Tiago RIBEIRO’s Post

This decision of allowing league matches to be played overseas could result in a major shift in the traditional structures of men's club football. Key points raised in the article pertain to the formation of a working group to provide recommendations on this matter and the considerations that need to be taken into account, particularly focusing on fairness to fans and adequate provisions for supporters. One of the critical aspects is the importance of fairness to fans who may miss out on attending home or away matches due to them being played in a different territory. This raises ethical and logistical concerns about how to balance the interests of fans who may not have the opportunity to attend matches in person. The principle of providing adequate notice to fans is crucial in ensuring that fans are informed and can plan accordingly. Moreover, it is important to consider whether sufficient arrangements are in place for fans of the teams involved in overseas matches to attend the games in the host country. This requirement underscores the significance of fan engagement and ensuring that supporters are catered to, irrespective of where the matches take place. The overall theme of globalization in football emerges strongly through this matter, as international matches could have implications for the European club game and the revenue potential for top clubs. The shift towards tapping into international interest and seeking opportunities abroad reflects the evolving landscape of football and the broader commercial considerations at play. The Fifa's decision to explore the possibility of playing league matches overseas raises important questions regarding fan involvement, fairness, and the commercialization of the sport. As football continues to globalize, it will be crucial for stakeholders to navigate these changes while prioritizing the interests of fans and preserving the essence of the game. https://lnkd.in/egVei2ym

Aramco, FIFA Announce Global Partnership https://ift.tt/jRsV4Jn Aramco, one of the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals companies, has signed a four-year global partnership with FIFA. The company becomes FIFA’s Major Worldwide Partner exclusive in the energy category, with sponsorship rights for multiple events including the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 26 and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027. The agreement, which runs until the end of 2027, builds on a shared commitment to innovation and development, and will combine football’s unique global reach with Aramco’s history of championing innovation and community engagement. Through the partnership Aramco and FIFA intend to leverage the power of football to create impactful social initiatives around the world. Gianni Infantino, FIFA President, said: “We are delighted to welcome Aramco to FIFA’s family of global partners. This partnership will assist FIFA to successfully deliver its flagship tournaments over the next four years and, as is the case with all our commercial agreements, enable us to provide enhanced support to our 211 FIFA member associations across the globe. Aramco has a strong track record of supporting world class events, but also a focus on developing grassroots sport initiatives. We look forward to collaborating with them on a variety of initiatives over the coming years.” Amin H. Nasser, Aramco President & CEO, said: “Through this partnership with FIFA we aim to contribute to football development and harness the power of sport to make an impact around the globe. It reflects our ambition to enable vibrant communities and extends our backing of sport as a platform for growth. “Our existing relationship with the Saudi football team Al-Qadsiah, our support for women’s golf through the Aramco Team Series, and our backing of F1 in Schools each demonstrate the possibilities of such partnerships to create pathways for opportunity, positively impact society and promote development at the grassroots level.” Aramco also intends to work with FIFA to drive innovation, identifying opportunities to deploy the company’s expertise and technologies in the delivery of football events globally. This includes initiatives that aim to provide new and innovative ways for football fans to engage with FIFA’s events. Source link via POTPOURRINEWS https://ift.tt/FRG7DI2 April 25, 2024 at 10:56PM

Brazil to Host 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup: Brazil has been awarded the honor of hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, marking the first time this event will take place in South America. Brazil won the hosting rights with 119 votes, outpacing the joint bid from Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany, which garnered 78 votes. “This is a win for women’s football in South America, and for women’s football everywhere which FIFA works every day to improve and strengthen,” said Ednaldo Rodrigues, President of the Brazilian Football Association (CBF). He expressed confidence in Brazil’s ability to stage an extraordinary tournament, inviting the world to experience the country’s famed hospitality. The 2027 tournament will build on the success of previous editions, including the record-breaking 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup held in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. This event will further elevate the profile of women’s football, contributing to its growth and popularity worldwide. For the first time, a FIFA Congress has voted on the hosts of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, highlighting the growing significance of the women’s game. The Congress saw participation from all 211 FIFA Member Associations. The Congress opened with a warm welcome from Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister, Suriya Juangroongruangkit, and an address by Nualphan Lamsam (Madame Pang), the first female president of an Asian member association. Their speeches set a tone of progress and inclusivity, resonating with the themes of the Congress. FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized FIFA’s commitment to expanding football’s reach and providing more opportunities for competitive play worldwide. He announced new initiatives, including expanded youth tournaments and the proposal of an U-15 football festival to be open to teams from all member associations. “Our duty is to offer more opportunities everywhere in the world, the opportunity to play, dream, be involved and, sometimes, change life,” he stated, highlighting FIFA’s broader mission to foster human development through football. The Congress culminated with the announcement of a comprehensive anti-racism plan. This initiative, to be implemented across all member associations, is structured around five pillars: rules and sanctions, action on the pitch, criminal charges, education, and players’ voices. A poignant video featuring high-profile players making the cross-arm gesture—proposed as a universal signal against racism during games—was shown, emphasizing the global fight against racism in f ootball. Infantino revealed that the anti-racism strategy had been developed in consultation with players worldwide, ensuring that it is informed by their experiences and insights. “Our duty is to offer more opportunities everywhere in the world, the opportunity to play, dream, be involved and, sometimes, change life,” he concluded, reinforcing FIFA’s commitment to both the sport and…

As Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup gains momentum, the FA is expected to support it—despite the kingdom’s controversial human rights record. With no other bidders, Saudi Arabia’s selection is all but confirmed, but the decision to back the bid raises important questions for FIFA and national football associations. The FA’s position is set to stir debate, especially given the global focus on inclusivity and human rights in sport. Many are concerned about the reputational risks associated with supporting a host nation with such a contentious history. With a multi-nation bid for the 2030 World Cup already taking shape, FIFA faces a balancing act between the financial benefits of these hosting rights and the ethical concerns that come with them. The official vote at FIFA’s Congress is fast approaching—how will football governing bodies respond? https://lnkd.in/eRVsSx6v #FIFA #WorldCup2034 #SaudiArabia #Football #HumanRights #FootballGovernance #SportsEthics #FIFA2034 #FootballAssociations #SportsWashing #InclusionInSport #GlobalDebate #SportPolitics #ReputationRisk #FootballCommunity #FA #SportsIntegrity #FootballNews

𝐒𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐢 𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟑𝟒 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐮𝐩: 𝐀 𝐁𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐄𝐫𝐚 🌍⚽ When Saudi Arabia first set its sights on football, many wondered how far this vision could go. Today, with the announcement that the 2034 FIFA #WorldCup will take place in #SaudiArabia, the answer is clear: they’re not just participating—they’re #revolutionizing. (Here’s why this matters to global football and business alike 👇) 1️⃣ 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: Saudi Arabia has reshaped football through transformative investments—world-class players, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and initiatives like the Saudi Pro League. 2️⃣ 𝐀 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞: This milestone represents a moment for Saudi Arabia to enhance tourism, culture, and international partnerships through the universal language of football. 3️⃣𝐀 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬: For brand partnerships, there are opportunities to broaden your company's market, but the potential backlash regarding the human rights breach in Saudi Arabia will also be an impactful variable to take into account... ❓ What do you think will be the long-term impact of this announcement on football and global sports? Share your thoughts! Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dBUnYH-N

Saudi Arabia’s ambition to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup aligns closely with its Vision 2030 objectives, highlighting a transformative investment in the sports sector. Lessons from other nations, such as China’s journey through challenges with match-fixing and doping, underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to sports integrity. By developing robust sports infrastructure paired with proactive anti-corruption measures, Saudi Arabia can ensure transparent and fair practices. Adopting a sports integrity framework, similar to Australia’s, would reinforce governance while prioritizing athlete rights and fostering a culture of ethical excellence. This commitment will not only strengthen Saudi Arabia’s standing in the global sports arena but also mitigate risks, positioning the nation as a leader in sports integrity. #SaudiArabia #sportsintegrity #globalsports

⚽ How can major FIFA events drive lasting positive benefits for host countries, cities, and communities? 🏃♂️ Yesterday I had the pleasure of exploring this topic at a panel discussion organised by the Regional Plan Association with my colleague Nic Merridew and several experts, including Prof Greg Clark CBE FAcSS Beatriz Garcia and AJ Colletti, AIA. The focus of our conversation was around New Jersey and New York, as among other cities, they will host the FIFA World Cup 2026™ - Canada, Mexico and the United States. However, our discussion went beyond them, considering the impact of all major events like the Olympic Games. Watch the recording here: https://lnkd.in/gFqZEFxR Key Takeaways: 1. Social Legacy: We discussed how FIFA events can serve as catalysts for addressing social inequality and fostering a sense of unity and pride among residents. Celebrating cultural diversity, involving local communities, and promoting social equity are crucial aspects. 2. Environmental Sustainability: Sustainability was a top priority in our discussion. We emphasized the importance of eco-friendly practices, such as enhancing public transportation and active mobility, promoting sustainable consumption practices, and reducing carbon footprints. 3. Economic Impact: The economic boost from hosting such events can be transformative. We talked about how investments in social infrastructure, tourism, and local businesses can lead to long-term inclusive economic growth. We unanimously agreed that the FIFA World Cup offers a unique opportunity to elevate host cities' and countries' global profiles, stimulate economic growth, promote social equity, and celebrate cultural diversity. Collaboration among multiple authorities and stakeholders will be key to ensuring that the FIFA World Cup 2026 leaves a positive, lasting legacy. By focusing on sustainability, equity, and inclusive economic development, FIFA can make a significant impact on host countries, cities, and communities. A big thank you to Christina K. and Zoe Baldwin for hosting this event! #FIFAWorldCup #Sustainability #EconomicGrowth #SocialImpact #CommunityDevelopment #PublicTransportation #LegacyBuilding #NewJersey #NewYork Arup

