuries got off the mark. Sweden beat Russia 2-0, group-stage scorer to Lotta Schelin. to key players? Or perhaps Switzerland, in with Lotta Schelin scoring her seventh That Sweden survived was thanks to their debut Women’s EURO but fresh from EURO goal, taking her ahead of a certain Germany’s 2-0 win against Russia, earned making the 2015 Women’s World Cup last Zlatan Ibrahimović, something the by two more penalties. Germany topped 16 and boasting some of the continent’s Rosengård forward said was “pretty cool”. the group and Steffi Jones, who had highest-rated attacking talent? There were Germany edged a 2-1 win against Italy succeeded Silvia Neid as coach following fewer takers for Switzerland’s fellow finals with a second-half Babett Peter penalty, a the 2016 Olympic gold, was content: newcomers Austria. So there were plenty result that left the Azzurre eliminated “The machinery is starting to roll now. of raised eyebrows when Austria opened despite a much-improved showing. And I am convinced that we will make the group by beating Switzerland 1-0 with Italy had never previously failed to reach goals against Denmark as well, and if they a goal from their all-time top scorer Nina the last eight under any Women’s EURO are from the spot or not, I do not really Burger. There was less surprise at France format; now only Sweden could maintain care about that, as long as we score.” defeating Iceland by the same scoreline, such a record. And they did so despite a but they required a Eugénie Le Sommer 3-2 loss to Italy in a game of high Austria – a turn-up for the books penalty with four minutes to go in order to excitement and top-quality goals, Pre-finals discussions about Group C were earn the three points. substitute Cristiana Girelli scoring the mainly about who would finish second France had produced both UEFA winner in the last game for the retiring behind France, tipped as the most likely Women’s Champions League finalists in Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain, both teams with a healthy core of home players, but they were not clicking – even in their run of quarter-final exits, Les Bleues have usually impressed in major tournament groups. And so France had to come from behind to draw 1-1 with Austria, whose coach Dominik Thalhammer pointedly said afterwards: “Yes, we were defensive as the French coach pointed out, but we don’t have quite as many world- class players at our disposal so we play to our strengths.” Iceland, meanwhile, were knocked out with a game to spare as Switzerland came from behind to win 2-1 through stars Lara Dickenmann and Ramona Bachmann. Switzerland, though, now knew they had to beat France to go through to the quarter-finals at Les Bleues’ expense. With Austria cruising to a convincing 3-0 win against Iceland, France looked in real trouble when Ana-Maria Crnogorčević gave Switzerland a 19th-minute lead not long after French defender Eve Périsset was sent off. But Camille Abily’s 76th- minute free-kick snuck in and France held on for a draw and second place behind those little-fancied outsiders, Austria.

England convince One section did finish as seeded, with England topping Group D ahead of Spain, Scotland third and Portugal bottom, but that is a long way from the full story.

Anouk Dekker (Netherlands) and Ada Hegerberg

Getty Images (Norway) challenge for a header. All six of the hosts’ games sold out for an aggregate attendance of 110,897 out The Swedish team forms a circle before their match against Germany. of a record tournament Getty Images total of above 240,000.

What was not in doubt was that England for that when the group’s two favourites Portugal, and the Lionesses only just were the most convincing performers met. Vicky Losada nearly struck in the edged a 2-1 win through Nikita Parris. of the group stage, starting with their opening seconds for Spain but England Portugal’s defeat meant Scotland could opening game against Scotland, finally scored soon after through Fran Kirby. have reached the quarter-finals by beating in a major tournament after play-off near Spain had around 80% of possession, Spain by a two-goal margin. But in an misses for 2009 against Russia and 2013 but seldom created clear chances. And outcome familiar to fans of Scotland’s versus Spain. as time ran out Taylor, who had seen little male team in their final tournaments over Scotland were missing several key of the ball, again showed her eye for goal the decades, they fell heroically short – players through injury but even at full after Jordan Nobbs’s flick to clinch a winning 1-0 but just failing to get a strength might have had no answer 2-0 win. second goal. to England’s clinical display as they won Portugal edged a 2-1 win against There was just one rest day to catch 6-0, the largest winning margin in any Scotland to keep the group open until the breath before the quarter-finals, and Women’s EURO. Jodie Taylor’s hat-trick final day. Player of the match Dolores Silva in keeping with the group stage the was the first in a final tournament summed up what it meant to Portugal knockout phase opened with a surprise. since 1997. when she said: “It’s historic to be in this The Netherlands had performed far better Earlier on in the competition’s own Women’s EURO final tournament, and than Sweden in the group stage but many derby day, Spain overcame Portugal 2-0, now we’ve got our first victory! It’s expected the Olympic silver-medallists to dominating the encounter though without amazing! We are really delighted.” make their greater tournament pedigree turning possession into goals the way England, virtually through already, count. Instead, a Martens free-kick and a England did. And they were made to pay made ten changes for the game with goal – at last – for Miedema ensured a

UEFA-BACKED YOUNG REPORTERS “Could there a better stepping stone to my future career in sports PROGRAMME PUSHES BOUNDARIES journalism than the UEFA-sponsored AIPS youth reporters FROM KICK-OFF TO FINAL WHISTLE programme? After three weeks of joy and hard work, the three- week programme offered me everything I could have hoped for – and more. I was given the opportunity to cover the UEFA Women’s EURO from start to finish, together with an enthusiastic international group of fellow young reporters and four professional mentors. The press box became my second home as on-the-whistle match reports and player profiles had to be produced on an almost daily basis. Next to this, I felt privileged to attend the inspirational classes given by some top-notch guest speakers, including FIFA Women’s Player of the Year and UEFA Best Women’s Player winner Nadine Kessler and UEFA Referees Committee member Dagmar Damková. Sometimes I find it difficult to step out of my comfort zone UEFA but I was challenged constantly to question myself and adapt to new situations to cover each story in the best possible way. Thanks to the UEFA-sponsored young reporters programme This allowed me to improve my interview techniques while of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), a group becoming familiar with how a major tournament is organised. of fledgling journalists covered the final round of the Women’s The programme opened my eyes and enabled me to become EURO in the Netherlands. One of those reporters, Jeroen a better reporter in a competitive sports journalism world. It has Adriaanse, himself from the Netherlands, looks back at a been a journey that can only be described as a once in a memorable experience. lifetime experience.”

UEFA DIRECT • September 2017 – 09

WOMEN’S EURO

RECORDS BROKEN 2-0 win for the hosts, and excitement was likely team to score. And score they palpably growing wherever they played did with seven minutes left as Nadim in the country. and Frederikke Thøgersen combined to set up Theresa Nielsen for the winner. Germany’s 22-year reign ends Germany’s 22-year reign as champions The day’s second quarter-final never was over, the first time they had lost a happened as torrential rain in Rotterdam knockout game in this competition since The total tournament attendance forced the postponement of Germany’s tie Denmark themselves beat them to third of 240,045 surpassed the record with Denmark to the following afternoon, place in 1993. Nielsen said: “I’m so happy set in 2013 of 216,888. Three of despite Jones joining in with the effort to that we beat Germany. It’s amazing. clear the pitch and dugouts of water. Everybody dreams about scoring, but the top six single-match Women's Once the game started it seemed like doing it is another thing!” EURO record attendances were business as usual when Isabel Kerschowski achieved during these finals. put Germany into a third-minute lead. Busting myths But their failure to add another before Austria were the only one of the debutants half-time proved fatal for their chances. to survive the group stage, but the quarter-­ Early in the second half, a Stine Larsen ­finals were not enough for them. Spain’s cross was headed in by Nadia Nadim and problems in front of goal continued as from there on Denmark looked the more they were held to 0-0 for 120 minutes by Austria, who then won 5-3 on penalties with five perfect spot kicks. Thalhammer reflected: “This EURO is a great sign of The estimated total TV audience of what you can achieve as an underdog with around was more 160 million spirit and dedication. Our mentality hasn’t than 50 million higher than in 2013. changed. Maybe the theory about the favourites only being able to win in women’s football is a myth after all.” Another myth busted was that England would always lose to France. The last time England had beaten France was in 1974 but they went into the last quarter-final as the form team and Les Bleues were without two suspended defenders – There were more than 4 million Périsset and the talismanic Wendie Renard. visits to the Women's EURO section Getty Images The match was tight and of the highest of UEFA.com and the new women's quality but not for the first time in the football app, more than doubling Above: Steph Houghton (England) waits to lead tournament England proved that they the numbers for 2013. her team-mates out onto the pitch before their would take a chance when presented – quarter-final against France. Below: Viktoria Schnaderbeck (Austria) controls Taylor getting the only goal, her fifth of the ball during her team’s semi-final against Denmark. the finals.

The final four In 2013 Denmark won their quarter-final on penalties but then fell in the semis by the same method. This time they inflicted that fate on Austria, whose spot-kick luck deserted them not only in normal time through Sarah Puntigam – the game again ended 0-0 – but then in the shoot-out as they lost 3-0 to the disappointment of thousands watching on big screens in Vienna, though the team were given a heroes’ reception on their return home. Talking of thousands, the Dutch record from the opening game was eclipsed by the 27,093 that saw the hosts take on England at FC Twente’s Enschede home that would also stage the final. England were missing goalkeeper Karen Bardsley through injury and suspended midfielder Getty Images Getty Images half in any EURO final – men’s – final women’sor inany EURO half 33rd inthe minute. goal for afinals wait her ended captain, young Harder, brilliant Pernille Denmark’s and of Stina reach Petersen the beyond shot a curled Martens half-hour the before –just down settle not did game The cross. Van tenth-minute Sanden’s de in turned Miedema as quickly very came answer kick? spot The Spitse’s after game group inthe to do unable were Denmark by Nadim. converted penalty early an won Denmark as fell behind hosts the tournament, the in time first for the broken. But was record attendance women’sDutch football the again yet as stadium tocentre the city Enschede fan from walk the joined fans orange-clad of thousands as final of the day the on early began party The Dutch the for time Party celebrating. was Enschede and beaten were England by then but goal own an with 3-0 it made Bright Millie touch final the With Van Donk. de colleague Arsenal by her punished ruthlessly was by Williams aslip after down fell two they hard, pushed – favourites tournament –by now England although and ahead Netherlands the put range, her found having now Miedema, Spitse. and Groenen Jackie Donk, de van Danielle through centre inthe game the controlled instead but wings the down to dominate player, Fara Williams. most-capped by their replaced Scott, Jill It was already the highest-scoring first first highest-scoring the already was It as respond Could Netherlands the able not were Netherlands the once For think ‘wow’.think fantastic.” really it’s Ithink will we tournament, the at back look we when of months, inacouple that Ithink But moment. the at do we than it of grasp have abetter guys you I think but moment the at thing ahuge is It out. have sold would still probably it stadium, we’d if and bigger even inan have played of 30,000 of acrowd infront played in2001: Germany since winners “We Women’s home EURO first the being at joy Netherlands’ to the sum up Berg, den van Mandy with trophy the lifted who fell to it Spitse, but tournament, goal. 4-2 the enjoying of himself footage posted Gullit Ruud goalscorer 1988 final fellow while team, the with to celebrate hand on was Basten van Marco Appropriately titles. EURO men’s women’s both and won previously had Germany only by 1989.title Indeed, first their won had Germany, of whom all and Norway Sweden, after trophy this to win team fourth the only though, Taylor. winner Boot Golden adidas behind one just her leaving phase, knockout of the goal fourth her managed Miedema when minute 89th inthe began really celebrations Dutch the And knocks. up picked players more kick-off before injury through out players three with already as to respond, unable were Denmark time This ground. home club her on afree-kick converted she as Denmark haunting again Spitse goal, another was half second into the minutes six only 2-2. in at went teams the – and However, Martens was named player of the of the player named was Martens Netherlands’ the was prize big The “I knew my moment would come and I’m so and come would moment my “I knew wanted to win. Both teams played attacking attacking played teams Both towin. wanted football and six goals in an exciting match is match exciting an in goals six and football supporting us. This is my second home here here home second my is This us. supporting I’m so happy, I can’t even describe it Ithink. it describe even happy, Ican’t I’m so in Enschede; I played here for five years and years five for here Iplayed Enschede; in was just done after that goal. I don’t know. Idon’t goal. that after done just was having scored the 4-2 was good because it because good was 4-2 the scored having “When you looked around, everyone was was everyone around, looked you “When “It was a great final, with two teams that teams two with final, agreat was “It orange and everyone was screaming andorange and everyone really wanted to play football, and really really and football, toplay wanted really Sari van Veenendaal, goalkeeper happy I could help the team today. And today. And team the help Icould happy showed they deserved to be here too.” here tobe deserved they showed a great advert for the women’s game. I game. women’s the for advert a great thought we deserved it, but Denmark Denmark but it, deserved we thought Vivianne Miedema, forward UEFA •September DIRECT it’s unbelievable. I’m so happy!” I’m so unbelievable. it’s WHAT SAID: THEY THE CHAMPIONS Sarina Wiegman, coach 2017 2017 – 11 EUROPEAN UNDER-21 CHAMPIONSHIP

GERMANY AND POLAND WIN AT U21 FINALS

In the 21st match of the 21st European Under-21 Championship finals, Germany beat Spain 1-0 to take the title for the first time since 2009. Off the pitch, however, Poland won acclaim for a novel approach to the organisation of a major tournament.

he Polish national association (PZPN) promotional point of view, the cultural of the six host cities, at which the sharing was, of course, no novice. They had, diversity was an asset. Each city possessed of information and knowledge was maybe T after all, teamed up with colleagues qualities to be maximised and, for the of greater importance than the agenda of from Ukraine to help UEFA get the EURO organisers, a prime objective was to engage work and improvements to be implemented 2012 show on the road. But, courageously, the citizens at the six venues in a dynamic at stadiums, training facilities, city centres they decided not to copy and paste Warsaw, project. As they commented afterwards, and fan zones. Gdansk, Poznan and Wroclaw onto the list people were surprised by the importance of venues for the U21 event. Instead, they and dimensions of the major international Spectacular in every sense preferred to take the football into other parts event and were more than prepared to The reward was a spectacular, impeccably of the country. In the north, the choices invest effort and enthusiasm into the organised event. And the Polish media were Gdynia and Bydgoszcz, the latter process of converting project into reality. were quick to highlight the festive entailing an element of bravery in that the The main challenge was to merge such atmospheres in cities and stadiums and city is not home to a top-level club side. The diverse geography into a concerted team to recall the levels of energy and colour glass-half-full interpretation was, however, effort and to prevent each venue from that EURO 2012 had generated in the that this would, hopefully, create a healthy becoming a remote island. And it was in country. Attendances also paid tribute to appetite for the U21 action. this area that the PZPN organisers were the promotional efforts during the run-up The other four venues – Krakow, Tychy, to encounter one of the main reasons to the tournament, including the extra Kielce and Lublin – required a great deal to feel proud of their efforts. Political push provided by Krakow-born former of scrolling down the map of Poland. commitment to the common cause was, Polish international full-back Marek Distances and travel times between them for example, illustrated by the meetings Kozminski, on board as official ambassador could exceed 600km and six hours. From a held every few weeks between the mayors for the event. UEFA There had been whispered fears that were making their debut at the finals of A CHAMPION COACH the matches not involving the host country a UEFA competition for men and, even might struggle to attract the public. But though they were among the group-stage Stefan Kuntz was a European champion misgivings were rapidly allayed when tickets fallers, they earned a round of applause as a player with Germany in 1996. were put on sale to the public on Monday from the team of UEFA technical observers Exactly 21 years to the day, he repeated 20 February. By the Tuesday morning, 11 of at the event on account of the positive the feat as coach of Germany’s winning the 21 games were sold out. When the approach by a team that might have been team at the U21 EURO on 30 June. final balance was compiled at the end of forgiven for adopting a more conservative June, it revealed a total audience of just strategy. Blagoja Milevski encouraged his Kuntz on… under a quarter of a million. The exact players to express themselves and took figure was 243,995 spectators at an them home convinced that the lessons The need to start well – average of 11,619 per match. and experience would stand them in and maintain a rhythm And they were not short-changed on good stead for future tournaments. “The way this tournament format works, entertainment value. The first 12-team The draw, it has to be said, had placed there is no time to start slowly. Our plan final tournament set a new record by them in the tough northerly Group B, was: we will not rest any players. If you averaging in excess of three goals per in Gdynia and Bydgorszcz, where they want to become a European champion, game. Oddly, the first game was the only had to contend with Serbia, Spain and you have to be able to cope with five one to end goalless – though England the 2015 silver-medallists, Portugal. The matches in the space of a few days.” goalkeeper Jordan Pickford saved a late group featured some nice touches on and penalty which could have broken the off the pitch. The volunteers in Bydgoszcz, Speaking individually deadlock and earned Sweden a victory for example, organised activities to show to his players that would have kick-started the defence their solidarity with the Spanish players “Every player is different and they of the title they had won in 2015. In the in support of Yeray Alvarez, the central need to be addressed differently. Some event, the defending champions went defender who, after being selected for players don’t need any conversations home after a group phase in which they the tournament, had been obliged to with their coach, others need one daily. failed to win a game. withdraw due to a recurrence of testicular It’s a mixture of handing out tips, telling cancer. And beach games on the coast stories and giving advice.” New 12-team format at Gdynia were staged to mirror the Group As it happened, the eight teams who had B fixture list but which featured supporters His instructions before contested the 2015 title were hitting the – with no U21 age limit. the final against Spain replay button in Poland, where Slovakia, On the pitch, the group scripted a “I talked about three or four points Spain, the hosts and FYR Macedonia filled hard-luck story for the Portuguese. before the game. The first was the body the other places on the starting grid of Rui Jorge’s team posted two victories but – we trusted all the players to give 100 the expanded final tournament. The latter sandwiched between them was a thorny per cent. The second was the head – that we kept calm and followed our game plan. After that I told them they had nothing to lose, as they had already won people’s hearts back at home. The final point was team spirit – I knew every player wanted to win the cup for their team-mates.”

