BACK IN PLAY No. 191 - UEFA.com
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
No. 191 BACK IN PLAY
EDITORIAL
Theodore Theodoridis
UEFA General Secretary
A MOMENT TO SAVOUR,
A TIME TO REFLECT
A
fter the unprecedented hiatus brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, football is steadily coming
back to life. This edition of UEFA Direct reports on the imminent return of our elite competitions,
assessing the obstacles that the European football community has had to overcome together to
successfully rewrite UEFA’s competitions calendar – both for the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons.
UEFA’s return to play, with matches set to kick off in August, represents a milestone moment and the
first chance to take stock of our journey to date through an extraordinary period.
The COVID-19 pandemic’s outbreak in the spring brought European football to a standstill, and there
was understandable concern that UEFA would not be able to finish its 2019/20 club competition season.
Other major competitions, such as UEFA EURO 2020 and Women’s EURO 2021, were postponed for a year.
The outlook was uncertain, and the ramifications were difficult to predict.
As our president underlines in his interview on pages 6–7, despite these challenges, UEFA maintained a
steadfast belief that better times would come. Now, following a great deal of hard work, cooperation and
compromise behind the scenes, we are ready to deliver a match schedule in August and beyond that will bring
the latest club competitions to completion, and set the 2020/21 competition campaign in motion. The moment
when ‘live’ UEFA action returns to the spotlight will doubtless be one to savour, offering hope and joy to
football lovers young and old.
Our sport has taken a back seat in recent times as the world has learned to live with the impact – personal,
economic and otherwise – of COVID-19. Football has been missed during its absence – demonstrating clearly
how much the game means to those who care about it and providing telling proof of football’s enduring status
as part of the fabric of our society.
Consequently, UEFA strongly feels that by ‘returning to play’ – albeit in circumstances that will still require
caution and great care for our matches to take place – we are contributing to raising the morale of millions
of people. It also shows how UEFA is adapting to the current reality to continue delivering on its core mission:
running competitions and protecting, promoting and developing European football.
I for one am sure to experience a multitude of emotions when the first referee’s whistle is blown in August
– excitement, happiness, relief, anticipation. I am equally certain that those feelings will be shared and
understood by anyone that holds the beautiful game close to their heart…
UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2020 – 03
CONTENTS
IN THIS
ISSUE
JULY/AUGUST 2020
Official publication of
the Union of European
Football Associations
Chief editor:
Emmanuel Deconche
Deputy chief editor:
Dominique Maurer
Chief writer:
Mark Chaplin
Subeditor:
Susan Angel
External contributors:
Sam Adams (pages 14-17)
Julien Hernandez (pages 22-25)
Simon Hart (pages 28-35, 42-43)
Graham Turner (pages 36-41)
Translations:
UEFA Language Services
Production:
Touchline
Getty Images
Printing:
Artgraphic Cavin,
CH-1422 Grandson
Editorial deadline:
10 July 2020 8 Executive Committee
The Executive Committee gives the go-ahead for UEFA competitions to resume in August.
Cover photos:
UEFA
14 Together for the Future of Football 44 Social responsibility
Launched at the UEFA Congress in February The latest UEFA Football and Social
2019, UEFA’s five-year strategy is more relevant Responsibility Report puts the spotlight
than ever to tackle current and future on activities and projects that harness
challenges. the power of football to tackle key social
responsibility issues.
neutral 01-20-758031
Printed Matter myclimate.org
20 Club licensing system
A new interactive report explains how 48 News from member associations
the club licensing system is implemented
across Europe.
CONTENTS
Konami
UEFA
6 Interview
22 eEURO 2020 Aleksander Čeferin talks about how
Italy win the inaugural efootball version of the EUROs. European football has responded to
the challenges of COVID-19.
Miguel Ruiz
28 The Technician
As football resumes across Europe, The Technician looks
at the challenges of getting players match-fit again.
36
Coaching
Convention
MFA
The fourth edition of the
Coaching Convention is
26 Referees
Sportsfile
launched, while the Jira
Like the players, referees trained at home during the Panel celebrates its 25th
lockdown while waiting for football to return. anniversary.
UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2020 – 05
INTERVIEW
‘THERE’S BEEN A REAL
WILLINGNESS TO REACH
COMPROMISES’
UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin is playing a pivotal role in guiding European football and its
governing body through the COVID-19 crisis. In this interview with UEFA Direct, he talks about
UEFA’s leadership during these extraordinary times, and explains why the spirit of solidarity and
sacrifice shown by football’s various stakeholders offers a positive lesson for the future.
What has been your personal of July, with UEFA then completing its that they can use to offset the
experience of the COVID-19 crisis? own 2019/20 club competition season in consequences of financial losses caused
These recent months have obviously August. The leagues agreed to this, and by the COVID-19 situation. Moreover, the
been a period of great uncertainty for the solidarity of the clubs will be equally associations can naturally rest assured that
everyone. As far as my family and myself important for the national team window they will be able to count on our unfailing
are concerned, it’s brought us even in September. support in the future.
closer together…
In what ways has responding to Did you always believe that UEFA’s
As UEFA president, you’ve lived the challenges of the COVID-19 2019/20 competitions would still
on the front line of football’s pandemic brought Europe’s be played to a conclusion in 2020?
longest period of inactivity since football community closer I believed it from the first moment.
the Second World War. How have together? You should always be optimistic, and if
you coped with the situation? We’ve seen a great deal of unity and something like this crisis happens, you
Well, you must remember that the Second solidarity between UEFA, national must have a plan ready. At the present
World War didn’t actually stop football associations, clubs and leagues. That’s time, we will be playing matches without
completely, unlike the COVID-19 crisis... been a quality which you can see in the spectators until further notice. We will
from a professional point of view, there’s decisions taken. There’s been a real overall not take any risks.
been a lot of pressure and a great deal of willingness to reach compromises.
hard work – but I’m happy and relieved Do you feel that UEFA has taken
that football is returning across Europe. You’re in constant contact with the right decisions at the right
UEFA’s 55 member associations time over these months?
