MEXICO CAPTURES 13TH CU20 CROWNJanuary 25 - Jamaica

Mexico outlasted Panama 4-2 on penalty kicks to capture the 2015 CONCACAF Under-20 Championship after their final ended in a 1-1 draw at the Montego Bay Sports Complex. Goalkeeper Jose Gonzalez made two saves in the shoutout, denying Edson Samms and Carlos Small on Panama’s two final shots of the tiebreaker. Guillermo Martinez, Alejandro Diaz, Erick Aguirre and Jose Robles converted their penalties for the Mexicans. Ismael Diaz and Fidel Escobar put their attempts away for Panama. Since both teams had already secured places in the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup, region bragging rights and a trophy were the prizes

at stake. Mexico drew first blood in the 50th minute, when Oscar Bernal failed to head a corner kick on goal. The ball went to Martinez, who beat goalkeeper Jaime de Garcia with a header of his own to the right post for a 1-0 advantage. It was the first goal Panama had conceded in the tournament, snapping a 500-minute shutout streak. The Canaleros equalized on a penalty kick in the 72nd minute after Bernal knocked down Diaz in the penalty area. Escobar converted the ensuing penalty kick past Gonzalez for his first goal of the competition. Both goalkeepers were sharp as they produced vital saves to keep their respective

sides in the match. The Tricolor had the first opportunity in the 19th minute, when Martinez banged a shot off the right post from the middle of the box. Gonzalez thwarted Samms in the 55th minute, before Escobar hit the crossbar from distance two minute later. The Panamanians continued to test Gonzalez from distance. Luis Pereira fired a shot that hit the ground and deflected off the right post in the 70th minute. De Gracia made a spectacular kick save on Martinez in the 78th minute and stopped an on-rushing Diaz at point-blank range two minutes into regulation stoppage time.

Mexico won a record-extending 13th CONCACAF Under-20 Championship title and its third straight.

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HIGHLIGHTS

SCOTIABANK JOINS CONCACAF AS OFFICIAL PARTNERDecember 9, 2014 - Mexico

CONCACAF announced an official partnership with Scotiabank, designating the international bank as title sponsor of the CONCACAF Champions League and official bank of the Confederation. The multi-year agreement makes Scotiabank the first official partner of CONCACAF, and covers multiple tournaments through 2018 including the region’s most important club competition – the CONCACAF Champions League –now to be known as the Scotiabank Champions League beginning February 2015 with the Championship Round of the on-going 2014-15 edition.

“I am extremely proud to welcome Scotiabank to the CONCACAF football family and commemorate this strategic partnership,” said CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb. “This agreement exemplifies the growing value of CONCACAF’s properties and demonstrates the trust and confidence in our Confederation.” Headquartered in Toronto, Scotiabank is Canada’s most international bank, with a presence in over 55 countries including Latin America, the Caribbean and parts of Asia. The Bank offers a broad range of products and services, including personal and

commercial banking, wealth management, corporate and investment banking, to over 21 million customers. “Scotiabank is proud of our deep roots and strong commitment in the CONCACAF regions – supporting customers, businesses and communities for over 180 years,” said John Doig, Scotiabank’s Chief Marketing Officer. “This partnership is a natural fit for Scotiabank. Football is a passion we share with our customers and we’re excited to support current and future football stars. We are looking forward to celebrating the sportsmanship and teamwork of this beautiful game.”

In addition to title sponsorship of the Champions League, Scotiabank becomes an official sponsor for the CONCACAF Gold Cup – the Confederation’s

flagship event for national teams – for 2015 and 2017.

Scotiabank will also support multiple additional CONCACAF tournaments through 2018, including 2016 Olympic Qualifying events, and men’s and women’s tournaments at the under-20 and under-17 levels, starting with the CONCACAF Men’s Under-20 Championship Jamaica 2015, set to kick off in January. The deal further includes sponsorship for the next two editions of the CFU Caribbean Cup and the UNCAF Central American Cup, as well as upcoming CONCACAF championships in Beach Soccer, Futsal and at

the Girls’ and Boys’ under-15 levels. The partnership was announced in an event hosted at the Mexican Stock Exchange in Mexico City, with the presence of special invited guests from the Mexican and international soccer community including Mexican Football Federation President Justino Compean. In addition to the participation of the President of the Mexican Football Federation and other dignitaries, players from Cruz Azul, the reigning champion of the CONCACAF Champions League, sent a video message

of support. The team was in Morocco, preparing to represent the region in the 2014 FIFA Club World Cup. The current edition of the newly-minted Scotiabank Champions League, a yearly regional championship disputed among the top club teams from countries across North America, Central America and the Caribbean, resumes in February 2015 with the Championship Round. Quarterfinal matches are set to take place in Canada, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico and the United States.

NAVAS, WAMBACH NAMED 2014 CONCACAF PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

December 23, 2014 - Miami

CONCACAF named Costa Rica’s Keylor Navas and Abby Wambach of the United States the 2014 CONCACAF Male and Female Players of the Year, as the Confederation revealed honorees in six different categories for the second-annual CONCACAF Awards. In an equally-weighted vote among Member Association women’s and men’s national team coaches and captains, media and fans, Real Madrid goalkeeper Navas comfortably outdistanced countryman Bryan Ruiz, the second-place finisher in the Male Player of the Year category. Wambach, who last year finished second to fellow U.S. international Alex Morgan in the Female Player of the Year vote, this year edged out Shirley Cruz of the Costa Rica Women’s National Team and club side Paris St. Germain (FRA) for the top women’s honor. In the other categories, Tim Howard (Everton & United States) was named as Goalkeeper of the Year for a second straight year, Jorge Luis Pinto won Coach of the Year for his exploits at the helm of the Costa Rican National Team, American Mark Geiger was named Referee of the Year and Bryan Ruiz’s historic World Cup strike against Italy in June was adjudged to be CONCACAF’s Goal of the Year. The CONCACAF Awards are designed to honor the year’s outstanding performers and achievements in confederation-sanctioned competitions involving national teams at all levels and age categories, including FIFA World Cup matches and qualifiers for both genders. Performances also eligible for recognition included those achieved in professional club football leagues within the CONCACAF Member Associations, as well as the CONCACAF Champions League. The votes of three important stake-holding segments within the Confederation were counted in compiling the results. Member Associations’ national team coaches and captains (women’s and men’s), accredited media and fans each accounted for one third of the final vote. A semifinal list of 10 nominees in each category was determined by a vote of Technical Directors from each of CONCACAF’s 41 Member Associations and the CONCACAF Technical Study Group, which analyzes tactics and rates performances at all official CONCACAF tournaments.