The winning feeling as a coach “I looked at my trousers after the semi-final and there was some dirt on my knees – I’d been lying on the grass because I had so much joy in me. It’s totally different becoming a champion as a coach rather than a player. As a player, you are happy for yourself. As a coach, you are happy for 40 or 50 different people.” UEFA

UEFA DIRECT • September 2017 – 13 14 14 fought backto1-2andthen,inthe80th track but,totheircredit, thedebutants Two goalsin22minutesputthemon target ofwinningbyatleastthree goals. off againstFYRMacedoniawiththeclear Back toPortugal.Adaylater, theykicked six pointsandagoaldifference of+3. gave therunner-up spottoSlovakiawith (surprising) scoreline againstSweden Boothroyd’s team,whilethesame a 3-0winclinchedfirstplaceforAidy overEnglandwasrequired,Victory but with Swedenandmathematicalsurvival. a2-2draw last-gasp penaltythatearned nightmare sequelofa2-1defeatplus header after53seconds)hadthe against Slovakia(athumpingnear-post In Group A,adream startbythehosts And thenthere were four required. records andcoefficients wouldhavebeen equality persisted,adelveintodisciplinary difference; numberofgoalsscored. If criteria were clear:numberofpoints;goal the selectionofa‘bestrunner-up’. The semi-finalists from three groups entailed talking points.Theneedtoconjure four 12-team formatarrivedwithinherent put 3-1onthescoreboard. capped asologallopwithcoolfinishthat latched ontotheballinhisownhalf and for anequaliser. SubstituteIñakiWilliams the counterattackwhilepushingforward box byBruma.Buttheywere punishedon left-footed volleyfromofthe thecorner –anunstoppable goals ofthetournament game thankstooneoftheoutstanding Trailing 2-0,theyedgedbackintothe fixture againsttheirIberianneighbours. CHAMPIONSHIP UNDER-21 EUROPEAN That goalhadrepercussions. Thenew – UEFA • September DIRECT 2017 on itswaytosettinganewgoalscoring was well In themeantime,tournament Goals galore being playedout. the wingswhileothertwogroups were expense ofSlovakia,impotentlywaitingin sending themthrough withItalyatthe themthe‘bestrunner-up’earned label, Denmark, Germany’s goaldifference of+4 being conclusivelydashedbyarampant goal ofthegame.AsCzechhopeswere out,theonly at goaland,asitturned presented Bernardeschiwithasolorun by fiveplayers.Aballwinhighontheleft formation basedonhighcollectivepressing Benardeschi ashisattackingstilettoina Petagna, andusingthemobilityofFederico by withdrawinghistargetstriker, Andrea previously, produced atacticalmasterstroke benches intheCzechRepublictwoyears coaches whohadalsobeenonthe of victoryoverGermany. where Italy’s hopesswungonthehinges the sceneforashowdowninKrakow, result thateliminatedthelatter. Thisset solidly overpoweringDenmark3-0–a a 3-1winoverItalywhileGermanywere theCzechs long-range shootingearned among thepigeonswhensomepowerful to theformbook.Butacatwasthrown Republic andDenmarkpaidduerespect Germany andItalyagainsttheCzech denouement. Openingvictoriesfor had arollercoaster ridetoadramatic of thesemi-finals. but a4-2winleftthemonegoalshort addedspicetoadded-time the tournament minute, to2-3.Bruma’s third goalof Luigi DiBiagio,oneofonlythree It wasalldowntoaGroup Cwhich

Getty Images Portugal Serbia June 20 Spain Portugal June 17 B Group Sweden June 16 A Group RESULTS heads inGermany’s winning goal. In the40thminute,MitchellWeiser Final Spain penalties on 4-3 win *Germany Semi-finals Republic Czech Italy June 24 Germany Republic Czech June 21 Denmark Germany June 18 C Group Germany England Serbia Macedonia FYR June 23 Slovakia Slovakia June 19 Poland England June 22 Poland

30 June 30 June 27 2-2* 1-3 2-2 5-0 Serbia 2-0 1-2 0-0 3-1 2-4 1-0 3-0 3-1 Italy 0-2 2-0 1-0 Spain 0-1 Spain 2-4 3-0 3-0 1-2 2-2 Sweden Spain Slovakia England Italy

England

Spain Germany FYR Macedonia Macedonia FYR Macedonia FYR Denmark Germany Denmark Italy Republic Czech Portugal Portugal Sweden Poland Germany add to the European Under-21 title they won in 2009. UEFA

record of over three per game. And, in semi-finals of exceptional intensity. Two qualities that earned him the UEFA Player the view of UEFA’s technical observers, corners, one low cross, one lofted cut-back of the Tournament award. the format had played a positive role. and two headers added up to a 2-2 draw Unlike EURO 2016, where third place in in a see-saw confrontation between A fitting finale the group was compatible with progress, England and Germany, followed by a The final, however, was another matter. the coaches in Poland knew that winning sterile half-hour of extra time (during The German game plan was based on games – and the group – afforded the which both coaches availed themselves a high back line, high pressing and high only guarantee of a place in the last four. of the experimental opportunity to make intensity, allied with astute positional The 21 games yielded 65 goals and, a fourth substitution) and a penalty play that produced overloads in the areas significantly, Spain’s Saúl Ñíguez, with shoot-out in which Julian Pollersbeck surrounding Spain’s full-backs. Albert his surging runs from midfield and fierce made two saves to ensure a victory for Celades’ team allowed itself to be pushed long-range strikes, emerged as the top Stefan Kuntz’s team. In the other, Saúl deeper and deeper, unable to find space scorer with five, ahead of the tournament’s had put Spain 1-0 up before the 58th- for their trademark combination play. array of strikers. minute dismissal of the Italy screening It was German right-back Jeremy Toljan Saúl, a familiar face to followers of midfielder Roberto Gagliardini. But who delivered the cross five minutes before the UEFA Champions League, was among Bernardeschi conjured an equaliser for the the break that allowed Mitchell Weiser to the star performers who drew crowds to ten men, only for Saúl to strike twice more duck into a backward header that looped the stadium – and, although the coaches to settle a match that allowed midfielder over the keeper and into the far corner did not generally regard the U21 event Dani Ceballos to exhibit the creative of the net. It was just reward for a period as a ‘development tournament’, many of relentless pressure. Although Spain were stressed its value on the players’ learning more recognisable as their normal selves curves. FYR Macedonia coach Milevski after the interval and gave Germany some commented: “My players lacked experience 20 minutes of rough weather, they were at high level and our opponents had that unable to find goalward routes against an experience from the Champions League opposing team which had astutely plotted and the Europa League. It was tough to to spike their attacking guns. play three games in a few days but the As the rain poured down on the medals experience will make our players better.” ceremony, it was gold for German order Even Di Biagio remarked: “We have players and collective qualities and silver for the in Serie A but when you look at Saúl, more mercurial Spaniards. It was a who has 20 or 30 games in the Champions spectacularly fitting finale to a tournament League, or Deulofeu, who has played in rich in goals and talent which had also Spain, England and Italy, it shows that given PZPN president Zbigniew Boniek many international football demands other 243,995 reasons to feel proud of his organisational qualities compared with our national league.” spectators attended the tournament, team and the legacy that the memorable There was no lack of quality in two at an average of 11,619 per match event had left in six Polish cities.

UEFA DIRECT • September 2017 – 15 RESPECT CAMPAIGN

DIVERSITY INSPIRES NEW UEFA RESPECT CAMPAIGN

UEFA is heralding the start of a new season with a new Respect campaign: #EqualGame. It seeks to demonstrate and champion the inspiring diversity of football in Europe, and players from grassroots right up to the elite level are already lining up in support.

he #EqualGame campaign brings expected UEFA to invest in, alongside The campaign will be supported by a fresh dimension to UEFA’s examples such as battling match- a bespoke television spot featuring T promotion of diversity, inclusion fixing and anti-doping came matters the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel and accessibility. It has evolved out of such as diversity, inclusion and Messi, Paul Pogba and Ada Hegerberg, and builds upon the successful No to accessibility – the need to make alongside grassroots players from Racism campaign run by the European the sport available for everyone different European countries. This body for several years, and aims to across Europe. TV ad will premiere on matchday 1 spread the positive spirit of inclusion, UEFA listened carefully and took of the 2017/18 UEFA Champions amplify an uplifting message about note. As a result, #EqualGame will League and UEFA Europa League the benefits that football brings to constantly strive to emphasise season. A 60-second version will be the community and show how the football’s ability to be a powerful available on all UEFA digital platforms. game should be open and accessible unifying social force. UEFA fully An interesting feature of this for all. Needless to say that UEFA still understands the crucial importance campaign are the short web considers its anti-racism stance as of diversity, and recognises football’s documentaries, where people will vitally important and will continue to capacity to connect people from give the viewers a ‘sneak peek’ into work tirelessly with its partners and different cultures, because it speaks their footballing lives. UEFA Direct stakeholders to eradicate this a universal language. will feature these stories monthly problem from football. #EqualGame is about people in photo reports. The implementation of a new and their football stories – it will Paul Pogba succinctly captures the awareness campaign to promote give football lovers across Europe campaign’s ethos in one of the TV diversity, inclusion and accessibility is the opportunity to express just spots: “Out there on that pitch we’re central to UEFA president Aleksander what the game means to them. all equal … That’s what I love.” It is a Čeferin’s vision of creating the perfect “We are looking across Europe comment that speaks volumes – how balance within all levels of European for wonderful stories that we can when you are wearing a football kit, football. Speaking at the UEFA portray,” says UEFA’s head of and on the pitch, it simply does not Congress in Helsinki in April, corporate communications, Peter matter who you are, where you are Mr Čeferin underlined the importance Klomp. “They will all paint a from, what you believe in or how of UEFA being a ‘social fair play’ wonderful picture of different well you play. organisation, meaning that UEFA people, from different backgrounds, Pedro Pinto, UEFA’s managing will not tolerate racism, sexism, leading different lives, and sharing director of communications, adds: homophobia or any form of what football means in their lives.” “#EqualGame plans to show the discrimination. The new Respect UEFA will also work together with force for good in football, the positive campaign aims to help to bring the the national associations to find energy the sport generates, how it football community closer together stories, which can be shared with can reconcile, create friendships, and and ensure that the fight against all the wider European audience. give meaning and purpose to people.” types of discrimination remains at the Diversity also means that people UEFA hopes that this unique new forefront of UEFA’s vision and actions. take their information in different venture will have a positive impact This is further enhanced by the ways through different channels, in showing football’s social benefits – outcomes of a recent fan survey. and UEFA will make full use of the and importantly, how the game of When asked which areas they wide range of outlets at its disposal. football unites, rather than divides.

EQUAL GAME

EDDIE THOMAS – WALKING FOOTBALL – WALES

‘‘Football has been a wonderful part of my life’’

The new UEFA Respect campaign, #EqualGame, seeks to demonstrate football’s incredible ability to cast aside differences and bring people together. Each month, UEFA Direct is travelling across Europe to meet some of the people who make the game what it is. Our first port of call is Wales …

ddie Thomas’s love affair with football began in childhood and remains undimmed to this day. The retired 66-year-old coal merchant, who was born and raised in the town of Merthyr Tydfil in the South WalesE valleys, epitomises so much of what makes football a wonderful way of life. Eddie, like many others from Merthyr, comes from a mining family. He likens the team spirit forged in football to the close bond that unites miners. Time has not withered Eddie’s passion for football. He played for his country in the Welsh veterans’ team, but he has now discovered a new way to stay involved – ‘walking football’, which keeps him fit, active and in touch with friends. Eddie, also a keen guitar player and singer, has passed on the football bug to his 27-year-old son Aled. Father and son go together to watch local team Merthyr Town FC. “Football is a sport for everyone,” Eddie reflects. “It’s been a wonderful part of my life.” We have no doubt that football will stay in his blood forever …

18 – UEFA DIRECT • September 2017 RESPECT CAMPAIGN EQUAL GAME

“My father, his father before him and my father’ s brothers were all miners. That’s how I got into it ” RESPECT CAMPAIGN

“Merthyr has been a special place for me and my family: I was born, raised and brought up here. I think it’s a beautiful place” EQUAL GAME RESPECT CAMPAIGN

“Football is about camaraderie: like miners working underground, you’re all in there together” EQUAL GAME

“My son is autistic, and it can be very challenging some days. For me personally, football is a nice release” RESPECT CAMPAIGN Photos: UEFA Sportsfile

The fourth ground was the Gori Stadium in Gori, around 100km from the capital GLORY IN GEORGIA and the venue for the final on 15 July. A full house of over 4,000 were richly entertained as England and Portugal combined to fulfil FOR ENGLAND’S Downing’s pre-match wish: “Hopefully it’ll be a very good game to finish off a very successful UNDER-19 S tournament. We’re hoping to put on a real show for the people of Gori.”

England finally claimed their first European Under-19 ‘Great tournament’ Championship at the end of a successful tournament Even allowing for the disappointment of his team falling at the last and becoming the first played in Georgia from 2 to 15 July. side to lose three U19 finals, Portugal’s coach, Hélio Sousa, was able to reflect on a profitable here was a new name on the European two weeks. “It’s been a great tournament,” Under-19 Championship trophy after he said. “The Georgian organisation gave us T the 16th edition closed in Georgia – everything we needed in every game. I have a final tournament that was universally praised to say thanks to all – Georgia, UEFA, the media, by the eight teams involved. fans, staff, everyone. The conditions have been England – beaten finalists in 2005 (by France) incredible everywhere and that’s what players and 2009 (by Ukraine) – made it third time need to give their best.” lucky in Georgia as they defeated Portugal On the pitch, the tournament featured a in the final in Gori. “It’s been a very well number of firsts. Hosts Georgia, whose only organised tournament,” said coach Keith previous qualification in 2013 yielded one Downing. “Thank you to all the officials, UEFA point from their three group appearances, and the Georgian public for their support.” got their maiden finals’ victory on matchday 2, That backing was perfectly illustrated defeating debutants Sweden 2-1 in front of on matchday 3, when almost 25,000 spectators On the pitch, aside 8,300 at the Mikheil Meshki-1. watched the Czech Republic end the hosts’ Sweden finished fourth in Group A but hopes with a 2-0 victory at the Mikheil Meshki from the opportunity collected their first point in their final game Stadium. That ground was one of four venues to become European via a 2-2 draw against Portugal. “It’s been a used for the tournament, and one of three in champions, the focus nice tournament,” said coach Claes Eriksson. the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, where, in addition was on development “It’s good to have qualified for the first time, to the main stadium, known as the Mikheil of the players, and although of course we wanted to get to the Meshki-1, there was the smaller Mikheil there was a united semi-finals.” Meshki-2 next door and the David Petriashvili Bulgaria, meanwhile, had lost every game view that their Stadium, named after UEFA’s senior project in their two previous appearances in 2008 manager within the national associations experiences in and 2014, and it was more of the same in division who died in a road accident in Tbilisi in Georgia will stand Georgia as they lost to both England and December 2015. them in good stead. Germany.

26 – UEFA DIRECT • September 2017 against Germany but was injured early early injured was but Germany against 4-1 win opening Netherlands’ in the ahat-trick struck who Piroe, Joël game, group in every scored who Gyökeres, Sweden’s Viktor goals: three on four players inthem.” –Ibelieve level ahigher at country our represent can players these doubt I have no but hard to work need “They term,” long Suchopárek. inthe said players for these good so be will “This stead. in good them stand will inGeorgia experiences their that view aunited was there and players, of the development the on was focus the champions, European to become opportunity ever, as pitch, the the from On aside tomorrow of Stars done.” well so been has everything for ever: it We’ll remember heads. our and minds, in our end doesn’t it but for us, ended has tournament “This saying: assessment, post-tournament his in generous was Suchopárek that, Despite kick. final its virtually with game of the goal only the scoring Nmecha Lukas substitute against England, heartbreak semi-final suffered then Aand in Group to Portugal second finished side Republic Czech whose Suchopárek, Jan from came tournament opponents.” strongest the play you if progress only you experience; useful avery is That teams. top the –all Germany, Portugal England, played they as players for the important very been “It’s explained. coach the everything,” pitches, of organisation, interms tournament agood was “It praise. four, full of Stekelenburg was Maarten last inthe to Portugal 1-0 losing Despite appearances. tournament final previous four intheir stage group inthe eliminated been time, having first the for semi-finals the team.” Bulgaria whole the for and players of our development personal the step for good avery was “It reflected. here,” to be coach the experience unbelievable an was it for us inEurope, but teams best of the three against us put draw “The note. positive on a Stoykov’s finished Angel side ensured – goal Bulgaria’s first of scoring honour the had Rusev Georgi –in which Netherlands However, 3a1-1 matchday on the with draw ‘Unbelievable experience’ The top scorer award was shared between between shared was award scorer top The for the praise consistent most The into Netherlands the sent also result That up againstPortugal’s João England’s DujonSterling Queirós inthefinal.

