Aigner underlines delegates' importance

UEFA Chief Executive Gerhard Aigner has said that the role of the UEFA delegate has become a vital part of the European body's operations in modern-day football.

Nyon course
Mr Aigner was addressing participants at the fourth course for UEFA match delegates and referee observers, which is being held on Tuesday and Wednesday at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland.

Neutral representative
UEFA organises practically all international matches in Europe, and in order to ensure the smooth running of its competitions – be it the UEFA European Championship, the UEFA Champions League, or youth, Futsal and women's matches – all matches played under UEFA's auspices are observed and controlled by a neutral delegate.

'Highest sporting authority'
UEFA is represented by at least one delegate at each such match, and when more representatives are assigned, one person carries out the delegate's task, and the other acts as an referee observer and 'chaperone' to the referee's team. "The delegate is the highest sporting authority at a UEFA game - he has to be an ambassador, a diplomatic representative of our organisation," said Mr Aigner.

'Link with UEFA headquarters'
"At the same time, he is a regulator, a troubleshooter and critical observer, and in certain cases, a judge. He has to ensure the link with UEFA headquarters, be able to chair meetings at the venue, and he may have to act as an intermediary between the two delegations involved in a game."

Changed role
Mr Aigner told the course that the report and feedback given to UEFA by a match delegate was crucial nowadays in the European football body's decision-making process. "The task and role of the official delegate has changed tremendously over recent years," said the UEFA CEO. "While in the past, the appointment was considered as a gesture, an invitation to attend a game, this is no longer the case."

Public and media focus
"Football has grown in importance, and European matches are crucial for the existence of many clubs and our associations. The European competitions are the centre of focus for the public and the media.

Proper feedback
"The reports that are delivered by delegates determine the quality of the work provided by UEFA, our disciplinary bodies, the Referees' Committee and other areas. Only proper feedback can enable us to act, react and adjust to new developments, and take quick decisions if necessary."