UEFA has rewritten its across Europe. How is UEFA We, as a governing body, have had to bear
match calendar to ensure its helping them respond to the in mind that we must take care of all of
competitions can ‘return to play’, crisis? football – not just UEFA’s competitions.
while minimising risks to the health The associations are all facing a variety of Consequently, we’ve tried to lead the
and safety of everyone involved. challenges. UEFA’s relationship with them way in Europe, and I think we’ve done so
What did it take to do this? is a crucial cornerstone of our activities quite successfully. I think the decision to
Key stakeholders have had to sacrifice – they’ve always backed us in what we do, postpone EURO 2020 to next year was a
something. UEFA has sacrificed part of and we always support them. So, we’ve key moment, because it was taken at quite
its season to enable the completion of made an advance payment of €236.5m an early stage. Everybody understood
ongoing domestic leagues by the end from UEFA’s HatTrick programme funding* that we did this to help the other
*Since 2004, UEFA’s HatTrick programme has channelled revenue from the European
Championships to national associations to support football development projects.
Despite the postponement of EURO 2020, UEFA will honour its fifth HatTrick funding
cycle, investing a total of €775.5 million in European football over the next four years.
06 – UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2020
INTERVIEW
stakeholders and, once more, I must What have you learned about communicating with each other
underline the spirit of total unity and the underlying strengths of every day, and we must continue to
solidarity that was forthcoming. European football in this period? do so in the future. We might have
What lessons can be learned for disagreements, of course, but as long as
What steps can UEFA take to the future? we communicate and are all ready to
protect grassroots football across I think it’s hard to say at this stage what sacrifice something, then we’ll be on
Europe from the economic impact UEFA will learn, and what the world will the right path.
of the COVID-19 crisis? learn. We’ll certainly all learn that we’re
There’s been a major focus, of course, on very fragile, and that a virus can actually As a football fan, what do you
the elite competitions. But it’s also clear bring the world virtually to a standstill… think you’ll feel when you next
that grassroots football will always be a and that means football as well. But watch a UEFA match in a stadium?
vital part of our mission. Given the medical we’ll all come through this crisis, and I’m I’m sure that it will be a great feeling…
protocols and provisions that will be in sure that we’ll emerge stronger and like everyone, I would feel even better if
place, it will be important first of all that wiser than before. the fans were there. But I’m an optimistic
no one takes any unnecessary risks. The football community has shown person, and my great hope is that
And we must all be especially careful not just unity and solidarity, but also spectators will be able to return to our
where children are concerned. friendship and respect. We’re matches as soon as possible.
“The football community has
shown not just unity and
solidarity, but also friendship
and respect.”
UEFA
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
AUGUST RETURN TO PLAY
FOR UEFA’S COMPETITIONS
The UEFA Executive Committee’s videoconference meeting on 17 June will be
remembered as one of the most momentous occasions in UEFA’s long and rich
history – coming as it did just two days after the organisation’s 66th birthday.
T
he committee gave the go-ahead for European football was compelled to take was created to examine the health issues.
UEFA’s various men’s and women’s an unaccustomed back seat this spring, Working together, Europe’s football
competitions to resume in August, owing to the worldwide escalation of community aimed to answer a question
ending a hiatus that began in March when the pandemic. With people’s health and facing everyone in the game: how
the COVID-19 pandemic forced a halt to safety paramount, UEFA put all of its to complete the 2019/20 UEFA club
the European domestic and international competitions on hold until further notice competition season and finish domestic
football programme. in March, in compliance with national competitions across Europe as soon
measures and World Health Organization as circumstances would permit football
Responding to new recommendations. “The unprecedented to resume.
developments circumstances indeed made it impossible Finding the right response required
The Executive Committee’s green light for any sport to take place,” said UEFA an intense and challenging period of
came as national governments and president Aleksander Čeferin. The only ideas and proposals, discussions, online
authorities began easing the lockdown possibility in an uncertain and somewhat meetings and telephone calls, expert
conditions put in place to slow the spread unreal atmosphere was to start preparing analysis findings, exchanges of information
of COVID-19. By June, many European for better days ahead. and data, and urgent consultations. The
domestic football competitions were solution subsequently approved by the
gradually coming out of hibernation after Background: finding a solution UEFA Executive Committee gives priority
the enforced period of inactivity, with From mid-March, an ongoing working and to European domestic competitions, by
league and cup matches getting under regular consultation process involved enabling them to be played first and
way again behind closed doors as a UEFA, its 55 member associations and completed by the end of July, before
protective and preventative measure. other major stakeholders – notably, the UEFA’s 2019/20 club competitions restart
The committee considered this as the European Club Association (ECA), the at the beginning of August.
right moment for UEFA’s competitions European Leagues (EL) and the players’
to follow suit… union FIFPRO Europe. Working groups Minimising risks,
were set up to look at the calendar and safeguarding value
Football’s wait: assess the economic, financial and UEFA’s objective, especially with the
the preparation process regulatory impact of the COVID-19 revised club competition format put in
In the face of the COVID-19 crisis, pandemic, and an expert medical panel place, is to minimise risks by keeping the
Stadion Köln
Shutterstock
Shutterstock
Estádio do Sport
Lisboa e Benfica
Colovray – Nyon
highest level of control over matches,
limiting international travel and local
journeys, and ensuring a safe
accommodation environment; protecting
competition, clubs and players by
softening the match burden at the end
Shutterstock
of a long competitive summer of domestic
action; and safeguarding value by offering
UEFA
Anoeta Stadium
the best possible format with only – San Sebastián
high-value matches, as well as to
compensate lost match broadcasting
opportunities. Key Executive Committee decisions:
The 2020/21 UEFA Champions League
and UEFA Europa League qualification • 5–30 August: Completion of UEFA’s 2019/20 club competitions in single-leg
phases will be played as single legs instead matches played in three countries: Portugal (UEFA Champions League),
of as home and away legs, thus cutting Germany (UEFA Europa League) and Spain (UEFA Women’s Champions League);
down on travel, hotel reservations and • 8 August – 1 October: 2020/21 UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa
meetings, and lowering the risk of League qualifying phase;
exposure to the coronavirus. • 3 September – 18 November: UEFA Nations League group stage;
• 24 September: UEFA Super Cup match in Budapest;
The EURO factor • 7–13 October: 2020/21 UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifying
A crucial catalyst for the club competition round mini-tournaments;
solution was UEFA’s early decision in • 8 October/12 November: European Qualifiers play-offs – semi-finals and
March to postpone its premium national finals respectively;
team tournament, UEFA EURO 2020, • 20/22 October: Start of the respective 2020/21 UEFA Champions League
until summer 2021. “UEFA took a bold and UEFA Europa League group stages;
decision when it decided to postpone • 11/12 and 18/19 November: 2020/21 UEFA Women’s Champions League
EURO 2020,” the UEFA president round of 32;
explained. “But in doing so, we created • 11 June – 11 July 2021: UEFA EURO 2020 to be staged in 12 host cities as
the space which has allowed domestic scheduled across Europe.
club competitions across the continent
to resume, where possible, and play to (Full details of the UEFA Return to Play calendar can be found on pages 12–13)
a conclusion.”
