FIFA To Issue First Ever Accredited Diploma Certificate For Technical Directors

Sports - کھیل اور کھلاڑی , / Sunday, January 15th, 2023

RahbarKisanIntl Doha: FIFA will be starting 18 month long accredited course for technical directors from May this year. First ever diploma certificate by FIFA will be issued by end of 2024, says Jamie Houchen, Head of Technical Leadership, Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).

He said that first ever Technical Director accredited qualification course will be conducted with 24 participants from six federations around the world. This course will be held in four different positions, taking place in May 2023 at Brazil,  2^nd block in Germany, 3^rd in Japan and 4^th in Switzerland. There will be in between six months gap for on-line training for technical directors.

The employment of a Technical Director is compulsory as per FIFA guidelines for each member association. FIFA try to keep closer relations with the technical directors through a variety of methods since the position is in-charge of defining and leading the national technical development programs, developing long term strategies in all respect of the game including coach education, youth football, women football and on grassroots level; and to bring them together in synergy according to the development pyramid.

He said that he has a team of 15 global technical leadership experts.  The team is responsible for development of technical directors in 211 countries around the world.  He said that technical directors and technical team are key people for the development of football in their respective countries. It is imperative that we provide with the services required in their personal growth to meet the job requirements, to become a better leader, gaining better understanding of the game’s dynamics, more comprehensive grasp of the game, how to develop specific leadership and management skills and knowledge that fit with the individual country’s own environment.

He said that many of the technical directors may come from the football background and knowledge, but not necessary having the ability or opportunity as a former player, coach, to manage, to lead the team, to manage the technical structure, to understand budget and finance, etc. So Technical Leadership team responsibility is initially to support them to understand about the requirements of the role important to work with the stakeholders internally and externally. We help them place a long term development plan to develop football in their country.

Houchen said that 26 experts participated in the recent Doha workshop, they will be delivering 16 leadership workshops in next 12 months time around the world. In addition, will also be conducting four workshops for AFC new technical directors; leadership courses, knowledge exchange programs for 8 AFC countries; pick up specific team this year under developing talent schemes; develop talent plans with the support of general secretary or president for affective delivery of the plan in their respective country in 211 targeted countries.

On question of expected challenges in next World Cup for hosting the tournament by three countries and with 48 teams. he said that change is always a challenge, there is no news from FIFA side as yet, there is still four years more to go. We have to wait for the decision and it’s format. 

He said that we met with surprises and amazing experiences in Qatar World Cup holding all the matches within maximum 45 minutes of drive.

In 2026 World Cup, many a countries which have never qualified earlier will get opportunity to compete with the best teams of the world and may surprise the world. Fans and the players will get more exposure to the new cultures and new places. However, both will be carefully maintaining their flight plans and schedules. He was sure by having the great experience in Qatar, and having another 16 teams in tournament, 25 % of the board countries will have now realistic chance to qualify for the world cup,  ‘I am sure that will be fantastic and a great success’, Jamie Houchen concluded.