Three leading figures in football have been added to the bill of the Soccerex Asian Forum, organised in partnership with the Asian Football Development Project (AFDP).
Speaking alongside AFDP founder HRH Prince Ali Bin Hussein, Soccerex CEO Duncan Revie announced that Moya Dodd, AFC Vice President and FIFA Executive Committee Member will be playing a key role at the event.
Dodd will speak on the future of football in Asia and the development of women’s football. She will be joined at the event by Singapore FA General Secretary and AFC Executive Committee Member, Winston Lee.
In addition to these two leading football administrators, Revie also confirmed that Argentinean football legend and World Cup winner Osvaldo Ardiles will be attending the event and sharing his vast football knowledge, including his experiences of playing and coaching in Asia and winning the World Cup.
Mr Ardiles will join fellow football legends, Bryan Robson and John Barnes as part of a special panel discussion at the event.
Also in attendance at the press conference was Sunando Dhar, CEO of I-League, who discussed the All Indian Football Federations involvement with the Soccerex Asian Forum, which will see General Secretary, Kushal Das participating in a panel discussion on commercial development within Asian football.
It was also confirmed at the press conference that the Marriott Hotel Jordan Valley will be the official event hotel. Soccerex also announced a new global partnership with leading international law firm, Pinsent Masons.
HRH Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein said “The Asian Forum is a platform for all the major Asian leagues, clubs and other stakeholders to get together and discuss the development of football across the continent; to share best practices in coaching development, stadia development, women’s football and most importantly for me, social development. Soccerex is the best platform for this.”
Soccerex CEO Duncan Revie added “My thanks goes to his HRH, and to all those participating in this unique event, in this unique setting. We will be truly be bringing the world of football, not just Asia, to this wonderful country.”
The Soccerex Asian Forum will take place on 13-14 May at the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre by the Dead Sea in Jordan. The two day event, featuring a conference and exhibition, will bring together over 1000 senior decision makers from the football industry across Asia and the rest of the world, providing a platform for networking and knowledge sharing, with the aim of developing football throughout the continent.
For further details about the Soccerex Asian Forum please go to www.soccerex.com/asia or contact Soccerex on +44 208 987 5522
Tag: football
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Big names announced for Soccerex Asian Forum
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FIFA seeks single host for two Women’s World Cups
Countries interested in hosting a FIFA event are now spoilt for choice. FIFA has invited its 209 member associations to register their interest in the Women’s World Cup 2019, Club World Cups from 2015 to 2018, Beach Soccer World Cup 2017, U-17 Women’s World Cup 2018 and the U-20 Women’s World Cup 2018.
With women’s football growing in popularity in recent years, FIFA will be particularly hopeful of a large number of members applying to host the Women’s events. “The development of football for girls and women remains one of FIFA’s top priorities,” it said in a statement on Thursday.
FIFA said it would prefer the Women’s World Cup and U-20s World Cup events to be hosted in one country. “In principle, FIFA would prefer the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 and the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2018 to be hosted and organised by the same member association.”
The Women’s World Cup 2019 will involve 24 teams, while 16 teams will compete in the U-20 Women’s World Cup 2018.
“The FIFA Women’s World Cup has grown significantly in stature and significance over the last few editions. Now with 24 teams, it enjoys the second-biggest profile of all FIFA’s flagship events,” FIFA said.
“The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup is the second most important women’s FIFA event. The so-called ‘springboard for the stars’ tournament serves as a staging post towards the FIFA Women’s World Cup, not only for players but also for the hosts.”
The Women’s World Cup 2010 in Germany holds the attendance record of 395,295 spectators, achieving an average global in-home audience per live match of 2.8 million.
The bidding timeline for these women’s competitions requires the member associations that wish to host these events to submit a declaration of interest by 15 April 2014. The deadline for delivery of the hosting agreement together with all the signed bidding documents is 31 October 2014, with the final decision on the hosts currently scheduled to take place at the first FIFA Executive Committee meeting in 2015.
