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Tag: Fifa

  • Monaco’s Grimaldi Forum turns into a high-stakes sports-tech power play as Sportel 2025 starts

    Monaco’s Grimaldi Forum turns into a high-stakes sports-tech power play as Sportel 2025 starts

    MONACO: The sports industry’s deal-makers have flooded into Monaco this week, and the energy is electric. Nearly 70 countries have sent their sharpest minds to Sportel 2025, a three-day collision between legacy sports titans and maverick tech disruptors that kicks off today and runs through 22 October. This is where real money gets moved and genuine innovation gets showcased.

    The Grimaldi Forum is heaving with some of sport’s biggest names exhibiting: Fifa, La Liga, the World Cup of Hockey 2028, alongside a glittering roster of tech firms like Qualcomm, AWS, and Wasabi. But Sportel is no mere trade show—it’s a strategic summit where the next generation of sports media gets hammered out.

    The conference programme cuts straight to the chase. Javier Tebas, La Liga’s president, will deliver a keynote spelling out how the world’s most compelling league is monetising itself. But the real fireworks come in a masterly panel on investment: “Where is the next $1bn coming from?” features the CEOs of Surj Sports Investment, Kings League, and the Professional Fighters League, all circling the same question—which markets are still hungry, and where will private equity and sovereign wealth funds actually deploy capital?

    There’s more. A panel on Formula 1’s storytelling prowess asks whether authentic sport crossed with entertainment star power can turbocharge sponsorship and rights values. Then comes the tech avalanche: sessions on generative AI reshaping everything from content creation to the fan experience; on new live-streaming tools that personalise what viewers see; on how Liverpool FC is harnessing AI and cloud infrastructure to deepen loyalty across the globe.

    The Ligue 1+ case study is particularly clever—a league building its own direct-to-consumer platform, hoarding first-party data, and cutting out the middleman to capture fresh revenue. That model is spreading. So too is the adoption of ad-supported streaming as the default for OTT platforms. World Rugby, via the platform WURL, is showcasing exactly how.

    The conference even has a competition worth caring about: “Pitch Perfect Innovation Contest” will see start-ups including Pendular, FalconHQ, and Camb.ai each get three minutes to convince industry heavyweights that their solution deserves backing. And a Women’s Lunch (by invitation) will celebrate female leaders redefining the sport-media nexus—expect Alexis Ohanian from Seven Seven Six, Lauren Pedersen from SportAI, Fiona Wong from the NBA, and marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe to set the room ablaze.

    The message from all sides is unambiguous: artificial intelligence, cloud technology, and direct fan relationships aren’t the future anymore. They’re the present—and if you’re not moving now, you’re already behind.

  • Sportz Interactive scores Blair Richardson to lead UK and Europe drive

    Sportz Interactive scores Blair Richardson to lead UK and Europe drive

    MUMBAI : When it comes to winning fans, Sportz Interactive isn’t just playing the game, it’s rewriting the rulebook. The sports tech powerhouse has roped in Blair Richardson as director of business development to lead its charge across the UK and Europe, two of the world’s most competitive sporting markets. Based in London, Richardson will be the playmaker shaping SI’s next big innings in fan engagement and digital transformation.

    Richardson’s career spans over two decades of sports, entertainment, and tech innovation. He cut his teeth in business development before a six-year stint at Reuters as commercial director for sport & entertainment, where he drove global content partnerships with Rolex, Nike, Adidas, Puma, FIFA, Sky Sports, the Barclays Premier League, and Beats by Dre. From pioneering rights clearance strategies to expanding into North America and Asia, he built a reputation for fusing commercial acumen with creativity.

    His entrepreneurial streak saw him co-found Chatsuite, an AI chatbot platform that built fan engagement products for FC Barcelona, BBC, Eurosport, Xbox, WWF, and Getty Images. Later roles at Monterosa, Hex Digital, and Rehab Agency cemented his profile as a digital innovator, delivering campaigns for Nike, NBA, Google, ITV, Meta, Warner Bros, and Formula 1. Speaking on his move, Richardson said: “Sportz Interactive has already proven itself as a global leader in digital transformation for sports organisations, and I’m excited to bring my background in sports content, AI innovation, and fan engagement to this next chapter.”