Neutral venues
Several factors drove the decision to bring appropriate solutions; the need to choose local authorities; good stadium
the 2019/20 club competition campaign to countries with a positive evolution in their infrastructures; and the associations’
its conclusion at neutral venues. These epidemiologic situation; full support from operational expertise.
included the limited time available to find the countries’ football associations and The national associations of Portugal,
Germany and Spain emerged as impressive
and ideal candidates: they offered good
venue concepts, government guarantees
were forthcoming, and signed contracts
have been provided for the venues.
Club competitions: player
registration and substitutes
Teams may register three new players on
their List A for the rest of the 2019/20
season, provided they were already
registered and eligible for the club since
the last registration deadline, with List A
still containing a maximum 25 players.
Clubs may not register newly transferred
players. Five substitutions will be allowed
in the 2019/20 matches to comply with
temporary Laws of the Game changes,
while the number of substitutions for
UEFA
2020/21 will remain at three.
Travel restrictions and social
distancing recommendations
mean that the Executive
Committee has to meet by
UEFA
videoconference for the
time being.
Matches behind closed doors men’s and women’s club and national ahead,” the UEFA president added, “and
UEFA has adopted a ‘wait and see’ team competitions and a further iteration we want to enhance the momentum in
approach to this crucial protective and will be produced for youth and futsal the women’s game, not lose it.”
preventative issue. Given the constantly competitions. It will be a living document
evolving situation, the UEFA administration which can also be adapted to local Unity and solidarity
agreed to continue to closely monitor the legislation and requirements. Finally, as European football finds its
situation – it was felt that more time and Matchday operational guidelines feet again, one particularly positive fact
information was needed, and continued are also being adapted, both at club has emerged from the COVID-19 crisis –
close consultation with local authorities and national team level, so they are the spirit of solidarity that has prevailed
required, before any final decision could more tailored to football’s new norms. since March. Cooperation and
be taken on admitting spectators to UEFA’s main challenge is to implement understanding have been the order of
UEFA competition matches. On 9 July, protocols and procedures that ensure its the day as UEFA, the national associations
the Executive Committee decided that matches can take place with the same and the various stakeholders have striven
all matches would be played behind level of safety across all 55 national in tandem to steer football through
closed doors until further notice. associations. extremely troubled times.
UEFA has made its own solidarity mark
Medical protocol: keeping EURO 2020: one year later in this period. It released €236.5m of
everyone safe While there was obvious disappointment HatTrick assistance programme funding to
The medical working group’s deliberations at the postponement of UEFA EURO 2020, help its 55 member associations meet the
will culminate in an extensive UEFA there is now considerable optimism about challenges of COVID-19 in their respective
medical protocol, aimed at ensuring the next summer’s rescheduled tournament. countries. In addition, with many clubs
safety and health of everyone involved Signed undertakings have been received facing financial difficulties amid the crisis,
in UEFA’s matches when they resume. from all host associations, stadiums and UEFA released club benefit payments for
Testing will be carried out on players and host cities, which means that the same 12 the clubs’ contribution to European
technical/medical staff, referees and UEFA venues as originally appointed will host the national team competitions, with 676
match officers, and will be conducted 51 matches: Amsterdam, Baku, Bilbao, clubs from UEFA member associations
alongside the application of other Bucharest, Budapest, Copenhagen, Dublin, receiving amounts ranging from €3,200
measures of infection prevention, such as Glasgow, London, Munich, Rome and to €630,000 for their contribution to the
social distancing, access to disinfection Saint Petersburg. European Qualifiers and the UEFA Nations
products, frequent and thorough hand League for the 2018–20 period.
washing, and the wearing of personal Youth and women’s football, Without this togetherness and
protective equipment at the stadium. futsal: remembering their teamwork on all sides, the task of
Teams will have to adopt travel and importance maintaining football’s stability and plotting
accommodation policies that protect their An essential UEFA objective is to complete a course through the crisis would
members from risk of infection; stadium its current youth and futsal competitions. undoubtedly have been twice as daunting,
requirements will include a zoning system “We are firm believers in their importance as the UEFA president acknowledged:
to be implemented in order to prevent and the significance of the overall growth “The football community has worked
uncontrolled or indirect contact issues, and development of the game,” said the together and shown tremendous unity
and stadium attendance will be limited UEFA president. The completion of during this unprecedented crisis,” he
to teams, officials and working staff. the 2019/20 UEFA Women’s Champions reflected. “I am convinced that we will
The medical protocol, which is now being League also transmits a strong signal. come out of this crisis stronger and with
finalised, will initially apply for the senior “This competition has exciting times closer links than ever before.”
10 – UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2020EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Emergency club
licensing measures
At its videoconference meeting, New women’s youth
the Executive Committee approved competition formats
temporary emergency measures as Finally, the European Women’s Under-17
addenda to the UEFA Club Licensing and and Under-19 Championships will have
Financial Fair Play Regulations, to offset a new format from 2021/22 to help
the impact of COVID-19 on club finances. further develop elite female youth
The measures provide flexibility, while players. A league-style qualifying format
ensuring that clubs fulfil transfer and will see teams divided on coefficient
salary obligations on time, and give clubs rankings into two leagues, A and B, each
more time to quantify and account for with groups of four teams playing mini-
unanticipated revenue losses. tournaments.
