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A team of internationally renowned experts including Robert Elstone, CEO of Everton FC, and Dr Hazef Medlej from the Asian Football Confederation are passing on their knowledge and experience to delegates who are central to the future development of football in Qatar and the Mena region. The sessions are part of Josoor Institute’s two-day short course titled ‘The Business of Football’ taking place at the Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha. |
This introductory course provides delegates an overview of the business side of football, discussing powerbrokers, how the business works, the finances of football, the roles of players, teams and leagues and what lessons can be learned from around the world for the future of football in the Middle East.
The course includes delegates from organisations including the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, Qatar Football Association, Qatar Stars League and Aspire Academy. Delegates from regional football federations are also attending the course. All attending delegates are developing business skills and understanding in the growing football industry in the Mena region.
The short course has been designed to support the 50 football leagues from across the region. Locally, delegates from Qatar’s five annual football competitions including the Sheikh Jassim Cup, Qatar Stars League, Qatar Cup, Emir Cup and Qatargas League are benefitting from the experience of the speakers.
“It is crucial for everyone involved in the business of football to understand how this business works, how to manage all finances and implement strategies to secure a sustainable business model,” said Robert Elstone, CEO of Everton FC. “I am delighted to be here to share my knowledge with this talented group who will lead the future of football in Qatar and the region. Qatar is witnessing a boom in the football industry with business opportunities across the board as we approach the World Cup in 2022, and it is events like this that will help prepare the industry towards a sustained and profitable future.”
During the course speakers are providing a framework for football governance including integration between different football Federations and the growing importance of finance and revenues using the English Premier League as a key case study on how finance flows from broadcasters, fans and sponsors to clubs and players.
Speakers are also taking the opportunity to review the evolution of football globally and look to the game’s bright future in the region.
Mushtaq al-Waeli, Executive Director (acting) for Josoor Institute said: “One of the important roles of Josoor Institute is to introduce local and regional talent to world renowned experts to learn from their experience. By doing this, we are providing the brightest stars of the future with the knowledge and understanding that will help them build the future of football, wider sports and events industry in the region.” He further elaborated, “With mega sporting events, like the 2022 FIFA World Cup, coming up in the region, sport and events will play an important role in our future, and understanding all aspects of sport, including how to run it as a successful business, is key to the industries success.”
This course was the second set of courses hosted by Josoor Institute in September, during which time almost 130 individuals have taken part from organisations across Qatar and the Middle East.
