Report of the President and Executive Committee Report of the UEFA Administration 2014/15
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Report of the President and Executive Committee
Report of the UEFA Administration
2014/15
WE CARE ABOUT FOOTBALL
CONTENTS
I. Report of the President and Executive Committee 1
Committee Reports 19
II. Report of the UEFA Administration 39
Cover photos: © Sportsfile, UEFA and UEFA via Getty Images
I. Report of the President
and Executive Committee
1 July 2014 – 30 June 2015
WE CARE ABOUT FOOTBALL Zurich, 25 February 2016
© UEFA
Summary
During a busy and challenging year, UEFA, the maintained an overall sense of continuity and
UEFA President and the body’s Executive commitment to progress.
Committee have continued their mission to
help guide European football forward with Just as women’s football continues to flourish
care and dedication. on the field and enjoy positive momentum in
its overall development, UEFA continues to be
UEFA’s 60th anniversary in 2014 brought with committed to bringing women into senior and
it a significant opportunity to celebrate the decision-making roles within the game, and in
achievements of the past and set the course June 2015, the Executive Committee
for the future. The European organisation’s reappointed the chairwoman of the UEFA
objective is always to seek dialogue, Women’s Football Committee, Karen Espelund
cooperation and consultation with its member (Norway), as one of its members for a further
associations and other stakeholders – not only four-year term.
to develop and protect football, but also to set
high standards of excellence and transparency During the year under review, the committee
in governance, and maintain values and has taken UEFA’s policies and visions forward in
visions, all of which are essential for the game’s key areas such as financial fair play, the fight
well-being. against match-fixing, racism and
discrimination, and cooperation with key
The period under review provided a host of stakeholders. Consequently, the relationship
highlights for European football. The UEFA with UEFA’s member associations – valued
competitions at all levels and in all categories partners in UEFA’s achievements for more than
provided some unforgettable matches, six decades – remains a vital cornerstone of
spectacular goals and brilliant individual UEFA’s mission. Likewise, relations with the
performances, while off the field, decisions clubs have been strengthened, while dialogue
and measures were taken with a view to with Europe’s political authorities continues to
ensuring that European football’s future will be be encouragingly fruitful. There is also every
a healthy one. indication that the plans being put into place
to develop and cultivate UEFA competitions,
The 2014/15 period was also notable for particularly at national team level, will prove
elections. At the 39th Ordinary UEFA Congress successful.
in Vienna in March 2015, Michel Platini was
re-elected by acclamation for a third four-year In line with the key values that underpin UEFA’s
term as UEFA President. The Congress agenda activities and dialogue with the political,
also included elections for seven seats on the economic, social and sporting worlds, the
UEFA Executive Committee, resulting in the Executive Committee is determined to help
election of three new members: Sándor Csányi ensure that the growth and evolution of
(Hungary), Fernando Gomes (Portugal) and football, as a hugely popular sport and vibrant
Davor Šuker (Croatia). Four other members social force, will continue in the years to come.
were re-elected: Peter Gilliéron (Switzerland), Consequently, football will always come first
Boris Mihaylov (Bulgaria), Ángel María Villar and be at the heart of the committee’s
Llona (Spain) and Grigoriy Surkis (Ukraine). decisions and measures on behalf of the game.
Thus, the Executive Committee elections in
Vienna not only resulted in new faces, but also
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Report of the President and Executive Committee 2014/15
Competitions
National team competitions EURO 2016 drew ever nearer, and preparations
moved on apace. At its meeting in Prague in
UEFA has taken on board the wish of its June 2015, the Executive Committee approved
member associations to further promote and the draw procedures for the play-offs and final
develop national team football and its tournament. Meanwhile, stadium construction
competitions for the long term, as expressed and renovation work at the ten venues
in particular in the Resolution on National reached the final stages; the ‘500 days to go’
Team Football 2018–2022 adopted by the milestone was reached; the tournament
54 UEFA member associations at the UEFA mascot was unveiled and given the name
Congress in 2014. Super Victor in a vote in which more than
107,000 UEFA.com and social media fans took
To that end, the ‘Week of Football’ concept part; and the search for 6,500 volunteers
was put into action for the European Qualifiers began. When the first ticket application phase
for EURO 2016, which got under way in opened on 10 June 2015, demand was
September 2014, enabling football enthusiasts expected to be massive for what will
to watch more international football than ever undoubtedly be a memorable festival of
before; key decisions were taken for EURO football – the first EURO to feature 24 teams.
2020, the ‘EURO for Europe’; and the course
was set for launching the UEFA Nations League Looking ahead to EURO 2020, the Executive
in September 2018. Committee chose the 13 host cities from
© UEFA via Getty Images
3
© UEFA
among 19 bidders at its meeting at the Espace provide adequate competition for national
Hippomène in Geneva on 19 September 2014, teams.The UEFA Nations League format was
where the successful bidders were announced approved by the Executive Committee at its
at a ceremony afterwards. meeting in December 2014. This new
competition will be composed of four divisions,
The host cities for the ‘EURO for Europe’ are: with each division divided into four groups of
Semi-finals and final: London (England); three or four teams. It will feature promotion
Three group games and one quarter-final: and relegation, and will culminate in a
Baku (Azerbaijan), Munich (Germany), Rome final four tournament every odd year. The first
(Italy), St Petersburg (Russia); Three group league will be played from September to
games and one round of 16 game: Amsterdam November 2018, with the final four
(Netherlands), Bilbao (Spain), Brussels tournament the following June. Meanwhile,
(Belgium), Bucharest (Romania), Budapest the EURO 2020 qualifiers will be played from
(Hungary), Copenhagen (Denmark), Dublin March to November 2019, finishing with
(Republic of Ireland), Glasgow (Scotland). play-offs in March 2020. The winner and
runner-up in each of the ten EURO qualifying
EURO 2020 will fulfil the Executive groups will qualify automatically for EURO
Committee’s desire for member associations 2020. The four remaining EURO 2020 places
across the continent to be involved in the in the 24-team field will go to the winners
organisation of European football’s premium of play-offs. Based on results in the UEFA
national team event. Nations League, 16 teams will take part in
these play-offs in four groups of four.