    SI SVP for international leagues & federations Raghav Mehta added: “His unique blend of sports and entertainment expertise, combined with a proven track record of driving innovation through partnerships with some of the world’s biggest brands, makes him the perfect leader to guide our growth in Europe and the UK.”

    With a client roster already boasting the International Olympic Committee, NBA, UEFA, Disney, Google, and Formula 1, SI’s European expansion isn’t just about new turf, it’s about redefining how sport meets storytelling in a digital-first world.

  • Dreamsetgo nets FIFA deal as India agent for World Cup 26 hospitality

    Dreamsetgo nets FIFA deal as India agent for World Cup 26 hospitality

    MUMBAI: Game on, India! Fans eyeing the FIFA World Cup 26 can now book their dream matchday in style without risking an offside foul on fake tickets. On Location, the official hospitality provider of FIFA World Cup 26, has appointed Dreamsetgo as its non-exclusive sales agent for India. This move marks a significant play in bringing the thrill of the tournament to Indian fans with VIP treatment, travel perks, and premium access all through legitimate channels.

    With this partnership, Dreamsetgo becomes the official point of contact in India for those looking to score premium hospitality packages to the world’s biggest football spectacle, which is set to kick off across the United States, Mexico, and Canada in 2026.

    FIFA World Cup 26 business general manager of on location Alicia Falken said, “We are thrilled to partner with our new international sales agent, Dreamsetgo, on the FIFA World Cup 26. Their expertise in hospitality sales in India and deep understanding of their market will be instrumental in ensuring that our clients receive unparalleled service.”

    FIFA has cautioned fans against purchasing tickets or packages from unauthorised sellers, reminding everyone that only On Location and its officially appointed agents are authorised to provide hospitality experiences. Any tickets bought through unofficial platforms risk cancellation without refund.

    In addition to its India play with Dreamsetgo, On Location is also teaming up with Major League Soccer and various clubs across the U.S. and Canada to ensure seamless access for global fans. The full list of authorised global agents will be published on FIFAWorldCup.com/hospitality.

    As the countdown to 2026 begins, Indian football enthusiasts can now plan their FIFA World Cup experience without fear of scams and with all the glamour of an unforgettable global sporting event.
     

  • Rules X ropes in sports tech maven Laila Mintas to turbocharge Europe cricket league’s vision

    Rules X ropes in sports tech maven Laila Mintas to turbocharge Europe cricket league’s vision

    DUBLIN:  Irish sports innovation outfit Rules X, operating partner of the upcoming European T20 Premier League (ETPL), has brought on board sports tech powerhouse Laila Mintas, signalling a bold push to redefine cricket’s future through technology, fan engagement, and strategic disruption.

    From leading Fifa’s anti-match-fixing initiatives and launching Concacaf’s first Sports Integrity Unit, to scaling Sportradar US to over 85 per cent market share and selling Bet.Works for $125 million, Mintas has worn many hats over her 20 years in the global sports betting and the iGaming space.  A Berlin-trained lawyer with a PhD that triggered reforms in Germany’s betting laws, she has also served as CEO of PlayUp USA and PlayEngine, where she oversaw product innovation, AI deployment, and investor relations. Her deep expertise across sports integrity, AI-led fan experience, and regulatory reform positions her as a key catalyst in Rules X’s mission to shape ETPL into a high-octane, tech-forward cricket league for the modern fan.

    She currently sits as non-executive director at UK-based SIS Ltd and leads her consultancy, Dr Mintas Consulting. A multi-award-winning leader, she’s been named one of the most influential figures in sports betting by SBJ, Business Insider, and Global Gaming Business.

