Board

Chair Founder

Professor Monèm JEMNI

Professor Monèm JEMNI

(HDR, PhD, MSc, BSc Hon, QTS) Cambridge, UK

Biography
A well-established and leading authority in sport science with 29 years of career between France, the USA, Qatar, Germany, China and mostly in the UK.

Professor Jemni is the Chair Founder of the ISAFA (International Science And Football Association https://isafa.info) a network currently represented in 28 countries that aims to bridge the gap between scientists, inventors, medics, coaches, entrepreneurs, end-users and anyone with interest in the football market. The ISAFA has organised events and workshops in partnership with the local government’s stakeholders, institutions and accredited bodies within the football industry since 2011.

Professor Jemni is fervent in providing quality-controlled programs that impact individuals and key stakeholders. Expert in planning, budgeting, negotiating and leading of small to big international projects from conception to deliveries.

A physiologist who gained world recognition as a result of cutting-edge research applied to sports. He lectured and received outstanding academic awards in several Universities. He published over 160 manuscripts including original research, a best-seller textbooks and conference proceedings.

His research focuses on the optimisation of human health and performance, using cross-disciplinary orientated projects that engage local government, exercise scientists, nutritionists, medical health, social care specialists and the fitness industry. He provided services to Olympic Winners and professional football clubs in the UK, such as Arsenal FC, West Ham United, Crystal Palace, Charlton Athletic, and Gillingham FC.

Professor Jemni acted as the Chair of the Qatar Olympic Committee Sport Science Programme based at Qatar University from 2014 to 2018 and was previously the Director of the Sport Science with Professional Football Coaching Degree at the University of Greenwich, London (2008-12). He transformed the programme into a wider international course and publicised it worldwide.

ISAFA Office

Dr João VIANA

Dr João VIANA

General Secretary - University Institute of Maia – ISMAI, Portugal

“Biography”
Dr João Viana is the Director of the Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development at the University Institute of Maia, Portugal, where he is also the Coordinator of the Sports Performance and Health Optimisation Center. João’s research interests are exercise immunology and exercise in chronic diseases. His work in chronic kidney disease has received international recognition, produced high impact scientific publications and received awards from both sport and medical sciences communities. João is also interested in sport and exercise science support for athletes, particularly physiological monitoring of training, and has worked with elite athletes from a range of sports, including Olympians. Currently, he is responsible for the Sports Performance and Health Optimisation Center at the University Institute of Maia, which provides sport science support services to several sport clubs including first division Portuguese football clubs. João was responsible for the organisation of the ISAFA showcase in Portugal in 2015.
Bessem MKAOUER

Bessem MKAOUER

Institute of Sport and Physical Education, Ksar Saïd, University of Manouba, TUNISIA

“Biography”
Assistant Professor at the Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education, of Ksar Saïd, University of Manouba, Tunisia. Department of Physical Activities and sports.
Member of the research unit codes 99/UR/0867 entitled “Adaptation cardio-circulatory, respiratory, metabolic and hormonal to the muscular exercise”, Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, Tunisia. Specialist in Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics and Motion Analysis.
Expert Scientist and Data Analysis and expert sport Scientist at the Tunisian Ministry of Youth and Sport responsible for the scientific monitoring and follow-up of several sports: Gymnastics, Judo, Boxing and Fencing National Teams (2002 – 2012).
Petros KOUKOURAS

Petros KOUKOURAS

(MSc, BSc) - Football Manager

“Biography”
Mr Petros Koukouras is a Sport Scientist and a football Manager.
He worked with several clubs in Europe, Africa and China, amongst them: Apollon Kalamarias in Greece, S.C. Kiyovu Sports Rwanda, Villa SC Uganda, Cape Coast, Ghana, Desn Youth Football Club Guangzhou China, Real Madrid Foundation Guangzhou China, Reading Football England. He also coached the South Sudan National Team

Petros graduated with a Degree in Sport Science with professional football coaching (BSc) and gained also a Master Degree in Sports Science with Strength and Conditioning (MSc) from the University of Greenwich, London, UK. He is also a UEFA A’ licensed coach. Petros has significant experience in scouting elite athletes.