In a further initiative, the creation of the UEFA
Nations League, fulfils the desire of UEFA and In women’s national team football, the
its member associations, and especially that Executive Committee appointed the Nether
of the UEFA President, to improve the quality lands as hosts of Women’s EURO 2017, which
and standing of national team football, will be the first to feature 16 teams and
and responds to the concerns of the member therefore constitute a better opportunity for
associations that friendly matches do not players to gain experience.
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Report of the President and Executive Committee 2014/15
The Czech Republic staged a great final investment in youth development and local
tournament of the European Under-21 community programmes.
Championship, which will become a 12-team
event for the 2017 tournament in Poland. Both competitions also continued to attract
Looking back at the year under review, the huge public interest. Some 6.5 million fans
youth competitions showcased talented were present at Champions League matches,
youngsters, and excellent final tournaments while around 6 million attended matches in
were staged by Hungary (U19s), Norway the Europa League.
(Women’s U19s), Bulgaria (U17s), and Iceland
(Women’s U17s). In addition, amateur players The Olympiastadion in Berlin hosted the
enjoyed their moment in the spotlight when 2014/15 Champions League final between
the Republic of Ireland hosted a successful Juventus and FC Barcelona, while the Europa
UEFA Regions’ Cup final round. League final between FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk
and Sevilla FC was staged at the National
Stadium in Warsaw. With four goals in Berlin,
Club competitions and five goals in Warsaw, both finals provided
UEFA’s club competitions continued to enjoy wonderful entertainment for millions of fans.
commercial and sporting success. Gross Berlin also hosted the UEFA Women’s
commercial revenue from the 2014/15 UEFA Champions League final, at the city’s Friedrich-
Champions League and the 2014 UEFA Super Ludwig-Jahn-Sportpark. 1. FFC Frankfurt won
Cup totalled some €1,465.6m, while revenue the title on home soil by beating French
from the UEFA Europa League amounted to opponents Paris Saint-German. The match
€253m. The main beneficiaries of this revenue attracted a sell-out crowd of 18,300 and
were the clubs who took part. In addition, underlined the impressive progress of the elite
solidarity payments from the Champions League women’s game.
were made to the clubs eliminated in the
qualifying stages of both the Champions UEFA rewards on-field excellence over a season
League and the Europa League, as well as to at its late-August events in Monaco, which
non-participating top division clubs, for herald the start of the following season. Real
© UEFA via Getty Images
5
Madrid CF’s Cristiano Ronaldo was voted the trial period. The committee also approved the
2013/14 UEFA Best Player in Europe by a panel introduction of a new format for the 2015/16
of European football journalists, while the season with a view to enhancing the quality
2013/14 UEFA Best Women’s Player in Europe of the competition and increasing the number
Award went to VfL Wolfsburg’s German of associations represented, thus giving
international Nadine Kessler. development opportunities to more players.
The competition will be extended from 32 to
The UEFA Super Cup is now giving national 64 teams, allowing domestic youth champions
associations across Europe the chance to stage to take part alongside the youth teams of the
the start-of-season match between the 32 clubs taking part in the Champions League
previous season’s Champions League and group stage.
Europa League winners. Cardiff City Stadium
in Wales, was an impressive setting for Real The Meo Arena in Lisbon, Portugal, staged the
Madrid win over Sevilla in an all-Spanish UEFA Futsal Cup finals in April 2015, and the
encounter watched by a 30,854 crowd in event proved a resounding public success. A
August 2014. record 29,207 spectators watched the four
matches – including an individual match record
© Getty Images of 12,076 fans for the semi-final between FC
Barcelona and Sporting Clube de Portugal.
Kairat Almaty (Kazakhstan) won the title for
the second time in three years.
Further development and improvement are key
words in the Executive Committee’s approach
to UEFA’s club and national team competitions,
to ensure that each competition can make
constant and meaningful progress.
Refereeing
Referee instruction and training is paramount
in helping match officials to deliver top
performances. In August 2014, 106 male and
The UEFA Youth League finals were held for female referees from the highest categories
the second time at the Colovray Stadium in came to Nyon for their annual summer
Nyon in April 2015, and the local public again gathering. This meeting was followed a few
turned out in healthy numbers to watch months later by the traditional winter courses
talented young players looking to reach the in Athens in February 2015, when experienced
game’s summit in the coming years. England’s match officials and newcomers to the
Chelsea FC took the title by beating Ukraine’s international list attended UEFA’s advanced and
FC Shakhtar Donetsk 3-2 in an attractive final. introductory courses. Fitness work – vital for
the modern-day top referee – video-clip
These and other promising youth players reviews of incidents and decisions, technical
will benefit from the decision taken by the and instructional sessions and feedback
Executive Committee at its meeting in between referees and the UEFA Referees
September 2014 to make the Youth League a Committee are essential components of each
permanent competition following a successful course agenda.
6
Report of the President and Executive Committee 2014/15
© Getty Images
The introduction of additional assistant referees which comprises the UEFA President and four
(AARs) in the major UEFA club and national UEFA vice-presidents, as well as representatives
team competitions has provided an extra pair of the European Club Association (ECA), the
of eyes on both goal lines to help referees take European Professional Football Leagues (EPFL)
correct decisions on penalty-area incidents. and the professional players’ union FIFPro
UEFA staged its inaugural AAR training course Division Europe.
in September 2014, demonstrating the
importance attached to this aspect of refereeing
– one which has proved its worth since AARs Financial fair play
were incorporated into the Laws of the Game In June 2015, at the Executive Committee’s
in July 2012. meeting in Prague, a two-year consultative
process with key stakeholders, including the
Vanishing spray paint, used by the referee to European Club Association (ECA), culminated
mark the spot from which a free-kick is taken in the approval of revised UEFA Club Licensing
and the minimum required distance for the and Financial Fair Play Regulations for 2015–
defensive wall, was also introduced in UEFA 18, which it was felt would encourage
competitions in 2014/15, and has given the increased growth and development, inclusivity
referee easier control of free-kick situations. and market stimulation. The requirements
were broadened and refined, and took into
The Executive Committee remains committed account the economic environment and
to assisting Europe’s referees in maintaining experience gathered since financial
the consistently high standards that they have fair play measures were introduced in 2009.
set over the years.
