CFM graduates in Georgia

The Georgian Football Federation (SFF) is the latest national association to complete an edition of UEFA's Certificate in Football Management (UEFA CFM) programme.

Twenty-one participants graduated from this third national edition and received their UEFA CFM certificates from SFF general secretary Revaz Arveladze at a ceremony in Tbilisi. Participants in the course came from the SFF and Georgian clubs, and the international feel of the programme was underlined by the participation of guests from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Ukraine.

The UEFA CFM is a nine-month programme which features studies into topics including football organisation, strategy and strategic management, operational management, marketing and sponsorship, communications, media and public relations, and event organisation. The programme's strength is that it gives football administration staff across Europe the chance to enhance their managerial skills – which ultimately has a benefit for the overall well-being of European football.

Participants acquire skills related to management techniques and best practices in a variety of areas, which enable them to move into senior executive positions in the future, while also making constant use of what they have learned through their CFM studies.

"UEFA's innovative Certificate in Football Management education programme was a unique opportunity for the staff of the Georgian Football Federation to deepen their knowledge and share experiences," said Revaz Arveladze. "I am very happy that they, together with the other members of our football family, were able to take part, and we hope the investment of UEFA and the SFF will be justified, and the knowledge received will be put to use in our football.

"Sincere thanks to UEFA for its contribution to the professional management of football across Europe, and for giving the SFF and all participants this valuable opportunity," he added.

Six interactive online modules and three face-to-face seminars are included in the UEFA CFM programme, which is being offered within various European national associations. Content is always adapted to local conditions, while also maintaining the overall values that shape the programme.

The Swiss Graduate School of Public Administration (IDHEAP) awards the certificates, and the course has been prepared and is conducted by respected academics from universities in France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.