FFA hosts second phase of UEFA Club Licensing Exchange programme
From June 9 to 11, the Football Federation of Armenia (FFA) hosted representatives of UEFA and the Latvian Football Federation as part of the second phase of the UEFA Club Licensing Exchange Programme. The first phase of the programme took place in Latvia in February, while the final stage is scheduled for July in Switzerland.
In addition to the introductory sessions of the three-day seminar, FFA staff members and experts delivered a series of thematic and informative presentations. Discussions focused on club licensing operations and core principles, the six mandatory licensing criteria, the functions of decision-making bodies, and the organization of football governance processes. Participants also reviewed the development of women's football in Armenia, the final results of the annual SGS audits, communication channels with clubs, and existing challenges within the licensing system.
Particularly productive discussions were held on clubs' financial documentation and compliance requirements, during which specialists provided comprehensive answers to key questions raised by participants.
The guests were also given a tour of the FFA Technical Centre / Football Academy, where they were introduced to the federation’s sporting and administrative infrastructure, including football pitches, the futsal hall, gym, swimming pool, and conference facilities.
"I would like to thank the FFA and the licensing team for organizing such a seminar. The main goal of UEFA's exchange programme is to share experience and build professional relationships that will continue in the future. During these days, we listened to high-quality presentations, gained a better understanding of the Armenian licensing system, and had the opportunity to discover your beautiful country. The visit to the FFA Technical Centre / Football Academy was particularly impressive. The infrastructure is outstanding. It is rare to see such a high-level complex, featuring accommodation for more than 90 people, numerous natural and artificial pitches, a swimming pool, and other sports facilities. It is remarkable that a relatively small federation can possess such extensive resources for football development. This can also serve as inspiration for our Latvian colleagues as they plan future projects. We felt at home here," said Thomas Zieten, Compliance Manager at UEFA's Club Licensing and Financial Sustainability Unit.
"I would like to thank UEFA for selecting both us and Armenia for this programme. It is a perfect match: Armenia and Latvia are countries and federations of a similar scale in terms of population and other indicators, and we face many of the same challenges in club football. This seminar was true teamwork, just like football itself. We discussed the most complex issues in the financial and legal fields. In addition, we explored topics that are relatively new for both of us, such as social and environmental responsibility. Most importantly, through active discussions, we found solutions to several challenges we face. The organizational work was simply excellent. We had set a high standard in Riga, but our Armenian colleagues raised it to an exceptional level," emphasized Arturs Salnikovs, Head of the Licensing Department of the Latvian Football Federation.
