Graduation ceremony for the students of the 14th edition of the FIFA Master

The graduation ceremony for the students who successfully completed the 14th edition of the FIFA Master took place in the Grand Council Room at the Chateau of Neuchâtel on Friday 18th July 2014.

This important occasion was opened by CIES President, Bertrand Reeb, who welcomed the 14th edition class, their families, friends and distinguished guests to the graduation ceremony.

The presentation of the final degree certificates rewarded the hard work of the entire class over the last year and also provided a unique moment during which students could proudly reflect on the great adventure of the FIFA Master and the new and lasting friendships which has been created.

In his welcome address, the CIES President paid tribute to the official representatives of the partner universities.

Barbara Matthews, Pro-Vice Chancellor/Dean of De Montfort University in the United Kingdom, Professor Davide Reina, official representative of SDA Bocconi School of Management in Milan and Professor Jean-Jacques Aubert, Vice-Rector at the University of Neuchâtel, addressed a speech to the postgraduate students.

He was followed at the lectern by Markus Kattner, Deputy Secretary General of FIFA, who emphasised the importance of qualified managers in the world of sport. He warmly congratulated the graduates for their work and thanked the three partner universities for their unfailing support over the last 14 years.

After a musical interlude by Pascal Crisinel, Alexander Engelhard, the official representative of the association of FIFA Master alumni, gave a talk on the importance of the alumni network in the world of sport.

Professor Denis Oswald then introduced the patron of the 14th edition, Christian Karembeu, the famous professional football player, who won the Champions League in 1998 with Real Madrid, the World Cup in 1998 and UEFA European Championship in 2000 with the French national team. He congratulated the graduates on their performance in a charming and relaxed manner.

Each student then received his or her diploma from Professor Oswald and Mr Karembeu.

Nicholas Rozenberg, representing the graduates of the 14h edition, addressed the class and looked back on the unforgettable memories of this academic year.

Before closing the ceremony, the CIES President thanked the Scientific Committee and the administrative staff of the three partner universities for their hard work. He then invited the new graduates to continue the celebrations with their families and friends by enjoying a cocktail in the courtyard of the Chateau.

CIES, De Montfort University, SDA Bocconi School of Management and the University of Neuchâtel warmly congratulate the new graduates of the 14th edition of the FIFA Master and wish them every success for the future.