PLAYER OF THE YEARWINNER: Keylor Navas, Goalkeeper

(Real Madrid/ESP & Costa Rica)SECOND: Bryan Ruiz, Forward

(Fulham FC/ENG & Costa Rica)THIRD: Tim Howard, Goalkeeper

(Everton/ENG & United States)

Navas was the standout goalkeeper at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, and followed up that outstanding performance with a high profile transfer to La Liga heavyweight Real Madrid. FEMALE PLAYER OF THE YEARWINNER: Abby Wambach, Forward

(Western New York Flash/USA & United States)SECOND: Shirley Cruz, Midfielder

(Paris Saint Germain/FRA & Costa Rica)THIRD: Veronica Charlyn Corral

(Merilappi United/FIN & Mexico)

Wambach enjoyed an outstanding season for both club and country, highlighted by a four-goal performance in the championship match of the 2014 CONCACAF Women’s Championship, during which she led her nation to victory over second place finisher Shirley Cruz and Costa Rica.

GOALKEEPER OF THE YEARWINNER: Tim Howard

(Everton/ENG & United States)SECOND: Guillermo Ochoa

(Malaga/ESP & Mexico)THIRD: Keylor Navas

(Real Madrid/ESP & Costa Rica)While these three CONCACAF goalkeepers all shone in Brazil, Howard’s sensational play proved to be pivotal for the United States at the 2014 World Cup. In a 2-1 extra time knockout round loss to Belgium, the Everton goalkeeper set a World Cup individual game record for saves. COACH OF THE YEARWINNER: Jorge Luis Pinto (Costa Rica)SECOND: Luis Fernando Suarez (Honduras)THIRD: Oscar Ramirez (LD Alajuelense/CRC)Costa Rica’s exceptional quarterfinal run at the World Cup – coming up just short of the semis after a shootout loss to Holland – was more than enough to comfortably assure Pinto the CONCACAF Coach of the Year award. REFEREE OF THE YEARWINNER: Mark Geiger (USA)SECOND: Marco Antonio Rodriguez

(Mexico)THIRD: Walter Quesada (Costa Rica)Mark Geiger refereed three matches at the 2014 World Cup, including the Round of 16 match between France and Nigeria. He was also selected as the man in the middle for the 2014 MLS Cup earlier this month in Los Angeles. Geiger was additionally named 2014 Major League Soccer Referee of the Year.

GOAL OF THE YEARWINNER: Bryan Ruiz, Costa Rica v Italy,

44th minute (June 20, 2014)SECOND: Esteban Ramirez, Herediano v

Saprissa, 20th minute (November 2, 2014)THIRD: Joel Campbell, Costa Rica v Uruguay,

54th minute (June 14, 2014) After an opening match defeat of traditional South American power Uruguay, Bryan Ruiz’s 44th minute strike against Italy set Costa Rica on the road to another scalping of one of world football’s giants, and proved a pivotal moment in the CONCACAF side’s enthralling World Cup quarterfinal run.

CONCACAF ANNOUNCES 2015 GOLD CUP HOST CITIES, VENUES, GROUP SEEDS AND GROUP STAGE DATESDecember 16, 2014 - Miami

CONCACAF announced the 13 North American cities – Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Toronto – that will welcome the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup, next July 7-26. Venues, group seeds and group stage dates for the Gold Cup were also announced. The region’s marquee national team

tournament will again call on world-class venues for next year’s edition, including a mix of NFL stadiums across the country, along with soccer-specific stadiums home to Major League Soccer teams. “We would like to thank all cities and venues across the United States – and in fact North America as a whole --for their continued interest in our

Confederation’s marque event, the Gold Cup. We congratulate those which have been selected to host the 2015 edition,” said CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb. “The explosive growth of the game across CONCACAF has been on display recently on the world’s stage, and we now look forward to bringing this success home to our regional fans during our premier tournament.”

TEAMSTo date, eleven of the twelve national teams scheduled to participate have qualified for this year’s tournament. Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Trinidad & Tobago and the United States, in alphabetical order, will compete for the Confederation Crown in July.

The final spot will be decided in March through a play-in series between the fifth-place finisher of the 2014 UNCAF Central American Cup (Honduras) and the 2014 Caribbean Football Union Caribbean Cup (French Guyana). French Guyana will be home team for the first leg on March 25, while Honduras will host the return leg on March 29.

FACTS AND FIGURES

• Eleven of next year’s host venues have hosted previous editions of the Gold Cup: the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA (2013); M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD (2013); StubHub Center in Carson, CA (2005, 2007, 2009, 2011); Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC (2011); Soldier Field in Chicago, IL (2007, 2009, 2011, 2013); MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ (2011); Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA (2003, 2005, 2007, 2009); BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, TX (2013); Sporting Park in Kansas City, KS (2011); Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA (2009) and the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ (2009). Years in parenthesis denote previous years in which Gold Cup matches were played at each venue.

• Dallas’ Toyota Stadium – site of the kickoff for Gold Cup 2015 – and Toronto’s BMO Field will host Gold Cup games for the first time. The matches in Canada will mark the first time the Confederation’s flagship national team event has visited Canadian soil.

• The dates for Gold Cup matches scheduled for each group stage city were also announced, as well as the seeded nations which will head up each group: the United States

(Group A), Costa Rica (Group B), and Mexico (Group C). Seeded teams were determined based on current FIFA rankings.

• Kick Off: The United States will kick off the 2015 Gold Cup in Dallas’ Toyota Stadium on July 7, before moving on with the rest of Group A to Boston (Gillette Stadium, July 10) and Kansas City (Sporting Park, July 13).

• Costa Rica, the seeded team in Group B, begins play in Carson, CA (StubHub Center, July 8), then moves on to Houston’s BBVA Compass Stadium (July 11) and Toronto’s BMO Field (July 14).

