The beginning of the end: Neuchâtel edition
Welcomed by a surprisingly sunny and warm Switzerland, the 26th edition reunited once again for the third and final chapter of our FIFA Master journey, this time in beautiful Neuchâtel. After months spent studying management, finance and strategy in Milan, we now enter a completely different world: sport law. The calculators may finally be getting some rest, but they have quickly been replaced by legal terminology and a growing suspicion that everyone is slowly becoming a lawyer. In fact, the most commonly asked question around campus these days may or may not be: “Are you a lawyer?”
The arrival week began in the best possible way, with a birthday dinner celebrating none other than Kenny. Academically, April kicked off with sub-modules covering the introduction to law, the legal structure of the sporting movement and events. Alongside this, we welcomed guest speakers and lecturers from organizations including the IPC, UEFA, CAF, FIFPRO, the IOC, and the World League Association, continuing to bridge the gap between theory and the realities of international sport through practical case studies and in-class simulations.
One of the biggest advantages of being in Switzerland is the unique proximity to the headquarters of international sports organizations, and April wasted no time taking full advantage of it. We had the chance to visit organizations such as the FIVB, the IIHF and the FEI. The highlight of the month, however, was undoubtedly the full day visit to the headquarters of FIFA in Zurich. The experience began with a welcome message from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, followed by sessions with speakers from across the organization, and concluded with closing remarks from the Chief of Staff and a brief meeting with the General Secretary. The day ended in the most FIFA Master way possible: a football match against the FIFA Master alumni team that finished in a 2-2 draw, featuring goals from the dynamic Martin and wonder boy Ian, before everyone gathered for dinner together. We then stayed overnight in Zurich and had the opportunity to explore the FIFA Museum the following day.
Of course, life in Neuchâtel has not been limited to lecture halls and legal frameworks. The first weekend barbecue of the module, beautifully organized by our class reps Léonie and Martin, offered the perfect opportunity to enjoy the Swiss spring sunshine and slow down for a moment before the intensity of the final module fully kicked in. The afternoon quickly turned into a multi-sport event featuring volleyball, rugby, football, and, dare I say, the class’s unexpected favourite: backyard cricket. Meanwhile, weekend hikes, lakeside lunches, and post-class gatherings have already become part of the routine.
Mid-week football rituals also made a successful return, this time with a major upgrade: the VIP suite at Nata’s house, where the supporters’ squad can watch matches directly from the balcony overlooking the pitch, a setup that may have permanently raised expectations for future FIFA Master editions. And, in an effort to keep football attendance traditions alive, some members of the class attended Xamax vs Nyon. Granted, it was not exactly San Siro, and the crowd may at times have been outnumbered by pigeons in the stands -making it fairly obvious to the local fans that we were either foreigners or undercover supporters from the opposing team- but the experience still delivered an authentic local football vibe.
Sporting activities continued beyond football, with Alwin, Ian, Martin, Nata, Rita, Xav and Zach taking part in the 20KM de Lausanne. While the views over Lake Geneva were breathtaking, they were not the only thing taking people’s breath away... the legendary hills of Lausanne made sure everyone crossed the finish line with medals, memories and very questionable knee stability. Luckily, cheer squads in the class never fail to deliver. Despite the very early Sunday morning start, Luca, Ale, and the undeniably honorary 28th member of the class, Isadora, made the trip to Lausanne to support the runners at the finish line and welcome them with freshly baked homemade cookies, courtesy of Luca.
April marked more than just the beginning of a new module; it marked the beginning of the end of the FIFA Master journey. Between lectures, federation visits, football nights, lakeside sunsets, and final project milestones, the reality is slowly settling in that this final chapter is moving faster than anyone expected. But for now, there are still three months left to enjoy Switzerland, survive sport law, and continue answering the question: “No, seriously… are you actually a lawyer?”
FIFA Master - International Master in Management, Law and Humanities of Sport, ranked Europe's No.1 course a record 13 times by SportBusiness.
Organised by CIES in cooperation with De Montfort University (UK), SDA Bocconi School of Management (Italy) and the University of Neuchâtel (Switzerland).
"CIES, 30 years of impacting how sport is managed worldwide" & "FIFA Master, 25 years of Excellence in Sport Business Education"