    “Cricket is experiencing phenomenal global growth, and the European T20 Premier League, under Rules X, represents a monumental opportunity to transform the fan experience through cutting-edge innovation, technology and strategic partnerships,” exclaimed Mintas. “I am incredibly thrilled to join the Board at this pivotal moment, contributing to a league that truly embraces the future of sports.”

    ETPL Co-owner Priyanka Kaul echoed the sentiment, stating, “We are making conscious efforts to create a differentiated product with the ETPL—one that’s sustainable, exciting, and drives the sport forward. Welcoming a seasoned global leader like  Mintas to our board reinforces our commitment to excellence and innovation. Her global perspective and track record in sports innovation will be invaluable as we shape the future of cricket in Europe and beyond.” 

    The ETPL — featuring both men’s and women’s leagues — is set to bowl its first over in 2026, with matches across iconic European venues. Backed by Rules X, the league aims to be more than just another tournament — a fusion of entertainment, tech and cricketing excellence. 

    The league is being pitched as  Europe’s next big cricket export — and with Mintas on board, it’s stepping up to bat with serious firepower.

  • Airbnb teams up with FIFA for three World Cups and global fan stays

    Airbnb teams up with FIFA for three World Cups and global fan stays

    MUMBAI: Fans won’t just be travelling for the beautiful game, they’ll be checking in for it too. In a landmark move that blends football fever with hospitality hustle, Airbnb and FIFA have announced a three-year global partnership across three blockbuster tournaments: the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, FIFA World Cup 26, and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027. Airbnb will serve as Official Fan Accommodation across all events with perks that include booking fan experiences, stadium adventures, and even one-on-one training with football legends like Tim Howard.

    From Dolby Atmos goal celebrations in Miami to melt-in-your-mouth brisket tacos in Houston, this tie-up isn’t just about beds, it’s about bringing the soul of the Host City to the fan’s front door.

    “The World Cup brings the world together and so do we,” said Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky, adding that the partnership will help create “once-in-a-lifetime experiences” for fans while fuelling local economies.

    With fans expected to flood the 16 host cities of the FIFA World Cup 26, a Deloitte study estimates that over 380,000 Airbnb guests will contribute nearly 3.6 billion dollars to local economies. Hosts alone could rake in up to 210 million dollars, with Airbnb’s stays projected to support the equivalent of 34,000 full-time jobs through 2026.

    The collaboration will also see Airbnb roll out a 5 million dollars Host City Impact Fund, supporting local initiatives and enhancing the visitor experience through targeted investments in community infrastructure.

    Football meets fandom in a more literal way too Airbnb is offering original fan experiences like watching matches with Cobi Jones, dissecting tactics with FIFA’s Technical Study Group, or suiting up for a private goalkeeping session with Tim Howard. All these are bookable during the Club World Cup 2025, kicking off 14 June at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami.

    With 89 per cent of fans worldwide planning to travel for matches, Airbnb’s bet on blending the love of sport with the love of stay is shaping up to be a golden goal.

    Or in this case, maybe a golden guest room.

  • FIFA+ selects Magnifi for AI-powered football highlights

    FIFA+ selects Magnifi for AI-powered football highlights

    MUMBAI: Football’s global governing body FIFA has partnered with AI technology firm Magnifi to transform how fans experience match highlights and key moments across its digital platform FIFA+.

    The collaboration will leverage Magnifi’s artificial intelligence capabilities to deliver real-time highlights, crucial match moments and personalised player clips to football supporters worldwide.

    The technology will be deployed across more than 600 matches in the first year, processing approximately 1,200 hours of content. The partnership aligns with FIFA’s Global Game 2023-2027 strategy, which emphasises digital innovation and enhanced fan engagement.

    FIFA’s digital platforms demonstrated their significant reach during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, generating over 5 billion engagements. The organisation, which governs football across 211 member countries, continues to seek new ways to connect supporters with the sport.

    Magnifi executives described the partnership as “transformative” for football content delivery, promising faster, more immersive experiences for fans worldwide.