A second group round in League A
Overdue payables – valid for will replace the current elite round,
2020/21 season with the winners (and best runner-up)
Among the key elements, all clubs in qualifying for the final tournament.
UEFA competitions must prove as After that second round, the winners
at 31 July (instead of 30 June) and of the League B mini-tournaments
30 September that they do not have any will be promoted and the last-placed
overdue payables in respect of transfers, League A teams will be relegated into
employees and social/tax authorities as a the first round of the next championship.
result of obligations due to be paid up to Final tournament hosts will be
30 June and 30 September respectively. drawn into a league according to their
coefficient and play as any other team
Break-even rule – valid for throughout the competition, with their
The Executive Committee
2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons final tournament place guaranteed, approved heading guidelines
The 2020 financial year assessment is irrespective of their results. for youth players.
postponed for one season, and will be
assessed together with the 2021 financial
year; the 2020/21 monitoring period is
curtailed and only covers two reporting
periods (financial years ending in 2018
and 2019). Meanwhile, the 2021/22
monitoring period is extended and covers
four reporting periods (financial years
ending in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021),
and the 2020 and 2021 financial years
will be assessed as one single period.
Player registration
The Executive Committee also set the
player registration deadline for the
2020/21 UEFA club competitions group
stages at 6 October 2020, and approved
heading guidelines for young footballers
designed to help protect their health and
safety in training and matches.
The 2021/22 European Qualifiers draw
procedure was approved – pending FIFA’s
final confirmation – and features ten
groups. Group winners qualify directly
for the 2022 World Cup, while group
runners-up will take part in play-offs
Sportsfile
with two teams from the UEFA Nations
League to determine the last three
European qualifiers.
UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2020 – 11RETURN TO PLAY
NEW DATES FOR UEFA COMPETITIONS
Find out the new dates for this and next season’s club competitions, plus all
the revised national team competition schedules.
UEFA club competitions 2020/21 UEFA Europa League
Preliminary round
20 August (single-leg ties) 2020 UEFA Super Cup – Budapest
First qualifying round 24 September: Puskás Aréna, Budapest*
27 August (single-leg ties) *originally scheduled to be played in Porto on
2019/20 UEFA Champions League Second qualifying round 12 August 2020.
Round of 16 17 September (single-leg ties)
7/8 August: Second legs to be played at Third qualifying round
home teams’ stadiums where conditions 24 September (single-leg ties)
allow Play-offs
Quarter-finals & semi-finals – Lisbon 1 October (single-leg ties) 2019/20 UEFA Youth League
Single-leg ties on 12/13/14/15 August Group stage Round of 16
(quarters) and 18/19 August (semis) played 22 & 29 October, 5 & 26 November, 16 August, Nyon
at the Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica 3 & 10 December Final tournament
and Estádio José Alvalade. No date changes to subsequent rounds Quarter-finals: 18/19 August, Nyon
Final – Lisbon Semi-finals: 22 August, Nyon
23 August: Estádio do Sport Lisboa Final – Nyon
e Benfica 25 August: Colovray Stadium
2019/20 UEFA Women’s
2020/21 UEFA Champions League Champions League UEFA men’s national
Preliminary round Quarter-finals & semi-finals – Bilbao &
8 and 11 August (single-leg ties) San Sebastián
team competitions
First qualifying round Single-leg ties on 21/22 August (quarters)
18/19 August (single-leg ties) and 25/26 August (semis) played at the
Second qualifying round San Mamés Stadium and Anoeta Stadium.
25/26 August (single-leg ties) Final – San Sebastián
Third qualifying round 30 August: Anoeta Stadium UEFA EURO 2020
15/16 September (single-leg ties) Play-offs
Play-offs Semi-finals: 8 October
22/23 & 29/30 September 2020/21 UEFA Women’s Finals: 12 November
Group stage Champions League Final tournament
20/21 & 27/28 October, 3/4 & 24/25 Qualifying round mini-tournaments Rescheduled from 11 June to 11 July 2021
November, 1/2 & 8/9 December 7–13 October
No date changes to subsequent rounds Round of 32
11/12 & 18/19 November
Round of 16
3/4 & 10/11 March 2019–21 European
Quarter-finals Under-21 Championship
2019/20 UEFA Europa League 23/24 March & 31 March / 1 April Qualifying round
Round of 16 Semi-finals To be concluded in September, October
5/6 August: Second legs to be played at 24/25 April & 1/2 May and November 2020
home teams’ stadiums where conditions Final – Gothenburg Group stage – Hungary and Slovenia
allow. FC Internazionale Milano v Getafe CF 16 May: Gamla Ullevi Group stage: 16 teams in 4 groups,
and Sevilla FC v AS Roma, whose first leg 24–31 March 2021
was also postponed, will be played as Final tournament – Hungary
a single leg in Germany. and Slovenia
Quarter-finals & semi-finals – Cologne, Quarter-finals, semi-finals & final:
Duisburg, Düsseldorf & Gelsenkirchen 31 May – 6 June 2021
Single-leg ties on 10/11 August (quarters) Final – Ljubljana
and 16/17 August (semis) 6 June 2021: Ljubljana
Final – Cologne
21 August: Stadion Köln
12 – UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2020RETURN TO PLAY
UEFA women’s national UEFA futsal competitions
team competitions
2019/20 European
Under-19 Championship
Elite round
2–8 September
Final tournament – Northern Ireland UEFA Futsal EURO 2020-22
Group stage: 7–17 October UEFA Women’s EURO 2021 Qualifying play-offs
Semi-finals, final & U-20 World Cup Qualifying round & play-offs 2–11 November 2020
play-off: 11–14 November Latest info: Remaining group matches to Group stage and play-offs
be played in FIFA women’s international 6 December 2020 to 17 November 2021
windows in September, October, November Latest info: New dates under review
and December 2020; play-offs rescheduled Finals tournament – Netherlands
for window in April 2021. Latest info: Finals scheduled to take place
2019/20 European Final tournament – England from 19 January to 6 February 2022 in the
Under-17 Championship Latest info: rescheduled for 6–31 July 2022 Netherlands.