Portugal Republic Czech England Germany Republic Czech 1-2 Portugal –15 July Final Portugal England – July 12 Semi-finals England Germany Bulgaria 9July 6and B–3, Group Georgia Georgia 1-2 Sweden 8July 5and A–2, Group RESULTS Netherlands Sportsfile

1-0

2-2 2-0 Netherlands 1-4 1-2 1-0 Bulgaria 3-0 1-0 0-2 2-1 0-1 4-1 1-1 Bulgaria Sweden

Netherlands Netherlands England Georgia Portugal Sweden Czech Republic Czech Czech Republic Czech England Portugal Germany summer for England’s age-group teams, teams, for England’s age-group summer Germany in 2008. Germany since finals inthe game every to win Under-19side first the them making title, afirst England gave That goal. Sterling own by aDujon out cancelled been had opener Suliman’s Easah after a2-1secure victory to minute 68th inthe slotting Portugal, against final the to decide trick the repeated Nmecha Czechs, the against winner 4-1 3. matchday on beaten were Germany as twice scored both who Brereton, Ben and Sessegnon Ryan 2, pair matchday England on and enjoy it, but we’ll to work.” but continue it, enjoy we’ll and for us year abig been It’s groups. age the all through working continue and success this sustain is now to do need we What years. five last inthe St Park George’s in invested have “We heavily Downing. said Korea. CupWorld inSouth U-20 the in to success addition in semi-finals Under-17Under-21 and final Championship European inthe penalties on only beaten Having scored the last-gasp semi-final semi-final last-gasp the scored Having It was the latest success in a glittering inaglittering success latest the was It “It’s created a huge momentum this year,” this momentum ahuge created “It’s UEFA •September DIRECT 2017 2017

– 27 UEFA REGIONS’ CUP

The Croatian winners congratulate their Irish opponents and friends.

“I have been to many countries but I have never seen anything like this. It’s beautiful and really impressive,” Gričar said, while Davis added: “The whole set-up is unbelievable, especially the recovery facilities.” TFF executive committee member and tournament ambassador Ali Düşmez was proud of his national association’s successful delivery of the tournament. “We amateurs are a big family. I think we UEFA showed all members of that family Turkish hospitality at its best and proved that we are capable of hosting even higher-profile events,” he said. “Only one team won the ZAGREB CLAIM trophy but there’s more to a competition than winning, such as friendship and fair play. I believe they are the real winners.” MAIDEN REGIONS’ The Irish Football Association president, David Martin, who was a UEFA delegate for the tournament, thanked Turkey for CUP CROWN being fantastic hosts. “The national training facilities offered by the TFF were well above expectations and we were Losing finalists in 2015, Croatian outfit Zagreb lifted the very impressed,” he said. UEFA Regions’ Cup trophy for the first time after cruising Sport and recreation to a 1-0 win against Irish side Region 2 in the final of the As the tournament kicked off, the teams quickly proved that their quality biennial competition on 9 July in Istanbul. was nothing short of first class and they were eager to deliver. Olomouc’s Marek hile effectively conveying the tournament was highly praised by all the Samek, who said he had never seen such importance of amateur football participating teams, who had the chance a standard before, added: “The UEFA W as a cornerstone of the to use the TFF’s national training centre, Regions’ Cup was amazing because it European game, the UEFA Regions’ Cup which was inaugurated in 2014 and gave us a great opportunity to compare offers additional competition experience funded partly through UEFA’s HatTrick ourselves with other European teams.” and exposure to young players who have programme. “The pitches, accommodation Having taken part in three Regions’ Cup not made the leap to the professional and food provided by the TFF at our camp tournaments, Zagreb’s Brujić expressed his game, and is a special experience for were excellent. We felt as if we were the feelings by saying: “I have enjoyed every seasoned players who would otherwise senior national team of Croatia,” Zagreb single match in the competition in which not have the chance to compete at forward Nikica Brujić said in an interview. I have taken part so far. In those moments, international level. Zagreb coach Tomislav Gričar and Region 2 I really felt like a professional player.” The 2017 edition of the final coach Gerard Davis both rated the TFF’s Although their collective aim was the tournament was hosted by the Turkish training centre as a world-class facility. same, the players had different personal Football Federation (TFF) from 1 to 9 July goals. For some, the tournament was a in Istanbul and brought together the means to fulfil their dreams of turning continent’s eight best amateur selections. professional; for others it was merely Group A comprised hosts Istanbul (Turkey), The level of organisation about sport and recreation. Zagreb (Croatia), Lisboa (Portugal) and of the tournament was “Football has always been a very big Ingulec (Ukraine), while South Region highly praised by all the passion for me and I want to earn a living (Russia), Region 2 (Republic of Ireland), out of it and base my whole life on it,” Castilla y León (Spain) and Olomouc teams, who had the chance Istanbul’s 19-year-old winger Raşit (Czech Republic) formed Group B. to use the TFF’s national Yöndem said. “My goal is definitely The level of organisation of the training centre. to become a professional player and

28 – UEFA DIRECT • September 2017 also contained a story of courage and and of courage astory contained also A Group unbeaten. final the reached and inattack composed looked they squad, in their Cup experience Regions’ previous with players six With round. intermediary the during sheet kept had aclean they how showed and defence solid their with eye the caught Zagreb day. A, Group In 4-1 same the Olomouc defeating after summit the at finishing representatives Irish the with side’s hopes, Spanish the ended also but place second in finished only not Russians The tournament. the of fate turn in abreathtaking and thriller in a3-2 yLeón Castilla beat Region South Russia’s down, However, 2-0 from coming B. of Group top the 2at Region with points equal on were they games, group last of the Ahead favourites. by many as tipped were Spanish the passing, and faced.” Ihave ever best the probably were here played we team Spanish “I the think far to say: as so went even yLeón, team’sin his Castilla match against saves heroic some made and competition Regions’ Cup fifth inhis playing was who O’Connell, high. was of play 34, standard the that agreed Alves Tiago captain 2’s O’Connell Region Both Lisboa and High standard of play touch them.” with in keep certainly We will Portugal. and Croatia from players several with details contact exchanged “We Horshchynskyi. Vladyslav left-back countries,” Ingulec said by profession. alawyer is O’Connell, Brendan who goalkeeper 2’s experienced Region explained health,” for your good very and enjoyable It’s football. play and friends your meet to out to go for awhile, job everyday your from away to get opportunity an you gives football amateur “Playing networks. footballing own their to develop also but countries other from opponents against themselves to compare players he added. to improve,” need we points the tous see helped It cultures. other against by playing lands to uncharted moved we opponents, familiar of facing life.of his “Instead tournament experience the biggest the incalling straightforward very was Kallıoğlu Ramazan team-mate His clubs.” of professional radar the on Cup me put will Regions’ the that I hope With their play based on possession possession on based play their With other from friends new “I made Cup allows only UEFA not Regions’ The

the Irish kept their heads high for being for being high heads kept their Irish the while success, their Croatians celebrated together. trip The aboat on Bosporus, city, the of the pearl the enjoyed teams both match, final the After west. and east Turkish of the up amix is culture, which soaked and of Istanbul sights historical the assist. the providing Brujić Toni from with coming game Adžić of the goal only the Ivkovčić, Matej and Vrbat Matej centre-backs their with strong Croatians stood the but creativity Hoey’s Kenneth captain their on relied Irish The forces. equal between achallenge was Lisboa. against game last intheir assist his following position medal to bronze side his helped and tournament final inthe to action to return fit was He inMoldova. mini-tournament round intermediary the during injury head aserious sustaining after months half a and for two sidelines the on been had Arslanalp Mert right-winger Istanbul pride. During the rest days, the teams visited visited teams the days, rest the During 2 Region and Zagreb between final The Ingulec RESULTS Lisboa 6 July Istanbul Ingulec 3 July supporters. for Turkish A familyaffair Region Zagreb 9 July Final Istanbul Region Zagreb 1 July A Group

1-4 1-1 0-2 Lisboa 3-3 3-0 2-2

1-0 Region 2IRL Region 1-0 Istanbul Ingulec Zagreb Region Zagreb Zagreb Region Zagreb Lisboa

Region Olomouc Russia Region South 6 July Region Olomouc yLeón Castilla 3 July 2IRL Region yLeón Castilla 1 July B Group to the finalist teams. finalist to the medals to present Theodoridis Theodore secretary UEFA general and Delaney John chairman Committee Football by UEFA Youth joined was Amateur and inclusive,” more Yardımcı said. he societies our inmaking apart play can football how and society on ideas and views exchanging about also but football about only not is it Besides, any at level. football professional play not do who players among Cup’s Regions’ excellence to is aim reward UEFA inEurope, the football playing those 95% up making of players amateur “With philosophy. tournament’s the explained clearly facilities, Riva TFF the at played game every followed Yardımcı, who Servet vice-president first TFF and amateur football competition. of this goal ultimate the with in harmony of friendliness, gesture aperfect was It place. same inthe time, same the at together, moment the savoured all They time. consecutive second a for final in the UEFA Executive Committee member member Committee UEFA Executive

1-4 3-2 1-2 0-0 1-0 4-1 Region 2IRL Region yLeón Castilla Russia Region South 2IRL Region Russia Region South Region Olomouc

UEFA THE TECHNICIAN Getty Images

TAKING THE FAST TRACK TO GOAL UEFA’s technical reports on its 2016/17 elite club competitions highlight a trend for quick, counterattacking football – and a record number of Champions League goals.

ositive attacking football is firmly for thought, with the prevalence of swift summed up by experienced German in fashion. This is the uplifting transitions just one significant trend noted coach Thomas Schaaf. message to draw from UEFA’s by UEFA’s technical observers, who also “It was refreshing to see so many teams technical reports on last season’s highlighted the importance of wing play playing high-tempo football with great men’s club competitions, which as a route to goal – albeit a route more changes of play,” Schaaf says in the Pfound ample evidence that the quick and commonly taken these days by full-backs technical report. “All of us who are direct counterattacking football currently than old-fashioned wingers. They fascinated by football could see lots in vogue goes hand in hand with a fast identified an increase in the use of longer of duels, one-on-one situations, deep flow of goals. balls too, and a changing relationship running, fast vertical attacking and an To underline the point, for the first time between forwards in the same team. emphasis on creating chances. We saw in the 25 years of the Champions League, UEFA’s technical reports are the product lots of goals, and I hope that this is a the 2016/17 campaign ended with a goal of the work of a team of observers who trend that will continue.” average of above three per game – a attend every knockout match in the It was a trend writ large in the identity record total of 380 scored at a rate of Champions League and Europa League. of the winners in Cardiff, Zinédine 3.04 per match. The Europa League For those present at the Champions Zidane’s Madrid, who were – as the witnessed its own scoring spike last League technical observers’ meeting Champions League report says, “the ones term, with 565 scored at a rate of 2.76 chaired by UEFA’s chief technical officer, that had scored the most goals in a season per game, the highest in five years. Ioan Lupescu, the morning after the when goalscoring records were The technical reports for both Juventus v Real Madrid final in Cardiff, shattered.” In the wake of the more competitions provide considerable food there was also much to savour – a point cautious approach witnessed by some

30 – UEFA DIRECT • September 2017 THE TECHNICIAN

of the participants at EURO 2016, the transitions into attacking mode. There report adds: “The flow of goals in the “It was were other examples and overall, just 2016/17 season contradicted the theory refreshing below 20% of the goals scored in open that today’s exhaustive levels of scouting play in the Champions League could be to see so many and match analysis might encourage directly attributed to counterattacking. coaches to focus on pre-empting the teams playing As for the Europa League, the fact that opposition’s attacking play.” high-tempo only four of the ten teams who had most football with great changes possession in matches reached the last The direct route of play. We saw lots of 16 of the competition highlights this As regards the specific brand of attacking goals, and I hope that this is same tendency. In the final itself, winners football on display in 2016/17, Fabio a trend that will continue.” Manchester United had only 33% of Capello, speaking in Cardiff, described a the ball against Ajax. move away from the Barcelona-inspired Thomas Schaaf Another of UEFA’s technical observers, possession game. “We are certainly seeing UEFA technical observer the former Finland striker and coach an evolution in that the teams who opt Mixu Paatelainen, says in the Europa for the Barcelona possession-based style League report: “Teams have that fast that set the trends a few years ago now transition when they win the ball and seem to be running into difficulties,” said pass it forward, instead of taking their the Italian, a Champions League-winning time, and I think the onus now in football, coach with Milan in 1994. “This is normal. for success, is: ‘What happens when you Any successful model – the elements win the ball? Can you win territory, can implemented by Arrigo Sacchi, Johan you beat men early and quickly?’ Possibly Cruyff or Pep Guardiola, for example – there will be an increase of long balls in is analysed in depth. I would say that, the future, because if you just pass it short now, the trend is that if you win the ball, or sideways, teams will throw themselves you immediately run at the opponents into their compact unit, and it’s very while they are out of balance and can be difficult to break that.” surprised. The key is to win the ball quickly As well as quick, long passes forward, and then mount direct collective attacks, one trend detected in the Champions entering the penalty area quickly.” A case League was the sight of attackers staying in point were Juventus, one of Capello’s high up the pitch to disturb their former clubs, who based their run to the opponents’ build-up and try to force final on proficient defending and quick the rival goalkeeper to play long,

GOALS, GOALS, GOALS

The unprecedented number of goals in the Champions League – As for the most productive time for scoring goals, in the Champions 380 at a rate of 3.04 per game – meant that the competition’s global League it was the period from 46 to 60 minutes, while in the Europa audience was offered one goal per 31 minutes of play. According to League it was from 61 to 75 minutes. Yet when goals scored in UEFA’s technical report: “[This] balance represented an increase of added time are included in the 76–90 minutes period, this becomes 9.5% in comparison with the previous season but the goalscoring the most fruitful period – yielding 21% of goals in the Champions pattern registered an unusual variation. The group stage produced League and 22% in the Europa League. two goals fewer than in 2015/16. And the season ended with If that stat suggests an emergence of similar patterns in record-breaking figures because nets were ruffled on 102 occasions the two competitions, so too does the dead-ball goals tally: 24% during the knockout rounds, compared with 67 in the previous was the total for both the Champions League and the knockout season – a massive increase of 52%.” stage of the Europa League.

Period of the game in which 21% 22% of goals most goals of goals scored in UEFA scored in UEFA are scored Champions Europa League League 76 – 90+ mins

UEFA DIRECT • September 2017 – 31 THE TECHNICIAN

Full-backs like Real Madrid’s Carvajal and Marcelo are equally capable of helping to create goals in the way that wingers used to.

thereby increasing their own team’s chances of immediately regaining possession. Juventus used this ploy effectively in the first leg of their quarter- final against Barcelona, when Marc-André ter Stegen was obliged to play long on 12 occasions, with only three of those long passes reaching a team-mate. Massimiliano Allegri’s team repeated the dose in the home leg of the semi-final against AS Monaco, when 60% of the passes made by Danijel Subašić were long. Only four found a friendly target. Getty Images Getty Images Wide boys Another theme commented on by UEFA’s Jérémy Morel – named in the official team such players have to do, unlike genuine technical observers is a recurring one of the tournament the morning after the wingers of old, is make dynamic runs into from recent campaigns: the onus on Ajax v United final in Stockholm. What the spaces where they can deliver or test full-backs to provide attacking width. The Champions League technical report includes the thoughts of ex-Man United winger Ryan Giggs, a new addition to the ranks of technical observers last season and a man perfectly placed to talk about wing play. “Wingers are definitely going out of the game,” he says in the report. “Full-backs are now the wingers. No matter what system you play, there are simply not the wingers that we saw 10 or 15 years ago, unfortunately. Of course, there are still players like Gareth Bale or Eden Hazard who can play the role of wingers but, more or less, they play inside now and tend to look for space in the pockets. “When I played on the wing, there was a big reliance on the other players to give you the ball. Now, the star players don’t wait for that to happen. They go to look for the ball and they tend to look for the ball in those little pockets where they feel the ball is going to come. This is obviously a shame but, on the other hand, teams like Real Madrid show us full-backs who are equally capable of helping to create goals in the way that wingers used to do it.” It was not just at Madrid. Giggs’ former team-mate at Old Trafford, Antonio Valencia, was praised for his efforts in the Europa League report as one of two full-backs – along with Lyon’s

32 – UEFA DIRECT • September 2017 THE TECHNICIAN

their 1 v 1 skills. And one popular ploy Relationships between forwards During the three hours of the semi-final to give them the opportunity to break Another intriguing discussion point that against Juventus, they exchanged four forward, UEFA’s observers also suggested, emerged during the Champions League passes.” Instead, adds the report, while is the diagonal pass. technical observers’ meeting concerned there were exceptions, such as semi- As Sir Alex Ferguson said: “If you’ve got the way that relationships between front finalists Atlético de Madrid, a “more two wide players, then penetration from players have evolved. general pattern was for a lone striker midfield on a diagonal ball is very useful.” The report offers the example of Real to receive support from in-cutting wide The other useful diagonal ball, he added, Madrid’s front two of Cristiano Ronaldo players (the relationships between Messi was to the centre forward. “If you’re and Karim Benzema in the final. “Few and Neymar with Suárez at Barcelona building from one side and you’ve got a teams operated with a genuine attacking providing a high-profile example) or Diego Costa or Sergio Agüero, then you’ll partnership of twin strikers operating in for danger to emerge from a cluster use it.” parallel,” it says. “The final provided of middle-to-front players (Marco Reus, The statistics for the 2016/17 campaign an illustration of how even the 1-4-4-2 Ousmane Dembélé and Shinji Kagawa lend further weight to the importance of structure did not entail a ‘partnership’ as at Dortmund) grouped behind the a good supply from the wide areas, given such, with Benzema and Ronaldo splitting advanced attacker”. the increase in goals from this source. wide and rarely striking sparks off each Meanwhile, if Monaco’s front two The Champions League report notes that: other. Among the 491 passes completed did not fit the convention of old, they “crosses, cutbacks and diagonal passes by Zidane’s side during the final, there still helped to make the surprise semi- into the box accounted for 43% of the were three by Benzema to Ronaldo and finalists from France a joy to watch, open-play goals. This marks a significant none in the reverse direction. according to Giggs. “I enjoyed watching increase on the 36% registered in “Much the same could be applied to Monaco,” he said. “They had pace 2015/16.” The same applied with the the two-pronged attack of AS Monaco, and power throughout the team. Falcao Europa League where, in the knockout where [Radamel] Falcao and [Kylian] supplied the goalscoring instinct with rounds, 34% of the open-play goals were Mbappé formed an effective partnership younger legs all around him.” There was from crosses – a figure that rose to 43% in terms of their movement but without much else to enjoy too, of course, as the with the addition of cutbacks. indulging in combination play as a duo. goals flew in across the continent.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GOALS

