Riyadh, December 2, 2024 – The highly anticipated World Football Summit (WFS) officially kicked off on Monday at the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh, marking the start of a two-day event (December 2-3) that brings together some of the most influential figures in the global football industry. This year’s summit builds upon the success of the inaugural WFS held in Jeddah last year, where over two days of discussions, strategic networking, and business acceleration, key stakeholders in football came together to explore new opportunities in the sport.
The World Football Summit in Riyadh represents a significant milestone for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as it continues to assert its presence on the global sports stage. This year’s event further strengthens the Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s (SAFF) position within the global football community and directly supports the Kingdom’s broader football strategy, which aims to boost its international profile and influence in the world of football.
The summit is expected to attract over 2,000 attendees, including top football executives, athletes, business leaders, and industry experts, all of whom will have the opportunity to participate in engaging discussions and forge valuable connections. The conference’s agenda spans a wide range of key topics, including the integration of cutting-edge football technology and innovation to enhance fan engagement, the development of sports tourism and sustainability practices within football, and the growth of women’s football alongside the cultivation of youth development programs.
Speaking at the opening of the summit, SAFF President Yasser Al-Misehal welcomed the attendees to the global event, emphasizing the significant strides the Kingdom has made in hosting prestigious sports events. He highlighted the leadership’s strong support for the sports sector, which has been instrumental in the Kingdom’s rapid rise as a hub for international sports activities. Additionally, Al-Misehal acknowledged the vital role of the Ministry of Sports, whose ongoing attention and initiatives have been pivotal in transforming the sports landscape in Saudi Arabia.
Al-Misehal also underscored the importance of the WFS in furthering the SAFF’s mission to exchange knowledge and experiences with global stakeholders. By doing so, the summit aims to foster the growth of football-related businesses, directly benefiting Saudi football and positioning the Kingdom as a key partner in the development of the sport, both regionally and internationally.
As the summit unfolds, it is expected to serve as a critical platform for advancing football development across the globe, with a particular focus on shaping the future of the sport in Saudi Arabia and beyond. The exchange of insights, best practices, and business opportunities during this event is expected to have a lasting impact, contributing to the continued growth and success of football in the Kingdom and around the world.