The FIFA Weekly Issue #36

ISSUE 36/2015, 11 SEPTEMBER 2015

ENGLISH EDITION

Fédération Internationale de Football Association – Since 1904

ALBANIA

IN GOOD SPIRITS

USA DIDIER DROGBA CAPTIVATES MLS

SEPP BLATTER CREATING NEW TRUST

IRAQ ALI ADNAN KADHIM AND SERIE A

THIS WEEK IN THE WORLD OF FOOTBALL

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North and Central America 35 members www.concacaf.com

Albania Albania’s 25th place in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking and strong qualifying prospects for EURO 2016 have sent a message to the world. Emanuele Giulianelli sat down with coach Gianni De Biasi to discuss the country’s talented youngsters and his belief in further success.

We also report on Switzerland's role in the development of Albanian football.

South America 10 members www.conmebol.com

Argentina San Lorenzo currently sit at the top of the Primera Division after defeating city rivals Boca Juniors.

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S epp Blatter “The reform process is impossible without self-reflection and a willingness to make sacrifices both big and small,” says FIFA President Sepp Blatter in his weekly column.

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Ronald Duker Many of the world's top players name Tsubasa Ozora among their role models - but who is he?

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MLS Didier Drogba has now scored three goals for Montreal Impact.

In good spirits Albanian youngsters sit beside a football pitch in Kukes in 2009.

A modern stadium with a capacity of 5,000 now stands on this site.

The FIFA Weekly app FIFA’s magazine The FIFA Weekly is published in four languages every Friday and is also available free of charge on smartphone and tablet. http://www.fifa.com/mobile 2

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FIFA Club World Cup

FIFA U-17 World Cup

10 – 20 December 2015, Japan

17 October – 8 November 2015, Chile

Dimitryi Donskoy / RIA Novosti / AFP, IconSMI / imago

(Visum)

THIS WEEK IN THE WORLD OF FOOTBALL

Europe 54 members www.uefa.com

Africa 54 members www.cafonline.com

Asia 46 members www.the-afc.com

Oceania 11 members www.oceaniafootball.com

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Sunil Chhetri (r.)

How India’s captain is seeking to take football forward in his homeland.

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Playing in the fog Arsenal and Dinamo Moscow's 1945 friendly was plagued by visibility problems.

(Pictured: Dinamo coach Mikhail Yakushin)

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Manjunath Kiran / AFP, Eibner Europa / imago

Ali Adnan Kadhim (l.)

An interview with the first Iraqi footballer to play in one of Europe’s top leagues.

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UNCOVERED

Champagne on ice A

fter pulling off a major upset in 2016 European Championship qualifying last year by beating Portugal 1-0 away from home, Albania almost sprang another surprise against the same team exactly 12 months later. Almost, but not quite. They looked to have secured a 0-0 draw in the return fixture until Miguel Veloso headed in a stoppage-time winner for the Portuguese.

As a result Albania will have to wait a little while longer before securing their maiden qualification for a major tournament. Nevertheless, they can put the champagne on ice as Denmark, their direct rivals for the runners-up spot in Group I, only managed a goalless draw with Armenia. While that left the Danes one point ahead, Albania have a game in hand and are already guaranteed to finish at least third, which is enough for a place in the play-offs.

That in itself is reason enough for Gianni De Biasi’s men to celebrate. In an extensive interview with Emanuele Giulianelli beginning on page 6, the Italian coach speaks about his team’s success, the current state of Albanian football and the game’s future in the country. Å

Mario Wagner / 2Agenten

Sarah Steiner

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ALBANIA

STEP BY STEP

Albania have made a big leap forward and now sit 25th in the FIFA ranking, ahead of Sweden, Mexico and the USA. National team coach Gianni De Biasi tells us what is needed for Albanian football to keep on improving.

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Gent Shkullaku / LSA

ALBANIA

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ALBANIA

Name Gianni De Biasi Date and place of birth 15 June 1956, Sarmede, Italy Position played Midfielder Clubs played for (selection) Treviso, Inter Milan, Brescia, Palermo Clubs coached (selection) Cosenza, SPAL, Modena, Brescia, Torino, Levante, Udinese, since 2011 Albania national team Carrying the hopes of a nation Gianni De Biasi is hoping to steer Albania to their first European Championship finals.

Initially, the biggest challenge was to understand people’s mentality and the poten­ tial of the boys, to see how they could cope with playing a new kind of football. The most difficult thing for us is to change people’s mentality: everyone has habits that are hard to break. But I think that in these three years of working with the Albanian national team, we’ve managed to change that.

What was stopping the team from making the step up in quality, which they are now doing?

In my experience, I’ve observed that Albanian footballers have an inherent ten­ dency to be content with the level they’ve reached. The boys are not accustomed to looking ahead and setting themselves higher targets: this is still the most important thing that we try to work on constantly. The idea that I try to instil in my boys is not to rest on their achievements but to always be hungry to grow and try to improve their own learning path.

What do you think that you personally have brought to Albanian football?

A different culture of work and organi­ sation across the board: from scouting and searching for players, to the desire to

­ otivate them and getting them to try and m take on a challenge that they might not even have considered.

What’s the situation in Albania in terms of football facilities?

We’re in bad shape. It’s hard to find training facilities for the boys, even though in recent years I’ve noticed that many things are changing. The fact that we, as the national team, are doing well, is a driving force for the improvement of the whole setup: the [Albanian Football] Association is doing a lot of work, but the clubs should also be more organised and have the desire to achieve steady growth.

“For our current level I believe that experience ­a broad is even more educational” 8

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Gent Shkullaku / LSA /AFP

Considering your background in Italian football, what was your biggest difficulty in approaching a vastly different setup such as that of Albania?

ALBANIA

In constant contact De Biasi consults with his captain, Lorik Cana, in November 2014.

Talking of clubs, what’s the standard of the national championship?

Skënderbeu have won the [Albanian Superliga] five times in a row and this year they reached the play-offs of the Champions League, where they lost heavily in the return match against Dinamo Zagreb. The narrow 2-1 defeat in the first leg was also undeserved, in my view. But the championship is growing. By switching from 12 teams to ten, the competition has grown in terms of quality and the extra time is conducive to overall growth; because let’s not forget that Albania is a young football association. Compared with how it was under the regime, when sport was under state control, now there is a free football association that is trying to become part

of the international scene and even in this respect, they are making efforts to implement the recommendations as regards academies and youth football.

Can the Albanian championship be a reservoir for the national team, or is it still more useful for footballers to get experience abroad in order to grow?

For our current level – we’re placed 25th in the FIFA ranking, above illustrious teams like Mexico or the USA – I believe that expe­ rience abroad is even more educational and can give players greater opportunities for growth. Our championship must try to have better quality, greater competitiveness and a footballing culture. If you want to keep

progressing upwards, you need your homebased players to be tested against individual technique from more advanced footballing setups such as Brazil or Italy. But there are still few Italian players in our top tier.

What are your chances of getting to the European finals?

As things stand, Albania are mathematically assured of a play-off place, which is already a monumental achievement because at the start of this qualifying campaign no one would have imagined that we could be up there, in a group featuring the likes of Denmark, Serbia and Portugal who, in my view and in everyone else’s predictions, were the top three in order of potential.

Stephane Mahe / Reuters

European Qualifiers Standings Group I 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Teams Portugal Denmark Albania Armenia Serbia*

P 6 7 6 7 6

W 5 3 3 0 1

D 0 3 2 2 1

L 1 1 1 5 4

F 8 8 7 5 5

A 4 4 3 11 11

P 15 12 11 2 1

The match between Serbia and Albania on 14 October 2014 was abandoned due to crowd disturbances with the scores at 0-0. Although UEFA awarded a 3-0 forfeit win to Serbia, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) subsequently overturned the decision in Albania’s favour. *Serbia have had 3 points deducted.

