Graduation Ceremony for the students of the 18th edition of the FIFA Master

The Graduation Ceremony for the 18th edition FIFA Master class was held in the Grand Council Room at the Chateau of Neuchâtel on Friday 13th July 2018.

This important event was opened by Pierre Cornu, President of CIES Foundation Council, by calling the postgraduates to enter the room. The 18th edition class, their families, friends and distinguished guests were all warmly welcomed to the Graduation Ceremony.

This special event 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.

Gilles Jaquet, Head of Sport Services for  the Canton of Neuchâtel and official representative of the Government from the Canton of Neuchâtel, Professor Simon Oldroyd, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Dean of Health and Life Sciences at De Montfort University (DMU) in Leicester (UK), Professor Emanuele Vendramini, Professor at SDA Bocconi-School of Management, Milan (Italy) and official representative of SDA Bocconi-School of Management and Professor Olivier Guillod, Vice-Rector and Professor at the University of Neuchâtel (Switzerland), all delivered speeches to the postgraduate students.

After a musical interlude by Pascal Crisinel, the Manager of Global Academic Network and Interagency Partnership at FIFA, Ms Cinzia Catalfamo, spoke about FIFA’s vision for the future and especially concerning the development of women’s football. She also warmly congratulated the students on their achievements throughout the academic year.

To continue, Mike-David Burkhard, as the official representative of the FIFA Master Alumni association, spoke about the importance of the alumni community in the world of sport.

The patron for the 18th edition, and special guest at the ceremony, was former South Africa Rugby Captain and 1995 World Cup Winner, Mr François Pienaar. Mr Pienaar gave an emotional speech about his early career and life in South Africa, and of course his meeting with Nelson Mandela who is also the godfather for his two sons. He also shared his vision for the future of sport and the importance for the FIFA Master students to never give up on their dreams.  

Following the outstanding speech by Mr. Pienaar, the postgraduates were called by Mr Vincent Schatzmann, CIES General Secretary, to receive their degree certificates from both CIES Director Professor Oswald and Mr François Pienaar. Finally, the best overall group presentation was recognized with the “Alberto Madella Award” which was also awarded by Mr. Pienaar and Professor Oswald.

Finally, Thubaelihle Sibanda and Stuart Winship representing the graduates of the 18th edition addressed the class and looked back on the unforgettable memories created by their academic journey over the past year.

Before closing the ceremony, the CIES Director thanked the Scientific Committee, administrative and Co-ordination 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 18th edition of the FIFA Master and wish them 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, 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).