Mohammad PRINCE

Mohammad PRINCE

Sports, Health and Wellness Coordinator - Qatar

“Biography”
Mr. Mohammad Shoaib Prince is a distinguished professional bridging the Higher Education, Health Care, and Sports & Fitness industries with his multidisciplinary expertise in health promotion, teaching, and academic research.

Holding a B.Sc. in Sports Science from Qatar University and a master’s degree in Diabetes Care and Patient Education from the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST), Prince combines his academic credentials with practical experience to make a profound impact in his fields. Certified as an Exercise Physiologist by the American College of Sports Medicine, he is also on the path to becoming a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach.

Since 2021, Prince has served as a Wellness Specialist at UDST, where he has been instrumental in leading departmental health research projects, integrating wellness into an effective learning course (EFFL 1001), promoting wellness programs, and managing the fitness facility. His previous roles include significant contributions to research projects at ASPETAR Hospital, educational initiatives at Sidra Medicine, exercise physiology at Hamad Medical Corporation, and ground-breaking research at Qatar University’s Biomedical Research Center.

Prince’s scholarly contributions, featured in prestigious journals underscore his dedication to advancing health and wellness. As a valued ISAFA board member and staff, his efforts exemplify a commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of various populations through comprehensive research, education, and practical application.

Honorary Members

Professor Antonio Carlos GOMES

Professor Antonio Carlos GOMES

Brazilian Olympic Commitee (BRAZIL)

“Biography”
Professor Antonio Carlos Gomes is without a doubt one of the most respected figures of football in Brazil. Highly qualified with academic and coaching diplomas, he is the reference in football fitness coaching in Brazil. He was the mentor of some of the greatest world football names: Ronaldo (the phenomenon), Roberto Carlos, Adriano and many others.
He is a consultant to the Brazilian Olympic Committee for sports and Director of a company “Sport Training” in Brazil, specialized in training prescription in sports.
An athlete by training and high level coach who won the Brazilian championship for athletic club Paranaense in 2001, vice champion in 2004 as the technical director and also vice champion of the Copa Libertadores of the Americas in 2005.
In 2011he became bi-Champion Brazilian Soccer as a scientific consultant for Corinthians Paulista Sport Club.
He is currently coach of the Triple Jump Athlete Jadel Gregorio, Brazilian and South American record holder and champion of the World Stage of Osaka.
Dr Gomes gained a PhD in Sports Training from the State University of Physical Culture Sports and Tourism of Moscow, Russia. He has widely a series of books and scientific articles, such as: “Structuring and periodization book”.
Sabri LAMOUCHI

Sabri LAMOUCHI

Football manager

“Biography”
 Sabri Lamouchi is one of the most famous football figures in the last decade. After a long professional career with several football clubs in France (Lyon, Auxerre, Monaco and Marseille) and also with the famous 90s national team, he joined the giant Italian teams of Parma, Internazionale and Genoa before he moved to Al-Rayyan, Umm-Salal and Al-Kharitiyath in Qatar.
Mr Lamouchi became the manager of the Côte d’Ivoire national team as his first managerial position. The Elephants qualified for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, ranked 23rd at the time (highest ranked in Africa). He coached / managed some of current world best players, such as Yaya Touré, Gervinho, Wilfried Bony and Didier Drogba.
Sabri managed several other clubs in Europe and Asia, such as Al Duhail and Al-Jaich Football Clubs in Qatar, Nottingham Forest FC in the UK, the Stade de Rennes, France.
Radhi Jaïdi