Elite round
Cancelled
Final tournament – Estonia 2020 Futsal World Cup
Cancelled European Play-offs
2019/20 European Women’s 2–11 November 2020
Under-19 Championship
Friendly matches Elite round
Autumn matches: 7/8 October Cancelled
& 11/12 November Final tournament – Georgia
Cancelled 2019/20 UEFA Futsal
Champions League
Finals – Barcelona*
Semi-finals, third-place play-off
2020/21 UEFA Nations League & final: 8–11 October
League phase 2019/20 European Women’s *Original host Minsk will now hold next season’s
Group stage matches: 3/4/5 & 6/7/8 Under-17 Championship finals in April 2021.
September, 10/11 & 13/14 October, Elite round
14/15 & 17/18 November 12–20 September
Finals Final tournament* – Sweden
Under review Quarter-finals, semi-finals & final:
4-10 October UEFA Women’s Futsal EURO 2022
*also serves as qualification competition for the Preliminary round
U-17 Women’s World Cup. 4–9 May 2021
Main round
2020/21 UEFA Regions’ Cup 19–24 October 2021
Cancelled Finals
24–27 March 2022
2020/21 European Under-19
Futsal Championship
Final tournament
1–7 November 2021
UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2020 – 13UEFA STRATEGY SOLID PLATFORM FOR EUROPEAN FOOTBALL TO BOUNCE BACK The COVID-19 crisis has shaken economies and societies around the world. UEFA’s five-year strategy has laid solid foundations which will help European football to withstand the shock and adapt to sport’s ‘new normal’ – according to the members of the UEFA strategy steering committee. 14 – UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2020
UEFA STRATEGY
I
t has quickly become a cliché, but it does as in more normal times, UEFA gave an immediate
not make it any less true that we are and direct boost to all member associations by
currently living through unprecedented releasing €236.5m of HatTrick funds.
times. The norms of everyday life have been With their domestic seasons brought to an
turned upside down and the impact has been abrupt standstill, clubs faced a sudden and
felt by people around the world – not least unexpected cessation in activity. In a similar vein
here in Europe. to the flexibility shown by quickly making
Despite its prominent role in our society, HatTrick payments available to member
sport can often feel like it exists outside the associations, UEFA fast-tracked the release
normal news cycle. Traditionally, football has of €70m in solidarity funds to clubs that have
offered an escape, something people can turn contributed players to UEFA national team
to in tough times. The national mood of a competition matches. In total, 676 clubs from
country has often been lifted by its football every UEFA nation benefited.
team – we only need to recall the scenes in While the strategy’s ability to adapt to
Utrecht following Women’s EURO 2017 or in changing circumstances has undoubtedly helped
Paris during the 2018 World Cup to see how national associations cope with the short-term
national successes can galvanise entire emergency, its long-term goals should drive
countries, uniting fans from all backgrounds European football’s long-term economic
in a shared eruption of euphoria. recovery. Once football restarts across the
‘Bringing people closer’ is one of football’s continent and down the leagues, the
great strengths, but with the term ‘social development of a new, third UEFA club
distancing’ now a public health mantra competition will ensure a broader spread
repeated across the world, our great sport of teams from different countries get the
cannot do that for the time being, at least not opportunity to play European football and
in a physical way. It can, though, still bring benefit from its revenue. Furthermore,
communities closer in spirit. Solidarity across the ongoing efforts to ensure economic
European football will be vital to ensure an sustainability through club licensing and
eventual triumphant return at every level – we financial fair play have given clubs the best
are all in it together. possible chance of weathering a storm
Fortunately, we are well placed to bounce that – for the time being – includes limited
back. The UEFA Strategy 2019–24: Together matchday income.
for the Future of Football was not developed Building consensus through a collaborative
with a global health emergency in mind but, in approach was a key enabler in creating the
responding to the unique challenges resulting strategy. That cornerstone did not just
from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more determine how it was constructed, but also
relevant than ever. shaped the attitude and spirit in which the work
Projects set up, developed and progressed would be carried out. It meant that, in a time of
to fulfil the strategy’s four goals – unique challenges as football stopped across
participation, good governance, solidarity Europe for the first time in 75 years, stakeholder
and finance – have helped our sport resist working groups could quickly be formed,
the shock to the system and allow us to look ensuring the inclusion of every key stakeholder
forward with cautious confidence. From in the decision-making process.
creating incentives that help implement From this, consensus could be reached and
good governance principles to the Football priorities established around difficult decisions
Federations of the Future programme, which that, in the past, might have foundered on
fosters business development, national conflicting interests. For example, UEFA agreed
associations are well placed to ride out the to postpone flagship national team tournaments
worst of COVID-19’s impact on our sport. and delay the return of its club competitions to
A strategy’s long-term success is ultimately ensure that domestic competitions had every UEFA strategy
measured by the fulfilment of its goals. opportunity to finish their season. This was
steering committee
However, its effectiveness requires in-built done for the overall good of European football.
flexibility – circumstances change over a UEFA’s strategy was designed to tackle the
Karl-Erik Nilsson (SWE)
five-year period and that demands an agile many challenges European football would face
response. For example, with each of its 55 over the next decade. While few would have Florence Hardouin (FRA)
member associations affected by COVID-19 predicted the nature and size of the current test, Michele Uva (ITA)
in different ways, UEFA realised early on that the measures laid down in advance have David Martin (NIR)
Gudni Bergsson (ISL)
Getty Images
national associations were best placed to ensured our response has been firm and united.
determine how to protect football in their It has given us the best possible chance to keep Aivar Pohlak (EST)
own countries. Rather than ring-fencing football as Europe’s most played, trusted and Alexander Alaev (RUS)
development funding for specific projects, engaging sport. Kadir Kardaş (TUR)
UEFA DIRECT
UEFA DIRECT
• July/August
• March2020
2019 – 15UEFA STRATEGY 2019–24
ONE YEAR IN
Launched at the UEFA Congress in February 2019, Together
for the Future of Football gave a clear direction and vision for
the European game, with buy-in from all major stakeholders.