39% 61% Percentage of goals scored by home teams* 61% Away Home 60% teams teams 58,5% (147) (228) 56%

2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17

*Percentages exclude finals which are played on neutral territory

A drop 2015/16 63 from Goals scored with headers 2016/17 54 18% to 14% Getty Images Group stage Knockout stage

Goals generated 96 29 after solo runs games games 17 11 goals goals scored scored

UEFA DIRECT • September 2017 – 33 EUROPEAN QUALIFIERS

RUSSIA AWAITS HER GUESTS Which 13 European teams will join Russia at the 2018 World Cup? Will any of the major nations miss out on a place? Will there be any surprise qualifiers?

ith four matchdays of the Group A against the Swedes enabled Ola Toivonen qualifying competition Harder than expected for France to snatch the winner in a 2-1 victory that W remaining, the suspense is After wins over the Netherlands (1-0) and took the Scandinavians to the top of the starting to mount. By 10 October, the Sweden (2-1) early in the campaign, France group, where they lead Les Bleus on goal identity of the nine direct qualifiers will be appeared on course to qualify more easily difference (13 points each). Having failed known, with the remaining four European than in 2010 and 2014, when they needed to qualify for EURO 2016, the Netherlands berths decided in November, when the the play-offs to secure their place in the (currently in third place on 10 points), eight best runners-up contest the finals. However, a huge defensive blunder World Cup finalists in 2010 and semi- play-offs. during stoppage time in the return match finalists four years later, are in danger

Switzerland’s Josip Drmić scored the only goal of his country’s qualifier against Latvia. With six wins out of six, Switzerland are well on the way to a place in the World Cup in Russia next summer. Getty Images France experienced disappointment in Sweden, losing their place at the top of Group A in the dying seconds of the match, when Ola Toivonen took the final score to 2-1. Getty Images

of missing their second major tournament teams to have won all six of their matches. the table with three defeats in a row. in a row. Behind the three favourites, Participants in the last three World Cups, A disappointing Norway (fifth, 4 points) Bulgaria (fourth, 9 points) remain in the they have found their way out of tricky have only managed to beat San Marino, running despite defeats to France and situations in Hungary (3-2) and Andorra who have lost all six of their matches Sweden. Trailing further behind are the (2-1), as well as at home to Latvia (1-0). so far. inconsistent Belarus (fifth, 5 points), who If Switzerland maintain their form, managed to beat Bulgaria (2-1) and hold everything could come down to the Group D France (0-0), but were unable to see off last match, a top-of-the-table clash with Opportunity knocks for Serbia Luxembourg (1-1). Although they are Portugal, who will be doing their utmost and the Republic of Ireland bottom of the group, the team from the to avoid the play-offs, the route through Joint top with 12 points apiece, Serbia Grand Duchy are performing well, with which they qualified for both the 2010 and the Republic of Ireland are goalscorer Aurélien Joachim (4 goals) and 2014 editions. dominating a very close group in which leading the way. Georgia (currently in fifth place on 3 Group C points) and Moldova (sixth, 2 points) are Group B Germany sweep all before them the only teams to have lost a match by Will Switzerland hold With the best attack (27 goals scored) and more than one goal and 9 of the 18 off Portugal? the tightest defence (1 goal conceded) in matches have been drawn. The clash After six matchdays, a huge eight-point the entire qualifying competition, Germany between the joint leaders in Dublin on gap separates Portugal (currently second are, as usual, sailing through to the finals 5 September could well determine who in the group on 15 points) from Hungary and already have six victories under their books their ticket for Russia: either the (third, 7 points). As a result, the erratic belts. The Germans score goals from every Irish, who are as solid as ever, or the Hungarians (who drew with the Faroe part of the pitch, with no fewer than 13 Serbs, who are benefiting from the Islands and lost in Andorra) can virtually different players contributing in their six scintillating form of striking duo forget about qualifying for Russia. matches to date, and they appear firmly Aleksandar Mitrović (5 goals) and Dušan The Faroe Islands (fourth, 5 points) and on course to reach their 17th consecutive Tadić (4 goals, 5 assists). EURO 2016 Andorra (fifth, 4 points) may also be out World Cup final tournament in 2018 and semi-finalists Wales (third, 8 points) of the running, but both have made defend the title that they won in Brazil. are among the ten European teams still tremendous progress and currently sit Behind them, Northern Ireland (second on undefeated in the qualifiers, but they have above a struggling Latvia (sixth, 3 points). 13 points) are continuing to display the drawn their last five matches. They sit four Despite five wins and 22 goals scored form they showed at EURO 2016 and look points behind the top two, alongside – including 11 by Cristiano Ronaldo, the set to claim a play-off spot, mainly thanks Austria (fourth, 8 points), who could joint top goalscorer of the competition so to a watertight defence that only Germany benefit from a favourable run-in if David far – Portugal find themselves in danger have managed to breach. Not only do Alaba and his team-mates manage to of missing out on top spot in the group. Northern Ireland already occupy second fend off their Welsh hosts on matchday 7. The reigning European champions were place, they are also yet to host the only Although they have made life difficult for beaten by Switzerland in their opening team that seems capable of catching them, the teams further up the table, Georgia match (2-0), since when the Swiss have the Czech Republic (third, 9 points). After have only managed to draw both their kept their foot firmly on the pedal. Along an outstanding start (7 points in 3 matches against Moldova, who have lost with Germany, they are one of only two matches), Azerbaijan have slipped down all their other fixtures.

UEFA DIRECT • September 2017 – 35 A clash of the titans between Italy’s Alesso Romagnoli and Spain’s Andres Iniesta in the 1-1 draw in Turin. Getty Images

Group E to make their superiority count away, revenge for their defeat in the EURO 2016 Poland on the brink drawing in Slovenia (0-0) and Scotland round of 16? For the other four group With two hat-tricks, a brace and at least (2-2). After three goals in a crazy last five members, keeping up with the two giants one goal in each of the six matches played, minutes, the all-British encounter put the is proving a thankless task. Having made Robert Lewandowski, whose 11 strikes group back in the balance, leaving the a good start with nine points from four make him the competition’s joint top Three Lions under threat from two central matches, Israel (fourth, 9 points) fell goalscorer so far, boasts an incredible European opponents, Slovakia (second, behind after defeats in Spain (1-4) and record that is largely responsible for 12 points) and Slovenia (third, 11 points). to Albania (0-3). Although the Albanians Poland’s stranglehold on their group Since losing their first two matches, key (third, 9 points) are set to miss out on (currently topping the table on 16 points). player Marek Hamšík and his team-mates their second major tournament after EURO Six points clear at the top, the Poles can have secured four successive victories. On 2016, they have confirmed their status as already start thinking about their first matchday 7 they will face their main rivals, formidable opponents. At the foot of the World Cup appearance since 2006. Slovenia, who have only scored six goals table, the gulf in quality between FYR The fight for the play-off spot is essentially but have shown a high level of consistency. Macedonia (fifth, 3 points), who always between Montenegro and Denmark, who After experiencing tremendous highs catch the eye, and Liechtenstein (sixth, each have ten points on the board. (including a win over Slovenia) and 0 points), who have suffered several Montenegro, who won 1-0 in Denmark desperate lows (including a 3-0 defeat heavy defeats, is clear for all to see. and have never reached the World Cup in Slovakia), Scotland (fourth, 8 points) finals before, are led by the classy Stevan are still in with a chance of snatching Group H Jovetić (6 goals). Even so, they remain a play-off place and securing a first Belgium dominate level on points with the Danes, who appearance in the finals since 1998. Heralded as a country capable of have impressed against the smaller Lithuania (fifth, 5 points) and Malta in dominating European football in the teams in the group. For Romania (fourth, particular (sixth, 0 points) are finding next few years, Belgium (currently top of 6 points) and Armenia (fifth, 6 points), life rather more difficult. the group on 16 points) have certainly the chances of qualifying look slim, lived up to their billing since the qualifying although the latter managed a 3-2 home Group G campaign began. The four spearheads of win over Montenegro. The only team to Spain v Italy Belgium’s golden generation (Romelu have gained a point against Poland (1-1), It was the most hotly anticipated duel of Lukaku, Dries Mertens, Eden Hazard and Kazakhstan (sixth, 2 points) are fairly the qualifying competition. When Spain Christian Benteke) have already netted 16 solid on home territory, but struggle and Italy, two of the most successful goals between them, demonstrating the on their travels (11 goals conceded in European nations of the past decade, explosive attacking potential of Roberto three matches). were placed in the same group, the stage Martinez’s men. Greece (second, 12 was set for a clash of the titans. After six points), the only team to have avoided Group F matchdays, the suspense could not be defeat against the Belgians so far (1-1), Central Europeans on greater, with each team boasting 16 points also remain unbeaten. Drawing strength England’s tail and an impressive goal difference (+18 for from an unfailing sense of solidarity, the England, justifying their billing as Spain, +14 for Italy), having drawn their Greeks will host Belgium on 3 September hot favourites to win the group, are first encounter 1-1. The return match – as they attempt to take another step closer currently in pole position with 14 points. at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on to qualifying for the World Cup, as they Uncompromising at home with three wins 2 September – will, in all probability, did in 2014. Bosnia and Herzegovina (third, and three clean sheets, the promising determine who qualifies directly for the 11 points) have the same objective in mind young English side have found it harder World Cup finals. Will the Spaniards take and, with Vedad Ibišević and Edin Džeko

36 – UEFA DIRECT • September 2017 in attack (3 goals each), they will play three 13 points) and Turkey (third, 11 points) in of their last four matches on foreign soil, between, all four are relying on impressive SCHEDULE having won 10 of their 11 points at home. home records. In fact, none of them has Cyprus (fourth, 7 points) have been far lost a single match on their own territory. Qualifiers from outclassed by their more illustrious The matches between them will inevitably Matchday 7 opponents and took full advantage of determine the final group standings, since 31 August–2 September their two matches against Gibraltar (sixth, Finland and Kosovo have so far only 0 points). Although their first World Cup mustered a single point each. Their draw Matchday 8 qualifying campaign is proving a difficult with Finland was a historic result for the 3–5 September baptism (24 goals conceded), Gibraltar Kosovars in their first qualifying campaign have managed to find the net in three of since gaining independence. After their Matchday 9 their six matches. Estonia (fifth, 4 points) incredible run at EURO 2016, when they 5–7 October are also struggling, as illustrated by their reached the quarter-finals in their first-ever Matchday 10 8-1 defeat to Belgium. final tournament, can Iceland maintain the 8–10 October momentum and book a ticket to Russia? Group I To do so, they will have to successfully Four-way battle negotiate a difficult trip to Turkey, the only Play-off draw Group I includes four teams that one of their rivals whom they have 13 October participated in EURO 2016 and who, yet to visit, whereas Croatia, for example, after six matches each, are separated by a still have trips to Turkey and Ukraine ahead Play-offs mere two points. From Croatia (currently of them. The way things are looking, in front on 13 points) down to Ukraine nothing will be decided until the final 9–14 November (fourth, 11 points), with Iceland (second, set of matches on 9 October.

Luka Modrić tries his luck in front of Bohdan Butko in the tightest qualifying group (Group I) in Croatia’s 1-0 win against Ukraine. Getty Images

UEFA DIRECT • September 2017 – 37 INTERVIEW

KARL-ERIK NILSSON

‘THIS IS A VERY GOOD TIME FOR EUROPEAN FOOTBALL’

Managing people comes naturally to Karl-Erik Nilsson, as his diverse and fulfilling passage through life goes to show. His CV makes for impressive reading: a schoolteacher encouraging and motivating children to learn; a long-time mayor of his home town of Emmaboda in southeast Sweden; a referee at the highest level, both domestically and on the international stage; a much-respected president of the Swedish Football Association; and, since spring of this year, membership of the UEFA Executive Committee and a key role as UEFA’s first vice-president.

n this interview, 60-year-old Nilsson tells us who lived in our village, so there was a why football inspires him, how his various connection with him. I remember seeing him Icareer changes have come about, and why play, and it was magnificent to see what he strong interpersonal skills are one of life’s could do with a football. He was my first key assets. real hero.

What’s your very first memory In addition to your local club, of football? did you also follow the fortunes The first thing I have clear memories of is the of a bigger team? 1966 World Cup in England. I also remember Yes – Kalmar FF. They play in the top division seeing footage of the fantastic World Cup in now and were Swedish champions in 2008. Sweden in 1958, but I was too young to I also have a soft spot from my younger days remember the tournament actually taking for the English club Wolverhampton Wanderers. place. I was only one year old at the time! Once a week, on Saturdays, we would watch Both my parents were involved in our local an English first division match live on TV, and club, Lindås BK, and my older brothers played Wolves made a big impression on me. Their for the club. My father was very active within Molineux ground was my favourite stadium the club, and I recall going to watch matches at that time. in my parents’ old Volvo. Did you play for your local club? Did you play football outdoors Yes, I played for all the youth teams and with your friends? at senior level as well. Yes, we played almost every evening. We played everywhere – in the garden or on the But at some stage, you changed patch of grass next to the school. In the winter, from being a player to a referee. as well as playing football, we would often go How did that come about? ‘‘Both my parents skiing or play ice hockey on the frozen lakes. To be honest, I was not a particularly talented were involved in our player. Most of the time I played for the second local club, Lindås BK, Did you idolise any particular team. I suffered an injury, and someone said footballers? that the club needed referees for its youth and my older There was one fantastic player, Roger teams. So I went on a course. I thought to brothers played for Magnusson, who played for Olympique de myself that I could do some refereeing while the club.’’ Marseille for several years. He had relatives I was recovering from my injury.

38 – UEFA DIRECT • September 2017 UEFA DIRECT •September 2017– INTERVIEW 39 UEFA INTERVIEW

“There was one fantastic player, Roger Magnusson, who played for Olympique de Marseille for several years. I remember seeing him play, and it was magnificent to see what he could do with a football. He was my first real hero.” Presse Sports

Well, I refereed my first match, and I said Real Madrid ... They were memorable I would never do it again. I didn’t like it! It’s occasions. Another special moment came in a lonely feeling when you referee your first 2000 – I was selected to referee the final of the match. It felt like my only company was a European Under-21 Championship, when Italy bottle of lemonade in the dressing room! beat the Czech Republic at the end of a But there was a guy there from the local fantastic tournament in Slovakia. referees’ association, and after the match he gave me some advice and encouraged me to And there is one other match that do another match, and then another match. you will surely never forget … It was thanks to him that I continued. Yes – a World Cup qualifier between England and Moldova at Wembley Stadium in At a certain stage, you must have September 1997. Going to Wembley is always begun thinking about aiming for an emotional experience, but on this particular greater things as a referee? occasion, it was just after Princess Diana had When you’re playing for your local team or died. I remember the flowers everywhere, Before becoming a football administrator, Karl-Erik Nilsson refereed 150 Swedish you’re a referee at the start of your career, and the minute’s silence observed by 75,000 top-division ties and 12 matches in the I don’t think anyone thinks ‘I will go right spectators. That’s something I will never forget. UEFA Champions League. to the top’. I didn’t have particularly great ambitions. But you get encouragement from other people, and you start thinking that you could take the next step. Then, once you’ve reached the third tier, you want to join the elite … and once you’ve refereed in the Swedish top flight, you want to be an international referee. I began setting myself goals, and I was determined to do well. I eventually became an international referee in 1993/94.

Did you have any role models as a referee? Not really. Of course, you watch referees and see their personalities. But I think refereeing is really something where you have to develop your own style.