Radhi Jaïdi

Football manager

“Biography”
Former professional footballer who played for Tunisia and totalled 105 caps and seven goals. He participated in Atlanta Olympic Games, Confederations Cup, two World Cups (2002, 2006) and won the African Cup of Nations in 2004.
He played for Tunis Esperence Club and won 7 consecutive league titles, two Tunisian Cups, Tunisia Super Cup, twice the CAF Champions League titles, African Cup Winners’ Cup, the CAF Super Cup, the CAF Cup, the Arab Super Cup, and the Afro-Asian club championship between 1998 and 2004.
In 2004, Radhi Jaïdi joined Bolton Wanderers and became the first Tunisian to play
in the Premier League. He played 53 games and scored 8 goals with the team and
joined them 2 consecutive seasons at the European UEFA Cups
He then joined Bolton in 2006/07 and quickly transferred to Birmingham City as a
Centre-back and helped the Blues to go back into the Premier League, whilst scoring
9 goals.
Radhi joined Southampton FC in 2009/10 season in League. He helped the Saints to
reform and gain consecutive promotions back into the Premier League.
Since retiring from playing in 2012, Jaïdi started to gain his coaching badges from
the LMA coaching course, to the UEFA ‘B’ to the UEFA ‘A’ and to UEFA pro license
in 2020.
Radhi the Southampton FC’s Under-23s Head Coach from the 2017 to 2019 where
he promoted his squad to Division 1 At least a dozen players have benefited from his training and management and later selected to play for SFC First team in Premier League.
In 2019/20, Radhi made his debut in the USA where he had a successful experience
as a head coach and achieved top table and a play-off spot with Hartford Athletic FC,
a team who struggled previously in the USL championship. He then took an assistant coach position at the Cercle Brugge (Belgium) for a few months in 2021, before joining his former club Esperence in Tunis (Tunisia) as a 1st manager for one season (2021-22). He is now back to the Cercle Brugge (Belgium).
Mauricio LARRIERA

Mauricio LARRIERA

Football manager (URUGUAY)

“Biography”
Mr. Mauricio Larriera was a professional footballer from 1991 until 2004 and played in all field positions. He started his coaching career at El Tanque Sislye (Uruguay) in 2005. He worked in several well-known clubs in South-America as an assistant or head coach, like Alianza Lima (Peru, 2007), Club Nacional de Football (Uruguay 2008-2009), Club Universidad de Chile (Chile 2010), Club Olimpia (Paraguay 2011-2012).
Mr. Mauricio Larriera worked as Assistant Coach, and Technical Secretary, for the Paraguayan, National Team, participating in the qualification for the 2014 Brazil, World Cup. In 2014, he started his path as Head Coach, managing Racing Club, of Montevideo (Uruguay 2014), achieving second place of the league championship. He was given the Coach of the year award by the Uruguayan Football Association, for the season 2014-2015, just before moving to Qatar where he managed Al Wakrah sport club (2015-17). He then moved back to Latin America where he managed several other clubs, such as Godoy Cruz (Argentine), O’Higgins (chile), and Danubio, Montevideo Wanderers, Atletico Peñarol (Urugway)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mauricio_Larriera

Senior Fellows

Prof Yaodong GU

Prof Yaodong GU

Professor & Dean @ Ningbo University, CHINA

“Biography”
Yaodong Gu is currently a Professor, and te Dean of the Faculty of Sports Science at Ningbo University, China. He is also managing the Research Academy of Grand Health of the University. He acted as a visiting professor in the Department of Bioengineering at the Imperial College of London in 2013 and as an honorary Professor at Auckland Bioengineering Institute in the University of Auckland since 2016.
His research areas focus on Biomechanics, Gait, Motion Analysis of Sports Activities and Rehabilitation Exercises, and Finite Elements Analysis. He has published over 70 full papers in peer-reviewed journals. He is an editorial board member of the Sports Biomechanics Journal and the International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology. He is also the General Secretary of Asian Sports Biomechanics Society.
Professor Daniel MEMMERT

Professor Daniel MEMMERT

German Sport University of Cologne (GERMANY)

“Biography”
Professor Daniel MEMMERT is the head of the Institute of Cognitive and Team/Racket Sport Research at the German Sport University of Cologne. He is a football coach who deepened his coaching skills with a PhD in creativity in team games that he gained at the Elite University of Heidelberg. His research interests are cognitive science, human movement science, computer science, and sport psychology. He has 16 years of teaching and coaching experience, has published more than 150 publications, 35 books or book chapters, and recognised figure by his multi keynotes in Football. Daniel is a reviewer for several international (sport) psychology journals who transferred his expertise to business and to several professional soccer clubs within the Bundesliga and other European Leagues.
Dr Fabien BASSET

