KNVB in the world - this is what we do - June 2024

KNVB coach Bert Zuurman during the first World Coaches course in Tindouf refugee camp on the border with Algeria.. - Foto: KNVB Media

The KNVB operates internationally and wants to help develop football. We do so in a wide variety of areas: Through our well-known WorldCoaches programme, through which we train local football coaches worldwide. But we also make an administrative contribution to international committees, of course. And we visit our football colleagues around the world or host them in Zeist. We work together, seek connection and provide assistance where needed. We all do this for one purpose: To help develop and improve football globally, for the future of our football.

The KNVB periodically shares information about its international activities on this site.

June 2024

FIFA Congress
For us, the most important topic on the agenda of the FIFA congress was the allocation of the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. Unfortunately, Brazil was given preference by the congress over our joint bid BNG2027 (together with the Belgian and German Football Associations). We once again congratulate the Brazilian association and wish them every success with the preparations. We will carefully evaluate the process that has already been running since 2018 and see what we can learn from it for the future. The feeling remains that we played a good World Cup in which we defeated South Africa and USA/Mexico, but that we had to bow our heads to Brazil in the final. The KNVB is extremely grateful to all (government) partners who have supported us.

Other important topics at the conference were changes to the articles of association and finances. And the situation in Israel and Gaza was also discussed in detail. On the latter subject, it has been agreed that a committee of legal experts will assess the situation and the report will be discussed at a scheduled FIFA Council meeting at the end of July.

FIFA event Paris
On Tuesday, May 21, a festive gathering took place at the Élysée in Paris to celebrate the founding of FIFA, exactly 120 years ago on that day. The initiators at the time were six European associations (Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Switzerland) and Real Madrid. Representatives from all these unions were present to symbolically sign the founding act. President Macron of France, together with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, hosted the meeting. On behalf of the KNVB and Dutch football, secretary general of the KNVB Gijs de Jong and former international Patrick Kluivert made their appearance.

UEFA General Secretary meeting
On Wednesday, May 22, the UEFA Europa League final between Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen took place in Dublin. In addition to a spectacular final, it was a match with the involvement of quite a few Dutch players. Traditionally, UEFA invites all European general secretaries to this competition. That is why KNVB Secretary General Gijs de Jong joined us for this meeting. In addition to attending the competition and catching up and networking, there were also a number of substantive topics on the agenda. In Dublin, for example, there was a look ahead to the EURO2024, discussions took place about future developments surrounding the UEFA Nations League and about the further centralization of the sale of media rights.

Soccerex in Amsterdam
On Thursday 30 and Friday 31 May, the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam hosted the world's largest organizer of football fairs, Soccerex. After taking Miami as their permanent home base in the autumn in recent years, it seems that Amsterdam will be the European spot for the spring. The fair guarantees many innovative companies in the fields of technology, media and marketing, among others. In addition to the many stands, lectures, presentations and workshops will take place throughout the day. The KNVB's contribution consisted of an opening by Gijs de Jong and a panel session led by Martine Braam and Eefje Janus who, together with Dutch clubs, explained the developments and ambitions in the field of women's football.

Board of the Bonaire Football Association as guests of the KNVB
Since 2019, the KNVB has supported the Bonaire Football Association FFB (Federashon di Futbol Boneriano) in the development of football on the island. Besides Baseball, Football is the most popular sport among Bonaireans and the sports are growing along with the island's population. In recent years, the number of playing members has almost doubled and that demands a lot from the FFB and the clubs.

The support program includes courses for coaches, referees and administrators, workshops for the clubs and for volunteers. The board of the FFB consists of 7 people who run the association and therefore football on a voluntary basis. In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, the KNVB supports the FFB to professionalize the organization and put the implementation of the competition, administration, club support, arbitration, match organization of CONCACAF matches and promotional activities more in the hands of professionals in the office. In addition, the KNVB trains local coaches according to CONCACAF standards and provides mentoring for the local technical staff of the FFB.

The entire board was in the Netherlands from 2 to 8 June 2024 for workshops and board coaching at the KNVB regarding their strategic plan, youth training, marketing, arbitration and competition. These pillars from their strategic plan are discussed and expanded upon with our colleagues. In addition to the workshops, the board attended the friendly Netherlands-Canada match and also met the KNVB management.

FIFA Technical Leadership course in the Netherlands
The third module within the FIFA Technical Leadership course was organized in the Netherlands from 6 to 10 May. This new FIFA course lasts 18 months and prepares participants for the different challenges and opportunities they face while working within their associations and confederations. The focus is on the five core domains: leadership, high-level performance, training of coaches, amateur football and management. More than thirty 'technical leaders' from international associations and confederations followed this course and were given a glimpse behind the scenes of Dutch football.

WorldCoaches course in Tindouf refugee camp

The WorldCoaches Shiraka Algeria program organized the first course in the refugee camp in Tindouf in May. This course was organized in collaboration with UNHCR. The camp is home to 165,000 refugees from Western Sahara, who are accommodated here on the border with Algeria. KNVB coach Bert Zuurman worked with 20 teachers from 5 different camps during the course week.