Club World Cups
After successful editions of the Club World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, Japan and Morocco – which will also host the 2014 edition– FIFA has also opened the bidding processes for the 2015-2016 and 2017-2018 editions. Two host nations will host the events for two years.
Member associations that are interested in hosting the event are invited to submit a declaration of interest by 30 March 2014. The complete set of bidding documents has to be provided by 25 August 2014 and the Executive Committee will select the host in September 2014.
Beach Soccer World Cup
2017 will mark the ninth edition of the biennial Beach Soccer World Cup. Sixteen teams will participate in the ten to 12 day final competition, which requires just one stadium. “The location of the venue should reflect the sun, sea and sand of the Copacabana beach, the birthplace of beach soccer,” said FIFA.
Member associations should declare their interest in the Beach Soccer World Cup by 15 April 2014 and submit their definitive bids, including all signed bidding and hosting documents, by 1 October 2014. The host will be appointed by the Executive Committee at its meeting in December 2014.
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Football League partners with Soccerex
Soccerex and the Football League have signed a memorandum of understanding, committing to work together to make sure that football continues to develop across the League.
The agreement gives the Sky Bet Football League a major role at the Soccerex Global Convention, which takes place from 6-10 September in Manchester.
The Football League, the oldest competition in world football, today encompasses the three top divisions immediately below the Premiership.
Addressing issues such as club ownership, finance and betting, the League and Soccerex will work together to make sure that senior representatives from every one of the 72 Football League clubs attend the event. The League will also have a significant presence within the exhibition and play an integral part of the conference programme.
“Networking and knowledge sharing is an extremely valuable component for our development and Soccerex is the best football business event for this,” said Shaun Harvey, CEO of the Football League.
“We will be working closely with them to ensure a strong turnout from our club members so they can make most of the important opportunities that Soccerex presents.”
Soccerex CEO Duncan Revie said: “Having grown up amidst the excitement and success of the Football League with my dad at Leeds United and Manchester City, I have witnessed what this institution has done for our sport. Signing this MoU signals our intent to work with the best in the business and we look forward to welcoming all of the 72 clubs to Manchester.”
The Football League join an growing roster of names lining up for the Convention that already includes FIFA President Joseph Blatter, FIFA Vice-President Jim Boyce, British Olympic Association Chairman Lord Coe, RFU CEO Ian Ritchie and England and Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton.
The Convention kicks off with the Football Festival on 6-7th September with the conference starting on Monday 8th September.
For more information please visit http://www.soccerex.com/global or email enquiry@soccerex.com -
Indian Super League to be launched in Manchester
Plans for the eagerly anticipated Indian Super League (ISL) and the 2017 U17 FIFA World Cup will be officially presented to the global football industry at the Soccerex Global Convention, held in Manchester on 6-10 September, after the confirmation that a senior Indian delegation will be attending.
The session will begin with Kushal Das, General Secretary of the All India Football Federation, delivering a standalone keynote speech, outlining the explosion of the game in India.
The panel, moderated by Sukhvinder Singh, will see I-League CEO Sunando Dhar, STAR Sports India President Nitin Kukreja, Delhi Dynamos Owner Sameer Manchanda, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry Director Rajpal Singh and DSK Group Executive Director Shirish Kulkarni presenting the latest developments behind the two projects and the multiple business opportunities associated within Indian football, culminating in the release of the combined FICCI-AIFF-Libero Sports knowledge report.
Managed by IMG-Reliance, the ISL has attracted investment from India’s biggest companies and celebrities, with the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, DEN Network, PVP, John Abraham and Ranbir Kapoor becoming team owners, as well as partnerships with leading European giants such as Atlético Madrid and AFC Fiorentina.
The 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup will be the first global football tournament hosted by “football’s sleeping giant” and will play a crucial role in developing youth football in India. With FIFA earmarking a potential US$38m investment for the tournament, there are numerous business opportunities for suppliers from across the football spectrum, to engage with the key decision makers from the AIFF to learn about the multiple commercial opportunities the tournament will create.
