Bulgaria praised for Under-17 success

UEFA President Michel Platini has thanked the Bulgarian Football Union (BFS) for its successful hosting of this month's UEFA European Under-17 Championship.

For the first time since 2001/02, 16 teams have competed at the U17 finals, with the tournament taking place at four venues – Burgas, Sliven, Sozopol and Stara Zagora – and culminating in Friday's title decider between France and Germany at Lazur Stadium.

"I would like to congratulate the [Bulgarian] association and all of the organisers of this tournament," the UEFA President said after arriving for the final. "I know that it has taken place in good conditions and that all of the delegations are very happy.

"As President, I'm obviously aware if there are any major problems [at tournaments]. Given that I have heard nothing, this means that everything has been fine," he added. Mr Platini explained that he was an interested observer of the game at this age level, and noted the "exceptional" development of youth football over the years, which has seen many youngsters progress into the professional ranks.

Mr Platini explained the importance of UEFA's global assistance to its member associations, in particular through its HatTrick assistance programme, entirely funded by revenue from the UEFA European Championship.

"UEFA's number-one role is to develop football in the 54 European countries," he reflected. "Thanks to the EURO revenue, we can help all the associations to have the necessary resources to help them develop their own football." BFS president Borislav Mihaylov said that, thanks to UEFA and the HatTrick programme, the new headquarters of the Bulgarian association had almost been completed.

At a sporting level, Bulgaria is also working especially hard in the youth sector and has an elite U17 league. All professional top-flight clubs have an U17 team – demonstrating the country's commitment to nurturing talented young footballers.

The BFS president thanked Mr Platini and UEFA for having awarded the association with the organisation of the finals. "We knew that it would be a tough challenge as it is an important event with 16 teams," he said. "It is the first time that we have organised such a tournament and I am delighted with all that I have seen. I would like to thank everyone who has taken part in the organisation. And, thank you to the mayors of the [host venues], because it was a major education for them."

The Bulgarian association presented Mr Platini with a portrait of himself from his playing days by painter Nikolay Yanakiev, while the UEFA President also received an honorary city sign from Burgas, presented by the mayor Dimitar Nikolov.