The purpose of the meeting was to discuss ways of cooperating on the implementation of the SLO project.
The Israeli Football Association (IFA), the Israeli Professional Football League (IPFL), the Israeli national supporters’ organisation (Israfans) and SD Europe recently met at the IFA offices in Tel Aviv.
The meeting saw the four parties outline their views on the current situation and the future of the SLO project in Israel. In particular, the IPFL are very supportive of the SLO project and have already started to promote it amongst their member-clubs: for example, all clubs that appoint a dedicated SLO will receive a 100,000 NIS (around 25,000€) bonus and the IPFL are already putting together resources that might be useful to those clubs. The IFA for their part have committed to provide proper training for clubs and SLOs next season (including at least one workshop next season) and will also make the presence of SLOs at the matchday organisational meeting a mandatory requirement. Israfans highlighted the importance of the project to supporters and their belief that it can really help improve the relationship between supporters and Israeli football’s other stakeholders. They also stated their willingness to assist if requested.
SD Europe will keep supporting the IFA and the IPFL with the implementation of the project, providing all the necessary tools and advice to make it easier to take the first steps. This will involve a suggested plan for a multi-level cooperation to promote active supporter involvement, similar to the examples of the Scottish FA and SD Scotland, the Serie A and Lega Pro and Supporters in Campo, and UEFA and SD Europe.
Under Article 35 of the UEFA Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations, clubs across Europe are required to appoint a Supporter Liaison Officer (SLO) to ensure proper and constructive discourse between them and their fans. The SLO project originated in 2009 as a result of detailed talks between UEFA and SD Europe. It was approved by the UEFA Executive Committee in 2010, with SD Europe appointed to manage its implementation across UEFA’s 55 member associations. If you would like to learn more, visit the SLO section on the SD Europe website, browse the SD Europe SLO resources, follow the official SLO account on twitter or get directly in touch via slo@supporters-direct.coop.
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