• Mexico will anchor Group C and play in Chicago (Soldier Field) on July 9, Phoenix (University of Phoenix Stadium, July 12) and Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium on July 15.

• The Georgia Dome (Atlanta, GA), Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, PA), M&T Bank Stadium (Baltimore, MD) and MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ) will all host knockout round dates.

Taking place every two years, the Gold Cup is the official national team championship of the region, routinely drawing capacity crowds and millions of television viewers across

the region. Featuring the highest-level players from across the confederation, the tournament includes the three previous Gold Cup champions – Canada (1 Gold Cup),

Mexico (6), and the U.S. (5) – as well as the top finishers from the most recent Central American and Caribbean championship tournaments.

52014 DECEMBER / 2015 JANUARY4

2014 CONCACAF MEN’S U-17 CHAMPIONSHIP WORLD CUP QUALIFYINGSan Pedro Sula, Honduras

2014 CONCACAF MEN’S UNDER-17 CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULEDay 1 - Friday, February 27 (Francisco Morazan Stadium)14:30 UNCAF 3 vs Trinidad & Tobago17:00 USA vs Cuba19:30 Honduras vs Jamaica Day 2 – Saturday, February 28 (Olympic Stadium)14:30 Panama vs Mexico17:00 St. Lucia vs Costa Rica19:30 Canada vs Haiti Day 3 – Sunday, March 01 Rest Day

Day 4 – Monday, March 02 (Francisco Morazan Stadium)14:30 Jamaica vs. UNCAF 317:00 Trinidad & Tobago vs. USA19:30 Honduras vs. Cuba Day 5 – Tuesday, March 3(Olympic Stadium)14:30 Haiti vs. Panama17:00 Mexico vs. St. Lucia19:30 Canada vs. Costa Rica

Day 6 – Wednesday, March 4 Rest Day

Day 7 – Thursday, March 5(Francisco Morazan Stadium)14:30 Cuba vs. Jamaica17:00 UNCAF 3 vs. USA19:30 Honduras vs. Trinidad & Tobago

Day 8 – Friday, March 6(Olympic Stadium)14:30 Costa Rica vs. Haiti17:00 Panama vs. St. Lucia19:30 Canada vs. Mexico

Day 9 – Saturday, March 7 Rest Day

Day 10 – Sunday, March 8(Francisco Morazan Stadium)14:30 Trinidad & Tobago vs. Jamaica17:00 Cuba vs UNICAF 319:30 Honduras vs. USA Day 11 – Monday, March 9(Olympic Stadium)14:30 Mexico vs. Haiti17:00 Costa Rica vs. Panama19:30 Canada vs. St. Lucia

Day 12 – Tuesday, March 10 Rest Day Day 13 – Wednesday, March 11(Francisco Morazan Stadium)14:30 Trinidad & Tobago vs. Cuba17:00 USA vs. Jamaica19:30 Honduras vs. UNCAF 3 Day 14 – Thursday, March 12 (Olympic Stadium)14:30 Mexico vs. Costa Rica17:00 St. Lucia vs. Haiti19:30 Canada vs. Panama

Day 15 – Friday, March 13 Rest Day Day 16 – Saturday, March 14Rest Day

Day 17 – Sunday, March 15(Olympic Stadium)14:00 2nd vs. 3rd17:00 1st vs. 4th20:00 1A vs. 1B

DRAW DETERMINES GROUPS AND SCHEDULE FOR CONCACAF UNDER-17 CHAMPIONSHIP HONDURAS 2015December 8, 2014 - Honduras

CONCACAF conducted the draw for the CONCACAF Men’s Under-17 Championship Honduras 2015. At the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Cortes in San Pedro Sula, CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb opened proceedings that determined the groupings and match schedule for the tournament, which kicks off February 27. The draw was conducted with the assistance of Honduran national team World Cup veterans Carlos Pavon and Amado Guevara. The Olympic and Francisco Morazan

Stadiums will each play host to group phase matches, with the opening match to be played at the Morazan Stadium on February 27. The Olympic Stadium will host Group B and the final phase including the fifth and third-place matches, as well as the Grand Final, scheduled for March 15. The tournament will crown the Confederation champion at this age level, and qualify four teams to the FIFA Under-17 World Cup Chile 2015. The top team from each group after round-robin play advance to the World

Cup and the other two will be determined by the results of the final day elimination matches. The new CONCACAF Under-17 Men’s tournament format has increased the number of set games to five for each competing nation, up from two in previous editions of the Championship. The new format has been created to favor development and competition. Mexico is the defending CONCACAF under-17 champion, having claimed the title in the previous edition of the championship, in Panama in 2013.

(Home teams are listed first)

Quarter Final 1st Leg

Tuesday, February 24, 201508:00pmET / 07:00pm Local- Club Deportivo Olimpia (HON) vs CS Herediano (CRC)

10:00pmET / 09:00pm Local- Club de Fútbol Pachuca (MEX) vs Impact de Montreal (CAN)

Wednesday, February 25, 201509:00pmET / 08:00pm Local- Deportivo Saprissa (CRC) vs. Club América (MEX)

Thursday, February 26, 201508:00pmET / 07:00pm Local- Liga Deportiva Alajuelense (CRC) vs D.C. United (USA)

Quarter Final 2nd Leg

Tuesday, March 03, 201508:00pmET / 08:00pm Local- Impact de Montreal (CAN) vs Club de Fútbol Pachuca (MEX)

Wednesday, March 04, 201508:00pmET / 08:00pm Local- D.C. United (USA) vs Liga Deportiva Alajuelense (CRC)

10:00pmET / 08:00pm Local- Club América (MEX) vs Deportivo Saprissa (CRC)

Thursday, March 05, 201508:00pmET / 07:00pm Local- CS Herediano (CRC) vs Club Deportivo Olimpia (HON)

CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE HOME STADIUMS

Club de Fútbol Pachuca (MEX), Estadio Hidalgo, Pachuca, MEX

Deportivo Saprissa (CRC), Estadio Ricardo Saprissa, San Jose, CRC

Impact de Montreal (CAN) Stade Olympique, Montreal, CAN

D.C. United (USA), RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C., USA

Club Deportivo Olimpia (HON), Estadio Tiburcio Carias Andino, Tegucigalpa, HON

Liga Deportiva Alajuelense (CRC), Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto, Alajuela, CRC

