The FIFA Master is organised by the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) in partnership with three universities – De Montfort University in Leicester, UK; SDA Bocconi School of Management in Milan, Italy; and the University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Here, Miyamoto explains how the programme has contributed to his flourishing career in sports governance.
Looking back, why did you join the FIFA Master programme?
Tsuneyasu Miyamoto: After 17 years as a professional footballer, I wanted to acquire new football related knowledge of things away from the pitch. Thanks to the FIFA Master, I can now see football from a managerial, legal and historical perspective, rather than just a playing perspective. Spending a year with 30 students
from 24 different countries and living in three different European cities during my studies was a
totally unique experience for me.
What were your favourite experiences during the programme?
TM: “I particularly enjoyed the Milan module because sports marketing was totally new to me at that time. As with all of the FIFA Master modules, we had great speakers who had considerable experience.
“We also had the opportunity while in Italy to be given presentations by top football clubs such as Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan, along with Ferrari. These were very helpful and gave me ideas for the future.
“Also, one of my favourite memories was winning an important football match against another university during the Leicester module. The game went to penalties, with me taking the final one. Luckily, I scored and the celebrations and enjoyment with my classmates afterwards is something I will never forget!”
How did you handle the transition from footballer to FIFA Master student?
TM: “To tell you the truth, it was really tough for me to get used to the daily schedule of the FIFA Master, because I needed to attend class from 9am to 5pm, which was something completely different from my professional career as a footballer.
“However, by continuing to study and learn new things, I was able to plan my future post-playing career, and I was soon able to imagine what new possibilities could be available to me after graduation.
“After completing my FIFA Master degree, I obtained a licence to become a professional coach. This was something I planned from the beginning. I had expected eventually to move into management after working as a
professional coach for several years, so being in my current position was one of the realistic targets.”
What does your current role as JFA president involve?
TM: “In addition to communicating with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation, I also need to communicate with key individuals at the Football Associations in all 47 prefectures across the country. My schedule is filled with meetings within the JFA, building relationships with sponsors, and participating in the activities of the national team.”
Which aspects of the FIFA Master course have helped you most in your career?
TM: “Thanks to the FIFA Master course, I learnt that when making important decisions, we should always take into account historical, managerial and legal elements. I now always try to keep in mind the importance of having multiple perspectives during the decision-making process.
“The knowledge which I gained from the course continues to help me today and the FIFA Master alumni community has made my job a lot easier recently. Whenever the JFA needs to work with other member associations, things go more smoothly if the association’s counterpart is a FIFA Master graduate, and I have had many instances where the FIFA Master alumni network has helped me.”
What advice would you give to future students on the course?
TM: “I hope that future FIFA Master students will join the course with an open mind, ready to improve themselves and to learn from each other. ‘Commitment’, ‘cooperation’ and ‘inspiration’ are the three words I would use to describe the FIFA Master and what you will need for success during your studies.”