Last updated: 8 September 2015 T H E F I FA W E E K LY

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ALBANIA

A vital away win Albanian fans celebrate their side’s 1-0 victory in Norway in March 2013.

You’re coaching a great generation of Albanian players, perhaps the best ever. But what lies ahead? Are there any youngsters ready to take over?

Around Europe there are so many interesting lads eligible for our national team who we are following closely. It’s clear that, before planning any replacements and the approach for integrating new talent into the team, we need to understand what the Association’s upcoming plans are, whether they want to continue with me at the helm or intend to change the coaching staff. In my opinion

there’s considerable scope to further improve the team and the results.

On a personal level, what is your objective with Albania?

After the Euro 2016 draw we were all distraught! The Association president was upset, seeing the group that we’d been allocated. But down the line, following wins against Portugal, Armenia and Serbia, we’ve come to believe that great things are possible.

We’ll see: personally I always take things one day at a time, whilst looking at the long term.

So I reckon that this is a situation that can be managed cautiously and might last a long time, because we’ve got great lads who can take this team a long way.

What’s the best match that the national team have played during your tenure?

Between friendlies, which count for little, and qualifying matches for the European Championship and World Cup, I think that we’ve played more great matches than poor ones. Among the many that I recall, there’s the 1-0 victory in Norway and the one in Portugal that I already mentioned, obviously, but also the friendly against France, when our performance was really top-drawer. Although many might say that France weren’t up for it, I say that whenever you play a game you always play to win.

Could Kosovo’s application for FIFA membership and its links with Albanian

“Albania are mathematically assured of a play-off place, which is already a monumental achievement.”

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Icon Sports / Dukas / Corbis

Qualifying would be seen as a miracle by our people. We still have our work cut out to achieve our objective.

ALBANIA

Elbasan, central Albania The country’s fourth-largest city will host the national team's upcoming matches.

Gianni De Biasi was talking to Emanuele Giulianelli

players interfere with your project in any way?

Alexander Widding / Dukas / Corbis

Not at all. We have a great relationship with the president of their Football Federation [FFK] and I myself had a meeting with the Kosovo coach, who is a very nice person by the way. As for the Kosovar players that we have in our national team, nothing has changed. [The FFK] won’t want to poach players that we’ve already called up. From now on, they’ll only call up players who they think can become part of their national side: those who have already played for Albania won’t be considered by Kosovo in future call-ups. Å

“We’ve got great lads who can take this team a long way.”

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ALBANIA

Foreign influence Albania boasts a number of excellent footballers, many of whom came through the ranks in Switzerland and other countries. Yet the domestic club game in Albania is also on the rise.

A cup game in Tirana A building site offers spectators the chance to watch the match between KS Dajti Kamez and KS Dinamo Tirana from a great vantage point (December 2007).

A

lbanian football has never been in better shape than it is now, at least according to the FIFA World Ranking in which the Kuq e Zinjte (Red and Blacks) currently sit in 25th spot, down from a high of 22nd last month.

In Euro 2016 qualifying the southeastern European nation have secured a place in the play-offs at the very least, thanks in large part to victories away to Portugal and Serbia as well as a draw in Denmark. So what did the unfancied Albanians do to overtake teams such as Sweden, Russia, Mexico and USA in the global ranking? How did a nation with three million inhabitants get to the verge of their first ever major tournament?

In 2011 Italian coach Gianni De Biasi took over the reins of the national side and built on the work of his predecessors. Prior to 2002 the majority of Albania’s coaches had been Albanian, but then illustrious names such as Hans-Peter Briegel, Otto Baric and Arie Haan were brought in. De Biasi succeeded Croatian tactician Josip Kuze in the role and over the ensuing four years he has achieved a great deal in spite of occasionally adverse circumstances.

In January 2008 Dutch coach Haan signed a four-year contract, a long-term deal underlining his ambitions and belief in Albania’s potential. However, just two and a half months later he was gone and both FIFA and UEFA suspended the national association due to internal problems. Kuze, a very experienced coach, then took over at the helm for three years before De Biasi arrived to take over the Shqiponjat (Eagles) in time for 2014 FIFA World Cup™ qualifying campaign.

Although Albania failed to reach the tournament they did play well and pulled 12

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off some unexpected results, including victories in Norway and against Slovenia.

Now, at this late stage in Euro 2016 qualification, the quality of De Biasi’s work can be seen in Albania’s position in the ranking.

In earlier decades the country’s achievements, such as they were, came about as a result of individual players’ abilities. For instance, in 1964 Panajot Pano led the side to a 1-0 victory over Denmark in Tirana. But even with Pano, the best player Albania have ever produced, they never managed to qualify for a European Championship. Pano, who was born in the port city of Durres in 1939 and died in Florida five and a half years ago, played as a goalkeeper in the SK Tirana youth academy until the age of ten. He subsequently developed into ­A lbania’s most dangerous striker at SK’s arch rivals Partizani Tirana. Franz ­Beckenbauer said in 1990 of Pano, who earned 28 caps for Albania between 1963 and 1973: “Even if Panajot Pano doesn’t remember me, I remember him.”

Swiss influence There are a number of members of Albania’s current squad who have earned respect abroad too. Remarkably, these are not necessarily players who received their footballing education in Albania, but players who were born or brought up overseas before opting to play for the land of their parents’ birth on the international scene. Captain Lorik Cana is one such example. When he was 14 he joined Dardania Lausanne, an amateur football club founded by the Albanian community in the Swiss town and coached by his father, before Paris Saint-Germain

Gent Shkullaku / LSA /AFP

r­ ecruited him two years later. After spells at Marseille, Sunderland, Galatasaray and Lazio, the defender now plays for Nantes.

Defender Arlind Ajeti was born in Switzerland and played for the Swiss youth teams from U-17 to U-21 level, as did defensive colleague Naser Aliji. Berat ­Djimsiti was born in Zurich and played for Switzerland from the U-18s through to the U-21s, while Amir Abrashi, Ermir Lenjani, Burim Kukeli, Migjen Basha, Shkelzen Gashi and Taulant Xhaka all have similar histories.

However, many of the players born to or raised by Albanian parents abroad decided to play for the countries where they grew up. In summer 2014 there were at least 30 footballers eligible to play for Albania lacing their boots for at least six different nations, including Kosovo, Switzerland, Macedonia, Finland, Germany and Montenegro: such is the nature of football in a globalised world.

Domestic powerhouse And what of the state of the country’s domestic league? Korce, a city in the southeast of the country, is home to Albania’s strongest side KF Skenderbeu. They have won the last five championships and only missed out on a place in the Champions League in the final qualifying round a couple of weeks ago. Skenderbeu must now make do with a spot in the Europa League – a feat they are nevertheless celebrating, as it is the first time an Albanian club has ever participated in the group stage of a European competition. Å Perikles Monioudis

ALBANIA POPULATION: 2.89 million | AREA: 28,748 km2 CAPITAL: Tirana | PRESIDENT: Bujar Nishani NATIONAL TEAM COACH: Gianni De Biasi (Italy) FIFA: FIFA invested approximately $1.4 million between 2000 and 2010 as part of its Goal programme. The funds financed the construction of a technical centre in Kamez and helped the national association’s headquarters in Tirana to purchase IT systems and equipment.

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Argentina: Primera Division

L a s t- g a s p j oy fo r Sa n Loren zo

I N S I D E

The Clasico also had its fiery moments, although not all came during the game itself. San Lorenzo were fortunate that Colombian Mario Yepes escaped with only a yellow card following a hefty challenge on Sebastian Palacios.

Sven Goldmann is a leading football correspondent at Tages­ spiegel newspaper in Berlin.

