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.

UEFA, the administrative body for football in Europe, has denounced the agreement of twelve leading European football clubs to establish the Super League as a new mid-week competition.

AC Milan, Arsenal FC, Atlético de Madrid, Chelsea FC, FC Barcelona, FC Internazionale Milano, Juventus FC, Liverpool FC, Manchester City, Manchester United, Real Madrid CF and Tottenham Hotspur have all joined the planned Super League as Founding Clubs.

“UEFA, the English Football Association and the Premier League, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and LaLiga, and the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and Lega Serie A have learned that a few English, Spanish and Italian clubs may be planning to announce their creation of a closed, so-called Super League”, said a statement.

“If this were to happen, we wish to reiterate that we – UEFA, the English FA, RFEF, FIGC, the Premier League, LaLiga, Lega Serie A, but also FIFA and all our member associations – will remain united in our efforts to stop this cynical project, a project that is founded on the self-interest of a few clubs at a time when society needs solidarity more than ever.

“We will consider all measures available to us, at all levels, both judicial and sporting in order to prevent this happening. Football is based on open competitions and sporting merit; it cannot be any other way.

“As previously announced by FIFA and the six Confederations, the clubs concerned will be banned from playing in any other competition at domestic, European or world level, and their players could be denied the opportunity to represent their national teams.

“We thank those clubs in other countries, especially the French and German clubs, who have refused to sign up to this. We call on all lovers of football, supporters and politicians, to join us in fighting against such a project if it were to be announced. This persistent self-interest of a few has been going on for too long. Enough is enough.”

Discussions with UEFA and FIFA

In their statement announcing the agreement, the founding clubs said: “Going forward, the Founding Clubs look forward to holding discussions with UEFA and FIFA to work together in partnership to deliver the best outcomes for the new League and for football as a whole.

 “The formation of the Super League comes at a time when the global pandemic has accelerated the instability in the existing European football economic model. Further, for a number of years, the Founding Clubs have had the objective of improving the quality and intensity of existing European competitions throughout each season, and of creating a format for top clubs and players to compete on a regular basis.

“The pandemic has shown that a strategic vision and a sustainable commercial approach are required to enhance value and support for the benefit of the entire European football pyramid. In recent months extensive dialogue has taken place with football stakeholders regarding the future format of European competitions. The Founding Clubs believe the solutions proposed following these talks do not solve fundamental issues, including the need to provide higher-quality matches and additional financial resources for the overall football pyramid.”

The league aims to include three further clubs and to open “as soon as practicable”, eyeing an “August start”.

The development of the Super League, financed by JP Morgan, comes at a time of unprecedented private equity investment in sports events.

The UK government has said it will do everything  it can to prevent English clubs participating. The plans have been widely criticised by fans and the wider footballing community.

Houston 2026 World Cup Bid Committee officials will meet with FIFA and US Soccer representatives today (Wednesday March 10) to showcase their plans for hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“We are excited for the opportunity to engage with FIFA and US Soccer and discuss Houston’s unmatched operational readiness to host World Cup matches in 2026,” said Houston 2026 World Cup Bid Committee president, Chris Canetti.

The virtual meeting will focus the NRG Stadium, where World Cup matches would be held.

“We are fortunate to have such a world-class facility as part of our amazing network of infrastructure. NRG Stadium is a key element to the bid, and we are eager to show how the stadium can seamlessly deliver for FIFA as it has done time-and-time again for other major events,” Canetti said.

The bid team say the city has hosted more large-scale sporting events than any other candidate host city since 2004. The NRG Stadium, home to the Houston Texans and the Houston Livestock & Rodeo Show, has hosted two Super Bowls, two NCAA Final Fours, Copa America Centenario. NRG will host the 2023 Final Four and the 2024 College Football Playoff. It has regularly hosted the Concacaf Gold Cup and matches involving the Mexican National Team. Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Real Madrid have recently played at NRG Stadium.

As the fourth largest city in the US, with seven million people, Houston would be the biggest US city hosting the 2026 World Cup within the city limits.

The Houston delegation also includes Houston 2026 World Cup Bid Committee chairman, John Arnold, consultant, John Kristick, Mark Miller, general manager of NRG Park, Ryan Walsh, executive director of the Harris County Sports & Convention Corp. – NRG Park, David Fletcher, executive director of Lone Star Sports & Entertainment, and Dan Bergstrom, the director of turf & grounds for BBVA Stadium.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be played in 16 cities across the US, Mexico, and Canada. Houston is one of 17 US cities vying to host World Cup matches in 2026. FIFA is expected to select 10 US host cities, with a final decision coming in late 2021.