You refereed at the highest level. What were your most memorable moments? I was fortunate enough to take charge of matches in the UEFA Champions League. I refereed at Arsenal, Panathinaikos,

Manchester United, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, SvFF-Bildbyran

40 – UEFA DIRECT • September 2017 INTERVIEW

Something like that gives you a Many of us players had duties to perform very important perspective on life. to help run the club. I took a keen interest in Refereeing gave me a good perspective on that side of things, and I eventually joined many things. During my career as a referee, various committees and the club board, I was also the mayor of my home town. So it ultimately becoming club president. The next was invaluable to see all of those different step on the ladder was becoming involved places all over Europe, to observe how they in the regional football association, and from functioned in terms of their societies, and to there, one thing led to another. I became see if certain elements could be put into regional president and was asked to join the practice back home. board of the Swedish Football Association, and things went from there. When I became What characteristics must president of the association, I was honoured a referee have? to succeed a fantastic leader, Lars-Åke Lagrell, Well, first of all, you have to have a good who had been president for 21 years. knowledge of football and a good feeling for the game. You obviously have to know The result has been a successful the Laws of the Game, but you also need to career as a football administrator. be strong when you have to take decisions. I’m happy and proud to have had the opportunity You have to earn respect – because if players to work for Swedish football, and now also to be respect you as a person, there is more chance part of the development of football at European that you will also be respected when you take level. It’s a fantastic challenge. difficult decisions. I have to say, before I started refereeing, And you’ve also made your mark my father used to blame all of our local team’s in local politics … defeats on the referee. But he changed his Professionally, I was a teacher in the Swedish mind somewhat and was more respectful school system for several years. I mostly taught of referees when I became one! Swedish language, but also mathematics and social science. On account of my position as You have since gone from being a president of the local club, the local authorities football referee to becoming president felt that I should be part of the local town of the Swedish FA and UEFA’s first council. I was elected in 1985 at the age of 28. vice-president. How did that chapter This led to me becoming mayor of my home of your life come about? town. I was one of the youngest mayors in In some ways, it started at my local club, the country. I served for 12 years and was because I saw my parents and my brothers re-elected twice. working actively for the club – and I also saw how important that club was for the As a result of that, you must have local community. a great understanding of what it

“Going to Wembley is always an emotional experience, but on this particular occasion, it was just after Princess Diana had died. I remember the flowers everywhere, and the minute’s silence observed by 75,000 spectators. That’s something I will never forget.” Getty Images

UEFA DIRECT • September 2017 – 41 INTERVIEW

means to be responsible for affairs When you watch the Swedish national at local level. How does it now feel team, you’re the association’s president, to be responsible for an entire but you’re also a supporter. How do country’s football? you react when Sweden score? An important aspect of the work of a national You have to show respect to your opponents. association’s president and its board is giving Your fellow president is sitting next to you. You clubs opportunities to develop and nurture show your emotions, but in a balanced way. young boys and girls, ensuring that they have fun and become both good players and good You’ve mentioned the word ‘respect’. citizens in their respective local environments. How important is respect to you? So, it’s a responsibility, but it’s also a fantastic It means everything – both in football and in opportunity. I don’t really feel that this life – at all possible levels. We have to respect responsibility weighs heavily on my shoulders. each other in our various football environments – be it as clubs, associations, stakeholders, referees, As president of the Swedish FA and UEFA coaches, players or spectators. At the same time, a former referee, when you go into we can have different opinions; that’s part of Karl-Erik Nilsson meets the UEFA a stadium, do you still get that buzz president, Aleksander Čeferin, in Nyon democracy. Respect is hugely important and when you walk up the steps and see in October 2016. should always be at the forefront of everybody’s the pitch and the crowd – when you minds, across the football community. feel the atmosphere? You never lose it. It’s truly thrilling. You feel Tell us about one great match and the enthusiasm of the crowd – how much the one great goal that you’ve seen. colour of the shirt means to the fans. Football Does anything stand out in particular? is outstanding from that perspective, in terms One match – and a goal from that match. of creating that atmosphere. The game also I had just become president of the Swedish FA, helps to build bridges between people. It’s and we were inaugurating our new national great to be a part of that family. stadium in Stockholm. We played England and won 4-2, with our captain, Zlatan Ibrahimović, scoring all four goals. The last goal, a fantastic “We played England and won 4-2, with our captain, overhead kick, won FIFA’s Puskás Award for Zlatan Ibrahimović, scoring all four goals. The last the goal of the year. That was a moment goal, a fantastic overhead kick, won FIFA’s Puskás I will never forget. Award for the goal of the year.” What do you like to do to get away from football? Of course, I like sport, but when I have time, I also like to read a good book – a biography or something a little lighter. I also like to spend time at our summer house. We have a small boat, and it’s nice in the summer to go out and do some fishing. I also like to travel. In this business, you travel a lot!

Your family must be a great source of encouragement? Yes, they’re all very interested in sport, and football in particular. They go to matches as well, and that makes things easier, of course. If I were the only one in the family who was so interested in football, perhaps it would be more complicated. My wife, Lena, is extremely good at seeing when something is wrong. She’s a very good mentor and discussion partner – a very important person.

You’ve been a teacher, a mayor and Bildbyran a referee, and now you’re a football

42 – UEFA DIRECT • September 2017 INTERVIEW

administrator. That must have given KARL-ERIK NILSSON you tremendous insight into how CAREER FACTS to handle people? I’m very interested in human beings and how relationships work. The strongest thing that • 1992 any organisation has is its human resources. Becomes Swedish I’m absolutely certain that good management, top-flight referee leadership and interpersonal skills can help to get more out of an organisation and its people. But if management or leadership fail to bring • 1994–2002 out the best in someone, they can end up FIFA referee smothering their creativity. I’m convinced that the way you behave as a leader determines the results that your organisation achieves. • 2002 Appointed as UEFA You were elected to the UEFA referee observer and Executive Committee in April of this year and hold the position of first match delegate vice-president. How does it feel to be in such a privileged position? It’s a great honour – a fantastic privilege. • 2012 I have a very good relationship with the UEFA Elected as president of the president, Aleksander Čeferin. We have known Swedish Football Association each other for a long time, and I’m really looking forward to working with him and the rest of my colleagues in the Executive • 2013–15 Committee, as well as with the UEFA staff. Vice-chairman of the UEFA I have known a lot of them for many years National Associations as a result of my various careers. The Executive Committee Committee has a good balance of experienced people and newcomers, and it’s really inspiring to see the cooperation between them. In my • 2015–17 opinion, this is a very good time for Vice-chairman of the UEFA European football. HatTrick Committee

Finally, if you had any hopes for football in Sweden and elsewhere in the future, what would they be? • 2017 I hope that football will continue to play an Elected to the UEFA important role in society – not only as a tool Executive Committee; to create a better world, but also as a fantastic named UEFA first vice- source of inspiration and entertainment. president and appointed We must retain this balance between the two. chairman of the HatTrick To achieve this, we need to have enough Committee football pitches, enough economic strength and enough dedicated coaches who want to inspire and educate. We also have to provide other parts of the world with the means to develop football, so that every young boy or girl has the opportunity to play. We have to protect the game as well. Football is under threat from criminals who are trying to use our sport as a vehicle for corrupt activities. We must safeguard the game against match- fixing and do our utmost to uphold all of the strong values that make football so great. Bildbyran

UEFA DIRECT • September 2017 – 43 Barcelona v Juventus, 19 April 2017 (0-0), Champions League competitions across Europe Another sensational season of UEFA OF 2016/17 A SNAPSHOT

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1. Real Madrid v Sevilla (3-2), 8 August 2016, Super Cup, Trondheim 2. Atlético v Bayern (1-0), 28 September 2016, Champions League 3. Zenit v Dundalk (2-1), 3 November 2016, Europa League 4. England v Norway (6-1), 6 September 2016, Under-21s. 5. Sweden v Netherlands (1-1), 6 September 2016, European Qualifiers

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1. Celtic v Manchester City (3-3), 28 September 2016, Champions League. 2. Turkey v Ukraine (2-2), 6 October 2016, European Qualifiers. 3. Denmark v Kazakhstan (4-1), 11 November 2016, European Qualifiers. 4. Mönchengladbach v Celtic (1-1), 1 November 2016, Champions League. 5. Wolfsburg v Chelsea (1-1), 12 October 2016, Women’s Champions League.

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6. Fenerbahçe v Zorya (2-0), 24 November 2016, Europa League 7. Paris v BIIK Kazygurt (4-1), 17 November 2016, Women’s Champions League 8. Benfica v Naples (1-2), 6 December 2016, Champions League 9. Zorya v Manchester United (0-2), 8 December 2016, Europa League

UEFA DIRECT • September 2017 – 49 Getty Images

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1. Mainz v Anderlecht (1-1), 20 October 2016, Europa League 2. Norway v Serbia (1-0), 5. Greece v Bosnia-Herzegovina (1-1), 13 November 2016, European Qualifiers 6. Mönchengladbach v Barcelona (1-2), 15 November 2016, Under-21s 3. Germany v Latvia (6-0), 2 October 2016, Women’s Under-17s 28 September 2016, Champions League 7. Juventus v Dinamo Zagreb (2-0), 7 December 2016, 4. Monaco v Tottenham (2-1), 22 November 2016, Youth League Champions League 8. Ludogorets v Arsenal (2-3), 1 November 2016, Champions League

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5. Greece v Bosnia-Herzegovina (1-1), 13 November 2016, European Qualifiers 6. Mönchengladbach v Barcelona (1-2), 28 September 2016, Champions League 7. Juventus v Dinamo Zagreb (2-0), 7 December 2016, Champions League 8. Ludogorets v Arsenal (2-3), 1 November 2016, Champions League

UEFA DIRECT • September 2017 – 51

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Real Madrid v Borussia Dortmund (2-2), 7 December 2016 Madrid’s Toni Kroos breaks away from Łukasz Piszczek Getty Images Sportsfile

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1. Manchester City v Celtic (3-2), 6 December 2016, Youth League 2. Sporting CP v Inter (0-7), 30 April 2017, Futsal Cup 3. Manchester United v Celta (1-1), 11 May 2017, Europa League 4. Manchester City v Monaco (5-3), 21 February 2017, Champions League

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5. Borussia Dortmund v Benfica (4-0), 8 March 2017, Champions League 6. Juventus v Monaco (2-1), 9 May 2017, Champions League 7. Atlético v Real Madrid (2-1), 10 May 2017, Champions League 8. Scotland v England (2-2), 10 June 2017, European Qualifiers

UEFA DIRECT • September 2017 – 55

EUROPEAN WOMEN’S U17 CHAMPIONSHIP Germany v Norway (1-1; 3-2 on penalties), 11 May 2017 Andrea Brunner celebrates after putting Germany through to the final. Sportsfile UEFA Getty Images

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1. Benfica v Salzburg (1-2), 24 April 2017, Youth League 2. Lyon v Paris (0-0; 7-6 on penalties), 1 June 2017, Women’s Champions League 3. Spain v England (2-2; 4-1 on penalties), 16 May 2017, Under-17s

58 – UEFA DIRECT • September 2017 4 5 Getty Images Emre Oktay Getty Images Sportsfile

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4. Ajax v Manchester United (0-2), 24 May 2017, Europa League 5. Istanbul v Lisbon (1-1), 7 July 2017, Regions’ Cup 6. Austria v Spain (0-0; 5-3 on penalties), 30 July 2017, Women’s EURO 7. Portugal v England (1-2), 15 July 2017, Under-19s

UEFA DIRECT • September 2017 – 59 LEGAL AFFAIRS

FIRST UEFA-ECA LEGAL WORKSHOP TAKES PLACE IN MARSEILLE ECA

With matters of law becoming ever more important in the world of football, UEFA and the European Club Association (ECA) recently organised their first joint workshop with a view to strengthening their relationship in this key area.

tade Vélodrome in Marseille was and the fight against match-fixing, which as harmful to the interests of players, the venue on 8 and 9 June for the UEFA regards as a serious threat to the clubs and fans, as well as detrimental to Sfirst UEFA-ECA legal workshop, integrity of football. the game’s integrity and general standing. which looked at current and future legal José María Cruz, chairman of the ECA’s developments and trends in European Four key pillars legal advisory panel and chief executive football and their impact on European UEFA emphasised its zero-tolerance of Sevilla FC, described the workshop as clubs at international level. approach to match-fixing and presented a “unique event”. “Cooperation between The workshop was designed exclusively the four key pillars of its strategy in our two organisations on events like this for ECA members, with executives and this area: education, legal framework, helps to strengthen the relationship legal representatives of 54 European monitoring and investigations, and between clubs and European football’s clubs coming to Marseille to share sanctions. governing body,” he said. knowledge and exchange views with UEFA also stressed that cooperation Cruz added that it was “essential for UEFA’s legal experts. with ECA members was crucial in the well-being of football for clubs to be The event had a packed agenda, order to achieve its goal of regulating up to date with all developments involving covering matters such as UEFA’s competitions in an effective manner. legal and regulatory stakeholders in disciplinary regulations, FIFA’s regulations UEFA explained its financial fair play the game”. on the status and transfer of players, and measures, which are aimed at ensuring UEFA’s managing director of integrity, the case law of the Court of Arbitration clubs’ financial well-being and have helped Emilio García, agreed that the joint for Sport in Lausanne. to establish a more stable financial workshop was “a very good opportunity It also looked at the pitfalls faced environment in club football. It also to address and clarify legal issues, by clubs when it comes to commercial underlined its opposition to third-party exchange views and answer European contracts, the financing of transfers, ownership of players, which it regards clubs’ questions.”

60 – UEFA DIRECT • September 2017 CHANGES AFOOT IN THE FUTSAL CUP The 2017/18 UEFA Futsal Cup officially got under way on 6 July, when the draws for the preliminary and main rounds were made at UEFA headquarters in Nyon.

titleholders. These 16 teams will be drawn into four groups of four, with the top three from each group advancing to the elite round. Path B, meanwhile, will consist of the teams ranked 12th to 15th and 20th to 23rd plus the eight preliminary round winners. These 16 teams will also be drawn into four groups of four, but only the group winners will proceed to the elite round. No teams will receive byes to the elite round – unlike before, when four teams started their Futsal Cup campaigns there. The 16 teams in the elite round will again be drawn into four groups of four; however, the draw will be slightly different because of the two-path main round. There will be three seeding pots and no country protection. The four Path A group winners will be drawn into position one in each group and the Path A UEFA group runners-up into position two, without allowing the winners and runners-up from the nder the new competition regulations, same Path A group to end up in the same elite the top three associations in the UEFA round group. The other eight teams will then Ufutsal national team coefficient rankings be drawn freely to fill the remaining two can now enter two teams in the Futsal Cup. positions in each group (third-placed teams This season, that privilege in principle goes to can be drawn into the same elite round groups Russia, Spain and Portugal. However, as Spain’s as the winners or runners-up of their main Inter FS qualify as the titleholders and no more round mini-tournaments). than two clubs per association are allowed to As before, the final round (comprising take part, Italy – who are ranked fourth – get semi-finals, a third-place play-off and the final) to enter a second team instead. will involve the four winners of the elite round The preliminary, main and elite rounds will, groups, hosted by one of that final four. as before, be played in the form of mini- The results of the draws for the preliminary tournaments hosted in the country of one of and main rounds can be found on UEFA.com. the four teams in the group. The lowest-ranked teams in the UEFA Futsal Cup coefficient rankings start out in the preliminary round, CALENDAR their exact number depending on the overall number of entries. This season, the preliminary Preliminary round: 22–27 August 2017 round will comprise 32 teams competing in eight groups, from which the winners will Main round: 10–15 October 2017 go through to the main round. Elite round draw: 19 October 2017 Two paths for the main round In another major change to the competition Elite round : 21–26 November 2017

UEFA format, the main round is now split into two separate paths. Path A will consist of the teams Final round draw: date still to be set ranked 1st to 11th and 16th to 19th in the UEFA Futsal Cup coefficient rankings, plus the Final round : 19–22 April 2018

UEFA DIRECT • September 2017 – 61 ANTI-DOPING

DOPING CONTROL OFFICERS – THE FACE OF UEFA’S ANTI- DOPING PROGRAMME

UEFA is recognised as one of the world’s leading sports organisations in the fight against doping, thanks in no small part to the efforts of an expert front-line team – the UEFA doping control officers. So what role do doping control officers play in the drive to keep European football free from doping? We take a step-by-step look at the doping control procedure at UEFA matches.

calm under pressure. Another key requirement is that DCOs must protect the confidentiality of UEFA’s testing programme. Quality control is crucial for UEFA, which has a full training and assessment process for new DCOs and carries out regular audits of its existing DCOs in the quest for consistently high standards. UEFA appoints doping control officers for assignments based on criteria such as experience, languages spoken and nationality – DCOs do not test teams from their own country. They can be assigned for ‘in- competition’ tests, where they test players after a match, or ‘out-of-competition’ tests, where they test players at the training ground, at the team hotel or at the player’s home. Once they have been given their assignments, the DCOs are responsible for managing all stages of the doping control process – from conducting the draw to delivering the samples to the laboratory.

UEFA Random selection or target testing Players are selected either by random draw or for targeted testing. If DCOs are appointed oping control officers – or DCOs – to conduct target tests, they receive the names are the face of UEFA’s anti-doping of the players from the UEFA anti-doping unit. Dprogramme for the players, the clubs If the DCO has to conduct a draw, all of the and the officials. Fifty-nine of them, from 30 players listed on the match sheet are eligible different countries, are currently deployed by for selection. The DCO asks the team the European body. All are medical doctors, representatives and the UEFA match delegate and many of them do the same work for their to witness the draw. national anti-doping organisation (NADO). On arrival at the venue, the DCO informs the team doctors that there will be a doping Professional, confident — and calm control and lets them know what is expected under pressure of them and their players. The control takes UEFA expects its doping control officers to place in a doping control station located inside carry out at least six assignments a year — the venue; the DCO prepares the premises, 59 and in fact, some actually conduct over 35 making sure that they are secure, that there is a DCOs, from 30 assignments each season. They are expected private toilet, that there is enough seating for different countries, to know the rules and procedures, pay strong all the selected players, and that sealed water are currently deployed attention to detail, be good communicators is available for the players to rehydrate after by the European body. and, above all, be professional, confident and the match or training session.

62 – UEFA DIRECT • September 2017 ANTI-DOPING

In-competition testing witness the sample being provided. The DCO Where in-competition testing is concerned, then asks the player to choose a sample the DCO tells the team representatives which collection kit, containing A and B bottles, to players have been selected 15 minutes before check that their selected equipment is intact, the end of the match. At the final whistle, that it has not been tampered with and that the the DCO takes up a position at the tunnel sample codes on the bottles all match. The exit, so that he or she can clearly see the DCO then observes the player splitting the players coming off the pitch. It is the team’s UEFA sample into the bottles and closing the lids. The responsibility to ensure that the players are density of the sample is checked to ensure that aware of their selection, and the players are it can be analysed, and if the sample is suitable, responsible for reporting directly to the the DCO releases the player. doping control station. This procedure is always If blood samples are taken, UEFA appoints overseen by the DCO, to ensure that everything DCOs that regularly collect blood in their daily goes smoothly. At certain matches, the DCO work. In a blood test, less than a tablespoon has chaperones to assist with notification – of blood is collected from a vein in the but it is always the players’ responsibility to player’s arm. report to the doping control station. Once The DCO must carefully complete all sections they have been notified, players must go of the doping control form, which represents straight to the doping control station; they the legal record of the test. Consequently, the cannot return to their dressing room first. DCO must ensure that the player checks that Once in the doping control station, the DCO all the recorded information is correct, and give explains the procedure to the players and lets the player the opportunity to add any remarks. them know whether they will have to only do Both the DCO and the player sign the form at a urine test or whether blood will be collected the end of the test to confirm that everything is as well. The DCO tells the players that they correct. The DCO gives one copy of the doping have to provide 90ml of urine and that they control form to the player, one copy goes to should rehydrate until they are ready to UEFA, and an anonymous copy is sent with the provide a sample. samples to the laboratory.

