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. References Guardian Football Veikkausliiga Hall of Fame 1977 births Living people People from Nokia, Finland Finnish footballers Finland international footballers Veikkausliiga players FC Haka players Standard Liège players Sint-Truidense V.V. players R.A.E.C. Mons players Tampere United players Association football wingers Sportspeople from Pirkanmaa