An Infrastructure Workshop with FIFA and the U.S. Soccer 2026 FIFA World Cup Host City selection delegation gave the Baltimore-Maryland 2026 Bid Committee an opportunity to showcase hosting plans it describes as “transformative”.

“It was a very positive infrastructure workshop and we’re delighted with the way our campaign is progressing,” said Terrance Hasseltine, President of Baltimore-Maryland 2026 and Executive Director of Maryland Sports Commission. “We were thrilled to present our world-class M&T Bank Stadium and our transformative and compact hosting plans. We are also incredibly proud that our proposed concept offers an unbeatable tournament experience for visiting teams, fans and officials from across the world.

“As a new domestic market for the FIFA World Cup, Baltimore-Maryland is an opportunity for FIFA and U.S. Soccer to capture the attention of more fans and accelerate the overall development of football in the U.S. FIFA World Cup 2026 in Baltimore will provide a great social and economic boost, inspire a new generation of football lovers and create a tangible legacy for all.”

The bid team highlight the stadium’s downtown location, with more than 10,000 hotel rooms within walking distance, and 10-mile proximity to the BWI Marshall International Airport.

The 71,000-capacity venue also benefits from USD $140 million of recent upgrades. The country’s first LEED Gold rated outdoor professional stadium, it equipped with 28,000 sq ft of 4K Ultra HD boards and displays and meets FIFA’s natural grass turf requirements.

Hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 would accelerate Baltimore-Maryland’s urban development plans, which the bid team say are approved and supported by all levels of city and state government. Baltimore-Maryland plans to boost sporting and recreational activity with more green spaces, sporting facilities and football development initiatives.

“Maryland is united behind our bid to bring the 2026 FIFA World Cup to Baltimore. We are fully committed to Baltimore as a great Host City that offers not only quality venues for competition, but a rich history and love of sport that brings people together,” said Maryland Lt. Governor, Boyd Rutherford.

“Baltimore’s diverse communities, public institutions, and business communities are working hand-in-hand and looking forward to providing teams and fans from all over the world with the best FIFA World Cup experience possible. We appreciate the helpful insights provided by FIFA and U.S. Soccer during today’s workshop.”

Communities in the North West of England have been taking a bit of a hammering of late. Over a scorching bank holiday weekend, a high magnitude tremor from Cuadrilla’s fracking operations shook the Lancashire city of Preston.

The English Football League (EFL)’s office in Preston might have been closed at the time, but EFL Executive Chair Debbie Jevans CBE* has been working tirelessly over the bank holiday to deal with a different kind of shock – the possible departure of two clubs from the nearby towns of Bolton and Bury from League One due to crises in their ownership.

Jevans has granted both Bolton Wanderers and Bury FC an extension of until 5PM on Tuesday to finalise their takeovers. Both teams have had to cancel or postpone matches due to their financial crises.

While the EFL will not want to lose teams from the league, neither does it want to postpone any more matches. It is hoped that both clubs will manage to complete their sales by close of business today, despite the fact that Bolton’s negotiations with Football Ventures collapsed over the weekend.

Meanwhile, a potential buyer for Bury has emerged in the shape of C&N Sporting Risk.

Jevans told BBC Radio 5 Live on Sunday Morning that the company has “demonstrated to us enough source of funding.

"There was enough credible information before the board to allow this extension till Tuesday, but in doing that, no more games have to be postponed."

Responding to C&N Sporting Risk’s reported disappointment that the extension was not longer as its legal adviser was unavailable until Wednesday, Jevans suggested he could “give advice on the phone and by email."

"There is enough time, if all parties want to do a deal by then," she said.  "We've got many examples where clubs have changed hands in a very short period of time and we see no reason why this can't happen by Tuesday.

In a country where power and opportunities continue to be drawn towards major cities, towns like Bolton and Bury need focal points like football clubs.

Lisa Nandy is MP of nearby Wigan and co-founder of Centre for Towns. “Sport is basically the glue that holds the community together,” she told Politico. “If you go to any part of the borough you’ll find grassroots community sports clubs. You’ve got every single generation there — grandparents, parents, aunties, uncles, kids, the works… It’s a big source of pride. It’s part of our history, part of our culture, part of our identity.”

