Turning 50

Monaco's football scene celebrates a 50-year milestone this year, but faces an uncertain future

- STEVE MENARY

With a population of 40,000 and less than a quarter holding a national passport, Monaco has never been a likely candidate to join UEFA. Alongside Vatican City, it is the only sovereign state in Europe without UEFA membership, with the Mediterranean principality represented by Ligue 1 side AS Monaco, eight-times champions of France.

Nevertheless, Monaco does also have a domestic competition: the Challenge Prince Rainier III, a corporate business league that will celebrate its 50th anniversary when the finals are staged at the Stade Louis II on May 6.

The origins of the competition lay in an annual game between staff from the Palace and the Palais de Justice. In 1975, Prince Rainier III asked for the game to be expanded to a competition for company employees across Monaco. Thirty years later, Prince Albert II acceded and has been a regular attendant at the annual finals.