The crowd at the Bombonera stadium had already resigned themselves to a 0-0 draw as the Matchday 23 encounter between Boca Juniors and San Lorenzo entered stoppage time. It had not been a great game and there had been no goals, but at least Boca – who had been the better side – were on course to stay top of the standings. The fixture between the two Buenos Aires clubs is known as the “Clasico”, as opposed to the “Superclasico” between Boca and River Plate; a small but significant distinction.

Boca dominated despite being deprived of Argentina internationals Carlos Tevez and Fernando Gago, as well as Uruguay’s Nicolas Lodeiro, who were all away with their respective national teams. Nevertheless, they struggled to make their pressure count and

after needlessly conceding the only goal of the game, matters turned sour. Boca’s Cata Diaz and San Lorenzo’s Sebastian Blanco clashed on the pitch in an incident that almost led to a brawl. Afterwards, the entire San Lorenzo team celebrated their win by signing and dancing in the centre circle.

Some Boca players felt provoked and a melee ensued. San Lorenzo defender Matias Caruzzo, who used to play for Boca, led the way in defusing the situation. “I can understand both sides,” he said. “Obviously what happened today isn’t nice.”Å

Fiery Clasico San Lorenzo's Matias Caruzzo (l.) challenges Cata Diaz of Boca Juniors.

As the final whistle approached Boca looked to build one final attack from their own half. Rodrigo Bentancur, a talented 18-yearold midfielder from Uruguay, played the ball square on the edge of his own penalty area.

It was a decision that would have devastating consequences, as San Lorenzo striker Mauro Matos intercepted the pass with his left foot, took a touch with his right to tee himself up before curling a left-footed effort into the net to secure a late 1-0 victory.

imago

The triumph took San Lorenzo top of Argentina’s Primera Division on 50 points, one ahead of second-placed Boca. It was a disappointing defeat for the ambitious blue-and-yellows, who had won three consecutives games before then, and was hardly the ideal preparation for the Superclasico away to River at the Estadio Monumental on Sunday 13 September in a match that will grip Buenos Aires once again.

The fixture has not been a particularly peaceful one in the past, this season included. When the clubs met in May in the Copa Libertadores play-offs, some Boca supporters caused uproar when they entered the players’ tunnel at the Bombonera shortly before the start of the second half and attacked the River players with pepper spray. Boca were subsequently thrown out of the competition and the fact that River went on to win it will not have helped fan relations.

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D r o gb a r e l i v i n g fo r m e r g l o r i e s Alan Schweingruber is a staff writer on The FIFA Weekly.

Back in July, Didier Drogba fans across the globe held their collective breath.

Although retirement was never really an option for the veteran striker, the question was where would he end up? And how long would he stay there? After all, the Ivorian idol had turned 37 in March. When Drogba signed for Chelsea last summer, even his biggest fans had their doubts as to whether he was capable of mounting a serious comeback in the English Premier League.

There’s plenty of life in the old dog yet, though, even if it was not enough to earn him a move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs on this occasion. Major League Soccer outfit Montreal

Impact eventually secured the services of the frontman on a one-and-a-half-year contract worth a reported 3 million US dollars a year.

The lucrative deal could prove crucial in Montreal’s quest to reach the play-offs this season. The club are currently sixth in the Eastern Conference after a pulsating 4-3 victory over Chicago Fire, in which Drogba bagged a hat-trick. His third goal nearly lifted the roof off the Saputo Stadium, which was hardly surprising given that Impact had trailed 3-2 earlier in the contest.

The acquisition of Drogba has fuelled expectations at Montreal. It will be interesting to see who the club appoint as their next coach, having sacked Frank Klopas after two years in the job at the end of August. His successor, Mauro Biello, has only been appointed on an interim basis, but the 43-year-old does not lack ambition: “It’s my chance,” he said. “I’ve got a chance to push this team, to bring it up to top notch.”

Arguably the most in-form side in the MLS at the moment are New England Revolution. The

Boston-based club beat Orlando City 3-0 last time out, extending their unbeaten run to six matches. New England’s impressive form owes much to the creativity of midfielder Lee Nguyen, whose outstanding displays might even be described as revolutionary.

Nguyen, who set up all three of his team’s goals against Orlando, is currently playing some of the best football of his career.

Astonishingly, the 28-year-old was a free agent three years ago, having been released by the Vancouver Whitecaps just three months after the Canadian outfit had signed him from Vietnam.

New York FC, meanwhile, continue to be plagued by inconsistency. It seems that every time they win a match, they either lose or draw the following game. Despite the best efforts of European stars David Villa and Andrea Pirlo, the club are currently languishing second-bottom in the Eastern Conference.

Their next assignment - an away match against Dallas, who sit third in the Western Conference – will be a stern test of their mettle. Å

Matchwinner!

Montreal’s new striker Didier Drogba (l.) makes it 4-3 against Chicago Fire.

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Graham Hughes / The Canadian Press / Keystone

USA: Major League Soccer

Single-minded Zouheir Moutaraji (centre) takes on two opposition players on his way to scoring a brace.

Morocco: Botola

C o nt r a s t i n g ta les in Casabla nca Annette Braun is a staff writer

WAC

at The FIFA Weekly

When 19-year-old Zouheir El Moutaraji put Wydad Casablanca 3-0 up against FAR Rabat in the 71st minute of their match on 6 September, it looked like the defending champions had the three points in the bag.

Earlier strikes from Reda El Hajaoui and Walid El Karti had given Casablanca a comfortable lead. Rabat responded valiantly though. Goals from Hassan Tair (76) and Mustapha Youssefi (87) set up an exciting end to the game, but their hopes of a comeback were ended in the 94th minute when that man Moutaraji netted his second to make it 4-2 at full-time.

Victory over Morocco’s most titled club means Wydad have got the new campaign off to a good start. They next face their closest rivals from last term, Olympique Khouribga, who won 1-0 when the two sides faced each other at the end of last season, although the victory meant little as Wydad were already guaranteed top spot. Last year's runners-up from the Chaouia-Ouardigha region kicked off their new title challenge in unspectacular fashion with a 0-0 draw against RS Berkane.

Raja Casablanca – not only one of the most popular clubs in Morocco but also Wydad’s big local rivals – welcomed new Dutch coach Ruud Krol to their bench but were unable to put their poor form from last year behind them in an opening 2-0 defeat to FUS Rabat. It was only two seasons ago that Raja won the eleventh league title in their history before going on to become the surprise package of the 2013 FIFA Club World Cup™ on home soil, beating Auckland City, Monterrey and

Atletico Mineiro before eventually going down 2-0 to Bayern Munich in the final.

Things did not go so well for Raja in the 2014/2015 season, however. Portuguese coach Jose Romao, who had previously been in charge from 2008 to 2010, returned to the club but could only manage a disappointing eighth place in the standings before leaving again to take charge at FAR Rabat. After defeat on the opening day of the new season, Raja already find themselves under pressure. They have plenty of time to prepare for the important derby against Wydad, though: the next battle for supremacy in the Moroccan port takes place on 26 December. Å

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Name Ali Adnan Kadhim Nassir Al-Tameemi Date and place of birth 19 December 1993, Baghdad, Iraq Position Left-back Clubs played for 2010-2013 Baghdad FC 2013-2015 Caykur Rizespor since 2015 Udinese Iraq national team

Fabrizi Giraldi / fotogloria

34 caps, 2 goals

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THE INTERVIEW

“We owe it to our fellow countrymen” Ali Adnan Kadhim Al-Tameemi penned a new chapter in his country’s sporting history after his move to Udinese made him the first Iraqi footballer to play in one of Europe’s top leagues.

What was it like growing up in war-torn Baghdad?

