Press releases

MINSK, 13 January (BelTA) – UEFA President Michel Platini is expected to pay a brief visit to Minsk, the Belarusian Football Association told BelTA.

It is expected that the UEFA delegation led by Michel Platini will arrive in the Belarusian capital on 19 January to attend matches of the junior Development Cup 2015 at the Minsk Football Manege.

The tournament, in its 11^th time, will open on 18 January. This year it will feature junior national teams (U17) from 12 countries that will be divided into three groups:

Group A – Belarus, Czech Republic, China, Moldova;

Group B – Russia, Finland, Japan, Lithuania;

Group C – Ukraine, Georgia, Iran, Latvia.

The first stage will represent round-robin competitions inside the quartets, which winners will continue their battle for the trophy. The rest will play in a repechage tournament for the places in the overall standings. The Development Cup 2015 winner and medalists will be announced on 25 January.

The Development Bank of the Republic of Belarus became the general partner of the competitions last year. Russia won the tournament three times (in 2008, 2010, 2014). Belarus raised the trophy twice (in 2006, 2007). Belgium became champion in 2011 and 2013, while Ukraine celebrated in 2009 and 2012.

The co-organizer of the tournament is Minsk City Hall.