Das and the Indian delegation join a growing list of international industry leaders who will be speaking at the Global Convention including FIFA President Joseph Blatter, four-time Olympic gold medallist Michael Johnson, MLS Commissioner Don Garber, FIFA Vice-President Jim Boyce, La Liga President Javier Tebas, RFU CEO Ian Ritchie and England and Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton.
The Convention kicks off with the Football Festival on 6-7 September, with the Conference starting on Monday 8 September. A major international exhibition and a programme of networking and social events complete the schedule for this world leading football business event.
Source: Soccerex. For more information about Soccerex please visit http://www.soccerex.com/global // call +44 (0)20 8987 5522 // email enquiry@soccerex.com
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Arena Seating chosen for English FA’s national centre
A modular solution from Arena Seating – part of global event supply company Arena Group – has been selected for St George’s Park, the English FA’s national football centre.
Five uncovered demountable grandstands, consisting of four tiers each, will be located along a covered, elevated walkway overlooking the elite training pitch and reconfigured as required by the venue’s event programme.
Speaking at Soccerex Global Convention in Manchester, Dave Withey, Arena UK & Europe’s sales and marketing director, said: “It will essentially be a permanent installation to begin with, but the modular nature of the system means that the grandstands can quickly and easily be reconfigured and moved elsewhere when needed; such as the indoor Futsal hall or any of the 12 outdoor pitches.
“St George’s Park hosts a variety of different events, in various locations across the site, so the ability to do this was a vital part of the FA’s brief. They can then be moved back to the elite training pitch, negating the need for any additional storage facilities.”
The grandstands will be installed on the 15th October by six crew in a single day. Arena Seating will train St George’s Park on how to reconfigure and extend the grandstand for larger events, using Arena’s rental stock.
“There is no need for permanent construction work, making it extremely cost effective,” said Withey. “This is achieved without compromising on spectator comfort and viewing angles, which is very important for a world class facility like this.”
St George’s Park, based in Burton-upon-Trent in Staffordshire, is the preparation ground for all of the England national football teams and home to the FA’s coaching and development work.
Arena Group is exhibiting at Soccerex Global Convention at stand 219. The company will also be exhibiting at HOST CITY: BID TO WIN conference, which takes place in London on 28th October 2014. For more information visit www.bidtowin-hostcity.net -
Security threats grow but football does not learn enough – ICSS
New security threats are emerging, but football is failing to take on board the experiences of other major events.
To tackle this growing problem, international standards are needed to train and educate sport safety and major event security managers, according to Helmut Spahn, director general of the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS).
“Training and educating those who look after our safety and security in sport is a major responsibility for any major event organiser or sport venue operator. However, at the moment, it is clear that many clubs, leagues and associations do not provide enough opportunities for their safety and security managers to learn from other sports and major events,” he told delegates at the European Stadium and Safety Management Association (ESSMA) Summit.
To encourage the development of an international standard in training and educating within the sport safety and security management industry, the ICSS has developed the first International Advanced Studies Programme on Sport Safety and Security Management with SRH University Heidelberg.
“With many new and emerging threats now facing sport, as good practice the ICSS would encourage clubs, leagues and associations across all sports to enrol on courses like this and provide more opportunities for their safety and security workforce to learn about emerging trends and techniques developing within the industry.”
The ESSMA Summit, hosted in Munich on 27th and 28th January 2015, was supported by the European Professional Football Leagues (EPFL), European Club Association (ECA) and the ICSS.
The conference attracted delegates from FC Barcelona, FIFA, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid CF, Arsenal FC, Wembley, Manchester United, Liga de Futbol Profesional, ACF Fiorentina, AS Monaco FC and Dallas Cowboys.
“The challenge of securing major sport events and international venues has never been greater and once again the ICSS has added considerable knowledge and experience to the event, as well as their cutting-edge expertise in sport safety and security. This has been of enormous benefit to our members,” said Dimitri Huygen, managing director of ESSMA.
“The ICSS is continuing to play an important and active role in leading the development of the sport safety and security industry. On behalf of ESSMA, I look forward to continuing our work with the ICSS, as well as other organisations including the ECA and EPFL.” -
Soccerex postpones Asian Forum to 3 and 4 May
The date of the Soccerex Asian Forum has changed from the 14 to 15 April to the 3 and 4 May, the organisers announced today.