Sample collection For blood tests, Transporting the samples When the player is ready to give a urine sample, less than a tablespoon Once samples have been collected from all the DCO asks them to select a sealed collection of blood is collected from players, the DCO personally transports the beaker, and goes with them to the toilet to a vein in the player’s arm. samples to a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratory for analysis. If blood samples have been collected, these are transported in a special temperature- controlled box. When the DCO arrives at the laboratory, the samples are checked to ensure that they are all intact and there is no evidence of tampering. The laboratory then formally signs a UEFA ‘chain of custody document’ to confirm that it has received the samples. The final steps follow within 48 hours of the assignment, during which the DCO has to inform UEFA of the players tested and give their sample numbers. The DCO also has to give a separate detailed report on any incident that may have occurred outside of the procedure. Clarity and accuracy are fundamental here, as the report is UEFA’s record of a doping control and it could lead to a disciplinary hearing for the player or club.

Essential job From start to finish, a comprehensive process for an essential job – the DCOs are proud in the knowledge that their dedication and expertise is a vital component in helping UEFA ensure that doping has no place in UEFA football.

UEFA DIRECT • September 2017 – 63 UEFA JURY SELECTS RESEARCH PROJECTS FOR 2017/18

The jury for the UEFA Research Grant Programme – an initiative that supports the academic work of doctoral and post-doctoral researchers studying European football in a multitude of disciplines – has chosen the research projects that will receive grants for the 2017/18 season, the eighth year of the programme.

EFA-funded research projects are Repetitive subconcussive head impacts: intended to produce findings that the brain alterations and clinical consequences UEuropean football family can use to reach by Jolien Gooijers, KU Leuven, Belgium. more informed decisions and which UEFA and Project supported by the Royal Belgian its member associations can use to further Football Association. develop their activities and projects. Building psychological resilience into This year, UEFA received 55 applications for elite women’s football throughout the projects developed for and in conjunction with talent pathway by Oliver Mason, University 23 different member associations, underlining of Surrey, England. Project supported by the the associations’ strong interest in academic English Football Association. research that is of high relevance and interest A tale of clubs, leagues and countries: to them. All 55 proposals made it through the impact of the Africa Cup of Nations on to the second evaluation stage and after a European professional football by Levi Pérez, comprehensive review six were chosen University of Oviedo, Spain. Project supported by the jury: by the Royal Spanish Football Federation. Supporting the football global coach The working practices and operational through cross-cultural training by Mario environments of referees from a Borges, London South Bank University, England. transnational comparative perspective Project supported by the Portuguese by Tom Webb, University of Portsmouth, Football Federation. England. Project supported by the Royal Scheduling of concurrent training Netherlands Football Association. preceding acute non-contact injuries in The six researchers will spend the next elite European football players by Kevin nine months carrying out their research in Enright, Liverpool John Moores University, cooperation with their supporting national England. Project supported by the English associations and will present the results to Football Association. UEFA next year.

64 – UEFA DIRECT • September 2017 the GermanFootballAssociation. University, England.Projectsupportedby Breitbarth,Europe Bournemouth byTim through socialmediaconversationsacross mapping perceptions and expectations of Norway. supported bytheFootballAssociation School ofSportsSciences,Norway.Project players byThorEinarAndersen,Norwegian problems inNorwegianmalefootball strengthening programme ongroin Association. Football Malta by the supported Project Italy. of Padova, Tognon, University by Jacopo through and within European football protection and promotion rights human supported bytheEnglishFootballAssociation. of CentralLancashire, England.Project coaches andteamsbyEdsonFilho,University Champions League:profile ofsuccessful Football Association. Project supportedbytheRoyalNetherlands of theUniversityAmsterdam, Netherlands. play byHansTol, AcademicMedicalCentre of micro-structural recovery atreturnto hamstring injuries–afeasibilitystudy research topics: presentations before thejuryonfollowing 2016/17 seasonhavealsomadetheirfinal said thechairmanofjury,MichelD’Hooghe. insights forEuropean footballstakeholders,” innovative approaches andwillproduce useful projects aimtotacklestrategictopicswith quality anddiverseproposals. Theselected between alargenumberofmanyveryhigh- “The juryhadthehard taskofchoosing

UEFA “#Social Responsibilityin#Football: The preventive effect ofanadductor embedding rights: human for Football The road tovictoryintheUEFA Women’s An innovativeMRItechniqueforacute The researchers whoreceived grantsforthe

to every edition of the programme to date. programme of the edition to every contribution professional and valuable his thanked himfor jury the and Programme Grant Research of the edition next the before jury the from to retire intention his announced also Spiess Giangiorgio of Lausanne. University the from Ohl Fabien Prof. and UEFA, at advisor chief affairs social and governance Sabattier, Iannetta Nathalie Federation, Football Lithuanian of the president former Eimontas, Edvinas by replaced have been and down stepped Prof. Simon and Gérald Omdal Ravn Per Akhalkatsi, jury. Nodar of the work to the commitment and professionalism for their members retired thanked the and members football. European and to sport related work for their internationally known academics five and family football European of the representatives five comprises Programme Association. Football Danish by the supported Project Denmark. School, Business Copenhagen Pedersen, Gjerdrum Rahbek by Esben clubs football Danish in activities before thejury: time fordatacollection,wasalsopresented cycle (2015/16),whichwasallowedmore Football Association. Ireland. ProjectsupportedbytheIrish by PaulKitchin,UlsterUniversity,Northern of disabledpeopleinEuropean football supported bytheSlovakFootballAssociation. University Bratislava,Slovakia.Project match-fixing byThomasGabris,Comenius laws andregulations indealingwith Effectiveness ofEuropean countries’ This year, the jury welcomed three new new three welcomed year,This jury the Grant UEFA Research of the jury The non-football and football Balancing One research project from theprevious An investigationintotheengagement who received The jurywith UEFA grants last season. researchers the eight RESEARCH GRANTPROGRAMME

UEFA DIRECT • • • • • • representatives: University • • • • • representatives: family football European JURY GRANT PROGRAMME UEFA RESEARCH Switzerland) –new Switzerland) of Lausanne, (University Ohl Prof. Fabien Cologne, Germany) University, Sport (German Prof. Jürgen Mittag Sweden) University, Linköping at professor and Committee UEFA Medical of the vice-chairman (former Ekstrand Jan Prof. England) University, (Loughborough Downward Prof. Paul England) of Liverpool, (University Bridgewater Prof. Susan Football Federation) Croatian licensing, and affairs of international Sudac Ivančica member) honorary UEFA and Committee UEFA Executive the of member (former Spiess Giangiorgio UEFA advisor, chief affairs social and (governance Sabattier Nathalie Iannetta –new Federation) Football Lithuanian the of president (former Eimontas Edvinas Grant jury) Programme UEFA Research of the and Committee Medical UEFA(chairman of the Dr Michel D’Hooghe

September 2 ) –new (head

017

– 65 THERESEARCH TECHNICIAN GRANT PROGRAMME

STRIKING A BALANCE

To give readers of UEFA Direct a taste of the interesting work supported by the UEFA Research Grant Programme, we are showcasing a selection of the funded projects. This month, Professor Esben Rahbek Gjerdrum Pedersen from the Department of Management, Society and Communication of the Copenhagen Business School examines how clubs balance football and non-football activities in everyday organisational life.

any football clubs struggle with a resources. Evidence also indicates that number of day-to-day challenges, clubs often find it difficult to balance Mincluding lack of volunteers, football and non-football activities – poor physical infrastructure, difficulties in a problem which is rooted in limited collecting membership fees and competing volunteer resources. Moreover, many player demands (junior v senior and elite v football clubs have elite versus non-elite grassroots). These challenges can take discussions, which also have a financial up substantial resources and have a dimension, as the extra costs of having negative impact on club operations an elite focus are sometimes covered and development. by the majority of non-elite members.

Special emphasis was paid in the UEFA Football and non-football research to the clubs’ engagement in activities partnerships and social/environmental Esben Rahbek Gjerdrum Pedersen is a professor A research project among more than 200 activities. The findings show that the large in the Department of Management, Society and Communication of the Copenhagen Business School. Danish football clubs provided a detailed majority of clubs collaborate with football- He is also a member of the board of directors of account of the various activities occupying related partners (football clubs, sports the Academy of Business in Society (ABIS). volunteers and staff in everyday club life. associations and municipalities), whereas While football-related activities arguably there is less interaction with non-sports remain the dominant activity, the results partners (private companies, healthcare environmental activities, mainly related also indicate that administration, planning, providers, foundations, etc.). Around half to fair play, refugees, transparency and and meetings also take up substantial of the football clubs engage in social/ equal opportunities.

A new partnership agenda? Overall, there seems to be a compelling DBU case for new partnerships with partners from the public, private and non-profit sectors (private companies, healthcare providers, trade unions, foundations, etc.). The results indicate a need for more partnerships which address the fundamental needs of the communities as well as the clubs. Strategic collaboration can strengthen societal engagement while at the same time addressing core tensions within the clubs. Engaging in social activities and partnerships should ideally contribute to the development of core club activities, e.g. by attracting new volunteers and members and financing new investments. National associations and local unions can also play a more active role in addressing football v non-football tensions with financial resources and specialised knowledge and competences. Moreover, they can contribute to networking and fundraising efforts, which will reduce the time and resource investments of individual clubs. NORWAY

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL CREATES A BUZZ IN SANDEFJORD

A bumper crowd of just under 4,000 turned out to cheer Norway on as they faced the USA on 11 June in their final home game before UEFA Women’s EURO 2017 in the Netherlands.

ith the match being played at out, allowing children to help themselves Sandefjord Arena, the Football to hotdogs, drinks, fruit and ice cream W Association of Norway (NFF) (which were generously donated by the organised a pre-match event for young players NFF’s partners and local vendors). in the nearby Bugården Park, arranging football A stage was set up in the park, and the activities, food, music and much more besides. young players were taught simple dance In addition to building excitement ahead of the moves to accompany the song ‘Breathe’ by Norway v USA match that evening – the 50th Astrid Smeplass, which they would later meeting of the two sides – the NFF also sought perform at half-time in the big match. This fun to showcase women’s football in general NFF activity proved to be a great success. The face and highlight the importance of sport for painting was also very popular, and it was great both physical and mental health. to see so many youngsters running around Emails were sent out to all clubs in the with the Norwegian flag on their cheeks. Sandefjord area, with a focus on girls between In addition, Stabæk Fotball star and former the ages of 6 and 16. The NFF encouraged international Trine Rønning gave a lecture about all coaches, parents and youth leaders to her journey to success. The venue was packed, bring their young players along, giving them and the young players left truly inspired. an opportunity to play football with their As kick-off approached, everyone started team-mates and show their support for the to make their way over to Sandefjord Arena. national side. The organisers set up mini-pitches As hoped, around half of the stadium was for three-a-side games, and they were all used The NFF sought to taken up by people who had participated in to their maximum potential, with players keen showcase women’s the event at Bugården Park. With all the painted to show off their impressive skills. football in general faces, team shirts, dancing and cheering, the and highlight the atmosphere was fantastic, and the Norwegian A new campaign for young players team greatly appreciated the amazing support The NFF also used this event to unveil its importance of sport they received from the crowd. Although the new campaign, entitled MeWe #sterkalene for both physical USA ultimately prevailed, winning 1-0, the day #sterkeresammen (#strongalone and mental health. was still a huge success. #strongertogether). This campaign, which is aimed at young players – especially girls – and seeks to foster greater interest and participation in football, was then fully NFF rolled out in July as Women’s EURO 2017 got under way. A kahoot quiz displayed on the big screen was a fun way to find out how much the crowd of young players really knew about the Women’s EURO and their national team. In addition, NFF Vestfold set up a fair-play tent and organised a nature walk, and players tried their hand at football darts and a shooting wall. With so many activities to try, the players had to fuel up. Food coupons were handed

A host of pre-match activities were organised for the girls who came to cheer on their national team in their pre-Women’s EURO warm-up match against the USA. AUSTRIAN AREVAMP GETS CUP CARMEN REDL CARMEN relationship with the media, marked the the marked media, the with relationship aclose has which (AFFA), of Azerbaijan in1875. back newspaper national first country’s of the publication 68 68 KRVAVAC FEDJA BEST PLAYERS ANNOUNCED SEASON THE OF HERZEGOVINA AND BOSNIA NAJAFOVA ULVIYYA NATIONAL MEDIA DAY FOOTBALL FESTIVAL TO MARK AUSTRIA ASSOCIATIONSMEMBER AZERBAIJAN Glaube.Wille.Mut (Belief. Determination. (Belief. Determination. Glaube.Wille.Mut motto by the up summed are competition sponsor. presenting new the as group insurance Austrian the with signed deal to afive-year Cup thanks ÖFB UNIQA the as known now is which competition, of the name to is the change biggest The season. to this forward look best premier league player went to went player league premier best of 2016/17 of award The announced. were players best the season, of each end the at as aresult. significantly diminished Cup World the have of reaching chances whose Bosnians, for the disappointing especially was which goalless, match ended the of effort, alot giving teams both Despite inZenica. stadium polje afull Bilino at Greece against campaign The spirit, values and character of the of the character and values spirit, The The Association of Football Federations Federations of Football Association The At the traditional awards ceremony held held ceremony awards At traditional the – UEFA •September DIRECT the 142nd anniversary of the of the 142ndthe anniversary July, 22 on marking in Azerbaijan celebrated was day media National

2018 Cup World qualifying their continued team national Herzegovina and Bosnia The new-look Austrian Cup to Austrian new-look haveFans a clubs and 2017 the first-round matches in mid-July mid-July in matches first-round the with upped, been also has competition the Coverage more. of lots and competitions, quizzes, heroes, cup legendary YouTube and present-day featuring pages and Instagram Facebook, with developed, been also has concept media asocial page, possible.’ impossible the inmaking believe ‘to teams competing Courage), the inspires which Aladžić from Mostar SG Staklorad was was Staklorad SG Mostar from Aladžić Marijo category, futsal the In Sarajevo. 2000 SFK from Hodžić to Almina going award goalkeeper best the with Bumerang, Radnik from to went Nikolina Milović award player best the women’s the league, In fair award. play the received Bijeljina from Radnik FK while coach, best named was Sarajevo from Janjoš Mehmed season. the 19 up notched during who goals Lendric, Ivan to Željezničar’s going honour scorer top the goalkeeper, with league premier best named was Kenan Pirić Zrinjski’s Stevanović. Miroslav striker Željezničar stressed the role of the media in media of the role the stressed Elkhan Mammadov, secretary, general members. staff AFFA and representatives media between four matches of consisting of amini-tournament form the took event the Arena, Dalga at Held festival. football amedia with occasion In addition to the UNIQA ÖFB Cup web ÖFB UNIQA to the addition In At a post-tournament dinner, AFFA At the apost-tournament

broadcast live on TV or the internet. internet. the or TV on live broadcast in Klagenfurt. Stadion Wörthersee the at 1 May on place time. in extra substitution to make afourth able be now will teams minutes, 90 after undecided abolished. been has fee participation the €1,000 and receive will of Banja Luka, Mostar and Zenica. and Mostar Luka, of Banja cities in the festival women’s football year’s inthis part took Herzegovina and side. home for the awin to secure 12th inthe Haas enough minute Nicolas from agoal with inBiel, Switzerland against lost Herzegovina and Bosnia Under-21European finals, Championship 2019 match for the qualifying latest best goalkeeper. Center MNC from Omerbegović Bahrudin and player best named mini-tournament. festival inthe efforts for their agift received of whom each winners, prize various the announced committee media AFFA The country. inthe football promoting Finally, 300 players from all over Bosnia Bosnia over all from players Finally, 300 intheir pitch, the on to action Back Each club that plays in the first round round first inthe plays that club Each The 2018 UNIQA ÖFB Cup final will take Cupwill 2018 final ÖFB The UNIQA any in is that match itself, field the On www.nfsbih.ba www.oefb.at www.affa.az