T
he first year of implementation saw played, trusted and engaging sport.
great strides taken in numerous key This is not just a mission for UEFA but
domains. Looking ahead, the for everyone involved in football, and
strategy will not only have to tackle the we should all be united in this mission.”
challenges anticipated at the time of its The pandemic does not change
creation, but also the many more this mission, and in many ways gives
resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. it further significance – so what
When the strategy was launched, measures have been implemented
UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin said: within the parameters of the strategy’s
“Our mission is to keep football the most four pillars?
Football Trust
Objectives Objectives
1. Grow and secure long-term participation 1. Provide leadership to
within European football the national associations
2. Lead and support the advancement of 2. Promote good governance
national football associations and increased transparency
3. Ensure football in Europe is accessible and available to all 3. Protect the integrity of football
4. Promote and develop football infrastructure across Europe 4. Develop stakeholder involvement
Key achievements Key achievements
Football in Schools programme UEFA internal governance and compliance unit
• launched in 2020 to promote football as a social and • set up to align UEFA activities with good
educational tool, and develop a player pathway to link governance principles.
up with clubs. UEFA finals: revised bidding processes
PlayMakers collaboration with Disney • more transparent bidding processes for UEFA
• innovative new approach based on play designed to increase competition finals to ensure adherence to various
five- to eight-year-old girls’ participation in sport and raise their requirements (e.g. sustainability standards).
self-confidence. Aims to change perception about girls playing
football. COVID-19 impact
Football Federations of the Future Providing support and guidance to European
• business development programme offering assistance to football’s leaders is helping our community to
national associations. navigate uncertain times and lay solid foundations
for building the future.
COVID-19 impact
The pandemic stopped organised football at all levels, but UEFA’s UEFA strategy steering committee
strategic goals of participation, accessibility and development “The strategy is a united front across European
remained more important than ever. The UEFA-Disney tie-up football but in no other area is this perhaps more
adapted PlayMakers to run Play at Home, which encouraged important than in the Trust pillar. This first year
children to stay active, even while locked down at home. provided some examples of excellent collaboration
as we aim to raise good governance standards,
UEFA strategy steering committee increase transparency and guard football’s
“We took several excellent steps forward in 2019 as we aim to integrity.”
increase participation across all areas of society, and while we
have experienced this unique hiatus in people actually playing
the game, we are confident in our long-term aims.”
16 – UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2020UEFA STRATEGY 2019–24
Competitiveness Prosperity
Objectives Objectives
1. Ensure all UEFA competitions are 1. Continue growing revenues
competitive and meaningful for all 2. Pursue more efficient
2. Pursue the optimal football calendar to development through research
facilitate domestic and international competitions and investment
3. Work to maintain competitive balance through sporting and 3. Establish continuous fan
financial measures engagement and relationships
4. Protect and support financial sustainability at all levels 4. Enhance our international image and awareness
Key achievements Key achievements
UEFA Europa Conference League UEFA.tv
• allows clubs from a higher number of member associations to • launch of streaming platform, giving fans
participate in UEFA club competitions, with winners granted increased access to live and on-demand video,
access to the Europa League group stage. both for UEFA and domestic competitions.
UEFA Nations League UEFA Club Competitions SA
• adjusted after first edition to further reduce number of friendlies • advising and making recommendations to UEFA
and encourage more meaningful competitive matches. on strategic business topics.
Launch of women’s club licensing UEFA innovation hub
• basis for securing sustainable practices and advancing • set up to encourage cutting-edge research and
professionalism within the women’s game. to create a forum for testing ground-breaking
approaches to football’s development.
COVID-19 impact
The global health emergency has brought challenges both for the COVID-19 impact
financial security of stakeholders and the overall football calendar. In 2020, European football experienced its longest
UEFA took proactive measures to inject cash in advance to help period of inactivity since World War II. New
member associations and clubs cope with the crisis, to quickly thinking is essential to ensure the sport continues
establish consensus around a road map for restarting competitions. to grow post-pandemic.
UEFA strategy steering committee UEFA strategy steering committee
“At both club and national team level, the ball is rolling “There were several exciting developments in 2019
to offer further opportunities for meaningful, competitive football that keep us pushing forward on numerous fronts.
as work continues to ensure financial sustainability best practice These include different innovations concerning our
is followed.” ‘stock-in-trade’ output but also within other areas
of opportunity such as esports.”
UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2020 – 17UEFA GROW
THE POWER OF VISION IN
DRIVING LONG-TERM SUCCESS
Football Federations of the Future enables national associations to establish a clear
vision and ensure they have a robust strategy in place to grow and develop football.
I
n recent months, the world has had In shaping a response to this pandemic, plans to be measured against their ability
to adapt to COVID-19 and, as a result, the choices facing national associations to support an organisation in achieving
the goalposts have shifted for many are tough ones, the outcomes of which its long-term strategic goals.
sports organisations across Europe. could have ramifications for the future Without the existence of a clear vision,
For national football associations, this of the game in that country, not just in supported by a detailed and robust
has meant priorities have had to change, the months ahead, but for many years strategic plan, national associations
as attention focuses on ensuring football, at to come. lose the ability to benchmark potential
all levels of the game, adheres to changes The solution is not easy. But, wherever solutions and, as a result, are far less likely
in government legislation and, moving possible, the focus must be to think to make decisions that will support the
forward, can exist in an environment that beyond short-term necessity and keep long-term interests of the organisation.