  • Tonic Worldwide appoints Nishant Gopalia as senior vice president, media & martech

    Tonic Worldwide appoints Nishant Gopalia as senior vice president, media & martech

    MUMBAI:  Tonic Worldwide has announced the appointment of Nishant Gopalia as senior vice-president for media & martech.  Gopalia, who brings over 18 years of experience in digital media, marketing, and strategy, joins from Viacom18 Sports, where he served as senior director and lead for digital media.

    At Viacom18, Gopalia spearheaded digital strategies for major sports properties, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), FIFA, and the NBA. He was instrumental in driving user acquisition and retention for the company’s digital platform, JioCinema, through performance marketing campaigns, content innovations, and data-driven decision-making.

    Prior to Viacom18, Gopalia held leadership roles at Tata Communications, Mindshare India, Performics, Disney Star, Wavemaker, Hungama Digital Services, and Dentsu Webchutney. His expertise spans app marketing, social media management, programmatic advertising, performance marketing, and digital content strategy.

    In his new role at Tonic Worldwide, Gopalia will oversee media strategy and marketing technology initiatives, driving innovation and business growth for the agency’s clients. His appointment is expected to bolster Tonic’s capabilities in delivering comprehensive digital solutions.

    Said Gopalia : “I look forward to contributing to its vision of delivering impactful and data-driven digital strategies.”

  • Netflix lands Fifa Women’s World Cup 2027 & 2031 exclusive rights for the US

    Netflix lands Fifa Women’s World Cup 2027 & 2031 exclusive rights for the US

    MUMBAI: It  was an unexpected move and it’s definitely resulted in a goal – an outright goal, leaving all other competitors wondering what its next play will be. Streaming giant Netflix has signed  an agreement with the world’s football federation Fifa  to exclusively stream the 2027 and 2031 instalments of the Fifa Women’s World Cup in the US.  

    The Fifa Women’s World Cup will be the first competition to be acquired in full by Netflix, which further reinforces the tournament’s status as the single biggest women’s sporting event on the planet and provides an outstanding platform to further promote the game. 

    The deal will provide US-based fans with unparalleled access to every match live and to immersive coverage, including star-studded studio shows in what is set to be an unprecedented celebration of the women’s game. The agreement includes Puerto Rico and covers all languages, with top-tier talent poised to feature in a dual telecast for both English- and Spanish-language broadcasts in the US.

    “This is a landmark moment for sports media rights,” said Fifa president Gianni Infantino. “As a marquee brand and Fifa’s new long-term partner, Netflix has shown a very strong level of commitment to growing women’s football. This agreement sends a strong message about the real value of the Fifa Women’s World Cup and the global women’s game. Fifa and Netflix partnering together makes this a truly historic day for broadcasting and for women’s football. 

    “Besides broadcasting the tournaments themselves, Netflix will play a key role in terms of bringing the fascination of women’s football to a multimillion audience in the lead-up to both final tournaments, thereby enabling us to further increase their appeal.” 

    “I’ve seen the fandom for the Fifa Women’s World Cup grow tremendously – from the electric atmosphere in France in 2019 to, most recently, the incredible energy we saw across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand last year,” said Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria. “Bringing this iconic tournament to Netflix isn’t just about streaming matches, it’s also about celebrating the players, the culture and the passion driving the global rise of women’s sport.” 

    Following Fifa’s decision to partner exclusively with Netflix, the 2027 and 2031 editions of the Fifa Women’s World Cup are poised to reach even greater audiences and to set new benchmarks in terms of US engagement. The Fifa Women’s World Cup 2027 which will take place in Brazil from 24 June to 25 July 2027, will see the 32 best national teams from around the globe compete for glory. The host nation(s) of the 2031 edition of the Fifa Women’s World Cup will be decided by the Fifa Congress in due course. 