Dr Fabien BASSET

Memorial University of NewFound Land, CANADA

“Biography”
Dr. Fabien Basset’s primary areas of research focus on environmental physiology, cardiorespiratory, and metabolic responses to exercise, motor coordination and sport performance. Throughout his career, Dr. Basset has been involved in coaching and training elite and recreational athletes, as well as, coaches’ education. He has coached national and international middle-distance runners and served as exercise physiologist for the National Sport Centre in Montreal, mainly working with long- and middle-distance runners, cross-country skiers, long-track speed skaters, and triathletes. Since his arrival at Memorial, Dr. Basset has set up and developed an Allied Health Services, a division of HKR that provides various packages to athletes and community members, including fitness testing, appraisal and periodization of training programmes, massage therapy and athletic therapy, diet advice, ergonomic assessments and interventions and exercise and sport psychology consultations.
Dr Andrew JONES

Dr Andrew JONES

University of Exeter (UK)

“Biography”
Andrew Jones PhD is Professor of Applied Physiology at the University of Exeter, UK. Prof Jones is internationally recognized for his expertise in the following areas:
1) control of skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism;
2) causes of exercise-related fatigue;
3) respiratory physiology, especially the kinetics of pulmonary gas exchange;
and 4) endurance sports performance physiology and nutrition. He has authored more than 350 original research and review articles, accruing >37,000 total citations to date (h-index of 106 and i10 of 300).
He is a former international distance runner and has served as consultant physiologist to UK Athletics, the English Institute of Sport, the Gatorade Sports Science Institute and Nike Inc. Andy is the Editor-in-Chief for ACSM’s flagship journal, Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.
Dr Zakaria LABSY

Dr Zakaria LABSY

FIFA fitness instructors Université Paris Sud 11 (FRANCE)

“Biography”
Dr Labsy has been one of the prominent FIFA fitness instructors for many years. After an international football career as a goalkeeper (junior level and university level), he gained a PhD in Sport Science. He very quickly became a reference for fitness coaching in football for many federations (Morocco – Cameroun – Denmark – Tunisia – Rwanda – Mali – Tchad – Malaysia – Comoro islands – Turkey – France – and Burkina Faso. He also coached at different levels mainly Paris St-Germain and other clubs in Paris / France. Dr Labsy is the main author of the FIFA programme “Small-sided Games and Integrating Physical Preparation” published by the FIFA’s development and education service in collaboration with: Pr Tourny C, Mr Gallice J, Pr Ahmaïdi S, J. Neppfer -JM Conz. The programme is deployed and adopted around the globe by the football federations. In addition, Dr Labsy is a research active scientist, regularly publishing high-impacting articles in peer-reviewed journals.
Paulo MOURÃO

Paulo MOURÃO

Senior Fitness Coach

“Biography”
Paulo Mourão is currently the Football Team’s Fitness Coach of the LOSC Lille, France. He previously worked in several clubs such as Spartak Moscow, Al-Nassr Saudi, Lisboa e Benfica and Vitória Sport Club – Guimarães in Portugal.
In his first year with the First Team he won the Portuguese Cup for the first time in the history of the club (2012).
Paulo holds a first degree in Sports Science and Physical Education (University Institute of Maia – ISMAI, Portugal), a Master Degree in Sports Sciences (University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Portugal) and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Sports Rehabilitation (University Fernando Pessoa, Portugal). Currently he is enrolled on a part-time PhD programme, where he is investigating monitoring training/match load and post-exercise physiological recovery strategies (University of Beira Interior, Portugal). He has been active in academia, teaching and research in the field of Sports Training and Injury prevention at the University Institute of Maia – ISMAI. He is also frequently invited speaker at several workshops and courses in the areas of Injury Prevention and Strength and Conditioning in Football.
Prof Julien BAKER

Prof Julien BAKER

Hong Kong Baptist University, China

“Biography”
Professor Baker is currently a Research Professor at the Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University, China. He has published over 450 full papers in peer-reviewed journals, published over 290 peer-reviewed abstracts, provided 69 invited key-note presentations, presented at 91 prestigious international conferences, contributed to 19 academic book chapters, written 2 books in partnership, and published 26 invited full papers. His key research areas include high intensity exercise, cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, immune function, hormonal control, oxidative stress and muscle damage, steroid abuse and exercise biochemistry.

