Graduation ceremony for the students of the 16th edition of the "FIFA Master"

The graduation ceremony for the students who successfully completed the 16th edition of the “FIFA Master” took place in the Grand Council Room at the Chateau of Neuchâtel on Friday 15th July 2016.

This important event was opened by Professor Denis Oswald, Director of CIES, who called the postgraduates to enter the room. Then, Pierre Cornu, President of CIES Council of Foundation, welcomed the 16th edition class, their families, friends and distinguished guests to the graduation ceremony.

The Ceremony rewards 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.

Séverine Despland, State Chancellor of the Canton of Neuchâtel and official representative of the Government from the Canton of Neuchâtel, Barbara Matthews MBE, Pro Vice-Chancellor / Dean, Faculty of Art, Design and Humanities at De Montfort University, Leicester and official representative of De Montfort University (UK), Professor Emanuele Vendramini, Professor at SDA Bocconi-School of Management, Milan and official representative of SDA Bocconi-School of Management and Professor Martine Rahier, Rector of the University of Neuchâtel and official representative of the University of Neuchâtel, addressed a speech to the postgraduate students.

He was followed at the lectern by Fatma Samoura, General Secretary of FIFA, who emphasised the importance of qualified managers in the world of sport. She warmly congratulated the graduates for their work and thanked the three partner universities for their unfailing support during the past 16 years.

After a musical interlude by Pascal Crisinel,  the official representative of the association of “FIFA Master Alumni", Alexander Engelhard, spoke about the importance of the alumni community in the world of sport.

Professor Denis Oswald then introduced the patron of the 16th edition, Giovanni Malagò, President of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) and of Rome's candidacy to host the 2024 Olympic Games. He gave a speech to congratulate the students for their achievement.

Each student then received his or her diploma from Professor Oswald and Mr Malagò. Finally, the best group presentations were distinguished by a prize, awarded this year exceptionally to two groups of students in view of their excellent quality, and given by Fatma Samoura, General Secretary of FIFA.

Zeynep Gencaga and Omar Dreidi, representing the graduates of the 16th edition, addressed the class, composed this year of 15 women and 17 men, and looked back on the unforgettable memories of this academic year.

Before closing the ceremony, the CIES Director 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 Château of Neuchâtel.

CIES, De Montfort University, SDA Bocconi School of Management and the University of Neuchâtel warmly congratulate the new graduates of the 16th edition of the “FIFA Master” and wish them every success for the future.