The change was made after the decision by the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) to bring forward their congress to April.
“The aim of the Soccerex Asian Forum is to promote the development of football and football business in Asia, through providing a platform for the whole world of football to gather in Jordan. The rescheduling of the CONCACAF Congress meant that it would be very difficult for many of the decision makers from this important region, and the industry worldwide, to attend the Asian Forum,” said Soccerex CEO Duncan Revie.
“We have long enjoyed a good working relationship with CONCACAF and were delighted to welcome a significant CONCACAF delegation, led by President Jeffrey Webb, to two of our events in 2014.
“With this in mind, following discussion with our partners, we have taken the decision to move the Asian Forum to the new dates of the 3 and 4 May 2015.
“The event will still be held at the same fantastic location on the banks of the Dead Sea and will continue to be hosted in conjunction with the Asian Football Development Project”.
Soccerex Asian Forum will now start just two days after the AFC Congress in Bahrain draws to a close. The close proximity of the Congress in both date and location – Jordan is just a short flight from Bahrain – means that a significant AFC presence is expected at the Asian Forum.
For more information contact Soccerex on +44 208 987 5522 or enquiry@soccerex.com
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AFC partners with ICSS to keep football safe
The Asian Football Confederation and the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) on Friday signed a wide-ranging partnership agreement to strengthen safety and security in Asian football.
The agreement will strengthen existing safety and security regulations, develop training programmes and help assess safety and security within the AFC Member Associations.
The partnership agreement was signed by the presidents of the two organisations after the AFC Congress in Bahrain.
“Safety and security is a top priority for the AFC, a basic requirement for any football match to take place. The AFC does everything within its powers to protect players, officials, coaches and spectators across Asia,” said Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, who was reelected as AFC president on Thursday.
“The ICSS is at the forefront of safeguarding sport and this agreement is a significant step forward in enhancing safety and security practices within the AFC and our Member Associations.”
ICSS president Mohammed Hanzab said: “As sport and major events continue to increase in size and complexity, I would encourage other football associations and confederations to show the same proactive leadership as the AFC in sport safety and security to confront the new threats that sport now faces.
“This partnership with the AFC represents a significant milestone for the ICSS and builds on our growing portfolio with various sports organisations and other major events rights-holders around the world.
“As one of the fastest growing and most diverse football regions in the world, Asia is an important platform for the ICSS to showcase our expertise, as well as providing us with a unique opportunity to work on some of the world’s largest major sport events and venues.”
As part of the agreement, the ICSS and AFC will develop safety and security regulations within the framework of FIFA international guidelines.
The partners will also deliver training programmes educate security officers within AFC Member Associations, including ‘Train the Trainer’ programmes.
They will also develop key requirements for the security design of sport infrastructure, security operations for clubs and international matches and tournaments taking place in AFC Member Associations
The growth of a professional network of security personnel will be supported, to ensure the appointment of qualified staff for clubs, international matches and tournaments.
Current safety and security documentation and reporting tools for clubs, international matches and tournaments taking place within the AFC will be reviewed.
ICSS will also provide safety and security assessments in collaboration with or on behalf of the AFC.
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MLS commissioner Don Garber to address Soccerex Global Convention
Major League Soccer (MLS) commissioner Don Garber is to speak at the Soccerex Global Convention 2015, which takes place at the Manchester Central Convention Complex, 7th-9th September.
Garber will discuss MLS’ journey from its launch as a 10-club league in 1996 to one of the fastest developing leagues, attracting global stars such as Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, David Villa and Kaka.
Garber will also provide insight on the league’s international sponsorship and broadcasting deals, including a new multi-million dollar deal with Sky.
With MLS leading the way in respect to fan engagement, Garber will highlight the importance of digital media as a vehicle for connecting with soccer fans globally and the commercial benefits of being at the forefront of enhancing match day experience.
Garber has turned the league’s fortunes around since taking on the role of commissioner in 1999, bringing it out of a threatening period of financial underperformance and into one of stability and growth.