CS Herediano (CRC), Estadio Eladio Rosabal Cordero, CRC

Club América (MEX), Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, MEX

2014/15 – QUARTER FINALS

Trinidad &TobagoHonduras

USAJamaica

CubaUNCAF 3

GROUP A

MexicoCanada

St LuciaHaiti

Costa RicaPanama

GROUP B

72014 DECEMBER / 2015 JANUARY6

ON THE FIELD

CONCACAF WCQ DRAW DETERMINES INITIAL PAIRINGSJanuary 16 - Miami

The initial phases of the CONCACAF Preliminary Competition for the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 are set. CONCACAF held the draw at the W Hotel South Beach, with the assistance of World Cup veterans from the region including Shaka Hislop (Trinidad & Tobago), Pavel Pardo (Mexico), Carlos Pavon (Honduras) and Tony Sanneh (USA), as well as Brazilian all-time great Ronaldo. The draw involved 27 of the 35 CONCACAF Member Associations seeking to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and determined the match-ups for the first two rounds of the five-round regional qualifying tournament, beginning this March and running through 2017.

Round Three will follow from August 31-September 8 of this year, and consists of another series of home-and-away match-ups featuring the ten Round Two series winners, joined by the two Member Associations

ranked 7 and 8 – Jamaica and Haiti. The final six CONCACAF Member Associations (Costa Rica, Mexico, United States, Honduras, Panama, and Trinidad & Tobago – in order of rank) will join the competition for Round Four, which consists of three groups of four teams and is scheduled to be played in a round-robin format between November 2015 and September 2016. Round Five, which will qualify three CONCACAF nations directly to the FIFA World Cup and provide a further intercontinental playoff spot for the fourth-placed team, will be played in the traditional six-team, hexagonal format among the top two teams from each Round Four group. This final round of World Cup Qualifying in CONCACAF is scheduled to be disputed from November 2016 to October 2017. The match-ups for Round Three, as well as seeds for Round Four of CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying, will be determined at the FIFA World Cup Qualifying Draw in St. Petersburg, Russia, on July 25, 2015.

Round One, which will be played in two legs on dates from March 23-31 of this year, features seven home-and-away series, among the CONCACAF Member Associations ranked 22-35 in the region in the FIFA rankings from August 2014 – the first ranking after the completion of the 2014 World Cup and, thus, the first of the 2018 World Cup cycle. The Round One series will be disputed between the following nations, with the team set to host the opening leg listed first:

Match 1 Bahamas v BermudaMatch 2 British Virgin Islands v DominicaMatch 3 Barbados v U.S. Virgin IslandsMatch 4 Turks and Caicos Islands v St. Kitts and NevisMatch 5 Nicaragua v AnguillaMatch 6 Belize v Cayman IslandsMatch 7 Curacao v Montserrat

Round Two of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying will be played from June 8-16, 2015, and features the seven winners from Round One plus thirteen additional national teams, which were drawn into the following ten pairings: Match 8 St. Vincent & the Grenadines v GuyanaMatch 9 Antigua & Barbuda v St. LuciaMatch 10 Puerto Rico v GrenadaMatch 11 Canada v Winner Match #2Match 12 Dominican Republic v Winner Match #6Match 13 Guatemala v Winner Match #1Match 14 Aruba v Winner Match #3Match 15 Winner Match #4 v El SalvadorMatch 16 Winner Match #7 v CubaMatch 17 Winner Match #5 v Suriname

SAN SALVADOR DRAW DEFINES GROUPS AND SCHEDULE FOR CONCACAF BEACH SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP EL SALVADOR 2015January 27 – El Salvador

CONCACAF conducted the draw for the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship El Salvador 2015. At the Intercontinental Real San Salvador, CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb opened

the proceedings that determined the groupings and match schedule for the tournament, which kicks off on March 28. “This event in El Salvador signifies a new era for CONCACAF as we prepare to host

the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup for the first time, in the Bahamas in 2017,” said President Webb. “CONCACAF beach soccer teams have demonstrated their outstanding abilities on the pitch, competing at the highest levels in this discipline. I convey my best wishes to all teams competing in the qualifiers, and challenge them to set their sights not only on the regional championship, but also on bringing the Beach Soccer World Cup home to CONCACAF this summer.” The Estadio de Fútbol Costa del Sol, located on the stretch of coastline known as the Costa de Sol, will play host to all of the matches of the championship, including the Grand Final on Saturday, April 4. The United States is the defending champion, having claimed the title in Nassau, Bahamas in 2013.

CONCACAF BEACH SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULEDay 1 – Saturday, March 28

Bahamas vs. BarbadosTrinidad & Tobago vs. GuadeloupeJamaica vs. Puerto RicoAntigua & Barbuda vs. USATurks & Caicos Islands vs. MexicoBelize vs. El Salvador Day 2 – Sunday, March 29Guatemala vs. PanamaTrinidad & Tobago vs. Turks & Caicos IslandsJamaica vs. BelizeUS Virgin Islands vs. Costa RicaMexico vs. GuadeloupeEl Salvador vs. Puerto Rico

Day 3 – Monday, March 30Guatemala vs. US Virgin IslandsBahamas vs. Antigua & BarbudaPuerto Rico vs. BelizeCosta Rica vs. PanamaUSA vs. BarbadosEl Salvador vs. Jamaica Day 4 – Tuesday, Match 31Panama vs. US Virgin IslandsBarbados vs. Antigua & BarbudaGuadeloupe vs. Turks & Caicos IslandsCosta Rica vs. GuatemalaUSA vs. BahamasMexico vs. Trinidad & Tobago

Day 5 – Wednesday, April 1Rest Day Day 6 – Thursday, April 2Quarterfinals1D vs. 2B1C vs. 2A1B vs. 2D1A vs. 2C Day 7 – Friday, April 3Semifinals Day 8 – Saturday, April 4Finals

FACTS AND FIGURES

• The draw sorted the sixteen participating countries into four groups of four teams each.