Ali Adnan Kadhim: As you can imagine, every day was a struggle for survival, but we kids tried to have fun nonetheless. My friends and I played football on the street to distract ourselves or watched the world’s best teams on television for as long as the bombs per­ mitted. Football was our only means of entertainment.

How important is football within your family?

With seven children in our family, foot­ ball always played an important role. My father played in a team from Baghdad while my uncle, Ali Kadhim, even made it into the national team in the 1980s. As a young boy I was a big fan of Brazil’s Roberto Carlos, who had an unbelievably powerful left foot.

What were your first steps into the sport?

Initially I played at the academy at Ammo Baba School and then for Al Quwa Al Jawiya before breaking into FC Baghdad’s youth team in 2010. Before long I made my debut for the first team, then won my first international cap in a friendly against Bahrain in 2012.

I pulled on my country’s white-and-green shirt for the first time before I’d even turned 18. It was an indescribable feeling.

How did your move to Europe come about?

The turning point for my career was the U-20 World Cup 2013 in Turkey, where we finished fourth. Scouts discovered me there and immediately brought me to Caykur Rizespor in the top division of Turkish ­football.

How were your two years in Turkey?

While the first season was fantastic and very successful for me personally, I had one or two differences of opinion with the coach

during my second season at the club. Never­ theless, my admirers were not deterred by this and wanted me at any price.

I know that I serve as a kind of ambassador for my country, but at the same time I’m also a role model for young players. It’s a great honour and makes me very proud.

Are you referring to Udinese?

Indeed. I was surprised that a team of that calibre was interested in me, but then I learned that this fitted with their club philosophy. They already have a record of discovering players from every corner of the globe and selling them to big clubs, and I hope the same will be true for me.

What are your first impressions of Udine and your new employers?

Despite the understandable language barriers I feel very much at home in Italy, and I’d also like to bring my family over here soon. I get on well with everyone and the fact that there are so many players in the squad from all over the world makes integration easier. I get on particularly well with our French striker Cyril Thereau and Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes.

How did you find your first game in Serie A and European football in general?

Given that we beat reigning champions Juventus away from home, it could not have gone any better. Before the match I was completely focused on my role; it was only afterwards that I realised I can definitely hold my own at this level. I really want to share this success with all of my fellow countrymen who were looking forward to my debut in Serie A.

Football fans in Iraq are now expecting the national team to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

After finishing fourth at the most recent AFC Asian Cup, we’ll be in the hunt right to the end of World Cup qualification and I’m convinced we’ll manage it. Iraq only previously qualified for the 1986 finals so it’s about time we got there again. We also owe it to our fellow countrymen, who have been associated with nothing but war and violence for many years now.

You have already gathered plenty of experience despite not yet being 22 years old. Are there still footballing ambitions you want to achieve?

I’m overjoyed to be playing for a club like Udinese, but my aim is still to play for one of Europe’s top teams and win trophies one day.

I also hope to be able to win awards during my career, as I’m convinced this would also be a major success for my country and for every young Iraqi player who wants to follow my example. Å Ali Adnan Kadhim was speaking to Franco Nicolussi

You will get quite a reception next time you are in Baghdad and Iraq.

For several days now, my brothers, sisters and friends have been telling me how much they’re looking forward to it, and I can hardly wait to get home and experience it for myself.

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First Love Place: Bha k tapu r, Nepa l Date: 30 May 2014 Time: 3.43 p.m.

Photog rapher: Prakash Mathema

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AFP

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GRASSROOTS

FIFA inspiring girls and boys to play football FIFA’s Grassroots programme is the core foundation of our development mission, aimed at encouraging girls and boys around the world to play and enjoy football without restrictions. Grassroots focuses on the enjoyment of the game through small-sided team games, and teaching basic football technique, exercise and fair play.

For more information visit FIFA.com

FOOTBALL GOVERNANCE

PRESIDENTIAL NOTE

FIFA TMS’s Big 5 report

The new FIFA

“T F

IFA TMS has launched its latest Big 5 Transfer Window Analysis report. The 2015 summer edition examines official international transfer figures for the Big 5 countries: England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. This year, for the first time, the transfer window analysis includes a special report disclosing the official salary figures for all worldwide transfers. The findings reveal that since 2013, player salaries have constituted 57% of the funds circulated in the international transfer market. Transfer fees accounted for 41% and club intermediary commissions the remaining 2%.

The report also reveals that 80% of the total amount of salaries committed in the context of international transfers since 2013 can be attributed to UEFA clubs. These clubs lead the trend in paying the highest average salaries, with AFC clubs following closely behind.

Average salaries tend to grow with age, often peaking at 28 years of age and decreasing afterwards.

Speaking about the launch of the Big 5 report, FIFA TMS General Manager Mark Goddard said: “Most of the transfers discussed in the media involve large transfer fees, but in reality, only 13% of all worldwide transfers involve the payment of a fee. Salaries, though, are part of every single contract.

In 2014 alone, clubs and players signed contracts for USD 6.02 billion, which added to the USD 4.07 billion in transfer fees and USD 236 million in intermediaries’ commissions make the total value of these transfers a staggering USD 10.33 billion.”

The Big 5 countries recorded a total of 1,340 incoming international transfers during this summer’s transfer window, an increase of 4% when compared to the same period last year. Transfer spending for the Big 5 countries reached USD 2,396 million, an increase of 2% compared to last year’s summer window.

At country level, trends differ significantly: England remains the top spender with USD 996 million spent in international transfers, followed by Spain, Italy, France and Germany. In comparison to last summer, spending on international transfers only increased in Italy and France. Å tfw

The FIFA TMS BIG 5 report is available for purchase at www.fifatms.com

he reformer has enemies in all those who profit by the old order.”

These words from Italian politician and philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli will occupy us intensively in the coming months at FIFA. The next steps in the reform process cannot be taken without those involved having a willingness to make sacrifices and concessions.

As FIFA President I will lead by example but I am powerless on my own.

The Executive Committee members and delegates of the national ­associations must also play their part. Football is a team sport.

Within this context I am confident that we have created a Reform Committee under the chairmanship of François Carrard that can operate independently and autonomously, free of constraints and conflicts of interest to drive forward the development that has ­a lready been undertaken. Important steps were taken at the new committee’s first meeting in Bern eight days ago.

However, the road towards our objective will be long and challenging. We must establish new structures that both support democratic values and protect FIFA as an organisation, structures that will reaffirm our credibility and generate new trust. The introduction of limited terms of office in every position and the institutionalisation of integrity checks for all top officials should only be the first steps.

The entire hierarchy must be reconsidered. Thus, the Executive Committee should be voted for and controlled by the Congress in future. At the same time, confederations and national associations must also contribute to the reforms and introduce ethics committees.

So far only the Asian continental association has met the requirement in this regard.

In any case, the reform process is not possible without self-reflection and a readiness to make sacrifices, both big and small. Confucius said, “If you want to reform yourself, do it every day.” Only if we are willing to do that in future and sweep around our own front door first can we say that the era of the “new FIFA” began last week in Bern.

Best wishes, Sepp Blatter T H E F I FA W E E K LY

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INDIA

Name Sunil Chhetri Date and place of birth 3 August 1984, Secunderabad, India Position Striker Clubs 2002–2005 Mohun Bagan AC 2005–2008 JCT Mills FC 2008–2009 Kingfisher East Bengal FC 2009–2010 Dempo SC 2010–2011 Sporting Kansas City 2011 Chirag United SC 2011–2012 Mohun Bagan AC 2012– Sporting Lisbon reserves 2013– Churchill Brothers SC (loan) Since 2013 Bengaluru FC India national team

Pillar Sunil Chhetri celebrates his goal against Nepal in the first round of World Cup qualifying with his team-mates.