AFFA TO PLAY ALL-STARS THE PEOPLE’ BULGARIAN ‘LITTLE PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MEDIA DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT MEDIA AND RELATIONS PUBLIC first time that a Croatian team had won won thathad a team time Croatian first the was it but representatives, Irish against Dublin in ago years two final in the losing for revenge sweet it was only Not title. the BULGARIA became the first Croatian to score in score to Croatian first the became also He competition. of the history inthe best of the one goal, a stunning scored he that fact the from consolation to take had Mandžukić Mario while trophy, second his winning celebrations, himinthe joined Kovačić name. Mateo to his trophies League Champions three with player Croatian first the become to display brilliant another with Juventus against final the win Madrid Real helped having Modrić Luka – in a row time fifth for the winner League UEFA Champions Tomislav Gričar. it,” proves coach result great this said and level ahigh at is football amateur Our organised. brilliantly was which tournament, whole the and players our about best the say minute. only “I can the from in 26th came Adžić final Toni the of goal only The a UEFAtournament. final PACAK TOMISLAV DIVERSITY AND CELEBRATING WINS, PERFORMANCES CROATIA European Capital of Sport in2018. of Sport Capital European a becomes Sofia before ayear exactly of Sports, Week European of the part as Sofia, inBoyana, base football national the at 21 September on take place will game The players. football former including athletes, popular and People, Bulgarian Little organisation, dwarfism national the Croatia can also boast of having had a had of having boast also Croatia can of the Republic of Ireland to win to win of Ireland Republic of the 2 Region defeated Zagreb Istanbul, Cup in UEFA final Regions’ the In

match between representatives of representatives match between exhibition an hosting is (BFU) Union Football Bulgarian The

plaque from the BFU president in president BFU the from plaque Svetoslav a Chernev,People, received Bulgarian 2014In of Little president the discrimination. fighting and facilities, sports and stadiums football adapting disabilities, with for people barriers social to removing devoted is and years afew back dates which organisations, two the between partnership the of aconsolidation match as the regards Mihaylov, Borislav president, BFU The as it’s got quite a few talented players. players. a few talented quite got it’s as Croatia Under-19 especially team, national the to manage to opportunity have this Under-17s. of the in charge “I happy am Under-19 be will Krpan Petar while team, the over taken has Jarni Robert teams. youth its for coaches new to find team winning 1998 Cup World bronze-medal famous to the turned has (HNS) Federation ina row.year fifth for the award year the of Croatian footballer the won also has UEFA Teamfor the Year of the 2016 and selected was Modrić clubs. different two Cup inEuropean for finals to score player third the only is and finals, different two In other news, the Croatian Football Croatian Football the news, other In

HNS the organisation. to kits and footballs donated also has BFU The inBulgaria. football disability of development to the contribution organisation’s dwarfism of the recognition Svetoslav ChernevandBorislavMihaylov futsal tournament. futsal ina playing 10 on after died June who Jurjević, Antonio goalkeeper of 27-year-old death by the saddened also was community Croatian football The years. 50 than for more capacities different in served who official football exceptional an Kolić, of Neven in June season. new for the to prepare Mura river the on inSt Martin gathered observers their and referees top-division the Meanwhile, event. the hosted have will inEurope city oldest the that time first the final, Croatian cup for the venue the of Vinkovci as city the chosen infootball. discrimination and racism fighting at aimed activities different in part took youngsters 80 than More inKarlovac. minorities for national camp football seventh the at for sport, secretary state current and medals skiing gold of four Olympic winner Kostelić, Janica clubs. other among Madrid, Real and for Juventus played success,” who Jarni, said notable seeking be Iwill and honour an It’s Finally, the HNS mourned the death death the mourned Finally, HNS the has committee executive HNS The Šuker, Davor president, joined HNS The

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69 BFU MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

CYPRUS www.cfa.com.cy GRASSROOTS CHAMPIONSHIP ATTRACTS MORE THAN 500 TEAMS

CONSTANTINOS SHIAMBOULLIS

Youth football is booming in Cyprus, with a total of 6,000 children between the ages of 5 and 13 taking part in the Cyprus Football Association’s 2016/17 grassroots championship. This annual competition, which was CFA first organised in 2007, began back in October and concluded in mid-June. competition in the country in terms of the children’s passion, talent, commitment It was contested by more than 500 teams number of children participating. and enthusiasm. The Cyprus Football from all over Cyprus, with 1,000 or so The finals took place at Stadio GSP in Association also organised a number of matches being played every month, Nicosia on 16 June, with hundreds of ancillary activities, making the event a making it the biggest football spectators coming along to marvel at the veritable festival of children’s football.

ENGLAND www.thefa.com AN ENCOURAGING SUMMER The FA ANDY WALKER

By any standards, The Football talent to compete on the world stage and Association has had an I am most pleased for the coaches that encouraging summer on the pitch work across young player development. in UEFA competitions. It is a real team effort,” Ashworth said. While naturally much of the focus has The FA is reflecting on a period during been on the England team competing which England ran out as runners-up at the sharp end of the prestigious UEFA at the men’s European Under-17 Women’s EURO in the Netherlands, Championship in Croatia before taking the England teams at age-group level have men’s European Under-19 title in Georgia also performed very well in their respective and reaching the semi-finals in the and hopefully the performances over the European competitions. For technical European Under-21 final tournament summer have proved that’s a myth. director Dan Ashworth, the relative in Poland. On the women’s side, the “We do have some talent in our system success of the various development Under-17s reached the last eight in the and I am really pleased for all those people teams under the guidance of his colleague Czech Republic, while the Under-19s involved. It is encouraging. Ultimately we Matt Crocker is testament to improved were preparing for their finals in Northern will get judged, and St George’s Park will collaboration with clubs and leagues, as Ireland at the time of writing. On top of get judged, on how that transfers into the well as the impact of the country’s all of that, the men’s Under-20s were senior teams. We are striving for success in national football centre, St George’s Park. crowned world champions in their the senior teams in years to come but it The state-of-the-art complex in the category in South Korea. does give some encouraging signs that we Staffordshire countryside about an Ashworth added: “The coaches at have got some players in our system that hour from Birmingham marks its fifth professional clubs have also done a really are good enough to compete on the anniversary in October and it has had a good job. We borrow the players, they world and European stages. transformative impact on how the national come to international duty because of the “The players have shown that age on teams work. It will also play host next year work the clubs have done and that goes age, we are up there with some of the when England stages the 2018 European down to the grassroots game as well. better countries. We are not going to win Under-17 Championship final tournament We have been told for a number of years the European championships every year, in May. in England that we don’t have talented we are not going to win the World Cup “It is encouraging that our young coaches and we don’t have talented every year, but we are very encouraged players have proved they have got some players in our development system, by the direction we are heading in.”

70 – UEFA DIRECT • September 2017 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONSMEMBER IMPORTANT RECOGNITION YOUTH PROGRAMME RECEIVES MAARJA SAULEPMAARJA ESTONIA JEAN-BAPTISTE SCHMIDT JEAN-BAPTISTE FOOTBALL TAKES TO BEACHES THE FRANCE wanted to find out what beach soccer soccer beach what out to find wanted who everyone and for anyone for free to 268 July August. in13 from took tour cities and towns the Cantona Organisation, Joël the with inconjunction league football amateur by the Organised game. to the possible as many people as to introduce country of opportunities have alot not do who 2015, children fortunate less at aimed is for Children award. UEFA Foundation of the recipients of the Numerous fun activities were put on on put were activities fun Numerous in started was which programme, The and KeitFomotškin Aivar Pohlak(left)

acknowledgement by being one one by being acknowledgement abig earned has SPIN programme prevention football-based The

beach soccer tour crossed the the crossed tour soccer beach Federation’s Football French summer, the the Throughout are participating in the programme. inthe participating are city, Kohtla-Järve, fifth-largest the and city, Narva, Tallinn, third-largest the capital, the from children 500 over At moment England. the from project Kicks League Premier successful the on based is It activities. for extracurricular of the game year on year. on year game of the popularity the soccer,for beach boosting plans development of long-term part as months. 21,000km intwo etc.) travelling technicians, DJs, jugglers, tour,to the of 20 acrew (presenters, with in between. more plenty with quiz, a football and todemonstrations youth tournaments juggling football –from about all was The SPIN programme consists of consists programme SPIN The The tour has been running since 2001 since running been has tour The over given were 26Altogether, days

Oliver Putsep changed young people’s lives.” people’s young changed and results real produced has SPIN as such aprogramme that delighted are we better and for the communities change to for us atool is “Football Association: Football Estonian of the president Pohlak, educational system.” inthe change apositive brings and skills social strengthens communities, safer,to build respectful stronger, more helps it that and programme effective an is SPIN that shows It decrease. risk-taking and impulsiveness and active, more socially are they increases, inschool children’sThe performance skills. social participants’ the on effect apositive also results, the on based and, network astrong model, thought-out athoroughly has “SPIN said. he effects,” scientific the to analyse also is aim our programmes, and projects similar other “Compared with different: programme makes the what explained of SPIN, activities and games. sports-related through teamwork and goals to setting self-control from ranging life skills learn children the where workshops, and training football weekly The programme is also praised by Aivar by Aivar praised also is programme The director executive Fomotškin, Keit

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MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

GIBRALTAR www.gibraltarfa.com FIRST ‘PLAY WITHOUT PRESSURE’ SESSIONS PROVE AN OVERWHELMING SUCCESS

STEVEN GONZALEZ

Fun-filled football sessions with The youngsters even got to meet and the emphasis on youngsters quiz national team players, including enjoying playing and learning captain Roy Chipolina and senior about football were launched for the first players Liam Walker and Ryan Casciaro, time this summer as the first stage of the who gave them lots of advice as well as Gibraltar FA’s (GFA) new initiative to get demonstrating the ‘art’ and indeed fun Ignacio Stephen youngsters to play football without of taking a penalty! worrying about scorelines, results, pressure The GFA’s technical director, Desi to perform and who the best player may Curry, and grassroots manager Leslie or may not be. Asquez are delighted at the success Under the slogan ‘Play Without Pressure’, of the first part of the initiative and the association’s grassroots department are keen to emphasise that these organised fun-filled sessions by qualified sessions are just the start, with various GFA coaches aimed at providing fun and new projects and activities to be enjoyable football for children between rolled out during the course of the the ages of 5 and 12. coming year.

GREECE www.epo.gr FIRST FAIR PLAY FESTIVAL

MEDIA DEPARTMENT

Under the slogan ‘All for the to boost the development and progress The young players, representing women’s game’, the Hellenic Football of women’s football in Greece. clubs AO Vrilissia, Olympiada Imitou, Federation (HFF) recently Antonis Nikopolidis, Dimosthenis Agios Dimitrios Athinaiki, Zografou, organised its first-ever fair play festival, Kavouras and Antonis Prionas, head Akratitos, Foinikas Agias Sofias and bringing together 100 girls aged between coaches of the men’s U21 national team, Asteras Chaidariou, were given the chance 12 and 16 for a two-day celebration of the senior women’s national team and to showcase their talent during a series women’s football. the women’s U19 and U17 national of exhibition matches and skills-based The event was held in Athens and teams respectively, were joined by games. They received rapturous applause sought to teach the girls about the values leading scientists associated with the from the spectators and the organising of fair play in the world’s most popular HFF to speak on the importance of fair committee for their passion, commitment sport, but also in sport and life generally, play in football. and technical skills despite having only just started out in the sport. The event sent a very clear message to everybody watching, and parents in particular, about the value of playing football and the need to encourage children to play. It highlighted how girls especially can benefit from football, in sport and in life. It was also an ideal opportunity for the HFF to launch several new social media accounts, all of which are dedicated to grassroots, infrastructure and football development. The event was a resounding success and clearly showed that the future EPO is bright for women’s football in Greece.

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HUNGARY www.mlsz.hu / en.mlsz.hu

Anita MAKING FURTHER STRIDES Juhász IN THE WOMEN’S GAME

MÁRTON DINNYÉS

“Development in women’s football considerable help for clubs nationwide and Baricsamlsz.hu, Gábor needs to focus on two areas: a list of further improvements has been increasing the number of those prepared. “The MLSZ enables girls’ clubs championship matches. Additional funds, playing and high-quality coaching,” says to use funds from a corporate tax benefit she says, must be used in order for the Anita Juhász, who is the new person in scheme. Indeed, plenty of additional clubs to enhance their own image and charge of the development of women’s funding for 20 training centres can be popularise the game. “This money of football at the Hungarian Football achieved and support for top-flight clubs course means responsibility for the clubs, Federation (MLSZ). “On the one hand, it’s can also be increased. This can help to and in future we’d like to reward the most important that we involve as many girls as improve club infrastructure, which attracts efficiently run women’s centres and clubs. possible who are interested in playing larger crowds who can watch games in Working together with their counterparts because they provide the foundation. On comfort,” Juhász said. from the men’s game, sports organisations the other hand, we must build a system The 41-year-old sports law graduate can establish a high-quality system in the which also guarantees quality coaching. points out that women’s football now future. This is, of course, a big step which It is important we pay attention to the attracts greater attention in the will take years. In addition, the launch of details, and to the human factor too.” national media, with Hungary’s M4 Sport a girls’ section in the OTP Bank Bozsik This will also help the women’s national channel showing nearly every national grassroots programme will help to put team to develop. There is already team game live as well as crucial a spotlight on girls’ football.”

ITALY www.figc.it ‘FOOTBALL DURING LESSON TIME’ ENJOYS SUCCESSFUL SECOND YEAR

DIEGO ANTENOZIO

The second year of the Il Calcio e to counteract bullying and cyberbullying, Le Ore di Lezione (Football during which are areas of real concern for Lesson Time) initiative, which uses young people. the sport as an educational tool to teach In 2016/17, the programme saw 72,976 children about respect, fair play and how pupils aged between 6 and 18 enjoy to support their team positively without 8,160 hours of lessons (compared with resorting to violence, has now come to an 6,143 hours in 2015/16, an increase of end. A report on the second year, as well 33%). The initiative covered 2,385 classes as all the Italian Football Federation’s (compared with 1,797 in 2015/16 – again other schools initiatives, was presented an increase of 33%) in 776 schools FIGC during a press conference held at the (compared with 501 in 2015/16). Italian ministry of education in Rome. in place for the future and that they There was also an increase of 5% in The initiative, which is being are of the best possible quality. the number of projects delivered during implemented in primary and secondary Among the changes introduced in 2016/17 (199 compared with 190 the schools, is fully endorsed by UEFA as part 2016/17, professional clubs’ supporter previous season). of its Captains of Change programme liaison officers were given increased Planning and implementation of the and is being delivered in partnership responsibility for running the initiative next year of the programme will be with the Italian football leagues and in their respective areas and pupils’ fine-tuned ahead of the new school year, the national coaches’ and footballers’ families were directly involved in all of based on curriculum proposals from associations. It aims to record and the programme’s activities. There was across the country, as well as feedback monitor all of Italian football’s schools a particular focus on integration, with from this year’s campaign. There are initiatives nationwide, to help ensure a view to combatting discrimination and also plans to design a special logo for that a sufficient number of projects are promoting diversity, and on measures the initiative.

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LATVIA www.lff.lv LIECHTENSTEIN www.lfv.li NINE NEW PRO LICENCE PETER JEHLE HOLDERS BECOMES

TOMS ĀRMANIS MOST CAPPED PLAYER LFF ANTON BANZER

On 11 June Peter Jehle overtook Mario Frick as Liechtenstein’s most capped player when he pulled on the national team goalkeeper’s shirt for the 126th time ahead of Liechtenstein’s World Cup qualifier away against Italy. Jehle made his national team debut back on 14 October 1998, when he was just 16 years old. Liechtenstein’s opponents on that day were Azerbaijan June marked the end of the Introduced in 2012, the UEFA Pro and the young Jehle played an active part latest UEFA Pro licence coach licence is the highest coaching in his country’s first win in a FIFA or UEFA education programme in Latvia. qualification available in Latvia. qualifying competition, with Liechtenstein This year nine coaches from Latvia and To date, 28 coaches have successfully running out 2-1 winners. Since that one from Estonia successfully completed completed UEFA Pro licence courses historic day, Jehle, now 35, has become the two-year course. organised by the Latvian Football the national team’s first-choice Since June 2015 the Pro licence Federation. goalkeeper and captain. students had attended 17 sessions and In addition to its general coach Jehle, who plays his club football completed 535 hours of tuition. Two education programme, the federation with FC Vaduz, is a real unifying force of the students have been given an also offers specific futsal, goalkeeper for Liechtenstein football. On 14 August extra year to complete the training. and women’s football coach education. 2013, for Liechtenstein’s friendly against Croatia, he became the third Liechtenstein player after Mario Frick and LITHUANIA www.lff.lt Martin Stocklasa to notch up 100 caps. Less than four years later he holds the most-capped player record outright, an COACHING GOES ONLINE honour he looks set to hold onto for some years to come as he continues as VAIDOTAS JANUŠKA Liechtenstein’s first-choice goalkeeper.

As part of its strategy to improve Statkevičius. All clubs have been invited coaching, the Lithuanian Football to test the platform and the online Federation (LFF) has made a coaching system will be fully imple- public launch of its e-platform for mented in the coming months. coaches, AcademyOnline. Based on Meanwhile, the LFF has also begun Dutch methodology, the system has its C licence courses for coaches, teachers already been used for UEFA A and B and parents working with children up to licence courses. 10 and 11 years old. Participants have to “A few years ago we decided we complete an e-seminar before joining a needed a centralised platform for coaches two-day live course. The first two groups and this led to the new system. We want have provided great feedback. “It has left to be able to help the club coaches in the best of feelings because we managed their work and also use common methods to learn many new things and also met in order to achieve the main goal – people who see children’s coaching from producing quality players for Lithuania,” a new, different perspective,” said Marius says the LFF technical director, Raimondas Komovas, a youth coach in Klaipėda. LFV

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MALTA www.mfa.com.mt SIX-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN UNVEILED

ALEX VELLA

The Malta FA (MFA) has the construction of a compact stadium announced a six-year strategic at the MFA training grounds. plan designed to further improve These details were unveiled by the MFA football on the island. president, Norman Darmanin Demajo, The plan includes a second national during the association’s annual general school of sport set up in partnership with meeting in July. “For an organisation like the country’s ministry of education. It is the MFA it is important that we always one of the key projects on the MFA’s have a purpose – a point in the future, AquilinaD. agenda, as is a review of the amateur an agreed objective towards which we Norman Darmanin Demajo and grassroots sectors, including futsal can all work,” he stressed. “In business and women’s football and the creation of this is referred to as a strategic plan, “We need to have the best people a support unit to assist young footballers which is merely an exercise which asks in our ranks, not only those who are to overcome the inherent initial difficulties the question where we would like to be talented in their field but also people of joining a foreign club. There will also in five or six years’ time,” he explained. who are passionate about football be specialised training for club The association’s success in and internally motivated. All this will administrators, five new projects at the implementing its strategy depends help the association to be of service Ta’ Qali national complex, the relocation predominantly on the strength of its to Maltese football,” the Malta FA of the association’s technical centre and administrative and human resources. president concluded.

