Jari Niemi

Jari Niemi (born 2 February 1977 in Nokia) is a retired Finnish footballer. He has played for R.A.E.C. Mons, Standard Liège and K. Sint-Truidense V.V. in Belgium. In the Finnish Veikkausliiga Niemi has also played for TPV Tampere, FC Haka and Tampere United, and has won five Finnish championships. During the second qualifying round of the 2007/2008 Champions League edition, Niemi scored the only goal in Tampere's prestigious 1:0 away win against Bulgarian champions Levski Sofia. As Tampere had attained a 1:0 win in their home game, they became the first Finnish side to eliminate a Bulgarian club from the high-profile competition. However, the Finns were unable to qualify for the group stages of the Champions League, as they were eliminated by Norwegian side Rosenborg BK in the third qualifying round.

Niemi was able to play either as a right midfielder/winger or a striker.

Career statistics

International

International goals As of match played 29 January 2003. Finland score listed first, score column indicates score after each Niemi goal.

Honours TPV Veikkausliiga: 1994

Haka Veikkausliiga: 1998, 1999

Tampere United Veikkausliiga: 2001, 2006, 2007 Finnish Cup: 2007