• In addition to the regional title, the 16 participating Member Associations are battling for one of two places in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Portugal 2015, to be played this July. The top two teams of each group will advance to the quarterfinals.

ON THE FIELDON THE FIELD

92014 DECEMBER / 2015 JANUARY8

CENTENNIAL CUP AMERICA 2016 VENUE SELECTION PROCESS DRAWS INTEREST FROM 24 METROPOLITAN AREAS ACROSS U.S.January 8 - Miami

CONCACAF, the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) and the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) revealed the 24 U.S. metropolitan areas which have indicated interest in hosting matches during the 2016 Centennial Cup America. These cities are planning to submit a proposal to the event’s Local Organizing Committee, U.S. Soccer, to host matches

during the historic centennial edition of the South American championship. The 2016 edition of tournament, which will take place in June, will mark the first time this world class event has been staged outside of South America. It is anticipated that between eight and 13 stadiums will ultimately be selected. One important factor in determining the

winning bids will be a recommended stadium seating capacity of at least 50,000, as this high-profile tournament is sure to draw multitudes of fans to each stadium selected. The deadline for the venues competing to host a portion of the tournament to submit a proposal is March 16, 2015. The winning communities will be announced in May.

“We are looking forward to taking the first step in the organization of this historic event that

will unite the Americas and the world in 2016. The unique opportunities that we have with the Centennial Cup

America, flanked by the 2015 and 2017 Gold Cups, will help set the stage to demonstrate how our region is

ready to welcome back another FIFA World Cup in 2026.”

- Jeffrey Webb, CONCACAF President

“This historic event is the best way to honor our football founders. It is also a unique opportunity to widen the

football landscape across the three Americas and to that matter, I would like to thank President Webb for his

vision to embark in this joint CONMEBOL and CONCACAF project.”

- Juan Angel Napout, CONMEBOL President

“The interest level from cities across the nation has been phenomenal. Everyone

understands the tournament will be a huge event during the summer of 2016 and it’s

exciting to see all of these cities putting together bids to be involved. While we’re just in the

beginning stages of preparing to serve as host, we already are starting to see the impact

and interest the tournament will have with soccer fans across the United States.”

- Sunil Gulati, U.S. Soccer President

FACTS AND FIGURES

• The 2016 Centennial Cup America, which will take place in June 2016, will feature six teams from the CONCACAF and all 10 teams from the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL).

• From CONCACAF, host United States and Mexico are automatic qualifiers, while Costa Rica (2014 Central

American Cup winner) and Jamaica (2014 CFU Caribbean Cup winner) qualified with regional championships last year. The final two teams from CONCACAF will be determined via a playoff to be held among the top four finishers at the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup not already qualified for the Centennial Cup America.

• The South American field for the tournament features Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. Uruguay is the standard bearer for Copa America titles, with 15 since the tournament began in 1916 as the South American Championship of Nations.

Arizona (1): PhoenixCalifornia (3): Los Angeles, San Diego, San FranciscoColorado (1): DenverDistrict of Columbia (1): Washington, D.C.Florida (3): Jacksonville, Orlando, TampaGeorgia (1): AtlantaIllinois (1): ChicagoIndiana (1): IndianapolisMaryland (1): Baltimore

Massachusetts (1): BostonMichigan (1): DetroitMissouri (2): Kansas City, St. LouisNew York/New Jersey (1): Greater New YorkOhio (1): ClevelandPennsylvania (1): PhiladelphiaTennessee (1): NashvilleTexas (2): Dallas, HoustonWashington (1): Seattle

ON THE FIELDON THE FIELD

112014 DECEMBER / 2015 JANUARY10

BAHAMAS WINS BID TO HOST 2017 FIFA BEACH SOCCER WORLD CUPDecember 19, 2014 - Miami

The Bahamas Football Association (BFA) was selected by the FIFA Executive Committee at its meeting in Marrakech, Morocco, as host of the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. This marks an important landmark in the history of the Caribbean as the Bahamas will become the first country in the region to host a senior FIFA tournament. “It is an honor and privilege for CONCACAF to welcome such an appropriate tournament to the Caribbean region,” said CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb. “Congratulations to the Bahamas Football

Association for their timely efforts in securing the bid to host the next FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. We wish them all the best in the ongoing preparations for this historic event and look forward to extending the Caribbean’s warmth and hospitality to all qualified teams in 2017.” Led by a strong vision of development, CONCACAF has been steadily gaining presence in the international football arena by promoting the progress of its Member Associations and committing to the full range of opportunities for growth. Beach Soccer has

gained increasing momentum and popularity since the first World Cup in 2005. “This is fantastic and welcomed news, not only for the football family of the BFA, but the Bahamas in general,” said Anton Sealey, President of the Bahamas Football Association. The Bahamas has hosted several recent sporting events, such as the 2013 CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship, the 2014 and 2015 International Association of Athletics Federation’s World Relays, as well as the 59th FIFA Congress in 2009.

CONCACAF’s four representatives at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup discovered their group stage opposition during the Final Draw at the Canadian Museum of History. Under the direction of FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke, and Tatjana Haenni, FIFA Deputy Director of the Competitions Division and Head of Women’s Football, the 24-team field was divided into six groups. Mexico will be making its third appearance in the tournament and will face Group F rivals France, England and Colombia, which it beat 2-0 in the final of last month’s Central American & Caribbean Games. The competition will take place June 6-July 5, 2015, in six cities across Canada: Ottawa, Moncton, Montreal, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Vancouver.