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Anupam Nath / AP / Keystone

82 caps, 47 goals

INDIA

Chhetri points the way forward for India Sunil Chhetri wants to lead his team to the World Cup in Russia.

That will be a tall order following the recent defeat to Iran but the captain nevertheless believes in the future of Indian football, writes Peter Smith.

F

Rebecca CONWAY / AFP

ew if any Indian players can match the achievements of Sunil Chhetri. National team captain of the world’s second largest country, Chhetri’s resume is as lengthy as it is impressive. He is one of the few Indians to have played professionally overseas, having spent a year at MLS side Sporting Kansas City and a season at Sporting Lisbon, where he played for the reserves. A further career highlight was overtaking the legendary Baichung Bhutia as India’s all-time leading goalscorer: he now

has 47 international goals for his country.

Three of those came in the final of the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup against Tajikistan in a 4-1 victory that helped India qualify for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, the first time they had appeared in the competition in 27 years.

Long road to the World Cup Now 31, Chhetri should perhaps be approaching the twilight of his career. But the striker remains a central figure as India push to make a long-awaited impact in FIFA World Cup™

qualifying. His enthusiasm for Indian football knows no bounds, regardless of whether he is focusing on achieving short-term aims or the longer-term objective of developing the game in his homeland.

However, his immediate priority at the moment is India’s 2018 World Cup campaign, where hopes of a new era have got off to a shaky start. The Indians have lost their first three matches in the second round of Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualifying, suffering 2-1 defeats to Oman and nominal

From darkness into the light Chhetri believes Indian football can develop.

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INDIA

“Only by being disciplined and a good role-model will the young ones follow you.”

Tough task India cannot afford any more slip-ups in World Cup qualifying.

Gaining ground India’s football profile has received a boost over the past year with the launch of the Indian Super League, in which several glamorous international imports successfully helped the competition attract significant crowd and media interest in its maiden season. Also 26

T H E F I FA W E E K LY

looming on the horizon is the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup; the first FIFA tournament to be hosted in India.

It is all a far cry from Chhetri’s first footballing steps as a youngster. He was schooled in the game from a young age, thanks in part to a mother and aunty who competed internationally for Nepal, and a father who played in an Indian army team. But at that time, even more so than now, football came a distant second to the nation’s sporting obsession; cricket.

“It definitely helps,” says Chhetri of the Indian Super League’s impact on the domestic game. “It was huge in terms of popularity, more people coming to the ground and more people wanting to know about football, and that is important. But we shouldn’t over-rely on any one single party. The ISL, I-League, the federation, government, fans, players, media – we all have to do our job. Along with improving the infrastructure and the local league, it is very important that the

THE ROAD TO RUSSIA (AFC qualifying) Round 1: March 2015 The 12 lowest-ranked teams (based on the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking) were paired off and played for a place in the second phase.

Round 2: June 2015 to March 2016 The winners of Round 1 (India, Yemen, East Timor, Cambodia, Chinese Taipei and Bhutan) join the remaining 34 nations in one of eight groups. The eight group winners and four best runners-up go through to Round 3.

Round 3: August 2016 to September 2017 The 12 nations will be drawn into two groups. The top two sides from each pool qualify directly for the FIFA World Cup™, while the third-placed teams go into Round 4.

Round 4: October 2017 The winner earns a place in the intercontinental play-offs.

Intercontinental play-offs: November 2017 The winner of Round 4 will face the fourth-placed side from the CONCACAF qualifying zone.

The winner qualifies for Russia 2018.

There are 4.5 places available at the 2018 World Cup in AFC qualifying.

Manjunath Kiran / AFP (2)

outsiders Guam, as well as the 3-0 reverse to four-time World Cup participants Iran.

Only victory will suffice against Turkmenistan on 8 October if India are to have any hope going into their final qualifying fixtures. And Chhetri, who has scored all four of his team’s goals thus far to be Asia’s highest scorer during Russia 2018 qualifying, believes the challenge is considerable: “Now the road looks very difficult. The boys were really down [after the Guam match] because they are all youngsters, but I when I spoke to them I just said we need to concentrate on one match at a time. Give us as much as you can and see what happens. To be very honest it looks very difficult, but we can’t blame anyone else.”

The veteran is well aware of the difficulties involved in replacing players who move on and is also conscious of his role in the squad: “We are in a transitional phase, with a lot of senior players having left, and a lot of young bloods coming up. We can’t make a team just like that. I like to think I’m fairly approachable as a captain, but I believe actions speak louder than words. Only by being disciplined and a good role-model will the young ones follow you.”

INDIA

“Creating an environment in which every boy or girl can play football – that is my dream for my nation.”

national team also does well, and it is something that should go hand in hand.”

Ambitious plans Chhetri also knows that there is a lot of work still to be done: “It can’t happen by magic, there has to be a process. Sometimes our mistake is that because we are India and there is so much interest for football, we tend to believe that everything will change suddenly, which it will not. It is important as a nation

that we have proper training and coaching at all levels for kids. How you train is very vital, and that is one aspect we have to improve in our nation.”

The captain’s dream is far from over. He is determined to help football progress in his homeland and is aware that the game must be rebuilt from the ground up: “The sooner that we create an environment and system in which every boy or girl who wants to play football can be provided with good coaching

and good facilities, then half our job is done.

That is my dream and aspiration for my nation. In that case we wouldn’t have the FIFA Ranking that we have now.” Å

INDIA POPULATION: 1.2 billion AREA: 3.2 million km2 CAPITAL: New Delhi PRESIDENT: Pranab Mukherjee NATIONAL TEAM COACH: Stephen Constantine (England) FIFA: Between 2001 and 2014 FIFA invested approximately $2.5 million as part of its Goal programme. These funds were used to finance the construction of an elite football academy in Goa to prepare junior teams for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017, while regional football academies have also been built in Mumbai (U-15), Delhi, Calcutta and Bangalore (all U-14). In addition, FIFA has also invested in the expansion of the technical centre in Bangalore and the construction of the national association's headquarters in Delhi.

Home defeat Chhetri (c.) and Co. were powerless to stop Iran recording a 3-0 win on 8 September 2015.

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HISTORY

Obstructed view Arsenal welcomed Dynamo Moscow to London in November 1945 for a friendly that is still remembered for the fog rather than global politics.

“T

he most farcical match that has ever been played,” was how the Daily Mail described the friendly between Arsenal and Dynamo Moscow in November 1945. Although the tie had political significance, coming as it did so soon after the end of the Second World War, it was the remarkable weather conditions that ensured its place in the history books.

Across Europe, football was gradually returning to normality after the upheaval of war, as countries resurrected their leagues and began playing regular matches once more. Dynamo Moscow’s announcement that they would be touring Great Britain prompted much interest on both sides. The hosts wondered how Mikhail Yakushin’s side would fare when faced with the more advanced English game, while the Soviet team were keen to prove just how high a standard of football they could play.

These questions not only provided a foundation for the Eastern European club’s visit to their Western European allies but aroused curiosity in Britain about the mysterious guests. English observers got their first surprise at the very start of the tour, when Dynamo’s coach presented his team’s tactics on a blackboard, something the home fans had never seen before. The Soviet club also impressed their hosts with their refined short passing game or passovotchka, which stood in stark contrast to the traditional and rather physical English style of play.

Spectators forced to use their imagination Although England has long been plagued by the cliché that it endures above-average rainfall, it was not this aspect of the British weather that made the match between Arsenal and Dynamo Moscow so 28

T H E F I FA W E E K LY

remarkable. Instead, an impenetrable ‘pea-souper’ settled inside White Hart Lane, home of Tottenham Hotspur. With Highbury Stadium still being used by the military, the Gunners were forced to move the tie east to their arch-rivals’ home ground.

