UEFA•direct sheds light on UEFA

The latest edition of UEFA•direct looks across a wide variety of recent events and activities within UEFA and European football, bringing to life the work being undertaken to strengthen and develop the game on this continent.

In his editorial column, President Michel Platini explains the reasons behind UEFA's decisions to expand competitions at opportune moments – including the eagerly anticipated UEFA EURO 2016 final round in France, in which 24 teams will take part for the first time.

"UEFA can pride itself on the success both its national team and club competitions have enjoyed for nigh on 60 years," Mr Platini says. "That success is due in large part to it always keeping a close eye on its competitions and making adjustments to them when the time is right. Any decision to expand a final tournament must always be for sporting reasons above all else."

The continuing progress of the women's game means that UEFA is devoting an increasing amount of attention to women's and girls' football. UEFA•direct reviews the recent UEFA Women's National Team Coaches' Conference and its analysis of a brilliant UEFA Women's EURO 2013 in Sweden, which demonstrated just how far the female game has come. "There is a clear trend towards better, well-organised defensive play, allied with greater athletic qualities and fitness," says Silvia Neid, coach of European champions Germany. "The clear challenge for future development is to train players to be creative and to continually improve their technique."

Security in stadiums, and the right for spectators to watch matches in a comfortable and safe environment, remains a fundamental priority for UEFA, and UEFA•direct considers the work being carried out by UEFA, the European Union and the Council of Europe in this respect. A key aim is the avoidance of any complacency – to expect the unexpected and prepare for it. Consequently, all three bodies are cooperating on a three-year safety and security programme, which seeks to give the European football family and public authorities a clear path ahead.

"Quite simply, football is loved worldwide. It is the most popular team sport on the planet," the article says. "However, with that lofty status comes vulnerability, placing great responsibility on those who manage the game. This is clearly understood by UEFA, the Council of Europe and the EU, who are working together tirelessly to prevent violence in sport and raise the bar as high as possible when it comes to safety and security in stadiums."

The recent qualifying draw in Nice paved the road to UEFA EURO 2016. Ahead of the final round in France the qualifying competition will provide fans with entertainment aplenty, courtesy of the Week of Football, which will also be applied to 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification. National team football is being given a massive fillip by the concept, under which qualifying matches will take place over six days from Thursdays to Tuesdays, affording fans the opportunity to attend and watch more games than ever before. UEFA•direct offers an in-depth insight into the innovative Week of Football and its benefits.

UEFA's Executive Committee held its first meeting of the year in Nyon in January, and UEFA•direct examines the decisions taken, including the move to expand the number of teams at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship finals from eight to 12 for the 2017 edition and the appointment of Sir Alex Ferguson as UEFA coaching ambassador.

Europe's top male and female referees attended their UEFA winter courses in Lisbon in February, and the magazine has an update on the match officials' preparations for this spring's club competition assignments. The merits of the new UEFA Youth League are analysed in detail, while UEFA's new institutional website, UEFA.org – which focuses exclusively on the organisation's activities and workings – is explained for those wishing to find out what is happening within the European governing body.

UEFA•direct – available in English, French and German – is essential reading for anyone who wants to know more about UEFA and European football.