Big names at Nyon forum

Coaching legends
The star-studded lineup, which will meet on Friday, includes some of the game's coaching legends, who are gathering to discuss the current state of European club football with senior UEFA officials.

Big names
Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United FC), Arsène Wenger (Arsenal FC), José Mourinho (Chelsea FC), Felix Magath (FC Bayern München), Fabio Capello (Juventus FC), Carlo Ancelotti (AC Milan), Claudio Ranieri (Valencia CF) and Paul Le Guen (Olympique Lyonnais) are among the big names invited to this major event heralding the start of the new UEFA club competition season. The full list of attendees has yet to be finalised.

Annual event
The forum, which has become an annual event, is considered by UEFA as an ideal opportunity for top club coaches to discuss issues of mutual interest in an informal setting, and to exchange ideas away from their normal high-pressure environment.

Views and feedback
UEFA takes note of the views and feedback given by these experienced coaches, and has implemented certain recommendations put forward by the forum in recent years - including the abolition of the sudden-death golden goal in extra time.

Club competitions
This year, the coaches will be asked to give their views on the 2003/04 UEFA club competitions, and in particular the first UEFA Champions League tournament under the new format introduced for last season. The revamped format – one group stage followed by a 16-team knockout round – was welcomed by the coaches who attended last year's Nyon forum.

Club versus country
Other items on the agenda this week include the ongoing club versus country debate, and how a balance can be found between the requirements of the clubs who employ the élite players, and the needs of the national associations in having these players available for national teams.