MOLDOVA www.fmf.md FUN FOOTBALL SCHOOL SEMINAR FOR LEADERS AND COACHES

PRESS OFFICE

A joint Cross Cultures Project affairs, and Oleg Molceanov, the FMF’s Chicu, CCPA/OFFS instructors Vladislav Association (CCPA), Open Fun sports criteria expert, were on hand to Pocotilo, Iana Pogarevici, Diana Bobuțac, Football Schools (OFFS) and Sport + give gifts to the children. Victor Mardari, Ion Țelic and Vasile Schools + Police (SSP) seminar for leaders The festival was run by CCPA/OFFS Toloconnicov, and Moldovan police and coaches was held at the Moldovan project assistant coordinator Svetlana representatives Natalia Gaidibadi national teams’ training centre in Vadul Patraș, FMF grassroots manager Valentin and Virginia Balanici. lui Vodă from 24 to 28 July. The seminar was attended by 156 coaches and comprised theoretical and practical sessions, including presentations about the role and importance of the coach

and the organisation of the fun football CaftanatVadim schools. Instructors from the Moldovan FA (FMF) demonstrated a number of exercises, and small-sided games were held in which all coaches participated. While the seminar was going on, the CCPA/OFFS office in Moldova also organised a football festival on 26 July in which 120 boys and girls in the Under-7 and Under-11 categories took part. Special guests Nicolai Cebotari, FMF general secretary, Veaceslav Balan, representative of the ministry of internal

UEFA DIRECT • September 2017 – 75 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

NORTHERN IRELAND www.irishfa.com NEW FIVE-YEAR STRATEGY

NIGEL TILSON

The Irish Football Association has The strategy sets six long-term objectives: launched a new five-year strategy • to help Northern Ireland international aimed at promoting, fostering teams challenge every time and qualify and developing football for all in every other time for major tournaments; Northern Ireland. • to help rebuild the football estate in With the Northern Ireland senior men’s Northern Ireland; side having competed at EURO 2016, the • to provide assistance to senior clubs in new National Football Stadium at Windsor European competitions and to help NIFL Park complete, more people watching the Premiership clubs break into the top 40 Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) in the UEFA coefficient rankings; Premiership and more people playing the • to reinvigorate the ‘everyday’ game; game, football in the country is on a high. • to build a thriving stadium business at Not wishing to leave it there, the board the National Football Stadium in Belfast; of the Irish FA commissioned a new • to serve the community better. five-year strategy in January, designed to The Irish FA Chief Executive, Patrick IFA ensure the game continues to grow at all Nelson, said: “We want to build on the Patrick Nelson (left) and David Martin levels and that the association continues foundations laid in recent years and to set to deliver for the entire football family in new targets that will benefit the whole The document is available to view Northern Ireland. game in Northern Ireland.” and download at irishfa.com/strategy

ROMANIA www.frf.ro FIRST ROMANIAN CFM NEARS COMPLETION

PAUL ZAHARIA

Continuous learning represents football managers in accordance with The CFM also fits into the objectives of one of the main pillars of activity European standards. Funded through the the FRF’s strategic plan 2015–2020 for of the Romanian Football UEFA HatTrick programme, the CFM is for the development of football in Romania. Federation (FRF). It is valuable not only for anyone involved in football who wishes to The first session, organised in the federation’s own employees but also develop or expand their theoretical and cooperation with UEFA and the Swiss for its affiliated members, for whom practical knowledge of football Graduate School of Public Administration seminars, conferences and other learning management. The main topics covered are (IDHEAP) of the University of Lausanne, events are organised by the FRF and the organisation of football, strategic and took place in Bucharest on 6 and 7 July, partner organisations. performance management, operational with two more sessions to follow in The UEFA Certificate in Football management, football marketing and October 2017 and March 2018. In Management (CFM) is one of the sponsorship, communication and public addition, all the participants have to educational programmes being run by relations, and event and volunteer complete eight online modules. the FRF in order to train and educate management. The participants come from all walks of football, from clubs and regional football associations, from the Romanian Football Federation (ticketing, brand management, team management, grassroots and communication managers), as well as from the football associations of Croatia, Moldova and Slovakia. They include some former players, such as Romania’s Lucian Sânmărtean. If they complete the course successfully, the participants will receive a certificate of FRF higher education.

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SCOTLAND www.scottishfa.co.uk FIRST COHORT OF REFEREES GRADUATE FROM SCORE

MICHAEL LAMONT

The first cohort of aspiring have been mentored during SCORE and referees have graduated from the undertaken an academic programme. Scottish Centre of Refereeing They had to complete nine modules Scottish FA Excellence (SCORE). SCORE was launched during the part-time course, focusing on in 2015 and is based at the National key aspects of the job such as motivation, “I am delighted to congratulate the nine Performance Centre for Sport in dealing with aggressive coaches and graduates of SCORE 15, each of whom Edinburgh, providing a pathway for players, building positive relations and has proven to be an exceptionally up-and-coming referees to reach the working across cultures. promising referee and has undoubtedly upper echelons of the game. On the pitch, the referees took charge benefited from the education the The Scottish FA and Heriot-Watt of Under-20 development matches where programme has provided.” University have worked in partnership to they were filmed and the recordings were The nine SCORE graduates are: provide education through modules and then used for more detailed analysis of Connor Ashwood, Graham Grainger, intensive training over the last two years. their performances. Scott Lambie, Stewart Luke, Matthew Coached by current category one John Fleming, head of referee McDermid, Ross Menzies, Peter Stuart, referee Craig Thomson, all nine graduates operations at the Scottish FA, said: Lloyd Wilson and Ross Hardie.

SLOVAKIA www.futbalsfz.sk DEFIBRILLATOR FOR LIFE

PETER SURIN

What is the cost of a human life? Ružomberok, DAC 1904 Dunajská Streda, The answer can be found in the MFK Tatran Liptovský Mikuláš and FC Slovak Football Association’s ViOn Zlaté Moravce. integrated approach to protection, “We are building new stadiums and security and services in the organisation modernising the old ones. We are of football matches. The procedure was applying UEFA’s well-established approach developed by Peter France, security to the organisation of medical care and manager at the Slovak FA, in cooperation overall security and services for fans at with Pavel Malovič, the association’s head venues. Football stewards are one of the doctor, and the Falck company. Falck key elements in event organisation. They entered the Slovakian market in 2005 need to react to situations quickly and and the company has its main offices for help the fans until the emergency services central and eastern Europe in Bratislava. arrive. It is our responsibility to guarantee SFZ As part of the integrated approach, a the safety and security of supporters at number of top and second division clubs football matches. Stewards need to be the highest level when it comes to received defibrillators and cabinets. Club able to help in emergency situations medical care and security. In the past, representatives were trained on how to when someone’s health or life is at stake. I have come across opinions saying that it handle this valuable equipment, where to We need to have the proper technology is not a necessity to have a defibrillator at place it and how to use the defibrillator and trained personnel to help supporters stadiums. However, this is not true. It is when human life is in danger. The efficiently in an emergency. We are a matter of life and death. We are already stadiums also have new medical facilities, planning to request a grant from UEFA educating sports doctors. The next step is which the public must be able to access at in order to get other Slovakian clubs to link the theory with the practice. The all times. involved,” said Peter France, security security department at the Slovak FA are The following clubs participated in the manager. doing an amazing job in cooperation with training and now own a brand-new “The reality at matches shows that Falck, who are providing invaluable defibrillator: AS Trenčín, MŠK Fomat it is absolutely necessary to have the services to the football family,” said Pavel Martin, Partizánu Bardejov, MFK organisation and technical facilities of Malovič, head doctor.

UEFA DIRECT • September 2017 – 77 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

SWITZERLAND www.football.ch DAVID MEETS GOLIATH

PIERRE BENOIT

The coveted Sandoz trophy from the Bern-Jura region, who, to add to weighs 6.86kg, has a value the excitement, were drawn to play their of around 100,000 Swiss first cup tie at home against none other francs and was donated to the Swiss FA than Neuchâtel-Xamax from the Swiss by Lausanne banker Aurèle-Gilbert Challenge League (the second tier of the Sandoz in 1925. It is presented by the Swiss football league system). In their association’s president to the captain heyday under legendary coach Gilbert of the Swiss cup winners after each Gress, Xamax were a force to be reckoned season’s final. with in European competitions and a If the trophy could talk, the stories match even for the likes of Real Madrid, it could tell would easily run to several Bayern Munich, Roma and Celtic. volumes. It could recount the number The capacity of the Stade du Péché of times that it had found itself being in Montfaucon was increased for the mended at the goldsmith’s in Berne occasion and was jam-packed for the after lively celebrations. Or it could tell cup tie, which netted the home club the the story of the Zurich public transport highest earnings in its history. employee who found the trophy on the On the day, the elaborate 4-5-1 system tram one morning, left behind by record prepared by Montfaucon coach Jean-Marc cup winners Grasshoppers after their Bueche was not enough to cause an upset. victory parade through the city. The match will, however, remain firmly And a glorious new chapter in the etched in the memories of the players, trophy’s history is in the making, with including goalkeeper Lucien Ourny and star the winners of the amateur fair play player Davy Vonlanthen, who will no doubt trophy now qualifying automatically for give the shirts they wore pride of place SFV the first main round of the cup – a real above their mantelpieces. achievement for any amateur club. The The team’s defeat did not dampen the night. Stories about this momentous first club to enjoy this privilege is ninth- the euphoria, and celebrations in the day will certainly be handed down for tier club Union Sportive Montfaucon town of 610 residents continued late into many years to come.

WALES www.faw.cymru HARNESSING THE UNIQUE POWER OF FOOTBALL

ROB DOWLING

Chris Coleman, the Wales national is needed to be a professional footballer team manager, has been spending and achievement in the classroom. the international break inspiring “Perseverance is important,” Coleman schoolchildren around the country. explained to the children. “You don’t Coleman and coach Kit Symons recently have to be the most skilful player or the went to the Rhondda Valleys, where they cleverest in the class to make it. If you spent the day visiting primary schools in persevere and work hard at everything the area to talk about their experiences you do, you can be proud of yourself.” within football and answering the The school visits are being used to children’s questions. deliver a segment of the Football While on their visit to Williamstown, Association of Wales’ strategic plan, Ton Pentre and Cwmparc primary schools, harnessing the unique power that Coleman and Symons explained the football has to connect with people similarities between the commitment that FAW in a positive way.

78 – UEFA DIRECT • September 2017 BIRTHDAYS, NOTICES, FORTHCOMING EVENTS

BIRTHDAYS Luc Wilmes (Luxembourg, 21 September) Nail Izmaylov (Russia, 21 September) NOTICES Gerhard Aigner (Germany, 1 September) Cornelis de Bruin (Netherlands, 22 September) José Guilherme Aguiar (Portugal, 1 September) Goetz Eilers (Germany, 23 September) • On 26 July, Ángel María Villar Llona Umberto Lago (Italy, 23 September) Manuel Díaz Vega (Spain, 1 September) (Spain) resigned from his position as UEFA Vlado Svilokos (Croatia, 23 September) João Morais (Portugal, 1 September) vice-president and member of the Execu- Alain Giresse (France, 2 September) Andreu Subies i Forcada tive Committee with immediate effect. Savo Milošević (Serbia, 2 September) (Spain, 23 September) Gérard Houllier (France, 3 September) 70th Giangiorgio Spiess (Switzerland, 24 September) • On 18 June, Leo Windtner was re-elected Rudolphe Mannaerts (Belgium, 3 September) Eugen Strigel (Germany, 24 September) as president of the Austrian Football David Elleray (England, 3 September) Ionel Piscanu (Romania, 24 September) Association. Bartłomiej Zalewski (Poland, 3 September) Matteo Frameglia (Italy, 24 September) • On 24 June, Gérard Linard was elected Magdalena Urbanska (Poland, 24 September) Victor Mintoff (Malta, 4 September) as president of the Royal Belgian Football Grigoriy Surkis (Ukraine, 4 September) Mogens Kreutzfeldt (Denmark, 25 September) 70th Association, replacing François De Barry Taylor (England, 5 September) Keersmaecker. Ludovic Debru (France, 5 September) Paul Krähenbühl (Switzerland, 25 September) • On 5 July, Dejan Savićević was re-elected Eija Vähälä (Finland, 6 September) Karl-Heinz Rummenigge Bernd Stöber (Germany, 6 September) (Germany, 25 September) as president of the Football Association of Shmuel Shteif (Israel, 6 September) Christine Frai (Germany, 25 September) Montenegro. Andrew McKinlay (Scotland, 6 September) Rotem Kamer (Israel, 25 September) • On 10 July, Victor Santos was re-elected György Mezey (Hungary, 7 September) Ayse Idil Cem (Turkey, 25 September) as president of the Andorran Football Stephen Lodge (England, 26 September) António Laranjo (Portugal, 7 September) Federation. Werner Helsen (Belgium, 7 September) Camelia Nicolae (Romania, 26 September) Vignir Már Thormódsson Dzmitry Kryshchanovich (Iceland, 7 September) 50th (Belarus, 26 September) 50th OBITUARIES Jens Kleinefeld (Germany, 27 September) Adrian Titcombe (England, 8 September) • Fuad Musayev, former president of the Mariano Delogu (Italy, 28 September) Kostadin Gerginov (Bulgaria, 9 September) Association of Football Federations of Geir Thorsteinsson (Iceland, 9 September) Michael van Praag Azerbaijan, died in mid-June aged 79. At Ilonka Milanova Djaleva (Bulgaria, 9 September) (Netherlands, 28 September) 70th Aki Riihilahti (Finland, 9 September) Karel Bohunek (Czech Republic, 28 September) UEFA level, he served on the Committee Charles Robba (Gibraltar, 10 September) Zoltan Drucsko (Hungary, 28 September) for the European Championship from Ioannis Tsachilidis (Greece, 11 September) Cristian Vornicu (Romania, 29 September) 1994 to 2000, on the Development and Katarzyna Wierzbowska (Poland, 11 September) Dariusz Pawel Dziekanowski Assistance Committee from 2000 to (Poland, 30 September) Tomas Karpavičius (Lithuania, 11 September) 2002, and on the Assistance Programmes Cristina-Daniela Uluc (Romania, 30 September) Talal Darawshi (Israel, 12 September) Committee from 2002 to 2004. Tanya Gravina (Malta, 12 September) Stanisław Speczik (Poland, 13 September) 70th • Alex Vella (Malta) died on 26 July aged Lennart Schafroth (Sweden, 13 September) 60th FORTHCOMING EVENTS Jon Skjervold (Norway, 13 September) 60th 75. For many years, he was a faithful Lennart Vestervall (Sweden, 13 September) 60th contributor to UEFA Direct, reporting Ingrid Jonsson (Sweden, 13 September) Meetings on the activities of the Malta Football Philippe Prudhon (France, 13 September) Association. 1 September, Nyon Ivan Gazidis (England, 13 September) UEFA Women's Champions League: Miguel Liétard Fernández-Palacios draw for the round of 32 (Spain, 13 September) Javid Garayev (Azerbaijan, 14 September) 40th 6 September, Nyon 12/13 September Kim Robin Haugen National Team Competitions Committee UEFA Champions League: group matches (Norway, 14 September) 40th (matchday 1) Adam Giersz (Poland, 15 September) 70th 7 September, Nyon UEFA Youth League – UEFA Champions League Eugeniusz Nowak (Poland, 15 September) National Associations Committee path: group matches (matchday 1) Dejan Savićević (Montenegro, 15 September) Sokol Jareci (Albania, 15 September) 50th 20 September, Geneva 14 September Antonis Petrou (Cyprus, 16 September) 13th Extraordinary UEFA Congress UEFA Europa League: group matches (matchday 1) Fran Gavin (Republic of Ireland, 16 September) Kelly Simmons (England, 16 September) 20 September, Nyon Executive Committee 14–19 September Antero Silva Resende (Portugal, 18 September) European qualifying matches for the 2019 Şenes Erzik (Turkey, 18 September) 21 September, Nyon Women's World Cup Roberto Rosetti (Italy, 18 September) 50th Governance and Compliance Committee Miroslava Migalova (Slovakia, 18 September) 26/27 September Marija Andjelković (Serbia, 18 September) 29 September, Ljubljana UEFA Champions League: group matches Reinhard Grindel (Germany, 19 September) 2017–18 European Futsal Championship: (matchday 2) Stefano Farina (Italy, 19 September) final round draw UEFA Youth League – UEFA Champions League John Fleming (Scotland, 20 September) 60th path: group matches (matchday 2) Paul Lyon (Gibraltar, 20 September) Competitions Miloš Marković (Serbia, 20 September) 3–5 September 27 September Helena Herrero González (Spain, 21 September) European Qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup: UEFA Youth League – domestic champions path: Viktor Paradnikov (Ukraine, 21 September) matchday 8 first round (first legs) Nenad Dikić (Serbia, 21 September) Stefan Weber (Germany, 21 September) 10–13 and 24–27 September 28 September Vladislav Khodeev (Russia, 21 September) 2017–18 European Futsal Championship: play-offs UEFA Europa League: group matches (matchday 2)

UEFA DIRECT • September 2017 – 79 No.170 • September 2017