CONCACAF REPRESENTATIVES DISCOVER FIFA WWC DESTINYDecember 7, 2014 - Canada

CONCACAF – FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP CANADA 2015 SCHEDULEGROUP STAGE

DATE GROUP MATCH LOCATION

June 6, 2015 A Canada v China PR Edmonton

June 8, 2015 D USA v Australia Winnipeg

June 9, 2015 F Colombia v Mexico Moncton E Spain v Costa Rica Montreal

June 11, 2015 A Canada v New Zealand Edmonton

June 12, 2015 D USA v Sweden Winnipeg

June 13, 2015 F England v Mexico Moncto E Korea Republic v Costa Rica Montreal

June 15, 2015 A Netherlands v Canada Montreal

June 16, 2015 D Nigeria v USA Vancouver

June 17, 2015 F Mexico v France Ottawa E Costa Rica v Brazil Moncton

GROUP A:CANADACHINANEW ZEALANDNETHERLANDS

GROUP B:GERMANYIVORY COASTNORWAYTHAILAND

GROUP C:JAPANSWITZERLANDCAMEROONECUADOR

GROUP D: UNITED STATESAUSTRALIASWEDENNIGERIA

GROUP E: BRAZILSOUTH KOREASPAINCOSTA RICA

GROUP F: FRANCEENGLANDCOLOMBIAMEXICO

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ON THE FIELD

2014 DECEMBER / 2015 JANUARY12

ON THE FIELD

CLUB AMERICA WINS RECORD 12TH MEXICAN CROWNDecember 15, 2014 – Mexico

Club America defeated visiting Tigres 3-0 in the second leg of the 2014 Liga MX Apertura final to capture a record-breaking 12th domestic title, 3-1 on aggregate. Michael Arroyo struck in the first half, while Pablo Aguilar and Oribe Peralta added goals on the other side of the break to delight the crowd of 100,000 at the Estadio Azteca. In a match that saw the ejection of four players – three from Tigres and one from Club America – the host went ahead in the 36th minute. After gaining possession 40 yards from the Tigres net, Arroyo embarked on a rambling run into the left side of the box and without hesitation executed a stepover to create separation between Hugo Ayala and

himself. The Ecuadorian then drilled a left-footed shot past helpless goalkeeper Nahuel Guzman from four-yards out. The interval did nothing to slow down America, which remained on the attack and increased its advantage. In the 61st minute, Rubens Sambueza floated a free kick from distance into the right side of the Tigres box. The ball found Aguilar, whose header from nine yards looped over Guzman into the far-side netting to make it 2-0. That goal seemed to dent Tigres’ spirits as Hernan Dario Burbano (64’), only a minute after coming on as a substitute, and Damian Alvarez (67’) were issued straight red cards in rapid fashion. Burbano got his for denying Miguel Layun a clear scoring opportunity,

while Alvarez departed after it appeared that he attempted to punch Ventura Alvarado. Five minutes later, UANL was down to eight players, when Guzman was shown his second yellow card for tripping Arroyo just inside the box. Oribe Peralta added an insurance tally in the 78th minute, steering a right-footed effort past substitute goalkeeper Enrique Palos from 18-yards out. Seconds afterwards, America was reduced to 10 players following Luis Mendoza’s dismissal. The title is Club America’s second in the last four tournaments, while Tigres’ unbeaten streak ends at 15 games. Both sides have qualified for the 2015/16 CONCACAF Champions League.

152014 DECEMBER / 2015 JANUARY14

INSTITUTIONALON THE FIELD

CONCACAF UNVEILS FIRST EDITION OF DIVERSITY HANDBOOKJanuary 14 - Miami

In the continued effort to embrace and promote diversity as a key value of football, CONCACAF announced the launch of its first-ever Diversity Handbook. FIFA Vice President and CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb presented the publication to the 41 Member Associations during a FIFA Club Licensing Seminar held in Miami. The seminar focused on promoting the new club licensing development tools for all leagues (men’s and women’s) and clubs in the region, as well as educating members on the steps they need to follow in order to implement club licensing in their territories.

“Diversity and inclusion are drivers of growth and critical to achieving our mission of

developing the game,” said Webb. “I’m confident that this Diversity Handbook will

contribute to the enrichment of our sport, while building solid education foundations for the

next generations to embrace inclusiveness and to respect every individual regardless of any

dimension of diversity.”

The Diversity Handbook is an integral part of CONCACAF’s Embrace Diversity campaign and a valuable resource that will

serve as an educational guide for the football community. The book’s overarching goal is to provide a broad perspective on diversity, equality and inclusion. It offers tools to expand the vision of acceptance and inclusiveness on and off the field, while providing an understanding of the need for action, control measures and vigilance. “The universal nature of football demands us to educate and be inclusive as our sport is in a unique position to foster a positive social change within the game and society, especially with the youth,” added Webb. “This handbook is an important step to empower all members of the football family to preserve the game’s universality, while eliminating barriers that may affect its integrity.” The handbook has been meticulously researched with extensive information cited from leading organizations including the United Nations, UNICEF, FARE, Kick It Out, CONAPRED, Show Racism The Red Card, and The Non-Violence Project, among others. These organizations have been at the forefront of identifying and educating on best practices for the promotion of diversity, equality and inclusion.

The comprehensive guide contains key areas:Prevention and Education: This section presents valuable tools necessary to educate, identify and prevent incidents within football. It features activities designed with key concepts and case studies on the importance of diversity and inclusiveness. Control and Compliance: This section offers an overview of the measures and mechanisms that are vital in not only protecting the players, but the integrity of the game as a whole. It includes the Anti-Racism and Discrimination resolutions approved by Member Associations during the 63rd FIFA Congress in 2013, in addition to the CONCACAF Protocol for Racist Incidents during Matches, among other assets.

Launched in July 2013, the Embrace Diversity campaign was developed as a first step to prevent and control discriminatory behavior within the CONCACAF region. The goal of this campaign is to provide a unified and influential voice in promoting integration within the football community and society.

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INSTITUTIONALINSTITUTIONAL

“There are thousands of games played around the world every year, yet we are only addressing probably 1% of those with unfortunate incidents of discrimination. We should

also recognize some of the great work and respect amongst individuals portrayed in all other 99% of games. Ultimately, this is about collective responsibility and solutions.”