Dynamo Moscow carried plenty of momentum into the game, having previously drawn 3-3 with Chelsea before thrashing Cardiff 10-1.

Chelsea defender Albert Tennant seemed suitably impressed with the visitors’ performance against his side, remarking: “The Russians were on the move all the time; we could hardly keep up with them.” But what would a trip to the birthplace of football be for Moscow without the chance to play Arsenal? As Dynamo coach Mikhail Yakushin said before the game, “It would be like travelling to Cairo without going to see the pyramids”.

In the aftermath of the world’s biggest conflict, both teams were forced to do without those players still serving in the armed forces.

They made up for these absences by inviting so-called ‘guests’ to reinforce their ranks, with Arsenal calling upon Blackpool centre forward Stan Mortensen and Stoke City’s Stanley Matthews. Nevertheless, spectators in the stands could only imagine that these two top players had pulled on the North London club’s shirt, as much of what unfolded during the 90 minutes remained hidden. The fog enveloped the pitch to create a mystical setting ideal for fostering speculation and creating legends in the years that followed.

The only thing everyone could agree upon after the final whistle was the scoreline. To the surprise of many, Russian referee Nikolai Latyshev chose not to abandon a match that ended in a 4-3 win for Dynamo Moscow. Identifying the goalscorers was much more difficult. Although Arsenal players Cliff Bastin and Bernard Joy main-

Wiliam Vanderson / Fox Photos / Getty Images

A break in play Arsenal goalkeeper Wyn Griffiths sustains an injury.

HISTORY

The fog enveloped the pitch to create a mystical setting ideal for creating legends in the years that followed.

Where’s the ball?

Dynamo goalkeeper Aleksei Khomich peers into the mist.

Fotofinder

tained after the game that Vasili Kartsev scored the first goal for the visitors, renowned English journalist Brian Glanville did not share their view, instead asserting that Vsevolod Bobrov was the first of the Soviet team’s sharpshooters.

Confusion over goalscorers and extra players Writer L.V. Manning was unable to describe the goals from his seat in the press section and could recall only the reaction of the crowd, saying: “A thousand men lit a thousand cigarettes, and it looked like a thousand bonfires.” Several observers at White Hart Lane on the night of 21 November 1945 claimed that one of the goalscorers was clearly offside when he fired the ball home, but this was by no means clear-cut.

Apart from the confusion about who scored which goal, countless myths emerged about events during the game. One such tale asserts that there were more than 22 players on the pitch at times, although accounts differ as to whether the game became 12-a-side or 15-a-side in these moments. It is also said that the treacherous conditions caused one goalkeeper to collide with the post and forced him to leave the game, only to be replaced not by a team-mate but by a fan from the crowd. It seems likely that the whole truth of a match that has since entered the annals of sporting history will remain shrouded in fog.

Fog or no fog, the tour of Great Britain was a resounding success for Dynamo Moscow. As the first Soviet side permitted to travel to Western Europe in 1945, the team showed they were keeping pace with the development of the game, even pointing the way to its future with their quick, dynamic play. The Russians emerged victorious once more

when the two sides reunited in the Soviet Union in 1954, this time in much clearer conditions. Nevertheless, for those who attended the match at White Hart Lane, the 1945 encounter remained, in the words of the Daily Mail, “one of the most exciting games 54,000 people have never seen”. Å Annette Braun

Keen interest A flood of spectators wait to enter the stadium.

T H E F I FA W E E K LY

29

Football breaks down barriers Football builds bridges. It has a unique power to inspire friendship, respect and equality.

FIFA’s Say No To Racism campaign is part of our commitment to tackle all forms of discrimination in football.

Everyone should have the right to play and enjoy football without fear of discrimination. Say no to racism.

For more information visit FIFA.com

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GENER AL INFORMATION Country: France FIFA Trigramme: FRA Confederation: UEFA Continent: Europe Capital: Paris

GEOGR APHIC INFORMATION

Didi’s midlife crisis

Surface area: 674,624 km² Highest point: Mont Blanc 4,810 m Neighbouring seas and oceans: Atlantic Ocean, North Sea, Mediterranean Sea

Alan Schweingruber

Mario Wagner / 2Agenten

O

ne Tuesday, Berta opened her letterbox to find a postcard from Italy: “I’m enjoying Naples. Pizza was invented here, did you know that? It’s delicious! I’m already feeling better. Hope the winter isn’t too cold where you are. Lots of love, your husband Didi.”

Didi had left ten days previously on 2 January, apparently suffering from a midlife crisis of sorts. “Can’t be helped, I just need to get away for a couple of weeks,” he had said.

It has been that way for years. On this occasion Berta had even tried to talk him out of it, but Didi had already turned around the corner and out of site, his rucksack slung over his shoulder.

The second postcard arrived on a Friday.

It was bitterly cold and the ink on the card had been smeared a little. Had the weather turned bad in Italy, too? “Sicily is bathed in sunshine", read the card. “And how could anyone be scared of Don Corleone? I’m certainly not. It’s the prettiest island I’ve ever seen. I’m on the mend. Best wishes, your husband Didi.”

When Berta showed the card to her friend, they looked at each other with puzzlement etched across their faces. “He’s crazy,” said the friend. “What’s he doing down there anyway?” Berta merely shrugged her shoulders. “Every winter he wastes his holiday and I have to go travelling all by myself in the summer!”

The third and fourth postcards were sent from Africa: one from Casablanca (“I’m sitting in a bar pretending to be Humphrey Bogart”), the other from Kenya (“I’m helping out at a coffee plantation. It’s keeping me fit in body and soul”). Even Berta’s brother Klaus received a number of postcards, which he attached to his fridge door with magnets.

“Why do you always keep those ones at the front?” Berta asked one evening. She could make out stadiums on the front of the postcards. Football stadiums to be precise. She grabbed the most recent card, turned it over and immediately recognised the handwriting. “SSC Napoli, US Citta di Palermo, Raja Casablanca … now I’m at Nairobi City Stars!

After that it’s off to the African Cup of Nations. I’ll be back for the second half of the season, as always. Sending you love from my annual football tour, Didi”. Å

MEN’S FOOTBALL FIFA Ranking: 23rd World Cup: 14 Appearances 1930 - 1938, 1954, 1958, 1966, 1978 - 1986,1998, 2002 - 2014 Best performance: 1st, 1998

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL FIFA Ranking: 1st World Cup: 3 Appearances 2003, 2011, 2015 Best performance: 4th, 2011

L ATES T RESULTS Men’s: Albania - France 1:0 13 June 2015 Women’s: Germany - France 5:4 (o.p.)

26 June 2015

FIFA INVES TMENTS The weekly column by our staff writers

Since 2003: $ 2,700,000 T H E F I FA W E E K LY

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MIRROR IMAGE

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London, England

1937

J. A. Hampton / Getty Images

Groundsmen erect goalposts at Wembley Stadium.

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MIRROR IMAGE

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Barcelona, Spain

2015

Michael Regan / Getty Images

Raising the goals at Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium.

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Š 2015 adidas AG. adidas, the 3-Bars logo and the 3-Stripes mark are registered trademarks of the adidas Group.

# B E T H E D I F F E R E N C E

THE ART OF FOOTBALL

A hero from Japan

QUOTES OF THE WEEK

“I hate my legs. I have these short footballer’s legs. First they were my Kevin Keegans; now they’re my Wayne Rooneys. They were never my David Beckhams because he has great legs.

I’d have been a great footballer because I’m built like one from the waist down!”

Helen Mirren, English actress

“I don’t care that he comes to the Oranje with a hat and a scarf. But with a couple of suspenders and a beard, he could easily join the Amish people in America and sit on a wagon.”