Bolton, Bury, Wigan and Preston all voted for Brexit. Perhaps for towns like these to have the future they deserve, they need more leaders like Debbie Jevans who are prepared to forsake their holidays, address audiences and help to conclude negotiations successfully – before the tremors get any worse.

*Debbie Jevans CBE is speaking at Host City 2019 in Glasgow on 26-27 November. 

A 70 million euro state-of-the-art football academy has been built on the site of a former barracks within sight of the Allianz Arena in the north of Munich. Polytan was in on the action as the fitter of choice: the Burgheim-based sports surface specialist laid around 22,000 square metres of synthetic turf and synthetic surfaces outside – with 20,000 square metres consisting of the LigaTurf RS Pro II CoolPlus premium synthetic turf system with top quality Infill Bionic Fibre infill granules.

Great importance is attached to the development of young talent in Munich: the ultra-modern sports facilities on the club's 30-hectare site include a sports hall, a ground with three stands for 2,500 spectators, a basketball court, a beach soccer pitch, fitness/technique/coordination areas, mini pitches, a circular track and seven full-size pitches. This unique offering is rounded off by the academy for 35 talented junior players, the club house, a cafeteria, a medical practice and much more besides.

At the request of the German record-holders, sports surface systems from Polytan were installed over an area of around 22,000 square metres on the open-air site, with synthetic turf from Polytan being laid on two full-size pitches, two mini pitches and the fitness/technique/coordination area. In addition, Polytan synthetic surfaces were the ideal choice for the basketball court and the circular track: the basketball court was fitted out with the hard-wearing PolyPlay S all-round surface, while the Rekortan M professional sports surfacing system ensures that the running track is suitable for competitions. Both areas have been laid in classic brick red, the usual colour of choice in professional facilities used for competitive events.

When it came to the synthetic turf, FC Bayern Munich opted for the LigaTurf RS Pro II CoolPlus system with Infill Bionic Fibre infill granules, which currently represents state-of-the-art technology in professional football.

Polytan had already been awarded the contract for the synthetic pitches at the training ground on Säbener Strasse by the German record-holders back in 2009 and 2011. Thomas Hanke, the Sales Director for Germany at Poly- tan, attributes the fact that the club has again opted for premium products by the Burgheim-based sports surface specialist to the continuous advances in its systems.

"In combination with the elastic base layer, which provides for long-lasting, optimum force reduction, the LigaTurf RS Pro II CoolPlus synthetic turf system is ideal for the high demands placed on it by FC Bayern Munich. The highly resilient smooth filaments are similar to real blades of grass and yet they provide consistently good playing qualities, even when the weather is cold and wet. There is no need to close the pitches, and the turf heating system means that training sessions can run continuously, even if temperatures fall below freezing or there is a bit of snow."

The state-of-the-art Infill Bionic Fibre granules contribute to even better playing qualities and help to reduce the risk of injury to players. The EPDM granules are of an irregular shape, in contrast to the angular, smooth-cut form of conventional infill. The result is a softer and naturally springy surface.

Thomas Hanke emphasises yet another advantage: "The organic structure of the infill granules reduces what is known as ‘splash’, when material sprays up in other words, and duelling and tackling are possible to almost the same extent as on real grass."

Furthermore, stalks of grass in two shades of green and the green infill granules give the turf a fresh, natural look which lasts all year round. The playing field is prevented from heating up excessively on hot summer days by Polytan's patented CoolPlus technology, which incorporates UV-reflective pigments into the filaments.

This article first appeared in the Summer 2018 Issue of Host City magazine

The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) and Soccerex announced today a partnership to support Soccerex’s return to the U.S. for the second time since its founding, which will convene the international soccer community in Miami, Florida on November 15-16 to exchange strategies, insights and a vision of the world of football.

The partnership is an extension of an institutional supporter agreement that Concacaf signed in 2017 with Soccerex to provide further opportunities to engage with the global football community – and one of the sport’s most important regions in North and Central America, as well as the Caribbean. Under the collaboration framework for Soccerex USA, the Confederation will have a key role in the convention activities, including presentations of senior executives on the organization’s evolution and leading industry trends. All the 41 Member Associations from the region and key decision makers will be invited to the event. 

In a new initiative for Soccerex USA this year, Soccerex have gathered an executive advisory board of regional experts and industry leaders, consisting of Concacaf General Secretary Philippe Moggio and representatives from both the U.S. Soccer Federation and Major League Soccer. The advisory board will ensure the conference programming and structure provides valuable and relevant insights to meet the needs of different sectors in the rapidly growing soccer market.