- CONCACAF President, Jeffrey Webb

“It was an interesting discussion about concrete measures to combat racism and discrimination. Together with FIFA and the other stakeholders, we are developing

a plan that will encompass all areas concerning the fight against discrimination.” - Alexander Djordjadze, Deputy CEO of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™

Local Organizing Committee

The Task Force involves representatives from diverse stakeholder backgrounds such as United Nations, NGOs, players, coaches, referees, media, legal and Member Associations, among others. Discrimination is an issue that impacts heavily on the image and enjoyment of the game. The Task Force was also handed for their review and feedback the first edition of CONCACAF Diversity Handbook, which gathers educational information and practical resources from leading international organizations to promote inclusiveness within the football family. For their collaboration and efforts, Webb

thanked all Task Force members and guests who attended the meeting while emphasizing that “there are thousands of games played around the world every year, yet we are only addressing probably 1% of those with unfortunate incidents of discrimination. We should also recognize some of the great work and respect amongst individuals portrayed in all other 99% of games. Ultimately, this is about collective responsibility and solutions.” Present at the meeting were Chairman Jeffrey Webb; Deputy Chairman Jacques Anouma, FIFA Vice President Senes Erzik; Russia Chief of Anti-Discrimination Section at United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Yury

Boychenko; AIPS President Gianni Merlo; CEO of Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) Piara Powar; politician, anti-Apartheid activist and founder of Global Watch, Tokyo Sexwale; Chairman of FIFA Disciplinary Committee, Dr. Claudio Susler; FIFpro Secretary General Theo Van Seggelen; and FIFA Referee Howard Webb. Guest consultants present were: Deputy CEO of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee Russia, Alexander Djordjadze; UEFA Disciplinary Service, Legal Counsel, Véron Mosegno– Omba; Independent Non-Executive Director of the Board of The FA, Heather Rabbatts; and former international player, Jason Roberts.

CONCACAF APPOINTS DENONCOURT AS DIRECTOR OF REFEREEINGDecember 11, 2014 - Miami

CONCACAF announced the appointment of Sonia Denoncourt as Director of Refereeing. In her role, Denoncourt will lead all aspects of refereeing within the Confederation, which also involves directing the functions of the Heads of Refereeing in the Central American Football Union (UNCAF) and the Caribbean Football Union (CFU). “Ms. Denoncourt not only brings a vast global knowledge of the refereeing arena, but also a solid vision to gear, advance and professionalize the region,” said CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb. “Refereeing has an

extremely important role within the game. We are confident that her guidance will reinforce education and training, overcoming the intrinsic challenges of this fundamental position.” Evaluating and elevating the region’s referees performance is an important objective on the CONCACAF agenda. Denoncourt will be key in the implementation of a performance-based plan that supports referee development at multiple levels by providing them with exceptional training, identifying opportunities for growth and, ultimately,

promoting them to FIFA status. Denoncourt’s extensive experience includes serving as FIFA’s Head of Women’s Referee Development and Refereeing Senior Manager. Prior to joining FIFA in 2005, she was the Director of Referee Development for the Canadian Soccer Association (2001-05). In 1994, Denoncourt made history by becoming the first female referee to obtain a FIFA international badge. She later became the first woman to referee men’s first division matches in El Salvador and Brazil.

FIFA TO STRENGTHEN MONITORING AND PREVENTION OF DISCRIMINATION IN FOOTBALLDecember 2, 2014 – Switzerland

The Anti-Racism and Discrimination Task Force, chaired by FIFA Vice President and CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb, met at the Home of FIFA to discuss the strategy for strengthening education and sanction measures within football. The Task Force was presented a concrete action plan to reinforce monitoring and evidence-finding mechanisms to tackle discriminatory incidents in football under FIFA’s jurisdiction, including the appointment and training of anti-discrimination officers for upcoming tournaments.

“It is shocking to see how we still face cases of discrimination in football on a regular basis,” said Webb. “The appointment and training of anti-discrimination officers as well as the publication of a handbook of good practices will be two important steps in the fight against racism and all forms of discrimination. Both measures send out a concrete message. Now we need the full support from clubs, member associations, NGOs and campaign groups.” Further measures in the fight against discrimination include the publication of

a handbook of good practices that will be distributed to FIFA member associations in 2015, guiding them to foster diversity and anti-discrimination in football in their respective countries. The handbook will include information and best practices on policy, education, sanctions and cooperation with civil society partners. The Task Force also agreed on the importance to use the 2018 FIFA World Cup as a platform to raise awareness on the issue and showcase FIFA’s zero tolerance policy against any form of discrimination.

“The Anti-Racism and Discrimination Task Force and Jeffrey Webb, as its Chairman, have the full support of FIFA and its administration.”

- Jérôme Valcke, FIFA Secretary General

“The topics that were discussed today are very relevant, starting with the practical measures that need to be taken against racism and discrimination – and the Chairman

brought to us today very concrete elements that we may hold ourselves accountable to.” - Tokyo Sexwale, politician, anti-Apartheid activist and founder of Global Watch

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INSTITUTIONAL INSTITUTIONAL

PRESIDENT WEBB ADDRESSES FENAFUTH CONGRESSJanuary 29 - Honduras

Reform, transparency and continued development were key topics addressed by CONCACAF President and FIFA Vice President Jeffrey Webb at the Federación Nacional Autónoma de Fútbol de Honduras (FENAFUTH) Congress. “This Congress demonstrates the power of Honduras’ football and the remarkable efforts of its current administration to continuously drive the growth of sport, elevating it to global standards,” said Webb. “Honduras is a significant hub for the development of football in the CONCACAF region and I am confident that FENAFUTH

will continue to invest in its development programs.” “Our Congress represents the accomplishments of the Federation over the past 12 months – from a financial and tangible standpoint,” said Callejas.

During its two-day stay, the CONCACAF delegation visited FIFA Goal Projects 1 and 4, which are in their final stages of completion.

“Our administration has come very far, achieving all the goals we set for ourselves since the beginning. I am very proud that we have successfully reinvested in our sport over the years and are now in position to see the

continual development and advancement of football in Honduras.” -Rafael Callejas, FENAFUTH President

CONCACAF HOSTS SECOND CARIBBEAN PREMIER LEAGUE TASK FORCE MEETINGJanuary 23 - Jamaica

CONCACAF held the second meeting of the Caribbean Premier League Task Force, hosted by CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb and General Secretary Enrique Sanz. The meeting, which took place in Montego Bay during the CONCACAF Under-20 Championship finals, was attended by regional and international experts from various areas of the football industry, including Former Prime Minister of Jamaica and Chairman of Jamaica’s Premier League, the Most Honorable Edward Seaga, Premier League Chairman Richard Scudamore, MLS Commissioner Don Garber, and Liga MX President Decio De Maria, among other important figures in regional football. “This meeting signifies another step that CONCACAF has taken to evaluate the viability of a Caribbean league,” said Webb. “We would all agree that to continue with

the advancement of football in the Caribbean region we must improve the foundation of the sport and develop necessary infrastructures and talents.” The Task Force opened proceedings by reviewing the report of a detailed regional stadium infrastructure study commissioned by CONCACAF. The study revealed a group of countries that could host and participate in a potential Caribbean Premier League based on their existing facilities. The study consisted of visits to four countries and nine stadiums and also recommended additional visits to other markets with 5,000-plus capacity venues. Among the many topics discussed was the initial Caribbean Professional League viability report, created by Rethink Management Group, a renowned consultancy firm focused on advising football entities internationally.

