Global soccer’s key decision-makers converge in Jeddah for World Football Summit
The Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah is hosting global soccer’s key decision-makers and thousands of stakeholders at the second edition of the Asian World Football Summit (WFS).
This edition of the Asian WFS coincides with the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup being held in Saudi Arabia.
Among the notable speakers of the event are Adwa Al Arifi, Assistant Minister of Sports Affairs for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prof. Muhammad Yunus, Peace Nobel Laureate, and Datuk Seri Windsor Paul John, General Secretary at the Asian Football Confederation.
It is believed that 70% of attendees of the summit are decision-makers from leading soccer properties and sports businesses across more than 70 countries.
Saudi officials believe that hosting WFS Asia aligns with the country’s strategic vision to enhance its presence on the global sports stage. The event underlines the Kingdom’s dedication to fostering a rich sporting culture and its capacity to host major international events, having already secured the 2027 AFC Asian Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, attracting talents such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Benzema.
Saudi Arabia is also the sole contender for hosting the 2034 Men’s FIFA World Cup and attendance to soccer matches in the country is said to have risen 150% since the arrival of some popular world soccer stars to the country.
From a business perspective, the ambition is high as the Roshn Saudi League aims to increase its market value from its current $800 million to $2.1 billion by 2030.
