The graduation ceremony for the students who successfully completed the 13th edition of the FIFA Master took place in the Grand Council Room at the Chateau of Neuchâtel on 19 July.
On this occasion, Bertrand Reeb, CIES President, welcomed the graduates as well as their families and friends.
The ceremony rewarded the hard work of the entire class over the last year but was also a unique moment during which students could proudly reflect on the great adventure of the FIFA Master and on the new and lasting friendships created.
In his welcome address, the CIES President paid tribute to Mr Philippe Bauer, President of the Grand Council of the Canton of Neuchâtel, as well as to the official representatives of the partner universities, Professor David Wilson, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of De Montfort University in the United Kingdom and Professor Gianfranco Piantoni, official representative of SDA Bocconi School of Management in Milan.
Professor Simona Pekarek Doehler, Vice-Rector at the University of Neuchâtel, then addressed the postgraduate students before the degrees were awarded.
She was followed at the lectern by Markus Kattner, Deputy Secretary General and representative 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, Robert Swain, the official representative of the association of FIFA Master alumni, gave a talk on the importance of this high-level training and of its alumni association in the world of sport.
Professor Denis Oswald then introduced the patron of the 13th edition, Ms Steffi Jones, a former professional football player, world champion in 2003 and many-time European champion with the German team. She congratulated the graduates on their performance in a charming and relaxed manner.
Each student then received his diploma from Professor Oswald and Ms Jones. Natalie Lutz, representing the graduates of the 13th edition, paid tribute to each of her colleagues 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 the work done. He then invited the new graduates to continue the celebration 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 13th edition of the FIFA Master.