Ronald Düker

T

here is no doubt that Alessandro Del Piero, Fernando Torres, Zinedine Zidane, Lionel Messi, Alexis Sanchez and Andres Iniesta are all major footballing heroes to countless youngsters across the globe who hope to follow in their sporting footsteps and become equally rich and famous one day. But who are the idols for the superstars themselves? While all of these players may have looked up to legends such as Pele, Franz Beckenbauer and Diego Maradona when they were younger, they all name a completely different footballer as providing vital inspiration during their fledgling careers – one that nobody has ever seen on a real-life football pitch before.

The name of this mysterious hero is Tsubasa Ozora, who was eleven years old when he first stepped into the public eye to play for FC Nankatsu’s school team. While Nankatsu is indeed a small town in the Shizuoka prefecture of southeastern Japan, Tsubasa Ozara is not a real person but a manga character brought to life by the pen of cartoonist Yoichi Takahashi. Although he made his first comic book appearance in 1981, it was the Captain Tsubasa series of animated films, released two years later, that transformed this fictional youngster into a footballing superhero.

His talent is evident from the start. In the first year of his existence, Tsubasa is already dribbling a ball in front of him with such skill and total preoccupation that on one occasion he is almost run over by a bus.

It soon becomes clear that this boy has what it takes to accomplish great things.

His dream is to become the best footballer in the world and win the World Cup with Japan, while his motto is “the ball is my friend”. Despite these lofty ambitions, Tsubasa’s story is not as outlandish as most comic books but instead plays out as ­realistically as possible over the course of 37 books and 128 television episodes.

Ageing Brazilian footballer Roberto Hongo initially plays a key role in the story.

Living in Japan, Hongo is a friend of Tsubasa’s father and quickly becomes the talented youngster’s mentor and coach. He accompanies the starlet as he moves to Brazil during these early years and becomes a champion with Sao Paulo. Tsubasa goes on to win the AFC Youth Championship with his country, beating South Korea 2-0 in the final, before securing a move to Barcelona. Although his unstoppable rise to international stardom might sound a little improbable, it is not dissimilar to the professional biographies of many of football’s real-life globetrotters.

Although the most successful animated football series of all time often plays out like a fairytale, it also remains faithful to the day-to-day experiences of many of the sport’s actual stars. By shedding light on the trials and tribulations of training, injury worries, the transfer circus, matches won and lost and the lives of the players’ wives and girlfriends, Captain Tsubasa tells the stories that make football the most beautiful game in the world both on and off the pitch. In recognition of this feat, the comic book hero has been immortalised with a bronze statue in Tokyo. Å

Retired coach Wim van Hanegem on Dutch international Memphis Depay

“To be honest, yesterday on the plane, Wayne Rooney came to speak to me and asked me who Martial was.

I told him he’s a great player with great potential. I told him he is technical and powerful. A little like Thierry Henry.”

Manchester United defensive midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin

“I had a dream that we got a penalty.

I took it and scored in that corner.

So when we got one, I already knew where I was going to put it. I’m ­l ooking forward to my next dream!”

Iceland’s Gylfi Sigurdsson

“Happy bday little brother!!

God has blessed us with something we don’t even understand yet ...”

Schalke 04’s Kevin-Prince Boateng congratulates his half-brother, Bayern Munich defender Jerome, on Twitter T H E F I FA W E E K LY

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FIFA PARTNER

TURNING POINT

“I enjoyed every minute of Kazakhstan” When Stuart Duff arrived in Kazakhstan in 2012, he was the first British footballer to seek adventure in this central Asian nation. Today, he is known as the “last king of Kazakhstan”.

Kami Thomson / Aberdeen Journals Ltd

O

n the day that friends called me from Almaty to tell me that Kairat FC had been drawn to face Aberdeen in the preliminaries of the Europa League I felt a mixture of emotions: I was shocked, but at the same time very happy. It’s not every day that two teams you’ve played for find themselves facing each other in such an important game. I was curious to see how two such different playing styles would match up on the pitch; most of all I was excited by the idea of seeing old friends in Kairat again, since it’s a really long trip to get over there.

When my agents asked me if I’d be interested in playing in Kazakhstan, it sounded like something new and I had to go and read up on the location of the city of Almaty, the team and the country, searching for as much information as possible to get an idea of what I’d be letting myself in for. It wasn’t very common for a Scottish player to go as far as the former Soviet Union to play. I’d always wanted to try a stint abroad and I gladly accepted, curious to see how I’d do. I spent wonderful years in the Kazakh capital and I can say I enjoyed every moment of that experience: nothing bad ever happened and I learned to open my eyes to a completely different culture from the one I came from. Certainly Aberdeen will always have a special place in my heart too, being the city where I was born and where my friends and family live. It was an honour to wear the red shirt of my hometown team for two seasons.

Returning to Almaty to attend the game against the Scots was like coming home from

home. I felt honoured and privileged to be invited as a guest to the stadium by Kairat.

When you’re in Kazakhstan you get used to that sort of welcome, to how interested they are in you, how they always put you at ease and are able to make you feel special.

They called me the last king of Kazakhstan, from the title of an interview that has stuck with me ever since. I can’t deny that I was considered a top player in Kazakhstan, being the first Briton to play in those parts. I’m proud to be able to say that I’ve played for Kairat and that I’m remembered by them as a star.

I hope that the country and its football can make progress compared with when I lived there and that they develop into a European power. Å Stuart Duff was speaking to Emanuele Giulianelli

Name Stuart Duff Date and place of birth 23 January 1982, Aberdeen, Scotland Position Midfielder, defender Clubs played for 1999–2008 Dundee United 2008–2010 Aberdeen 2009 Inverness CT (loan) 2010–2011 Inverness CT 2011–2012 Qormi 2012–2013 Kairat Almaty since 2014 Cove Rangers Scotland U-21 national team 10 caps

In Turning Point, personalities reflect on a decisive moment in their lives.

T H E F I FA W E E K LY

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MEN’S WORLD R ANKING

Argentina (unchanged) none none 15 Cambodia, China PR, Fiji, Japan, Korea DPR, Korea Republic (2 matches each) Rwanda (up 57 points) Fiji (up 17 ranks) Northern Ireland (down 34 points) Seychelles (down 7 ranks)

Leader Moves into top ten Moves out of top ten Matches played in total Most matches played Biggest move by points Biggest move by ranks Biggest drop by points Biggest drop by ranks Rank Team