The updated financial fair play regulations
address situations where clubs have undergone
Off the field business restructuring or takeovers, and
The Executive Committee examines, discusses occasions where clubs wish to invest sustainably
and takes decisions on matters that encompass within the spirit of financial fair play.
the entire European football landscape. Many Subsequently, club monitoring will increase
of these issues are debated within the and broaden in scope. Furthermore, the
Professional Football Strategy Council (PFSC), amendments consider disadvantages faced by
7
© Sportsfile
clubs due to sudden economic shocks or when it was deemed necessary to do so. UEFA
severe market structural deficiencies, and also and the Executive Committee remain confident
strengthen criteria relating to overdue that the financial fair play measures, now
payables. adapted to current circumstances, provide solid
foundations for the future of European club
Expanded club licensing criteria within the football.
regulations are aimed at encouraging
inclusivity, promoting integrity and increasing
awareness. Refinements will improve youth
Integrity
education and coaching quality by requiring UEFA and the European football family are
educational programmes focusing on united in making the fight against match-fixing
the dangers of match-fixing and enhancing their number one priority, given the threat
the minimum standard of youth coaching it poses to the integrity of the game and the
qualifications. In addition, fostering the smooth running of competitions.
development of youth and women’s football The Council of Europe Convention on the
is further encouraged with expenditure on Manipulation of Sports Competitions, which
youth and women’s football now also excluded opened for signature in September 2014, has
from the break-even calculation. been hailed by UEFA as a significant milestone
in intensifying the campaign against match-
The new regulations are seen as reinforcing fixing. It is felt that it will help promote
financial fair play, and the overall objective of coordination between the police and judicial
bringing stability and discipline to clubs’ authorities in different countries, and facilitate
financial management remain unchanged. It is more structured cooperation and information
felt that a period of austerity is changing to exchange between state bodies and sports
one with more opportunities for sustainable bodies. UEFA has regularly urged public
growth and development. The financial fair authorities to support sports bodies in tackling
play measures have the backing not only of the the issue of match-fixing, arguing that sports
entire European football family, but also of the bodies cannot do so alone.
European political authorities. In addition, the
Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) has The UEFA match-fixing working group met
continued to keep a firm watch in monitoring in Barcelona in September 2014. This second
club finances, and has taken disciplinary action official gathering brought together UEFA
8Report of the President and Executive Committee 2014/15
integrity officials with state and national Anti-doping and medical
football association prosecutors, police and developments
crime prevention officials, and betting and
gambling experts from numerous European UEFA’s activities in the anti-doping sector have
countries – strengthening the relationship the full support of the Executive Committee.
between sports and law enforcement bodies. In September 2014, the committee ratified
In particular, the need was stressed for local the introduction of steroid profiling through
governments to introduce laws enabling athlete biological passports (ABPs) for the
information related to match-fixing to be 2015/16 season. ABPs monitor players over
shared across borders. time, and so might indirectly reveal the effects
of doping. As such, they will help UEFA’s
Soon afterwards, UEFA launched further testing programme stay at the vanguard of the
initiatives – an integrity app, an integrity fight against doping.
reporting platform and freephone number, and
e-learning opportunities for young players. UEFA strives to guarantee that its comprehensive
UEFA has also stepped up its comprehensive education and testing programmes remain at
education drive, and has given regular the forefront of recognised good practice in all
presentations to young players, referees and areas of prevention and detection. Education
coaches to warn them of the dangers linked to sessions for young players in particular warn
the manipulation of football matches. The them about how doping can ruin their careers
UEFA betting fraud detection system continues at the onset.
to monitor betting patterns at some 32,000
European matches each year, and UEFA’s zero- The health of players is of paramount
tolerance policy towards match-fixing means importance and, during the review period, the
that anyone found guilty of such offences can Executive Committee approved a new
expect harsh punishment. procedure to deal with concussions, which was
implemented immediately for UEFA
Furthermore, UEFA has reiterated its competitions. If concussion is suspected, the
determination to curb violence in and around referee can halt the game for up to three
stadiums at football matches, and called for minutes, to allow the injured player to be
greater support from public authorities amid assessed by the team doctor. The player is only
concerns, among others, about increased permitted to continue playing if the team
expressions of nationalism and extremism in doctor specifically confirms to the referee that
stadiums. he or she is fit to carry on.
The Executive Committee also reasserted its
firm opposition to third-party ownership (TPO), Social responsibility
and welcomed FIFA’s introduction of a
worldwide ban on TPO from 1 May 2015. The The Executive Committee maintained a close
previous month, UEFA and FIFPro Division interest and involvement in UEFA’s social
Europe had formally launched a complaint responsibility work.
with the European Commission, questioning
TPO’s legality within European law, arguing As arguably the world’s most popular sport,
that it was harmful to the interests of players, football has a crucial role to play in promoting
clubs and fans, and undermined the integrity social development and using its influence.
of the game. UEFA’s social responsibility activities involve
long-term strategic partnerships that promote
9© UEFA
anti-discrimination and diversity, social Subsequently, the former Dutch international
integration and reconciliation, active and Clarence Seedorf was appointed as UEFA
healthy lifestyles, and football for all abilities, Global Ambassador for Diversity and Change.
as well as funding football foundations and In this role, he will be lending his expertise to
charity programmes. ensure that UEFA remains fully in touch with
this important topic.