Professor Baker is a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and a Doctor of Science (DSc). Professor Baker holds fellowships with important and relevant professional organizations these include; Fellow of the Physiological Society (FPhysiol), Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine (FRSM), Fellow of Human Biology Association (FHB), Fellow of the Institute of Biology (FIBiol), Fellow of the Institute of Clinical Research (FICR), Fellow of the International Engineering and Technology Institute (FIETI) and member of the Society for the Study of Biology (SSOB). Professor Baker is also a Chartered Biologist (CBiol), and Chartered Scientist (CSci). He is a member of both the Physiological Societies of Great Britain and America. He also has membership with the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) and the British Pharmacological Society. Professor Baker is also a visiting Professor at University of Ningbo, Institute of Grand Health, University of Sydney, Faculty of Life Sciences and Ningbo Ninth Hospital Medical Research Centre.

Professor Hassane ZOUHAL

Professor Hassane ZOUHAL

University of Rennes 2, France

“Biography”
Professor Hassane ZOUHAL, Ph.D., is the Dean of the Department of Sport Sciences at the University of Rennes 2, France. He is a member of the Movement Sports and Health Sciences Laboratory. His research focuses on metabolic and hormonal responses to physical exercise and training, with special emphasis on influences of type of training, gender and aging. He is mostly known as one of the worlds’ leading experts in the sympathoadrenergic system responses to exercise and training. His most recent research area includes several studies on science in soccer. He acts as a scientific expert for several professional soccer clubs and federations. Hassane is also a former international athlete (middle-distances) and still two French master records holder (1000m and 1500m). He has the highest diploma as athletics coach in France.
Dr Wassim MOALLA

Dr Wassim MOALLA

National Fitness Coach - Tunisian football team - University of Sfax, Tunisia

“Biography”
Dr Wassim Moalla is one of the most respected physical fitness coaches for professional football players in Tunisia, currently working with the Tunisian national team. Together with Sami Trabesli and their squad have won the CHAN 2011 (Championship African Nations) and succeded to take the team up to the ¼ final at the African Cup of Nations (CAN 2012).
He has been a fitness coach for several professional teams including the “Club Sportif Sfaxien”, the “Stade Tunisien”, etc. He won the Tunisian Cup (2009), CAF cup (2008), North African Cup (2009).
Dr Moalla’s researche interest is “Performance optimization and training”. He is currently the Director of the Research Unit in Motricity, Sports and Health at the University of Sfax.
Professor François BILLAUT

Professor François BILLAUT

Laval University, Quebec City (CANADA)

“Biography”
Professor François BILLAUT is currently a Professor of Exercise and Sport Physiology at Université Laval in Quebec city. His research group includes several graduate students investigating the effects of exercise, training and nutrition on the oxidative function and physical work capacity for performance and health. He also conducts applied sport science research related to hypoxic training and ischemic preconditioning. Prof Billaut has several peer-reviewed publications in the areas of neuromuscular function, tissue oxygenation, pacing and the effects of altitude on human performance.
Besides research, Prof Billaut applies his physiology expertise primarily to Canada’s national cycling, cross-country skiing and speed skating teams, and leads the country’s sport innovation and research to enhance elite performances.
Dr Ferman KONUKMAN

Dr Ferman KONUKMAN

Qatar University (Qatar)

“Biography”
Dr. Ferman Konukman, is an Assistant Professor of Health & Physical Education in the Sports Science Program at Qatar University, Doha in QATAR. Dr. Konukman’s education includes a PhD in Physical Education in the Health & Physical Education Program at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech).

He has served as a member of the editorial review board of ICHPER-SD Journal of Research, assistant editor of the Journal of International Counsel of Health Physical Education Recreation Sports and Dance (ICHPER-SD Journal), and as the coaching section editor of PElinks4U web site.
Dr. Konukman is currently the Teaching Tips section contributing editor for the Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (JOPERD).