Philippe Moggio, who acts as the chief executive officer of the Confederation, has helped usher in a new era for the organization, pushing its vision and business operations to new levels of growth and professionalism. He brings to the board his global vision providing core advice through many years of experience at Concacaf and within the sports industry.

This is a crucial time for the Confederation following the historic win of Canada, Mexico and the United States to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026. In addition to the culmination of years of reforms and streamlined governance, the announcement of a new organizational identity – along with the expansion of clubs and national teams competitions.

“As a proud organization based in Miami, FL, Concacaf is thrilled to welcome Soccerex USA to a first-class sports and tourism destination. Hosting this industry platform on ‘home soil’ will draw key stakeholders and experts for a productive discussion on the business of football and to explore core areas to our ONE Concacaf Vision including the access to more opportunities to grow the game within our region and throughout the world,” said Concacaf General Secretary Philippe Moggio. “We look forward to working with the Soccerex team and its advisory board in supporting a successful edition of Soccerex USA.”

“It is a real pleasure to be working with Philippe and all the team at Concacaf. For us, to do an event in this region, it is essential we work with the right people and I am sure that with Concacaf’s support, we can deliver a vital business and development platform for Concacaf and all the nations they represent,” said Soccerex COO, Rita Revie.

Soccerex USA is sponsored by the London Football Exchange, the world’s first fully integrated soccer club stock exchange and marketplace and hosted in partnership with General American Capital Partners. The two-day event will take place at Miami’s iconic Marlin’s Park and will comprise an exhibition showcasing the latest soccer business, performance and technology innovations. It will include a program of structured and informal networking events to connect delegates from across the USA and the rest of the world and it will feature a market leading conference agenda, with international experts tacking topics such as league expansion, women’s soccer, youth development, eSports, stadia technology and investment.

In addition to Philippe Moggio, other members of the Advisory Board include Oscar Mayo, International Development Director, LaLiga, Mayi Cruz Blanco, former Head of Women’s Football Development, FIFA and David Dein, founding member of the English Premier League.

For more information on Soccerex USA, please go to www.soccerex.com/usa

Hosting the FIFA World Cup in China would bring benefits for football internationally and at home, even if the national team still has a long way to go to become strong team, according to Oceans Sports & Entertainment vice president Norman Liu.

“China has a big market in the world, in terms of the population of football fans,” he told Host City in Beijing. “So China could be the right destination for FIFA to promote the football sports worldwide.”

Liu has been in China’s sports industry for years, including working in the marketing department of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Organising Committee (BOCOG).

“Also in China we have so many companies that want to get involved in football and sports marketing. So commercially, China could be a great choice for world football.”

China hosted the Women’s World Cup in 1991 and 2007. The country also has experience of hosting the biggest events in the world, from the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing to the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing and the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou.

At least 10 cities are required to host World Cup matches, with co-hosting within the scope of the bidding rules.

On 14 May, (South) Korean Football Association president Chung Mong-gyu told national press that he would support a joint bid for the 2030 World Cup with China and Japan. But at the FIFA Congress in Bahrain on 10 and 11 May, a rule was upheld that states continents must wait two editions before hosting the World Cup again. Asia has the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

So the soonest Asia could bid for the World Cup would be for 2034.

Earlier in the month Liu Xiaoming, China’s Ambassador to the UK, said hosting the World Cup is a “dream” for China beyond 2030.

Developing football in China

According to Norman Liu, hosting the FIFA World Cup would also help to develop the sport in China.

“Personally I saw there is a very big opportunity from the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Before the event few people went to stadiums to watch their home side games. After that, so many sports fans went to stadiums to watch their local club.

“You could not imagine before the Olympic Games so many fans going to the stadium to cheer for the home club. After 2008, people would go to the stadium on match days, on the weekend and on weekdays. So, I think the mega event changed people’s behaviour to consume sports.

“But I think if China hosts the World Cup that could be very good opportunity to be developed further in China.”

Increased participation is another potential benefit and China is working to improve the standard of play in the country. The Chinese Football Association’s recently published 2020 action plan includes targets for developing football in China, such as for the men’s team to be in top 70 by 2020 – up from their current FIFA ranking of 81st – and for China to finish in top eight of 2019 Women’s World Cup.

However, the qualification of the national team is not a criteria for hosting.

“Although our national team’s performance still has a big space to improve, the Chinese society have the desire and interest to host a worldwide tournament in China,” said Liu.