During the review period, the committee
continued to support UEFA’s zero-tolerance In December 2014, the Executive Committee
stance towards racism, intolerance and approved changes to UEFA’s Respect Fair Play
discrimination in football. Each October, the reward criteria from the 2015/16 season, from
third matchdays in the group stages of the when winning associations will now be
Champions League and Europa League, as well awarded prize money to allocate to fair play or
as national team qualifiers played in that respect-themed projects in their respective
period, provide an excellent platform for the countries, rather than receiving places in the
European football family to show its opposition Europa League.
to these phenomena, and racist and
discriminatory conduct on and off the field The UEFA Captains of Change programme got
continues to be sanctioned by the UEFA under way in January 2015. The programme
disciplinary authorities. nurtures diversity and a more inclusive
environment within football management in
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) hosted a Europe. UEFA wishes to influence the culture of
UEFA Respect Diversity conference in Rome in football organisations and progressively open
September 2014, organised by UEFA, its them at all levels to a wider range of people of
partner FARE (Football Against Racism in different origins and backgrounds. Participants
Europe) and the players’ union FIFPro. National in this unique programme are especially
associations, leagues, clubs, political and encouraged to develop projects that can effect
governmental organisations, and other bodies change within football bodies. Former
came together to raise awareness of all aspects French international Christian Karembeu is
of racism and discrimination in football. the ambassador for this new programme.
10Report of the President and Executive Committee 2014/15
April 2015 brought the launch of the UEFA opportunity to underline the progress and
Foundation for Children – set up on the results achieved across the continent over the
initiative of the UEFA President, Michel Platini, past decade – new association headquarters,
and emphasising UEFA’s desire to use football renovated offices with state-of-the-art
as a force for good in society. The aim of the equipment, new national team training centres
foundation is to help children – through sport and modern stadiums, and comfortable
and, especially, football – by providing support spectator facilities.
in areas such as health, education, access to
sport, personal development, integration and Furthermore, more funds than ever before
defending children’s rights. Under the have been earmarked for UEFA’s associations
foundation’s auspices, various humanitarian for the period from 2016 to 2020, to
and development programmes for children are support their activities and fund long-term
to be undertaken around the world, or further investment. At the Congress in Vienna in
developed, as in the case of the existing March 2015, details were presented about the
football programme for Syrian refugees at the increase in HatTrick payments – to finance,
Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan, organised among other things, the fight against match-
by the UEFA foundation and the Asian Football fixing, grassroots development, running costs
Development Project (AFDP). and good governance, coaching and referee
education, the implementation of club
licensing, and the development of association
infrastructure. From HatTrick IV, which runs
from 2016 to 2020, each UEFA member
association will be entitled to receive a
maximum €11.1m over four years, a rise of
€1.6m compared with HatTrick III.
The HatTrick programme also provides annual
solidarity funding which enables associations
to take part in UEFA’s youth, women’s
and amateur competitions. It funds the UEFA
Women’s Football Development Programme
(WFDP), as well as knowledge-sharing
© UEFA Foundation and educational programmes that are helping
associations and their staff to enhance their
management skills for the overall well-being
Development programmes of the game.
Football’s constant development is a core
element of UEFA’s mission. The Executive The Women in Football Leadership Programme
Committee has followed this mission in, (WFLP) continues to emphasise UEFA’s
among other things, helping to foster the commitment to help women move into senior
overall progress of the national associations. positions within football. Viviane Reding,
The UEFA HatTrick programme continues to European Parliament member and former
provide invaluable sporting and infrastructure European Commission vice-president, thanked
assistance to the 54 member associations, UEFA for its pioneering initiative when she
thereby improving overall standards across visited the House of European Football in
Europe. The programme celebrated its tenth October 2014 as part of the programme. UEFA
anniversary in 2014, and this was the ideal also hosted the first Women in Sport
11conference in Nyon in February 2015, aiming can use to reach more informed decisions. The
to inspire steps towards realising the full UEFA Research Grant Programme was
potential of women in the sporting sector. established seven years ago to facilitate such
activities.
Giving crucial impetus to women’s football
remains a key aspect of UEFA’s agenda, and the In 2014, to celebrate its 60th birthday, UEFA
Women’s Football Development Programme launched a special edition of the UEFA
sees UEFA and the national associations Research Grant Programme to support projects
cooperating in areas such as promotion, developed for and in conjunction with its
grassroots development, marketing and member associations. Following the success of
encouraging women and girls to take up the this special edition (2015/16), UEFA would like
game as players or become involved in other to keep the same format for 2016/17, in order
capacities. Role models are vital, and prominent to continue encouraging collaboration
players Camille Abilly, Verónica Boquete, Laura between national associations and the
Georges and Lotta Schelin were named UEFA academic community.
women’s football development ambassadors
during the period under review, joining former In addition, seven seasons of the UEFA
German international Steffi Jones in this role. Certificate for Football Management (CFM)
UEFA hopes that their involvement will boost have been concluded. Member associations are
work with Europe’s national associations, and hosting this programme, which is open to
motivate more girls in particular to play football. their staff, clubs, leagues and neighbouring
associations.
UEFA brings together its national associations
and stakeholders in a wide variety of areas
to exchange information and share advice for Stakeholder relations
the common good. The Study Group Scheme
enables exchanges of technical know-how; UEFA is one of six continental football
the UEFA Football Doctor Education confederations, and contributes fully to the
Programme transmits vital medical expertise; work undertaken by the world governing
the KISS knowledge-sharing programme body, FIFA. UEFA elects three FIFA vice-
fosters solidarity among the football family; presidents, one of whom is proposed by the
and referee and coaching courses help nurture four British associations – England, Scotland,
progress in those two areas. New ventures Northern Ireland and Wales – and five
launched in 2014/15 included the UEFA members of the FIFA Executive Committee.