His research interests are teaching and coaching effectiveness in PE and teaching sport skills to children with autism. Dr. Konukman was inducted to the Kappa Delta Phi International Honor Society in Education as a result of his research efforts related to teaching children with autism, after-school tennis programs, and academic service learning in teacher education.

Fellows

Dr Neal SMITH

Dr Neal SMITH

University of Chichester (UK)

“Biography”
Dr Neal Smith is the Lead Biomechanist at the University of Chichester, UK. He gained his Doctorate studying Non-Linear motion in Soccer and has since gone on to pursue further research in the area of biomechanics and soccer, with a particular focus on the energetic transfer between segments in a soccer kick. In addition, Neal has researched the technical demands of soccer goalkeeping. He was the scientific expert on the TV investigation ‘Ronaldo; Tested to the Limit’, and has performed invited talks on Soccer Biomechanics in Japan and Colombia. Neal is also the current Vice-President of Awards for the International Society of Biomechanics in Sports.
Dr Adam OWEN

Dr Adam OWEN

High-Performance Coach Educator, UK

“Biography”
Dr Adam Owen has a unique blend of practical coaching experience and holds the UEFA Professional Coaching License whilst also being very active from an academic research perspective, obtaining a PhD in Sport Science (Lyon.1 University, France).
Coming from a football playing, coaching, performance & sport science background Adam can combine his understanding of the game from many areas to mould his philosophy and justifications. Adam’s previous roles have seen him progress through youth to senior levels across domestic, European (UEFA Cup; Champions League) & International circuits.
Adam Owen has coached teams & provided high-performance coaching support to elite-level teams across many continents around the world such as Celtic, Rangers, Sheffield United, Servette, Seattle Sounders FC, Lech Poznań, the Welsh National Team as well as the England Football Association.

Adam has published many scientific journal articles, book chapters and continues to act as an Associate Researcher for Claude Bernard, Lyon.1 University. He is also currently a review editor for several European and International research journals.

Dr Ahmet Hamdi Caglar

Dr Ahmet Hamdi Caglar

Founder and CEO of MD Ltd. Sti Ankara Turkey and FOOTLAB Trading L.L.C Dubai UAE

“Biography”
Dr Ahmet Hamdi Caglar is a Medical Doctor gardauted from Karadeniz University, Turkey in 1983. A Sports Medicine Specialist with intretst in Applied Clinical Biomechanics. He is the Founder & CEO of MD Ltd. Sti Ankara Turkey and FOOTLAB Trading L.L.C Dubai UAE
Dr Caglar is currently a member of The International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS) and also of the Chamber of Medicine Ankara-Turkey.
He Contributed in the establishment of the FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, Istanbul was involved in staff development courses for the team doctors and coaches within the Turkish Football Federation for many years.

Dr Caglar worked with many clubs, such as:
Al Wahda FC (Arabian Gulf League) (Abu Dhabi, UAE) (2013-2019); AFC Champions League (2017-18 and 2018-19)
Kayserispor FC (Super League) (Kayseri, Turkey) (2006-2013)
Trabzonspor FC (Super League) (Trabzon, Turkey) (2005-2006)
Samsunspor FC (Super League) (Samsun, Turkey) (2004-2005)
Sakaryaspor FC (Super League) (Sakarya, Turkey) (1998-1999)
Millwall FC (London, England) (1991) (as a contributor in sports medicine)
Orient FC (London, England) (1990) (as a contributor in sports medicine)
FIFA U-20 WORLD CUP TURKEY 2013, Health Organization in Kayseri City Turkey
UEFA Cup (2006-2008) as a Team Doctor for Kayserispor FC-Turkey
UEFA Champions League (2005-2006) as a Team Doctor of Trabzonspor FC-Turkey