ensures the health and well-being of all its sight of the long-term vision the Football Federations of the Future was
participants, from players and fans to association has established for the future launched by UEFA in October 2019 with
volunteers and administrators. of football in that country. This enables the specific aim of enabling national
MEDIA RIGHTS FINANCIAL
BRAND COMMUNICATION GOVERNANCE IT EDUCATION & CONTENT SUSTAINABILITY INSIGHTS
Football Federations of the Future
MEDIA RIGHTS FINANCIAL PUBLIC
ND COMMUNICATION GOVERNANCE IT EDUCATION “A Football FederationSUSTAINABILITY
& CONTENT of the Future uses brands as
INSIGHTS AFFAIRS
“Every association has a clear strategy for growth
strategic tools to create value for the organisation,
with a corresponding implementation system”
STRATEGIC
REVENUES BRAND football COMMUNICATION
and society” GOVERNANCE IT
PLANNING PARTICIPATION ENGAGEMENT IMAGE
MEDIA RIGHTS FINANCIAL PUBLIC
NICATION GOVERNANCE IT EDUCATION & CONTENT “Strategic communications
SUSTAINABILITY capability that supports
INSIGHTS AFFAIRS
“Understanding, growing and retaining as many
the national association in achieving its overall
participants as possible”
TEGIC
BRAND COMMUNICATION
organisational goals”
GOVERNANCE IT EDUCATION
NING PARTICIPATION ENGAGEMENT REVENUES IMAGE
STRATEGIC
FINANCIAL PLANNING PARTICIPATION ENGAGEMENT REVENUES
MEDIA RIGHTS PUBLIC
NANCE IT EDUCATION SUSTAINABILITY INSIGHTS
& CONTENT
“Improving our connection with the football family” “Improving the governance of our national
AFFAIRS
associations”
MEDIA RIGHTS
PATION ENGAGEMENT REVENUES BRAND IMAGE COMMUNICATION GOVERNANCE IT EDUCATION & CONTENT
STRATEGIC
MEDIA RIGHTS FINANCIAL PLANNING PARTICIPATION PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT REVENUES IMAGE
EDUCATION & CONTENT SUSTAINABILITY INSIGHTS AFFAIRS
“Increasing the funding required to grow the game” “Make IT matter – fit for purpose”
MEDIA RIGHTS FINANCIAL
EMENT REVENUES BRAND IMAGE COMMUNICATION GOVERNANCE IT EDUCATION & CONTENT SUSTAINABILITY
STRATEGIC
PLANNING PARTICIPATION ENGAGEMENT REVENUES IMAGE
“A Football Federation of the Future has a
“Ensuring all staff have the right skill sets to achieve
positive image and is a respected, transparent
the organisation’s goals”
BRAND
and modern organisation”
COMMUNICATION GOVERNANCE IT EDUCATION
MEDIA RIGHTS FINANCIAL
NUES IMAGE & CONTENT SUSTAINABILITY INSIGHTS
STRATEGIC
PLANNING PARTICIPATION ENGAGEMENT REVENUES IMAGE
“Strong partnerships with governments and “Optimising our media rights opportunities, reaching
municipalities to grow football” more and more people the right way”
PUBLIC MEDIA RIGHTS FINANCIAL PUBLIC
GHTS COMMUNICATION AFFAIRS GOVERNANCE IT EDUCATION & CONTENT SUSTAINABILITY INSIGHTS AFFAIRS
STRATEGIC
PLANNING PARTICIPATION ENGAGEMENT REVENUES IMAGE
“A Football Federation of the Future is insight-driven “Making European football financially sustainable,
and makes decisions based on evidence” protecting its long-term viability and stability”
NCIAL PUBLIC MEDIA RIGHTS FINANCIAL PUBLIC
NABILITYGOVERNANCE INSIGHTS IT AFFAIRS EDUCATION & CONTENT SUSTAINABILITY INSIGHTS AFFAIRS
PARTICIPATION ENGAGEMENT REVENUES IMAGE
18 – UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2020UEFA GROW
BRAND COMMUNICATION GOVERNANCE IT EDUCATION
BRAND COMMUNICATION GOVERNANCE IT EDUCATION
BRAND COMMUNICATION GOVERNANCE IT EDUCATION
STRATEGIC
PLANNING PARTICIPATION ENGAGEMENT REVENUES IMAGE
STRATEGIC MEDIA RIGHTS FINANCIAL
BRAND COMMUNICATION GOVERNANCE IT
PLANNING EDUCATION
PARTICIPATION ENGAGEMENT
& CONTENT REVENUES
SUSTAINABILITY IMAGE
INSIGHTS
The Football Federations of the Future A
cluster model enables a national
association
GOVERNANCE to assess which clusterEDUCATION MEDIA RIGHTS FINANCIAL STRATEGIC PUBLIC MEDIA RIG
D COMMUNICATION IT SUSTAINABILITY BRAND
INSIGHTS PLANNINGCOMMUNICATION GOVERNANCE IT REVENUESEDUCATION IMAGE
B
& CONTENT AFFAIRS PARTICIPATION ENGAGEMENT & CONTE
(A – Advanced, B – Developed or STRATEGIC
PLANNING PARTICIPATION ENGAGEMENT REVENUES IMAGE
C – Developing) most accurately defines
its current status across each of the 14
C
GIC individual business pillars. MEDIA RIGHTS FINANCIAL STRATEGIC PUBLIC
NG BRAND PARTICIPATION COMMUNICATION
ENGAGEMENT GOVERNANCE
REVENUES IT IMAGE EDUCATION & CONTENT SUSTAINABILITYPLANNING INSIGHTS PARTICIPATION AFFAIRS ENGAGEMENT REVENUES IMAGE
MEDIA RIGHTS FINANCIA
BRAND COMMUNICATION GOVERNANCE IT EDUCATION & CONTENT SUSTAINABI
The vision is then determined based on
how, and to what extent, the national
association needs to develop its capability
STRATEGIC
PLANNING across each of
PARTICIPATION
BRAND the individualGOVERNANCE
ENGAGEMENT
COMMUNICATION pillars, in
REVENUES IMAGE
IT
STRATEGIC
EDUCATION PLANNING
MEDIA RIGHTS
& CONTENT PARTICIPATION
FINANCIAL
SUSTAINABILITYENGAGEMENT INSIGHTS REVENUES
PUBLIC
AFFAIRS IMAGE
order to be able to deliver against its
organisational objectives.
In this example, we can see that as a result
STRATEGIC
PLANNING PARTICIPATION ENGAGEMENT REVENUES IMAGE MEDIA RIGHTS FINANCIAL MEDIA RIGHTS FINANCIAL PUBLIC PUBLIC
of working through
BRAND
FootballGOVERNANCE
COMMUNICATIONBRAND
Federations
COMMUNICATION IT GOVERNANCE EDUCATION IT & CONTENTEDUCATION SUSTAINABILITY& CONTENT INSIGHTSSUSTAINABILITY AFFAIRS INSIGHTS AFFAIRS
of the Future, the national association
has determined that, in order to deliver FINANCIAL
MEDIA RIGHTS PUBLIC MEDIA RIGHTS FINANCIAL
BRAND COMMUNICATION GOVERNANCE IT EDUCATION
BRAND COMMUNICATION GOVERNANCE IT
INSIGHTS EDUCATION
against its long-term strategic goals, it & CONTENT SUSTAINABILITY AFFAIRS & CONTENT SUSTAINABILITY
BRAND COMMUNICATION GOVERNANCE IT EDUCATION
must focus onPARTICIPATION
STRATEGIC
PLANNING
developing
STRATEGIC
PLANNING
itsENGAGEMENT
capability
PARTICIPATION REVENUES
ENGAGEMENT IMAGE REVENUES IMAGE
across nine core areas of its business.