Football Law Programme, specially designed The UEFA President is an ex-officio FIFA vice-
for legal specialists from associations, clubs president.
and other stakeholders to learn about recent
football law developments, and the UEFA During the 2014/15 period, the Executive
Executive Master for International Players Committee discussed a variety of issues,
(MIP), which is designed to give former players including UEFA’s participation in the FIFA Task
the tools to stay in the game in football Force for the International Match Calendar
administration and management. 2018–2024 and the 2022 World Cup –
discussions relating also to the dates for the
Over the last few years, UEFA has developed 2022 tournament. The Executive Committee
many ties with the academic community, debated, among other topics, the
resulting in research activities that regularly implementation of revised FIFA Standard
produce findings the European football family Statues, and third-party ownership (TPO)
12Report of the President and Executive Committee 2014/15
of footballers, which culminated in FIFA UEFA continued to pursue dialogue with
introducing a ban on TPO from 1 May 2015. supporter groups, and at their annual
The European national associations were fully consultative meeting in March 2015, UEFA
involved in the consultation process with UEFA assured the supporter groups of its continuing
and were kept informed before proposals commitment to working in partnership in order
were submitted to FIFA. to ensure due care and attention to the sport’s
future.
In March 2015, at the Congress in Vienna, the
UEFA President outlined some of the priorities Relations with the European Union remained
for his third mandate – one being the inclusion extremely positive. In October 2014, UEFA
of representatives of certain stakeholder and the European Commission signed a
groups within the UEFA Executive Committee – historic agreement that represents a
a principle approved by the Congress. significant milestone. This ‘Arrangement for
Cooperation’, as it is called, cements a joint
Shortly afterwards, UEFA and the European commitment to structured cooperation in key
Club Association (ECA) announced the renewal areas, including the fight against match-
of their memorandum of understanding until fixing, violence, racism and discrimination,
31 May 2022, strengthening the partnership in measures relating to financial fair play and the
place since 2008. The new memorandum promotion of grassroots football. It also
includes the 2018–21 UEFA club competition acknowledges the need to address the third-
cycle and EURO 2020, granting long-term party ownership of players and recognises the
stability and security to the European football legitimacy of sports arbitration bodies to
family, while providing clubs with a greater resolve disputes in the area of sport. All in all,
role in top-level governance. this agreement enhances UEFA’s reputation as
a democratic and responsible governing body
A consultation process between UEFA and the acting in the general interest of European
ECA also resulted in a new distribution system football.
for the European club competitions for
the 2015–18 cycle. There are substantial
rises in the revenues generated by the
Champions League and Europa League.
All Champions League and Europa
League revenues will be centralised into
one single pot containing at least a record
€2.24bn each year. More funds will
go to Europa League participants, thanks
to a favourable fixed ratio set with
the Champions League. Very importantly,
solidarity payments will increase
dramatically, with no less than €79m
reserved for clubs that do not qualify for
the group stages (+62%) and no less
than €112m for non-participating clubs
(+35%). All this due to the fact that
solidarity has been allocated a fixed share
(8.5%) of the overall revenue of the two
© Union européenne
competitions.
13Ordinary meetings
The Executive Committee held five ordinary member associations at UEFA and association
meetings during the 2014/15 period, and events, and were kept up to date on
was therefore in a perfect position to give its member association matters by the UEFA
immediate attention to topics and issues administration. Each committee member
pertaining to European football. is responsible for following specific
associations, and each of UEFA’s 19 standing
The committee also convened in Geneva on committees is chaired by a member of the
19 September 2014 to appoint the 13 host Executive Committee and has another
cities to stage matches at EURO 2020. Executive Committee member as deputy
Following the UEFA administration’s three- chairman/woman.
month assessment of the 19 bids initially
received, evaluation reports were provided to The following list gives a full overview of the
the Executive Committee ahead of the items dealt with and decisions taken by the
selection of the 13 hosts. Executive Committee at the meetings held in
the period under review.
The UEFA President and Executive Committee
members maintained regular contact with the
Meeting summaries
18/19 September 2014, Nyon and Geneva • Approval of a new procedure to deal with
concussions, to be implemented with
• Selection of the 13 host cities of EURO 2020. immediate effect in UEFA competitions.
• Appointment of venues for the 2016 UEFA • Approval of the introduction of athlete
Champions League and UEFA Europa biological passports (ABPs) in UEFA’s anti-
League finals and the 2016 UEFA Super doping programme, starting with the
Cup: Champions League – Stadio Giuseppe 2015/16 Champions League season (group
Meazza, Milan (Italy); Europa League – St. stage onwards).
Jakob-Park, Basel (Switzerland); Super Cup – • Receipt of a report on a meeting between
Lerkendal Stadio, Trondheim (Norway). the Russian Football Union and the Football
• Ratification of the distribution mechanism Federation of Ukraine, at which the situation
for prize money unconditionally withheld of Crimean clubs was discussed.
due to non-compliance with financial fair • Lifting of a ban on UEFA competition
play rules. matches being played in Israel.
• Reiteration of the committee’s full • Approval of the system for making solidarity
opposition to third-party ownership of contributions to clubs for players participating
players; request to FIFA to implement the in the European Qualifiers and EURO 2016,
necessary measures to prohibit it. as per the system used for EURO 2012.
• Confirmation that the UEFA Youth League • Ratification of a code of conduct on
would become a permanent competition integrity in football setting out guiding
with a different format as from the 2015/16 principles for all players, referees, clubs and
season; number of teams competing other officials.
increased from 32 to 64. • Approval of the Regulations of the 2015–17
European Women’s Championship.
14Report of the President and Executive Committee 2014/15
4 December 2014, Nyon
• Approval of the competition formats of the • Approval of the 2015 UEFA Coaching
UEFA Nations League and European Convention.
Qualifiers 2018–22. • Approval of the 2015 UEFA Anti-Doping
• Appointment of the Netherlands as hosts of Regulations.
Women’s EURO 2017. • Approval of the Regulations of the 2015–17
• Decision to prohibit Crimean clubs from European Under-21 Championship.
playing in competitions organised by the • Approval of the consolidated annual
Russian Football Union as from 1 January financial statements of the UEFA group and
2015, and for the region to be considered standalone financial statements of UEFA for
as a ‘special zone’ for football purposes until 2013/14 for final approval by the Congress
further notice. in Vienna on 24 March 2015.
• Approval of an agreement with CAA Eleven • Approval of the draft programme and
to reflect UEFA’s new sporting concept for agenda of the 39th Ordinary Congress in
national team football for the 2018–22 Vienna.
period. • Approval of the reports of the UEFA
• Decision to launch a mark of recognition for President/Executive Committee and the
female players having played 100 matches UEFA administration for final approval
for their national team. by the Congress in Vienna.