+/- Points

Rank Team

+/- Points

Rank Team

+/- Points

Last updated: 3 September 2015

Rank Team

+/- Points

1 Argentina

0 1442

55 Paraguay

3

592

109 Lithuania

-2

294

163 Timor-Leste

0

130

2 Belgium

0 1269

56 Cape Verde Islands

-6

589

110 Azerbaijan

-4

291

164 Bhutan

0

128

3 Germany

0 1248

57 Korea Republic

-3

574

111 Namibia

0

284

165 Indonesia

0

121

4 Colombia

0 1224

58 Japan

-2

570

112 Bahrain

0

281

166 New Caledonia

1

120

5 Brazil

0 1209

59 Panama

6

551

113 Cuba

6

280

166 Suriname

-1

120

6 Portugal

0 1186

60 Mali

3

550

114 Mauritania

-1

273

168 Central African Republic

1

118

7 Romania

0 1176

61 Australia

0

548

115 Benin

-1

269

169 Malaysia

-1

115

8 Chile

2 1149

62 Equatorial Guinea

0

546

116 Kenya

0

268

170 Pakistan

1

105

9 Wales

0 1146

63 Gabon

1

535

116 St Vincent and the Grenadines

-1

268

171 Chad

1

100

10 England

-2 1143

63 Guinea

-3

535

118 Botswana

3

266

172 Dominica

1

98

11 Spain

0 1122

65 Congo DR

-6

529

119 Palestine

-1

256

173 Bangladesh

-3

95

12 Netherlands

0 1054

66 Serbia

0

528

119 St Kitts and Nevis

0

256

174 Laos

3

92

13 Austria

1 1038

67 Bolivia

0

521

121 Madagascar

1

251

175 Yemen

-1

90

14 Croatia

-1 1037

68 Bulgaria

1

503

121 Syria

-4

251

176 US Virgin Islands

0

88

15 Slovakia

-1 1013

69 Norway

-1

496

123 Dominican Republic

6

248

177 Maldives

-2

82

16 Italy

0 1012

70 United Arab Emirates

0

484

124 Moldova

3

245

178 Montserrat

0

74

17 Switzerland

0 1011

71 Uganda

3

478

125 Philippines

0

241

179 Chinese Taipei

0

72

18 Uruguay

0 1002

72 South Africa

0

469

126 Korea DPR

-2

237

180 Cambodia

19 Algeria

0

955

73 Burkina Faso

-2

468

127 Kuwait

-1

235

181 Fiji

20 Czech Republic

0

940

74 Zambia

-1

464

128 Lesotho

0

227

182 Tahiti

4

61

21 Côte d’Ivoire

0

924

75 Faroe Islands

0

459

128 Belize

-5

227

182 Brunei Darussalam

1

61

22 Denmark

3

901

76 Uzbekistan

0

453

130 Afghanistan

4

226

184 Sri Lanka

-2

59

23 Iceland

1

894

77 Montenegro

0

430

131 St Lucia

0

222

185 Mauritius

-4

56

24 France

-1

893

78 Rwanda

13

426

132 Bermuda

3

220

185 Nepal

-1

56

25 Albania

-3

878

79 Togo

1

418

133 Lebanon

-3

219

187 Macau

1

49

26 Mexico

0

848

80 Estonia

-2

405

134 Burundi

-2

218

187 Cayman Islands

2

49

27 Ghana

0

827

81 Honduras

0

404

135 Swaziland

-3

213

187 Solomon Islands

4

49

28 USA

1

823

82 Iraq

3

399

136 New Zealand

-1

209

190 Comoros

-4

48

29 Ukraine

1

812

83 Armenia

5

394

137 Thailand

2

201

190 São Tomé e Príncipe

-1

48

30 Bosnia and Herzegovina

-2

811

84 China PR

-5

393

137 Aruba

0

201

192 Seychelles

-7

43

0

66

17

64

31 Scotland

1

789

85 Morocco

-3

391

139 Nicaragua

5

198

193 San Marino

-1

40

32 Russia

-1

780

86 Cyprus

-4

386

140 Tanzania

0

195

194 Turks and Caicos Islands

-1

33

33 Tunisia

1

774

87 Haiti

-3

385

141 Luxembourg

4

194

195 British Virgin Islands

-1

27

34 Ecuador

2

764

88 Angola

1

381

142 Guinea-Bissau

0

191

196 Samoa

1

25

34 Poland

-1

764

89 Sudan

-2

377

143 Gambia

-1

189

197 Vanuatu

-1

23

36 Sweden

1

756

90 Latvia

-4

366

144 Barbados

-6

186

198 South Sudan

-3

22

37 Hungary

-2

740

91 Jordan

1

356

145 Kazakhstan

-4

184

199 American Samoa

1

17

38 Senegal

1

734

92 Finland

-3

351

146 Guam

0

182

199 Tonga

-1

17

39 Costa Rica

-1

731

93 Saudi Arabia

0

350

147 Georgia

7

180

201 Eritrea

2

8

40 Iran

1

716

94 Qatar

1

347

148 Curaçao

0

178

202 Mongolia

2

6

41 Northern Ireland

-1

687

95 Mozambique

2

340

149 Turkmenistan

0

172

202 Andorra

-1

6

42 Congo

1

671

96 Malawi

2

336

150 Liechtenstein

-3

171

202 Somalia

2

6

42 Cameroon

0

671

97 Belarus

-1

335

151 Hong Kong

0

169

205 Djibouti

1

4

44 Greece

0

657

98 Libya

-4

333

152 Vietnam

1

166

205 Cook Islands

1

4

45 Slovenia

1

653

98 Guatemala

10

333

152 Puerto Rico

-2

166

205 Papua New Guinea

-4

4

46 Israel

1

635

100 Oman

-1

329

154 Guyana

-2

165

208 Anguilla

0

0

46 Turkey

-1

635

101 Niger

1

326

155 Kyrgyzstan

1

160

208 Bahamas

0

0

48 Peru

1

628

102 Canada

-1

319

155 India

1

160

49 Egypt

3

619

103 Ethiopia

-4

313

157 Singapore

-2

159

50 Venezuela

-2

613

104 FYR Macedonia

-1

305

158 Grenada

2

155

51 Republic of Ireland

-1

605

105 Antigua and Barbuda

0

304

158 Tajikistan

0

155

52 Jamaica

3

602

105 Sierra Leone

-1

304

160 Liberia

1

154

53 Nigeria

0

599

107 El Salvador

3

300

160 Malta

-1

154

54 Trinidad and Tobago

2

594

108 Zimbabwe

0

298

162 Myanmar

0

142

38

T H E F I FA W E E K LY

http://www.fifa.com/worldranking/index.html

PUZZLE

Published weekly by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)

President Joseph S. Blatter

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EASY

Secretary General Jérôme Valcke

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5

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3

1

6

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3

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1

2

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4

MEDIUM

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Contributors to this Issue Emanuele Giulianelli, Franco Nicolussi, Peter Smith

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Production Hans-Peter Frei

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Editorial Assistants Alissa Rosskopf

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Contributors Ronald Dueker, Luigi Garlando, Sven Goldmann, Andreas Jaros, Jordi Punti, Thomas Renggli, David Winner, Roland Zorn

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HARD

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Printer Zofinger Tagblatt AG

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Contact feedback-theweekly@fifa.org

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Internet www.fifa.com/theweekly

Any views expressed in The FIFA Weekly do not necessarily reflect those of FIFA.

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Proof Reader Nena Morf (Lead), Martin Beran, Kristina Rotach

Reproduction of photos or articles in whole or in part is only permitted with prior editorial approval and if attributed “The FIFA Weekly, © FIFA 2015”. The editor and staff are not obliged to publish unsolicited manuscripts and photos.

FIFA and the FIFA logo are registered trademarks of FIFA. Made and printed in Switzerland.

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Art Direction Catharina Clajus

Translation www.sportstranslations.com

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Staff Writers Alan Schweingruber (Deputy Editor), Annette Braun, Sarah Steiner

Project Management Bernd Fisa, Christian Schaub

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Chief Editor Perikles Monioudis

Layout Richie Kroenert (Lead), Tobias Benz, Susanne Egli

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Director of Communications and Public Affairs Nicolas Maingot (a. i.)

Picture Editor Peggy Knotz, Christiane Ludena (on behalf of 13 Photo)

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T H E F I FA W E E K LY

Puzzles courtesy: opensky.ca/sudoku

Publisher FIFA, FIFA-Strasse 20, PO box, CH-8044 Zurich Phone +41-(0)43-222 7777, Fax +41-(0)43-222 7878

The objective of Sudoku is to fill a 9x9 grid with digits so that each of the numbers from 1 to 9 appears exactly once in each column, row and 3x3 sub-grid.

39

FOOTBALL FOR HOPE

Football for Hope is our global commitment to building a better future through football. To date, we have supported over 550 socially-responsible community projects that use football as a tool for social development, improving the lives and prospects of young people and their surrounding communities

To ďŹ nd out more, visit the Sustainability section on FIFA.com.