Wojciech IGNATIUK

Wojciech IGNATIUK

URAWA Red Diamonds, Tokyo, Japan

“Biography”
Mr. Wojciech Ignatiuk is currently the First Team’s Strength and Conditioning Coach at URAWA Red Diamonds in Tokyo.
He previously worked at several football clubs in the UAE and Qatar including Al Wakrah Sport Club in Qatar.
He started his career in Poland at Lechia Gdansk (2007-2008) and Arka Gdynia (2008-2009) as the Football Youth Department U-15 Second Coach. He then became the first Team Strength and Conditioning manager in Arka Gdynia (2009-2013).
Before moving to Qatar he worked as the Head of Strength and Conditioning with the Polish women’s National Football Team (2013).
During his first year in the Middle East, Wojciech was offered the position of Performance analyst in Al Sadd Sports Club (2013-2014) as a part of the Qatar Stars League, Qatar Football Association and Aspire Academy joint-project. The club won the Emir’s Cup in the same year, the finale of the QNB Cup and the quarterfinals in the Asian Champions League.

Wojtek holds a Master Degree in Sports Science and Physical Education (University of Physical Education and Sport, Poland); he has published many scientific journal articles and lectures at conferences. Being an experienced fitness coach with a great ability to use analytic and diagnostic software, he is interested in the area of recovery strategies.

Bruno PIANO

Bruno PIANO

Football Manager (URUGUAY)

“Biography”
Mr. Bruno Piano is a football manager who worked in several clubs in Uruguay and also in the Middle East and at different levels/age groups. Amongst them, Rocha FC, Villa Española, Montevideo Wanderers, Danubio FC, and Al Wakrah Sport Club in Qatar.
He was a Professional Footballer from 1997 until 2013. Played in many countries (Uruguay, Peru, Chile, Suisse, Cyprus, Argentina). He started as an Assistant Coach with Mr Mauricio Larriera in 2014 at the Racing Club de Montevideo (Uruguay), Defensor Sporting (Uruguay).
Professor José CORTEZ

Professor José CORTEZ

University of São Paulo (BRAZIL)

“Biography”
Prof. Dr. José Alberto Cortez Aguilar is a Professor at the School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo – USP. He is engaged in teaching soccer and futsal and coordinates in the USP GEPEFFS – Group of Studies and Research Football and Futsal. He was the coordinator of the Physical Training and Cardiac Rehabilitation for Special Groups in Graduate Latu Sensu FMU. Since 1999 he is a consultant on Radio Jovem Pan AM for issues related to physical activity, sports, health and quality of life. Prof Cortez has extensive experience in exercise and sport, especially fitness and cardiac rehabilitation. That is very relevant to the current football seeing the number of cardiac attacks that occurred in very high-level players in recent months. He is the Director of FITCOR, a Physical Fitness and Health company that among several projects is responsible for the Prevention and Rehabilitation of Cardiopulmonary and Metabolic Rehabilitation Program at the Syrian-Lebanese Hospital Centre in São Paulo.
Dr. Ajit Korgaokar

Dr. Ajit Korgaokar

Tennessee Technological University, USA

“Biography”
Dr. Ajit Korgaokar is an Associate Professor in the Exercise Science department at Tennessee Technological University in Tennessee, USA. He has presented at a number of international and national conferences on such topics as the relative age effect in youth soccer, nutritional supplements to enhance soccer performance, sleep hygiene for performance and recovery, and most recently blood flow restriction training for activation and recovery. In addition to his teaching post, he was the former Head Performance Coach for Nashville SC Academy and now works as a sport scientist for Nashville SC’s (MLS) first team. In addition, Dr. Korgaokar has been an instructor for the United States Soccer Federation and United Soccer Coaches. A former professional soccer player with the Orlando Lions (ASL), Dr. Korgaokar also holds several soccer coaching qualifications: United State Soccer Federation (USSF) A license, National Youth License, and the Grassroots Instructor License. He also holds the United Soccer Coaches (USC) Premier Diploma, National Youth Diploma, and the Director of Coaching Diploma.
Dr. Ali Reza AMANI

Dr. Ali Reza AMANI

Shomal University, Amol, IRAN

“Biography”
PhD, Exercise Physiology. University Putra Malaysia
Dean of Sport Science Faculty, Shomal University, Amol, Iran
Editor-in Chief International Journal of Applied Exercise Physiology.
Experience on designing resistance and interval exercise and conditioning for high level athletes.
President of Asian Exercise and Sport Science Association
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