    In addition to offering live coverage, Netflix will produce exclusive documentary series in the lead-up to both tournaments, spotlighting the world’s top players, their journeys and the global growth of women’s football. 
    Netflix has proved its ability to tell compelling stories from the world of football through programming such as Under Pressure: The U.S. Women’s World Cup Team, Captains of the World (in partnership with FIFA), Neymar: The Perfect Chaos, Beckham, Sunderland ’Til I Die and Boca Juniors Confidential, with upcoming documentaries set to be released on Vinícius Júnior and José Mourinho

    With Netflix landing football in its programming, one will have to wait and watch whether it will do the same in India – by outbidding one and all for the rights to some premier cricket. Sony Sports, Sports18, Star Sports, JioStar, Zee TV – watch out – in Netflix you have got a competitor who will keep you guessing its next move and it has an open cheque book to outbid you if it can.

  • Dazn to live broadcast Fifa Club World Cup ’25 for free globally

    Dazn to live broadcast Fifa Club World Cup ’25 for free globally

    MUMBAI: Here’s even more good news for football fans. There’s more football fever being kicked into your living rooms to cheer for until you are hoarse. 

    The international football federation Fifa has signed up with streamer Dazn making it the exclusive global broadcaster of the FiFa Club World Cup 2025. Under the agreement, the tournament which will see 32 clubs from all over the world fighting it out for the trophy over 63 matches is to be live streamed on Dazn free globally in multiple languages, and includes the possibility of sub-licensing to local free to air linear broadcast networks. 

    The Fifa Club  World Cup 2025, which was launched in 2000, but had gone through a bumpy ride in certain years, was  converted into a quadrennial competition (starting 2025) when it was last held in 2023. The teams are drawn into eight groups of four, with each team playing three group stage matches in a round-robin format. The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage, starting with the round of 16 and culminating with the final.

    In its previous avatar when it was an annual competition, Real Madrid emerged as the winner on five occasions, Spanish teams have won the tournament eight times. The current champions are Manchester City which held the trophy aloft in 2023.

    The agreement to hold the exclusive global broadcast rights to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 marks the start of a broader partnership between Dazn and Fifa. This includes integrating Fifa+,   Fifa’s library of iconic football moments and full-match replays, as well as live fixtures, into the Dazn platform. 

    The partnership begins with the draw of the Fifa Club World Cup which will be broadcast live on Dazn on 5 December. The 32 participating clubs will discover their group-stage opponents in a live studio event that will kick off at 13:00 EST/18:00 GMT/19:00 CET. The Fifa  Club World Cup 2025, which kicks off on Sunday 15 June 2025 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami will have matches being played in 12 venues across the US over a 29-day period, culminating with the final at MetLife Stadium, New York New Jersey on Sunday, 13 July 2025.

    Making a top club competition freely available to every single fan globally, the ground breaking partnership combines Dazn’s unique expertise and vision for the future with Fifa’s commitment to making football truly global, claims a press release issued by the two. 

    It also helps that the Fifa Club World Cup has finally found a home as this will help the football federation rope in sponsors. Reports say that the clubs have been asking for $50 million per head to participate ; so far it has managed to sign up Chinese electronics firm Hi-sense, Anheuser Busch (AB InBev) and Bank of America as sponsors.  Additionally, reports say that the deal between Dazn and Fifa is valued at about $1 billion, though no financial terms were disclosed. 

    “I am delighted to announce that Fifa, in partnership with Dazn and Fifa+, will bring the best of club football for free to everywhere in the world, meaning that every single football fan across the globe can watch the best players from the 32 best clubs compete in the new Fifa Club World Cup to be the first official Fifa Club World Champions’,” said Fifa president Gianni Infantino “The new Fifa Club World Cup is a merit-based, inclusive tournament that will be the pinnacle of global club football, capturing the imagination of players and fans across the world. Through this broadcasting agreement, billions of football fans worldwide can now watch what will be the most widely accessible club football tournament ever – and for free. Football Unites the World.” 

