UEFA officials, who took part in the organizational process of the UEFA U-17 Championship in Baku during 5-21 May, shared their thoughts:
Lance Kelly - Head of National Team Competitions: "All teams praised the high standard of sporting infrastructure, accommodation and hospitality skills experienced in Baku. Portugal after a 13 years waiting time could finally lift a trophy won with a skillful and entertaining football".
Claudio Negroni - Senior U21 & Youth Competitions Manager: "Despite a difficult start into its tournament against the future European champions, the home team was near to qualify for the knock-out stage and can look back with proud to the performances of its young players. No doubt, this tournament will leave an important legacy for the football in Azerbaijan in terms of organization skills, sporting infrastructure and player development. It was a great promotion for European youth football and everybody involved under the excellent leadership of the LOC must be sincerely thanked".
Pierpascal Larotonda - U17 Project Leader: " 33’000 spectators for the opening match AZE v. POR signed the new record of attendance of any youth match. We should all be proud of such achievement. The event was successfully delivered thanks to the excellent teamwork between AFFA and UEFA. Operationally you could see a unique venue team on the pitch".