Checkout Bloomberg's new Middle East Money newsletter, out every Monday rounding up the news from the region. This week, we lead on Saudi Arabia's World Cup Playbook. Two years after Qatar hosted the most expensive FIFA World Cup ever, Saudi Arabia unveiled plans for the 2034 event that’s expected to be played in the kingdom. In many ways, the tournament will be the culmination of Saudi Arabia’s ambitions in the sport. Three years ago, the country’s powerful wealth fund bought Premier League club Newcastle United. Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the biggest names in the sport, joined local club Al Nassr for an estimated $200 million annual salary. Efforts to recruit Lionel Messi for $400 million a year didn’t pan out, but Brazilian Neymar and French striker Karim Benzema now play in the Saudi league. While attendance for local games remains low, the kingdom has managed to line up broadcasting deals in more than 130 territories at far higher rates. And more Saudi women are now getting involved in the sport. The government also hopes that the lineup of stars — and the marquee event in 2034 — will eventually boost its appeal as a tourism destination. Critics say those efforts, clubbed with a push into other sports and the arts, are aimed at varnishing its international image.   Saudi authorities said last week they plan to have 15 football stadiums ready by 2034, including 11 new ones. Beyond Riyadh, the others will be in Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha and Neom — an entirely new urban area in the north-west of the country. All stadiums will have over 40,000 seats, as per FIFA requirements. Separately, the government unveiled plans to extend further support to a struggling construction conglomerate that could now be key to the kingdom’s plans to host the event. The most eye-catching bit, of course, is the Neom stadium. Situated within the Line project that’s envisaged as a pair of mirror-clad towers expected to eventually span about 105 miles, this venue will rise 350 meters above the ground and run entirely on renewable energy. It’s unclear how much this will all cost at this point, but Qatar spent upwards of $300 billion. For Saudi Arabia, the outlay would come against the backdrop of lower oil prices, weaker-than-projected foreign investment and budget deficits that’s already forced the government to prioritize spending. Capital Riyadh is benefiting as developments there take priority over ones like Neom, where The Line has already seen some plans scaled back, Bloomberg News has reported. There are also long-term costs to consider. The state-backed lenders that helped Doha finance everything from highways and hotels to stadiums and sewage systems are struggling with rising loan losses, Bloomberg News has reported. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will be keen for Saudi Arabia to avoid similar challenges. https://lnkd.in/dZy727HF

Today was a really interesting day. Today IC Live Video streamed 3 football games. It was the 2024 Indigenous Cup! It is billed as a National Championship for First Nations, Dene, Inuit, and Metis U-18 football players representing their province. Last year, it was an upstart, with players representing Football Alberta, and Football Saskatchewan. This year, Football Manitoba joined in the event. The games were held inside Commonwealth Stadium. So for many of the players, this would have been a big thrill!! Honestly, even with only a few hundred fans in the stands, this is still an impressive looking facility! All 3 games went to Football Alberta's YouTube channel. Though our show was simple (budget related), going forward, I am SO looking forward to more people putting eyes on this, and more companies getting involved. This sort of event really needs to grow! It's important for visibility. Our on-air talent was Metis. It's important for opportunity. First Nations people need to see a reflection of themselves in popular media. On another point, some of these kids might have a chance to get a look from a scout. Depending on the team they play on, this can be a challenge. It's also important to under that this kind of event is important for some of the REAL work that needs to be done in reconciliation. And THAT is the part that makes me the most happy. We didn't make the decision to hold this event. That was all Football Alberta. So they need to be so praised for this! But I'm more than happy to do what we can to showcase this sort of event, in a clean, and professional way. Not 'everything' is about money. Sometimes, things are just the right thing to do. PS. As a sidenote, from some backgrounder info I heard, it looks like we 'just' missed having a BC, and and Ontario team participate in this. I'd heard there were plans to get it going, but timing and organizing of it, just wasn't there yet. Hopefully next year, the momentum will build, and this sort of thing can grow even more! Happy Canada Day!!

📖 New Book Sunday 📖 States of Play by Miguel Delaney Book overview ⬇️ The definitive account of how capitalism and the world's elite corrupted modern football As the 2022 World Cup in Qatar drew to a close, there was a bitter undercurrent to Argentina's triumph. Throughout the tournament, numerous allegations of sportswashing and financial misconduct had been made against the state of Qatar, moving what had previously been a smaller conversation into the worldwide spotlight. The question had been asked, who really owns and runs football? Journeying from Abu Dhabi to Newcastle, and onto London, Paris, Moscow and New York, journalist Miguel Delaney investigates the allegations of sportswashing and misconduct in the beautiful game. The result is a gripping account of how football has been taken over by the world's wealthiest businessmen, state-backed corporations, media tycoons and oil-rich oligarchs. From Neymar's £198 million transfer to Paris Saint-Germain and Abu Dhabi's construction empire in Manchester to failed Financial Fair Play constraints and the dawn of the European Super League, Miguel draws on exclusive interviews and unprecedented access to key stakeholders to produce an all-encompassing exposé of modern footballs highest echelons. Jay O'Neill | Hitz Rao | Julian Swift