26 January 2015, Nyon − 2016/17 European Women’s Under-19
Championship final tournament (Northern
• Receipt of the list of candidates standing for Ireland);
election at the 39th Ordinary UEFA Congress − 2017/18 European Women’s Under-19
in Vienna. Championship final tournament
• Approval of the budget for 2015/16 for (Switzerland);
approval by the Congress in Vienna. − 2016/17 European Women’s Under-17
• Approval of the final programme and Championship final tournament (Czech
agenda of the 39th Ordinary Congress in Republic);
Vienna. − 2017/18 European Women’s Under-17
• Appointment of final tournament hosts: Championship final tournament
− 2014/15 UEFA Futsal Cup finals (Sporting (Lithuania).
Clube de Portugal); • Update on preparations for EURO 2016,
− Futsal EURO 2018 (Slovenia); ahead of the 500-days-to-go milestone on
− 2015–17 European Under-21 27 January 2015.
Championship final tournament (Poland); • Admission of Gibraltar to the UEFA Referee
− 2016/17 European Under-19 Convention.
Championship final tournament (Georgia); • Receipt of a report on the Breaking the
− 2017/18 European Under-19 Glass Ceiling seminar held in Amsterdam on
Championship final tournament (Finland); 12 December 2014, staged in partnership
− 2016/17 European Under-17 with the Royal Netherlands Football
Championship final tournament (Croatia); Association and FARE.
− 2017/18 European Under-17 • Approval of revised Regulations governing
Championship final tournament (England); the UEFA Order of Merit.
1522/23 March 2015, Vienna • Approval of the Regulations of the 2015/16
• Acceptance of a new financial distribution Women’s Champions League.
system for clubs competing in the • Approval of the Regulations of the 2015/16
Champions League and Europa League, Under-19 Championship and European
with a view to increasing solidarity payments Under-17 Championship.
and payments to clubs in the Europa League • Approval of the Regulations of the 2015/16
for the 2015–18 cycle. European Women’s Under-19 Championship
• Agreement to increase the number of teams and European Women’s Under-17
entering the 2016/17 Women’s Champions Championship.
League, allowing the top 12 national • Approval of the Regulations of the European
associations in the rankings to enter their Qualifying Competition for the 2016 Futsal
domestic champions and runners-up. World Cup.
• Confirmation of the competition format of • Admission of Gibraltar to the UEFA
the European Qualifiers for the 2018 World Grassroots Charter.
Cup. • Approval of a new agreement with TEAM
• Approval of the Regulations of the Marketing to better reflect the increasing
Champions League, Europa League and revenues and strength of UEFA club
Super Cup (all 2015–18). competitions versus the performance of
• Approval of the Regulations of the 2015/16 TEAM. This new agreement covers club
Youth League. competitions from the 2015/16 season to
• Approval of the Regulations of the 2015/16 the end of the 2020/21 season and, subject
Futsal Cup. to TEAM’s ongoing performance, will also
include seasons 2021/22 to 2023/24.
29 June 2015, Prague
• Approval of the new UEFA Club Licensing president); Marios N Lefkaritis (Cyprus,
and Financial Fair Play Regulations (2015–18). second vice-president); Giancarlo Abete
• Appointment of venues for the 2017 UEFA (Italy, third vice-president); Grigoriy Surkis
Champions League and UEFA Europa (Ukraine, fourth vice-president); Michael van
League finals and the 2017 UEFA Super Praag (Netherlands, fifth vice-president).
Cup: Champions League – Millennium • Approval of the draw procedures for the
Stadium, Cardiff (Wales); Europa League – EURO 2016 play-offs and final tournament.
Friends Arena, Stockholm (Sweden); Super • Approval of the fixture list procedure
Cup – Nacionalna Arena Filip II, Skopje for the European Qualifiers for the 2018
(FYR Macedonia). World Cup.
• Appointment of hosts of the Ordinary UEFA • Confirmation of dates of the 2017 European
Congress in 2017 and 2018: Helsinki Under-21 Championship final tournament in
(Finland) and Bratislava (Slovakia). Poland (16–30 June 2017).
• Admission to the UEFA Coaching • Approval of amendments to the 2015 UEFA
Convention of Armenia, Latvia, Lithuania Organisational Regulations.
and Montenegro (all at Pro level). • Approval of amendments to the 2015 UEFA
• Reappointment by acclamation of Karen Fair Play Regulations.
Espelund (Norway) as the female • Approval of the composition of the UEFA
representative on the UEFA Executive committees and expert panels, the Control,
Committee for a further four-year term. Ethics and Disciplinary Body, the Appeals
• Appointment of UEFA’s vice-presidents: Body and the Governance and Compliance
Ángel María Villar Llona (Spain, first vice- Committee for the 2015–19 period.
16Report of the President and Executive Committee 2014/15
UEFA congress in Vienna
The 39th Ordinary UEFA Congress took place British national associations, and Wolfgang
in the Austrian capital, Vienna, on 24 March Niersbach (Germany) was elected as a member
2015. of the FIFA Executive Committee.
Michel Platini was re-elected by acclamation The Congress approved the principle of
for a third four-year term of office as UEFA including representatives of other stakeholder
President. Three new members were elected to groups as UEFA Executive Committee
the Executive Committee: Sándor Csányi members, pending the necessary amendments
(Hungary), Fernando Gomes (Portugal) and to the UEFA Statutes. Which stakeholders and
Davor Šuker (Croatia). Four members were how many were to be decided. The required
re-elected: Peter Gilliéron (Switzerland), Ángel amendments to the UEFA Statutes would be
María Villar Llona (Spain), Boris Mihaylov proposed to the next Ordinary or Extraordinary
(Bulgaria) and Grigoriy Surkis (Ukraine). Three UEFA Congress.
members retired from the committee: Şenes
Erzik (Turkey), Sergey Fursenko (Russia) and The Congress was informed of an increase in
Mircea Sandu (Romania). Şenes Erzik, also HatTrick assistance payments for the HatTrick
stepping down as UEFA first vice-president, IV cycle. Each UEFA member association will be
became a UEFA honorary member. entitled to receive a maximum €11.1m over
four years – a rise of €1.6m compared with
As UEFA President, Michel Platini was HatTrick III.
automatically re-elected as a FIFA vice-
president. Ángel María Villar Llona (Spain) was The Congress also approved the annual UEFA
re-elected as a FIFA vice-president by consolidated statement of accounts and
acclamation, David Gill (England) was elected UEFA association accounts for 2013/14 and
as the FIFA vice-president representing the four the budget for the 2015/16 financial year.
