UEFA President visits Norway

UEFA President Michel Platini has visited Norway, where he watched both the men's and the women's domestic cup finals and met members of the Football Association of Norway (NFF).

"I have many opportunities to discuss football matters with the Norwegian football president Yngve Hallén, so this visit was mostly to enjoy the football," said Mr Platini in Oslo. "I enjoyed the festive atmosphere at the two games. It is a good idea to have the women's and men's finals during the same weekend."

Mr Platini saw Stabæk FK beat Røa IL on penalties in a dramatic women's final in Baerum on Saturday – and had words of consolation and encouragement for Guro Knutsen Mienna, the Røa player who missed the decisive spot kick, recounting his own experiences as a player.

On Sunday Mr Platini was one of the guests of honour at the men's final, where Aalesunds FK defeated SK Brann 2-1 to claim the second cup triumph in their history. Among the other guests in the director's box at Oslo's Ullevaal Stadion were King Harald of Norway, the country's Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg and the minister for culture Anniken Huitfeldt.

"There aren't many places where you get such a nice atmosphere," said the UEFA President. "I really enjoyed the women's final. It developed into an open and enjoyable game in the beautiful Fornebu Arena."

Mr Platini now moves on to Sweden, where he will attend the Swedish Football Association's (SvFF) football gala on Monday.