Under Garber’s guidance, the league has expanded to 23 teams across America and Canada, and is well on the way to achieving its goal of 24 teams by 2020, with new franchises awarded to Atlanta and Minnesota.
In 2015, Soccerex enters its 20th year and MLS celebrates its 20th anniversary.
“As we begin the countdown to our 20th anniversary, it is only fitting that Don and MLS are involved in the year they celebrate the same milestone,” said Soccerex CEO Duncan Revie.
“Both our organisations have enjoyed significant growth during this period and I congratulate Don on the fantastic job he and his team have done in creating such a dynamic and forward thinking league.
“Don’s insight into MLS’s expansion plans will prove fascinating; I am delighted he has agreed to part of this year’s event and his involvement is indicative of the top level right’s holders that will be featuring in this year’s programme.”
The Global Convention will consist of a thought provoking conference programme packed with business insight, alongside a market-leading international exhibition and extensive networking. A programme of social events completes the schedule for what is widely acknowledged as the world’s leading football business event.
For more information on Soccerex please visit http://www.soccerex.com/events/global-convention/2015, call +44 (0)20 8987 5522 or email enquiry@soccerex.com -
Soccerex confirms event partnerships
Ahead of the Soccerex Global Convention 2015, Soccerex has confirmed the final line up of event partners and supporters. Brands such as Qatar’s leading communications company Ooredoo, market leader in enterprise application software SAP and leading international media like Eurosport have all signed up for the three day football business event.
The Soccerex Football Festival – 5th – 6th September, the Old Granada Studios– will take place in partnership with Marketing Manchester and with the support of Global Games, Football Freestyle Federation, Urban Cage Soccer and UK Footgolf Association.
The Soccerex Global Convention then kicks off at Manchester Central Convention Complex on 7th September with programmes of conference content, exhibition stands and networking activities over the next three days. The Convention is held in partnership with Marketing Manchester and with the support of international event host partner The Asian Football Development Project (Asian Forum).
Other event partners include global insurance experts, Lockton, and leading sports broadcaster talkSPORT as well as FIFA Master Alumni who will be the academic supporter to the Convention. Major Events International (MEI) will be the commercial supporter of the event.
The Convention is staged with the institutional support of LaLiga, The Football League, French Football Federation, Ligue de Football Professionnel and the European Sponsorship Association (ESA) and can count on the support of international legal experts Pinsent Masons, logistics specialists DB Schenker International, leading global hoteliers, Radisson, world’s leader in visual communications Getty Images, Sports PR, communications and sponsorship activation consultancy Macesport, production distribution company Boulder Creek International, leading international law firm Maples and Calder, LawInSport, industry’s leading international sports business and financial advisory firms APC Sports Consulting Limited , Mobile Media Content, Red Touch Media USA, UK Trade & Investment, Qatar Stars League, Qatar Football association and Football Medical Association.
The Convention will consist of a number of top companies giving in depth insights into the business of football with the likes of Matchvision, Pro Soccer Development, Solive, Tifosy, Social Chain and Triple IT all having presentation slots for what is widely acknowledged as the world’s leading football business event.
Soccerex CEO Duncan Revie commented: “We are very proud to work with our host partners Marketing Manchester and all the different event partners and supporters of the Global Convention. We are very grateful for their immense support, without which we would not be able to deliver the events we do”.
The Soccerex Global Convention kicks off with the Football Festival on 5-6th September, with the conference starting on Monday 7th September. A packed international exhibition and a programme of networking and social events such as the half time networking lounge sponsored by bottoms up beer, social evenings sponsored by Prestige Hospitality, official sales agent for the UEFA Euro 2016 Hospitality programme and the VIP dinner sponsored by Global W Mexico. Another networking social event is “SoccerMatch” which is the platform for the football industry to share ideas, discover new contacts and do business and is sponsored by Yuuzoo. The CSO Zone is playing a bigger part in this year’s Convention and will be sponsored by Terres Des Hommes.
For full information about Soccerex please visit www.soccerex.com/global // call +44 (0)20 8987 5522 // email enquiry@soccerex.com