© UEFA
17UEFA Executive Committee (from March 2015)
President: Michel Platini (France), President Peter Gilliéron (Switzerland), 2011
since 2007, Executive Committee member Fernando Gomes (Portugal), 2015
since 2002 Allan Hansen (Denmark), 2009
First Vice-President: Ángel María Villar Llona František Laurinec (Slovakia), 2009
(Spain), vice-president since 2000, Executive Avraham Luzon (Israel), 2009
Committee member since 1992 Borislav Mihaylov (Bulgaria), 2011
Second Vice-President: Marios N. Lefkaritis Wolfgang Niersbach (Germany), 2013
(Cyprus), vice-president since 2007, Executive Davor Šuker (Croatia), 2015
Committee member since 1996
Third Vice-President: Giancarlo Abete (Italy) European members of the FIFA Executive
vice-president since 2011, Executive Committee
Committee member since 2009
Fourth Vice-President: Grigoriy Surkis (Ukraine), Vice-Presidents:
vice-president since 2013, Executive Michel Platini (France)
Committee member since 2004 Ángel María Villar Llona (Spain)
Fifth Vice-President: Michael van Praag David Gill (England)
(Netherlands), vice-president since 2015,
Executive Committee member since 2009 Members:
Michel D’Hooghe (Belgium)
Members: Şenes Erzik (Turkey)
Sándor Csányi (Hungary), 2015 Marios N. Lefkaritis (Cyprus)
Karen Espelund (Norway), 2012 Vitaly Mutko (Russia)
David Gill (England), 2013 Wolfgang Niersbach (Germany)
© UEFA
18Committee Reports
2014/15
WE CARE ABOUT FOOTBALLNational Associations Committee
In addition to the above-
mentioned topics, the
committee was given
updates on national
association matters, including
changes in top management,
and on the good governance
incentive scheme 2014/15.
Meeting: 12 February 2015
Composition
The following members left
the committee during the
2014/15 season:
Marco Casagrande (Finland),
© AFP/Getty Images
Sándor Csányi (Hungary),
Sergio Di Cesare (Italy), Şenes
The National Associations Committee primarily Erzik (Turkey), Rotem Kamer (Israel), Adalbert
dealt with the outcomes of the 2014 round Kassai (Romania), Sayan Khamitzhanov
tables of UEFA’s Top Executive Programme (Kazakhstan), Anatolii Konkov (Ukraine), Alex
(TEP). The discussions focused, in particular, on Miescher (Switzerland), Karl-Erik Nilsson
football matters such as the UEFA national (Sweden), Georgios Sarris (Greece) and Nikolay
team competition cycles 2014–18 (European Tolstykh (Russia).
Qualifiers) and 2018–22 (UEFA Nations
League). Other topics were HatTrick funding
for 2016–20 (HatTrick IV) and football political
matters such as governance, including UEFA
Composition of the committee on 1 July 2015
governance topics (inclusion of stakeholders
on the Executive Committee, for example) and Chairman: Marios N. Lefkaritis (Cyprus)
Deputy Chairman: Fernando Gomes (Portugal)
FIFA-related issues. The committee provided
1st Vice-Chairman: Gregory Dyke (England)
feedback and direction regarding follow-up at 2nd Vice-Chairman: Armand Duka (Albania) - new
the Congress in Vienna and at the TEP strategy 3rd Vice-Chairman: Andrii Pavelko (Ukraine) - new
meeting in Malta on 15/16 September 2015. Members: Ofer Eini (Israel) - new
Virgar Hvidbro (Faroe Islands)
Yerlan Kozhagapanov
(Kazakhstan) - new
The latest developments in activities by Patrick Nelson (Northern Ireland)
European national associations and UEFA to - new
Hugo Quaderer (Liechtenstein)
assist associations outside Europe were also - new
presented. Initiatives were organised with all of Charles Robba (Gibraltar) - new
Kjetil P. Siem (Norway)
UEFA’s sister confederations (in agreement Alexey Sorokin (Russia) - new
Radu Visan (Romania) - new
with FIFA) over the course of 2014/15, in the Servet Yardimci (Turkey) - new
fields of coaching, refereeing, governance, Dimitar Zisovski (FYR Macedonia)
competitions, stadiums and security, marketing Co-opted Members: Noël Le Graët (France)
Tomislav Karadžić (Serbia) - new
and more.
20Committee Reports 2014/15
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee held regular
meetings during the period under
review, as part of its duty to advise
and support the Executive Committee
on all financial matters for the benefit
of European football.
UEFA’s financial performance was
monitored by comparing the budget
with forecasts and actuals. These
analyses were presented at each
meeting. Other committees and the
administration submitted ad hoc
budget requests, which were decided
on by the Finance Committee. It also
thoroughly reviewed the budget for
the financial year 2015/16 and © UEFA via Getty Images
submitted its recommendations to the
Executive Committee. This budget included Meetings: 18 September and
a major increase in revenue thanks to the 20 November 2014, and 26 January,
24-team EURO 2016 and the new club 22 March and 29 June 2015
competitions cycle.
Composition
The external auditors performed their annual The following member left the committee
audit of UEFA and UEFA Events SA related to during the 2014/15 season:
the 2014/15 financial statements, and UEFA’s Mircea Sandu (Romania).
internal control system was also examined.
