FIFA Master 23rd Edition Class receive their degree certificates from Brazil World Cup Winner and Arsenal FC ‘Invincible’ – Gilberto Silva.

The 2023 graduating FIFA Master class had a day they will never forget during an emotional ceremony held in the historic surroundings of the Grand Council Room at the Château de Neuchâtel, Switzerland.

In front of parents, friends, representatives from the Centre International d’Etude du Sport (CIES), FIFA and the three course partner universities of De Montfort University (Leicester), SDA Bocconi (Milan) and University of Neuchâtel, the President of the CIES Council of Foundation, Pierre Cornu, warmly welcomed everyone to what was the final stage of their academic journey on the FIFA Master for this edition.

Ms Florence Nater, State Councillor and official representative of the Government of the Canton of Neuchâtel, Mr Simon Bradbury (Pro-Vice Chancellor International and Overseas Provost at De Montfort University), Ms Roya Derakhshan (Lecturer at SDA Bocconi School of Management), Mr Felix Kessler (Vice-Rector at the University of Neuchâtel) all delivered speeches to the postgraduate students.

They were followed by FIFA’s official representative at the ceremony, Mr Solomon Mudege (Head of Development Programmes, Africa and FIFA Master 10^th edition graduate) and finally, FIFA Master Alumni Association (FMA) President, Mr Julian Smith, who welcomed the class to the FMA as its newest members.

Following a brief musical interlude, CIES Director, Prof. Denis Oswald, next moved to introduce the special graduation guest and Patron for the 23^rd edition class – Brazil FIFA Men’s World Cup 2002 Winner and Arsenal FC Invincible, Mr Gilberto Silva. During an inspirational speech, Gilberto spoke about the sacrifices and dedication he had needed in the early part of his career. This was an important platform for what would later happen at the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan where he had been expected to play a small part in the tournament. However, an injury to the Brazilian team captain, Emerson, during training just before the first World Cup game, he was informed by the coach, Luiz Felipe Scolari, that he would be the replacement to play in midfield. Gilberto would go on to play in every minute of every match of the tournament, which Brazil went on to win. 

The ceremony next moved onto one of the key moments of the academic year, with the awarding of the FIFA Master degree certificates. Mr Vincent Schatzmann, CIES General Secretary, called the 23rd edition class members individually to receive their diplomas from Prof. Denis Oswald and Mr Silva.

Then, the "Alberto Madella Award", which rewards the group of students who had made the best Final Project presentation from the conference held the previous day was announced. For 2023, this award went to Group 3 with the Project title, “Enter the Lottery or Place a SafeBet: A Study on the importance of Education in Academy-Level Football”. Congratulations to the winning group members Mr David Goldberg (Costa Rica), Mr Jaeyun Lee (South Korea) and Ms Renae Camille Samuel (Grenada).

A further presentation was made to Ms Youjin Lee (South Korea) who received the Swiss Sport Managers Award for graduating as the outstanding student in the 23^rd edition class.

Ms Youjin Lee was then joined by Mr Amobi Ezeaku (Nigeria) as they addressed their fellow class members with an emotional overview of the year. They also thanked the Scientific Committee and Module Coordinators for their dedication and work in supporting the class as they completed their FIFA Master studies in the Humanities of Sport, Sport Management and Sports Law in England, Italy and Switzerland. It was a journey which would now stay with them forever.

With the speeches now over, Mr Pierre Cornu officially closed the 2023 ceremony and invited the new graduates to continue the celebrations with their families and friends by enjoying a cocktail in the courtyard of the Château in the mid-summer sunshine.

CIES, De Montfort University, SDA Bocconi School of Management and the University of Neuchâtel warmly congratulate our new FIFA Master graduates and wish you all every success for the future. 

FIFA Master - International Master in Management, Law and Humanities of Sport, ranked No.1 Course in Europe 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 by the SportBusiness International global rankings.

Organised by CIES in partnership with De Montfort University (United Kingdom), SDA Bocconi School of Management (Italy) and the University of Neuchâtel (Switzerland).