“Personally, I think hosting the World Cup will help China to develop football in China. Chinese fans never gave up hopes on their national team performing more and more in international tournaments and we hope our national team can be better than before, to be a qualified host.”

In the meantime, there is still a possibility China can qualify for Russia 2018. “It’s a small chance.”

The English Premier League has sold its broadcasting rights in China for a record sum to online streaming service PPTV.

The Chinese internet broadcaster is paying US$700m for the rights to screen the 2019-20 season, according to an anonymous Associated Press source.

The figure dwarfs the US$145m reportedly paid by Super Sports Media Group for the broadcast rights to the Premier League for six years from the 2012/13 to 2017/2019 seasons.

"We were successful in our bid, but it hasn't formally been signed yet," PPTV spokesman Sun Xiaobo told Reuters.

PPTV is the media division of Suning retail group, which also owns Italian club Inter Milan and the broadcast rights to Spain's La Liga games live in China .

China is investing $850bn in sports by 2025 and is looking for global partners to develop its entertainment and cultural sectors.

The rapid development of sports, entertainment and digital media in China is high on the agenda at Host City 2016, which kicks off in Glasgow on Monday 21^st November.

Speakers from China include Wang Dong, Vice President of Alisports – which has the online broadcasting rights from World Rugby – and Olivier Glauser, CFO and co-founder of Shankai Sports.

Football coaching legend Sir Alex Ferguson helped kick-off Glasgow’s UEFA EURO 2020 preparations at the official launch of the Host City branding in the Science Centre on the banks of the River Clyde on Tuesday.

"I was fortunate enough to play on that famous Hampden Park pitch as a young player, to watch the legendary Real Madrid side that came to Glasgow in 1960, and can look back fondly at cup final successes there as manager of Aberdeen," said Sir Alex. "I look forward to Hampden being a key part of a historic UEFA EURO 2020."

Glasgow is one of 13 cities that will play host to matches at UEFA EURO 2020 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the championship.

The Scottish Football Association, Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council, Hampden Park Ltd and EventScotland are working in partnership to plan and deliver Glasgow and Scotland’s part in UEFA EURO 2020.

Stewart Regan, chief executive of the Scottish FA, said "People make Glasgow and Glasgow will make EURO 2020. Now as a UEFA EURO 2020 host city venue, Hampden Park will welcome new heroes to Glasgow and help create the next chapter in the long and illustrious history of our game."

Hampden Park will play host to a Group Stage and a Round of 16 match for the championships.

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “Scotland has demonstrated its capacity as the perfect stage for events on numerous magnificent occasions in recent years, and hosting these crucial UEFA EURO 2020 matches will build upon our sterling reputation as a world-leading host nation.

“We are delighted Hampden Park is set to play such a pivotal role during this landmark tournament, and look forward to further footballing history being made here in Scotland in 2020.”

Glasgow joins London, Rome, Baku and Bucharest in having revealed their host city logos, and ceremonies are scheduled to take place in the remaining cities – Amsterdam, Bilbao, Brussels, Budapest, Copenhagen, Dublin, Munich and St Petersburg – in the weeks to come.

"Glasgow enjoys a proud reputation as one of the world's great footballing cities," said Glasgow city council leader Frank McAveety. "The 'Hampden Roar' is legendary among visiting football fans from every nation. As a city, we recognise the value of football and major sporting events."

The UEFA EURO 2020 visual identity sees each of the 13 city logos feature a single iconic bridge from the city in question – acting as a symbol of connection between the various venues. Glasgow's logo incorporates the impressive Clyde Arc – affectionately known to Glaswegians as the Squinty Bridge – which spans the River Clyde.

In a message to Glasgow, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin underlined the widely-held view that UEFA EURO 2020 would be "a unique and memorable tournament in a variety of different ways."

"What better way could there be to celebrate football," he added, "than to take the EURO final tournament for one single occasion to all four corners of the continent?"

Hampden Park hosted the classic 1960 European Cup final which saw Real Madrid beat Eintracht Frankfurt 7-3, and was the setting in 2002 for a wonder goal by Zinédine Zidane that gave Madrid UEFA Champions League success in the final against Bayer Leverkusen.

"This is a unique opportunity for Glasgow and Scotland to host matches as part of this prestigious championship," said the Scottish government's secretary for culture, tourism and external affairs, Fiona Hyslop. "It is likely to have a significant economic impact, not just for Glasgow, but for Scotland as a whole."