The Beginning of the End: Welcome to Neuchâtel

After a well-deserved short break, the students of the 24th edition of the FIFA Master landed ready for their last adventure: Neuchâtel, Switzerland.

The month of April began with the final memories we took with us from Milan, a city that will undoubtedly remain forever marked in our hearts. The next chapter in our lives started with a lot of activity, as we had four field visits in this month already.

First, we had the honour of visiting the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) in Lausanne, where we had the privileged opportunity to learn more about sports law involving animals. This was then followed by a great visit to the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) which is also based in Lausanne, where we had the opportunity to discover the operations of another sport and its specific legal aspects.

Then, the day we had all dreamt of since beginning our course studies finally arrived on April 18. This was our day to visit the FIFA Headquarters. It was undoubtedly the most magical day of the FIFA Master and it was made even more special by the fact Zurich was covered in late winter snowfall when we arrived. As a result, we were able to see the FIFA building in a way that practically no other edition of the FIFA Master had ever seen it, completely covered in snow.

At FIFA we had the opportunity to meet different FIFA Master alumni who are now working in different areas within FIFA such as Technology and Innovation, Brand and Creative Services, Women's Football and MA Operations.

One of the highlights of the day was when FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, made a surprise appearance to greet the students of the 24th edition of the FIFA Master. The President took the opportunity to dedicate a few words to us and encourage us in our final stretch of the Master.

Due to the snow, the traditional football match between FIFA Master students and FIFA employees could not take place. However, in June, with better weather we hope, we will be able to continue with this tradition.

The following day we had our fourth and last visit of the month of April. We had the opportunity to visit the FIFA Museum, where we were able to learn a little more about the creation of FIFA and how the different member associations joined the organization.

On the extracurricular side, as is now a tradition every year, we meet every Wednesday to play football on the pitch next to the Stade de la Maladière.

April brought with it the birthdays of Chris, Ludovica and Yair, all of whom celebrated in front of the lake on one of the days we have all enjoyed the most. This was our first lakeside gathering, but with many more to come as the weather gradually improves.

We all have a great first impression of Neuchâtel. Thank you for providing us all with so much and in such a short space of time. We know this is the end of our FIFA Master adventure, but we still have a lot to do here!

Yair Rangel

FIFA Master 24th edition

FIFA Master - International Master in Management, Law and Humanities of Sport, ranked  Europe's No.1 course a record 11 times by SportBusiness.

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