Of those nine areas, it has identified Cluster A – Advanced Current status of national
association across each pillar
public
PLANNINGaffairs as presenting
STRATEGIC
the ENGAGEMENT
single REVENUES
STRATEGIC
IMAGE
PARTICIPATION
Cluster B – Developed
PLANNING PARTICIPATION ENGAGEMENT REVENUES IMAGE
biggest opportunity for growth, based STRATEGIC
PLANNING Vision status national
PARTICIPATION ENGAGEMENTassociation
REVENUES IMAGE
on its current versus vision status. Cluster C – Developing wants to achieve across each pillar
associations to establish their own vision Football Federations of the Future is designed to
and set the strategic direction for the support national associations that are looking to:
future of football in their own country.
Since its launch, it has proven to be • Accelerate their overall development. Football Federations of the Future acts
a powerful business development tool, as a springboard, providing them with the necessary guidance and framework.
supporting national associations of all
sizes and levels of resource across two • Review or ‘stress test’ their strategic plans, to ensure they remain valid and
that individual departments are on track to achieve their own objectives.
key areas.
Firstly, for those associations looking
to move to the next level of their overall
development, Football Federations of the
Future acts as a springboard, providing Your future in your hands stage to provide the necessary support
them with the necessary framework and Football Federations of the Future is built and guidance.
guidance to enable them to successfully around the principle of self-assessment. As a result of being part of Football
do so. It provides national associations with a Federations of the Future, national
Secondly, using the same methodology, process through which they are able to associations are able to envision a better,
national associations are able to review or holistically analyse and rate their current more sustainable future. They will have
‘stress test’ their strategic plans to ensure status across 14 core areas of the business. developed a clear, coordinated and
they remain valid and that individual They can then use this as the basis to plot effective strategy that will provide them
departments are on track to achieve a path that identifies how, and in what with a comprehensive understanding
their own objectives. This process ways, they need to develop across each of where their organisational priorities
provides valuable insight to the senior of these pillars, using the Football should be focused over the coming years
management team and allows them to Federations of the Future cluster model and what additional resources are
be able to address any issues at an early as a guide in order to deliver against their required, across what areas of the
stage in order that plans can be changed long-term vision. business, in order for the national
and the organisation, as a whole, Throughout this process, and beyond, association to be able to move towards
remains on course to deliver against UEFA works closely with each national delivering against its overall vision for the
its long-term vision. association and is on hand at every future of football in its country.
UEFA DIRECT • July/August 2020 – 19UEFA CLUB LICENSING SYSTEM
HOW THE CLUB LICENSING
SYSTEM IS IMPLEMENTED
ACROSS EUROPE
UEFA has recently published
Michele Uva, UEFA
for the first time an interactive vice-president and
chairman of the Club
report that sets out how Licensing Committee,
opens a workshop in
the club licensing system is Vienna in 2019.
implemented across each of
UEFA’s 55 member associations.
T
he UEFA Club Licensing System:
Overview of Implementation and
Application across Europe not only
gives an overview of what the system
is and how it works, but also provides,
GEPA
among other information, insights into
how each national association is organised,
the types of regulations and requirements
in place, as well as various initiatives the continent, but licensors may adapt In the current circumstances, the impact
introduced at national level. them to their national context or needs of the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the
The UEFA club licensing system has and introduce additional criteria or higher importance of a regulatory framework
evolved greatly since it was introduced in standards. Similarly, licensors may also at UEFA and at national level in helping
2004 in order to adapt to the continuously choose whether to apply club licensing to limit the damage from the financial
evolving European football landscape. principles only to clubs that have qualified shortfalls caused by this crisis throughout
As explained in more detail in the report, for UEFA club competitions or for their the European football pyramid and
clubs that qualify on sporting merit for own domestic competitions as well. ensuring the welfare of the European
UEFA club competitions must be granted Another merit of the system is that it football community.
a licence in order to be admitted to the favours the organisational and managerial The report also gives an overview of
competition in question. This licence acts development of the football system as the current landscape of women’s football in
as a certificate confirming that a club fulfils a whole by strengthening the efficient Europe. A club licensing system for women’s
all UEFA’s minimum criteria and is delivered functioning of regulatory structures, while football was introduced in 2018 as part of
by the UEFA member association or promoting the principles of proportionality, UEFA’s drive to further women’s football.
league, which acts as the licensor and equal treatment, non-discrimination and It will be applied for the first time as part
assesses each applicant club against the subsidiarity, among others. of the admission process for the 2020/21
set requirements. The criteria themselves Over the years, the club licensing system UEFA Women’s Champions League.
are spread across five pillars: sporting, has become an intrinsic part of both the Essentially, this new report provides
infrastructure, personnel and operational and strategic framework of a general overview and historical data,
administrative, legal and financial. European club football and has also acted before delving deeper into the different
One of the features that makes the as the basis for gathering information at comparative information available in
UEFA club licensing system special is UEFA level on related matters. The large relation to licensors and their regulations,
its flexibility. UEFA sets the minimum database that UEFA has garnered over domestic club licensing and club monitoring
standards that must be respected across the years has enabled many benchmarking systems, the financial framework these
analyses, including the annual UEFA Club systems work under, and the specific
Licensing Benchmarking Report. This is the organisational structures and administration
first time, however, that all information in place.
related to the governance and regulatory Meanwhile, UEFA aims to continue
structures in place throughout Europe has developing the system, with the ultimate
been gathered to share with licensors and aim of continuing to raise standards
the general public. across the board in European football.You can also read