The presented report led to the discussion on the positives and negatives of potential competition formats and their correlated financial models. Chief Executive of the Premier League, Mr. Richard Scudamore said: “The excellent work that the Task Force has already done provided a very good basis for our discussions. The Premier League is honored to be involved and will assist in any way it can to bring this initiative of President Webb and his colleagues to reality.” The Caribbean Premier League Task Force concluded the meeting by commissioning additional studies, including one focused on an in-depth analysis of the Caribbean sports market, specifically on existing sporting events from a ticket sales, sponsorship and TV broadcast metrics.

CONCACAF CARIBBEAN PREMIER LEAGUE TASK FORCEChairman: Yves Jean Bart, President Haitian Football Federation

Members:Honorable Dr. Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada

Richard Scudamore, Chief Executive Premier League

Damien Hughes, Caribbean Football Union General Secretary

Simon Firth, Partner, Maples and Calder, Cayman Islands

Don Garber, Commissioner, Major League Soccer

Edward Seaga, former Prime Minister of Jamaica and Chairman of Jamaica’s Premier League

David J. Williams, Owner/President of W Connection Football Club, Trinidad and Tobago

Decio de Maria, President Liga MX

Randy Harris, President Barbados Football Federation

James Johnson, FIFA

Kieran Foley, Group Head Marketing, Digicel

Shaka Hislop, Football Commentator and Ex-Trinidad & Tobago National Team Player

Honourable Randolph Horton, Speaker of the House of Assembly of Bermuda

Jefferson Slack, Senior Vice President, Global Business Development, Football, IMG

BARBADOS FA, UWI AGREE TO PARTNERSHIPJanuary 21 - Barbados

The Barbados Football Association (BFA) and the University of the West Indies (UWI) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that addresses a variety of items that promise to benefit both organizations. Present for the signing was the Randy Harris, BFA President; Sir Hilary Beckles, Pro Vice Chancellor; Amanda Reifer, Head of the Academy of Sports Cave Hill; and Roland Butcher, Head of Coaches in the Academy of Sports. In what is to be a long term mutual

partnership for developing football in Barbados, Reifer said, “This agreement speaks to hosting of workshops and conferences, FIFA certified coaching courses, staging of tournaments at the Usain Bolt Sporting Complex, access to our sports labs in biomechanics and exercise physiology for testing and research.” President Harris welcomed the union between the BFA and the university. He indicated that the MOU would allow for Barbados’ national teams to use the University of the West Indies facility for international games and premier league fixtures.

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DEVELOPMENT

GOAL PROJECT BOOSTS U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS FOOTBALLJanuary 17 - U.S. Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands Soccer Federation (USVISF) marked a milestone, as CONCACAF President and FIFA Vice President Jeffrey Webb officially opened its first FIFA Goal Project. “The completion and opening of the new Administrative Headquarters for the U.S. Virgin Islands Soccer Federation will certainly provide further development opportunities for the islands,” said Webb. “The Federation’s strategic plans align with our vision for development and growth and I look forward to seeing the continued advancement of football in the U.S. Virgin Islands.” During the two-day visit, Webb attended a boys and girls grassroots festival at the new headquarters in addition to meeting with Government officials and several members of the USVISF. He also congratulated them on

harvesting a high level of support for football on all the islands. “Under the leadership of USVISF President Hillaren Frederick, our sport has grown tremendously in the areas of administration and development, focusing on improving technical and governance aspects,” Webb added. Frederick thanked the CONCACAF President for his visit and reiterated the importance of completing the project’s first phase.

“Having a solid base for their daily operations is the first step in the long term strategic vision and plans for the Federation,” said Frederick. “I convey my appreciation to CONCACAF and FIFA for their support, and look forward to building on this foundation to raise the profile of football in the USVI.” The USVISF has also started the initial planning stages of its second FIFA Goal Project, a technical center that is expected to be completed within a year.

CONCACAF GIRLS GRASSROOTS COURSE HELD IN ANTIGUADecember 8, 2014 – Antigua & Barbuda

The Antigua & Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) completed it’s first-ever CONCACAF Girls Grassroots Course at the Antigua Recreation Ground. The program focused coaching instruction and culminated with a Grassroots Festival.

“Be representatives of the ABFA, not only on the field, but off the field,” said ABFA President Everton Gonsalves in an address to the participating coaches and ABFA executives at the closing ceremony. “Loyalty, integrity, principles of good governance, discipline, good

behavior that is what the ABFA is asking you to accentuate. Work hard, encourage fair play, help the younger ones, help your peers and, certainly, the older ones.” The girls’ course was the third conducted by CONCACAF in 2014.

FUTSAL REFEREE INSTRUCTOR COURSE IN COSTA RICADecember 19, 2014 – Costa Rica

Under the auspices of the FIFA Referees Assistance Program (RAP), a four-day course for futsal referee instructors concluded. Hosted in conjunction with the Costa Rican Football Federation, 20 participants from 18 countries across the globe convened in the Central American nation to receive instruction on a multitude of topics. The program was led by Fernando Tresaco,

FIFA’s head of referee development, and instructor Jesus Rubio, assisted by Serdar Akcer. They were joined by Jaime Yarza (FIFA Senior Manager of Futsal and Beach Soccer Competitions), Ronald Gutierrez (FIFA RAP Development Officer), Dominic Chielens (FIFA Refereeing Department Coordinator) and Victor Estrada (UNCAF Development Officer).

A variety of methods were utilized to address subject areas, which included assessor reporting, game analysis, rules and game analysis.

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