The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) held the inaugural meeting of the SLO project in Madrid on 12 February. In the presence of representatives from 15 clubs (Athletic Club, Atlético de Madrid, RC Celta de Vigo, RC Deportivo de La Coruña, RCD Espanyol, Getafe CF, Granada CF, Levante UD, Málaga CF, Rayo Vallecano, Real Madrid CF, Real Sociedad, Sevilla FC, Valencia CF y Villarreal CF), SD Europe and UEFA SLO Consultant Stuart Dykes made a presentation on the background, the current situation and the future of the project in Europe. Jorge Silvério, national SLO coordinator of the Portuguese Football Federation, also analysed the steps Portugal has taken towards the proper implementation of the project, their organisation of UEFA bilateral training meetings and their plan on how to further develop the project and improve the capacity and effectiveness of the club SLOs.
The RFEF, via Eduard Dervishaj (Director of the International Department), along with La Liga, via Ricardo Resta (Director of Competitions) and Alfredo Lorenzo (Director of Security), expressed their support and commitment to the project and their belief that with proper management it can be beneficial for all stakeholders, including the authorities, the clubs and the supporters.
The clubs were reminded of their obligation under Article 35 of the UEFA Club Licensing and FFP Regulations (Article 69 of the RFEF Club Licensing Regulations for UEFA Competitions) to have an SLO, a link between them and their supporters whom they should consult regarding issues affecting supporters and to whom they should provide all financial and material resources required to successfully fulfill the role. It was also noted that there should be a close cooperation and communication between the SLO and the security officer. RFEF SLO Coordinator Gavin Powell presented the localised Spanish version of the SLO manual together with the toolkit which the RFEF will use to check compliance with Art. 69.
It was announced that all clubs should send the relevant documents on the appointment and job description of their SLO to the RFEF, together with all other UEFA Licensing documentation, by 1st March.
The RFEF is one of 19 football associations that have translated the UEFA SLO handbook into their native language and one of five that have produced a localised version, adapted to the culture, tradition and procedures of Spanish football.
The Supporter Liaison Officer, under Article 35 of the UEFA Club Licensing and FFP Regulations, is mandatory for all clubs playing in UEFA competitions; in most countries Article 35 is also mandatory for all clubs playing the first division, while in some it is further extended to lower tiers. To find out more (information, news, handbooks, upcoming events and FAQs), visit our website.
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