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Developing football in Liechtenstein

Hosting the UEFA European Under-19 Championship was a landmark for Liechtenstein.

The Rheinpark Stadium in Vaduz, home to Liechtenstein's senior national team
The Rheinpark Stadium in Vaduz, home to Liechtenstein's senior national team AFP via Getty Images

Overview

The Liechtenstein Football Association (LFV) represents one of the smallest UEFA member nations, but has big ambitions nonetheless as it strives to harness the power of football to bring people into the game, and help important social causes.

Currently under construction, the LFV Campus in Schaan will represent a big step up, providing a focal point for football development in the Principalty. It will include another venue to complement the national Rheinpark Stadium, with the new arena set to become home to the nation's youth and women’s national teams.

The LFV’s ‘Frauen am Ball 2026‘ strategy is bringing more female players into the game, while other strategies are targeting the next generation. A newly-established network of expert youth coaches is working with all of Liechtenstein's clubs, looking to bed in a co-ordinated national coaching philosophy and keep in regular contact with all of the Principalty’s most promising youngsters.

"We want to use the global power of our game and people's fascination with football to inspire Liechtenstein and give everyone the chance to get involved."

Hugo Quaderer, LFV president

"Highly motivated and working with our international partners, we are following our strategy to build a strong foundation for this wonderful sport to pass on to our children."

Peter Jehle, LFV general secretary

UEFA support

UEFA HatTrick funds have helped in the establishment of a national training centre in Ruggell, which involved upgrading existing facilities and constructing a new two-storey block, including dressing rooms, offices and meeting rooms for the men's and women's senior teams. Equipped with four pitches, multiple dressing rooms, a skills arena and a beach soccer court, the centre is a core component of the LFV's 'Gemeinsam.2026' (Together.2026) football strategy.

Plans are now under way to set up the LFV Campus in Schaan, with five full-sized pitches (three natural turf, two artificial) plus mini-pitches and facilities for 9-a-side and 7-a-side football. Together with the training centre in Ruggell, the LFV Campus will provide a range of opportunities for youth and amateur football in Liechtenstein and support the training and education of all the LFV national teams.

Association history

1932 Four of Liechtenstein’s seven senior clubs, who compete in the Swiss league system, are founded: Vaduz are followed by Balzers, Triesen and Schaan (1932). Ruggell (1958), USV Eschen-Mauren (1963) and Triesenberg (1972) are founded later. 1934 The Liechtenstein Football Association (Liechtensteiner Fussballverband or LFV) is founded. 1946 The LFV organises the first Liechtensteiner Cup, Triesen beating Vaduz in the inaugural final. Vaduz, Balzers, Triesen, Schaan, Ruggell, Eschen-Mauren and Triesenberg – and their reserve teams – continue to feature in the competition. 1974 The LFV joins UEFA and FIFA, enabling the association to play its part in the football family. 1998 The Rheinpark Stadium, built to FIFA and UEFA specifications, opens; it has 6,127 covered seats. 2001 Vaduz are promoted to the professional ranks of Swiss football's second tier, the Challenge League. They are Liechtenstein’s only fully professional outfit. 2003 Liechtenstein stages its first UEFA tournament, the UEFA European Under-19 Championship. 2008 Vaduz win promotion to the Swiss top flight for the 2008/09 season; they return to that top level for the 2014/15 campaign. Meanwhile, in the same summer, Liechtenstein, which borders host nations Austria and Switzerland, provides support venues for UEFA EURO 2008. 2009 The LFV celebrates its 75th anniversary with a glamour friendly against Portugal, followed by a U16 mini-tournament pitting the hosts against Switzerland, Germany and Austria, and a gala evening for the entire football family. 2010 In May, the Principalty hosts the UEFA European Under-17 Championship. 2022 Vaduz make it to the group stage of the UEFA Europa Conference League: a first for any Liechtensteiner side. Present day

National team history

1982 Liechtenstein's senior national team make their debut in a 1-0 defeat against Switzerland in Balzers on 9 March. 1994 Liechtenstein make their competitive bow in EURO '96 qualifying: a 4-1 loss to Northern Ireland on 20 April. Daniel Hasler scores the historic consolation goal. 1998 Liechtenstein compete at the finals of the UEFA European Under-16 Championship in Scotland. On 14 October that year, the senior national team record their first victory, beating Azerbaijan 2-1 in Vaduz. 2003 Liechtenstein hosts its first UEFA final tournament; the UEFA European Under-19 Championship. Present day

Hugo Quaderer
Hugo Quaderer©LFV

President

Hugo Quaderer

Nationality: Liechtensteiner
Date of birth: 22 March 1965
Association president since: 2015

Peter Jehle
Peter Jehle©LFV

General secretary

Peter Jehle 

Nationality: Liechtensteiner
Born: 22 January 1982
General secretary since: 2018

Liechtenstein Football Association website