Relishing the challenge

Changed path
"I love the smell of the pitch," said Erel, who changed path in his distinguished football career four years ago after 22 years with the Israel Football Association (IFA), where he was general secretary. "I get a buzz and excitement for football, and there are moments that are unforgettable."

'Very privileged'
He continued: "Fifteen years ago, I was a delegate at a Juventus [FC] match, and I was sitting at a dinner next to Roberto Bettega, who for me was always a great hero. Thirty years ago as a youngster, I could only dream of sitting next to such a great player. I feel very much privileged to be close to the top of football and to meet such big names."

Tight ship
As one of UEFA's seven directors, Erel runs a tight ship at the European governing body's headquarters in Nyon. Together with nearly 30 colleagues, he is responsible for a diverse palette of UEFA tasks. He helps oversee UEFA's competitions and draws; the registration and control of players, stadiums and matches; refereeing and delegate matters; management of UEFA events; and the UEFA fair play campaign.

Challenging task
"It's a very challenging task to be part of this organisation," said Erel. "I feel very comfortable dealing with competition operations, and there is a lot to be done in this area. We have a very good team - every day is a new challenge."

Vast experience
His vast experience stands him in good stead. Erel was general secretary of the IFA at the age of 28, and oversaw a period of massive development during which Israel was accepted into the European football family.

Israel work
"A lot of development went on over those 22 years," he reflected. "The association's administration developed from a very small and slim organisation to a very modern association, fully computerised and situated in very modern facilities which are the envy of other associations, [plus] ownership of a national stadium. The highlight was the integration of the Israel FA into UEFA and I am very proud to have been part of this campaign.

Recent successes
"I think football in Israel is improving, the football being played is much better than some years ago, and the clubs are becoming much more professional. I'm very happy to see that Israeli clubs are playing at the top level in Europe."

UEFA’s future
And how does Erel see UEFA's future after a period of huge development for the European body? "We have to look forward, and maintain and improve our service to the football family. I think that one of our major tasks will be to ensure that football is secured economically," said Erel, who considers the UEFA club licensing system, to be introduced from 2004/05, a crucial step.

Artificial turf
One area in which Erel's UEFA division is closely involved is artificial turf, currently the subject of an extensive UEFA research programme with a view to using artificial pitches in European competitions. Six venues will have UEFA-approved turf within a pilot project.

Positive research
"I must say that the medical research we have collected so far has been very positive," Erel said. "It is very encouraging that there are less injuries to players. Nevertheless, it is still too early to judge, but I also hear positive voices from among the technicians, that is a good sign. There are a lot of advantages – by having artificial turf, we can guarantee equal conditions for both teams."

'Smell of football'
"I like the smell of football and the pitch," he added. "But artificial turf doesn't smell like grass – perhaps manufacturers will take this into account in the future!”