    Added Dazn chief executive officer Shay Segev: “This groundbreaking deal with Fifa is a major milestone in Dazn’s journey to be the ultimate entertainment platform of choice for sports fans everywhere. We’re delighted to have the exclusive rights to this new chapter in global club football, marking the start of our long-term relationship with FIFA and cementing our status as the home of football. Dazn is the only sports streaming platform that has a truly global reach, with world-leading technology and a single-minded focus to deliver the very best digital experience for all sports fans. We’re committed to ensuring that every fan can watch every moment of the thrilling action from this new prime club tournament.”

    Dazn – a fully interactive and immersive platform  – enables fans to watch, play, buy and connect, all in one place and with a single account. It is available on all connected devices, including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets and game consoles. It has a large portfolio of sports  rights and  that includes the world’s most prestigious leagues. Its content is watched by over 300 million viewers in more than 200 markets. It is normally charges a subscription fee for premium sports tournaments.

    A detractor says that Dazn and Fifa have taken the decision to stream the Fifa Club World Cup for free as the tournament is working on gaining prestige amongst football fans. As well as advertisers.

    “It does  not have the respectability of the La Liga or the EPL. In its annual avatar it did not get even a fraction of the eyeballs the EPL does. Hence by streaming it for free, both Fifa and Dazn are hoping it will grow on football fans,” says a football rights expert. 

    The critics can carp from the sidelines, but with both Fifa and Dazn working in tandem, the Fifa Club World Cup 2025 could well end scoring well with viewers. And come out a winner!

                                             FIFA Club World Cup 2025 – participating clubs

    Africa: Al Ahly FC (EGY), Espérance Sportive de Tunis (TUN), Mamelodi Sundowns FC (RSA), Wydad AC (MAR) 

    Asia: Al Ain FC (UAE), Al Hilal (KSA), Ulsan HD (KOR), Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN) 

    Europe: Atlético de Madrid (ESP), FC Bayern München (GER), SL Benfica (POR), Borussia Dortmund (GER), Chelsea FC (ENG), FC Internazionale Milano (ITA), Juventus FC (ITA), Manchester City (ENG), Paris Saint-Germain (FRA), FC Porto (POR), Real Madrid CF (ESP), FC Salzburg (AUT) 

    North and Central America and the Caribbean: CF Monterrey (MEX), CF Pachuca (MEX), Club León (MEX), Inter Miami CF (USA), Seattle Sounders FC (USA) Oceania: Auckland City FC (NZL) 

    South America: CA Boca Juniors (ARG), Botafogo (BRA), CR Flamengo (BRA), Fluminense FC (BRA), SE Palmeiras (BRA), CA River Plate (ARG)

  • Canada’s video providers & Friend MTS partner to tackle sports piracy

    Canada’s video providers & Friend MTS partner to tackle sports piracy

    Mumbai: Friend MTS, a provider of video content security solutions, reported that several video service providers in Canada have chosen it to prevent piracy using dynamic delivery server blocking (DDSB). These companies have secured a nationwide court order to block servers hosting pirated content, including content from major sports leagues like FIFA, NBA, NHL, and UFC.

    The court order allows internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to servers distributing pirated content without needing a new order for each event. This approach saves time and money by reducing court fees and appearances, while protecting valuable sports content rights.

    Launched by Friend MTS in 2017, DDSB enables large-scale content blocking while meeting legal standards for court-granted orders. It provides customers with the necessary intelligence and evidence to persuade ISPs to restrict access to illegal servers, reducing the number of illegal streams. This helps drive viewers to legitimate platforms and preserves the value of video content. Friend MTS’ DDSB has a proven track record of blocking illicit access within minutes, particularly for short format content like sports and live events, and is increasingly used to protect linear content.

    “This collaboration shows the powerful impact that results from video service providers, ISPs, and video security specialists coming together to fight piracy,” said Friend MTS CEO Shane McCarthy. “Canadian operators are leading the global industry by setting the bar for piracy prevention in new, dynamic ways. We’re thrilled to have helped them not only implement security solutions, but to obtain the blocking order as well.  Our unique blend of expertise and blocking technology innovation is aiding their security teams, legal counsels, and business leaders with the right analytics and evidence to effectively stop piracy, without impacting legitimate websites.”