Their report and recommendations were
presented to and discussed by the committee.
More information on finances can be found in
the 2014/15 UEFA Financial Report.
Regular updates on UEFA’s financial assets
were presented to the committee, as was an
overview of UEFA’s property portfolio and
counterpart risk management. The Composition of the committee on 1 July 2015
organisation continued to operate in a difficult
Chairman: Marios N. Lefkaritis (Cyprus)
environment, with interest rates close to zero
Members: Giancarlo Abete (Italy)
for short-term money market investments. The David Gill (England) - new
committee continued to adhere to an Allan Hansen (Denmark)
Wolfgang Niersbach (Germany)
investment strategy with a prudent approach.
21Referees Committee
Since 2013 the Referees Committee has
extended its education and development
programmes to as wide a range of match
officials as possible. The assistant referees’
courses continued in 2014/15, with around
350 assistants attending specialist courses in
the past two seasons. Getting to know so
many assistant referees also helped the
Refereeing Officers in appointing them to
UEFA matches. Previously this was left almost
exclusively to the national associations, but
now UEFA appoints the assistant referees –
and additional assistant referees – for all UEFA
matches officiated by an elite category referee.
The Centre of Refereeing Excellence (CORE)
has continued to go from strength to strength,
with the benefits seen in each year’s new crop © Sportsfile
of international referees. At the winter course
in Athens in February, those new referees who
had passed through CORE showed themselves Meetings: 12 December 2014 and
to be better prepared on the whole than their 2 June 2015
non-CORE counterparts. For instance, the body
fat percentages of the CORE alumni was on Composition
average lower than the non-CORE referees and The following members left the committee
all CORE alumni had sufficient knowledge of during the 2014/15 season:
English. Consequently, the committee is Şenes Erzik (Turkey), Jozef Marko (Slovakia)
confident that CORE is providing a return on and Kurt Zuppinger (Switzerland).
investment to UEFA.
Another area of efficient investment in
resources is in UEFA referee observer training.
With over 200 observers assessing UEFA
referees, it is important that their assessments Composition of the committee on 1 July 2015
are consistent and give the Referee Committee
Chairman: Angel María Villar Llona (Spain)
an accurate picture of the referees’ Deputy Chairwoman: Karen Espelund (Norway)
performance. Since 2006 all UEFA referee Chief Refereeing Officer: Pierluigi Collina
observers have participated in a training course Refereeing Officers: Marc Batta
Hugh Dallas
every two years. The third cycle of courses was
Members: Dagmar Damková (Czech
completed in spring 2015. Republic)
David R. Elleray (England)
Herbert Fandel (Germany)
Recognition of the Referee Committee’s good Bo Karlsson (Sweden)
Nikolay Levnikov (Russia)
work was born out with the appointment of Vladimir Sajn (Slovenia)
European referees for the men’s and women’s Jaap Uilenberg (Netherlands)
Kyros Vassaras (Greece)
World Cup finals in 2014 and 2015 respectively.
22Committee Reports 2014/15
National Team Competitions Committee
During the reporting period, the national team ship finals in the Czech Republic, which
competitions cycle 2018–22 was the dominant attracted over 160,000 spectators to the 15
theme for the National Team Competitions matches, including a spectacular final attended
Committee. Several items concerning the EURO, by over 18,000 people. The current edition,
the European Qualifiers and the Under-21 which will culminate in Poland in 2017 with a
competition were also on the agenda. first 12-team final tournament, also retained
the committee’s attention, since the reporting
Following the creation of the UEFA Nations period included the bidding procedure,
League, the committee started to analyse approval of the competition regulations and
future formats in more detail: it approved a the qualifying draw.
number of competition principles regarding
the newly born Nations League and the Meetings: 25 September and
restyled European Qualifiers, and discussed 2 December 2014, and 6 May 2015
how to optimise the remaining friendly
matches, including their rights centralisation. Composition
The future of national team football will The following members left the committee
dominate the agenda of the next meetings during the 2014/15 season:
and include questions such as scheduling Giancarlo Abete (Italy), Harry Been
parameters and draw criteria for EURO 2020, (Netherlands), Armand Duka (Albania), Alex
which will be played across 13 host countries. Horne (England), Zoran Laković (Serbia),
Campbell Ogilvie (Scotland) and Willy Sagnol
The committee approved the procedures for (France).
the play-off draw on 18 October in Nyon and
the final draw on 12 December in Paris.
As the qualifying competition entered its final
rounds, the preparations for EURO 2016
in France continued to be closely monitored.
Composition of the committee on 1 July 2015
With the 2018 World Cup preliminary draw on Chairman: Wolfgang Niersbach
25 July 2015, UEFA was required to issue the (Germany)
Deputy Chairman: Sándor Csányi (Hungary)
fixture list for the European teams the following
1st Vice-Chairman: Geir Thorsteinsson (Iceland)
day. Ahead of the St Petersburg events, 2nd Vice-Chairman: Mahmut Özgener (Turkey)
the committee was therefore asked to approve 3rd Vice-Chairman: Miroslav Pelta (Czech
Republic)
the principles for the European Qualifiers
Members: Jesper Møller Christensen
2016–18 fixtures. While for UEFA and its (Denmark) - new
Ludovic Debru (France) - new
member associations the 2016–18 edition will John Delaney (Republic of Ireland)
be a continuation of the current European Martin Glenn (England) - new
Yngve Hallén (Norway)
Qualifiers project, the UEFA-FIFA cooperation is Rotem Kamer (Israel) - new
highly innovative: the UEFA administration will Alfred Ludwig (Austria)
Alan McRae (Scotland) - new
be involved in operational matters concerning Alex Miescher (Switzerland) - new
match preparations, but the final decision- Maciej Sawicki (Poland)
Håkan Sjöstrand (Sweden) - new
making power stays with FIFA. Michele Uva (Italy) - new
Bert van Oostveen (Netherlands)
- new
The committee monitored the preparation and Bjorn Vassallo (Malta)
Damir Vrbanović (Croatia)
staging of the European Under-21 Champion
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