The 12th Dubai International Sports Conference drew to a close on Thursday with a speech by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
The Conference again brought together an exceptional group of influential and innovative professionals in all areas of world football, to share their expertise and experience during two days of workshops and presentations.
In the closing session Infantino addressed the packed ballroom at Madinat Jumeriah and outlined FIFA’s approach to the conference theme of Modern Investment in Football. In outlining FIFA’s approach, Infantino said: “There are many stakeholders and points of views and our task and ambition must be to bring together all the different interests in a way that protects football – the game we love.
“FIFA’s approach to investment covers five major areas – investment in image; investment in fans; protection of the game; corporate social responsibility and the future of football.
Infantino added: “2018 will be FIFA’s year of digital revolution as we develop a worldwide digital future to engage and interact with fans. Technology is part of our future, and I am positive the VAR will be a great introduction to football.
The panel discussed the impact of technology on football development.
“The FIFA Foundation has also been established to deal with requests for help and assistance from around the world. We will also be introducing a new format for youth competitions from next year, and will be developing a FIFA Women’s World League. We will also create a new Club World Cup so all confederations and leagues all over the world develop at the same rate.
“The most important thing is that we focus on football and protect the game.”
At the conclusion of his speech, Infantino was presented with a gift by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the UAE Olympic Committee.
In earlier sessions Marcello Lippi – Coach of China, joined Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee Pierluigi Collina, and top international referee Felix Brych to discuss Football Development and the Impact of Technology.
Collina said: “The target (of VAR) is to protect the referees by avoiding mistakes which affect the outcome of the match. The referee will always be the final decision maker and should be supported. The interpretation must still be his.
Ismael Matar, Carlos Puyol, Mustafa Agha and Francesco Totti.
Legendary players Francesco Totti and Carles Puyol, along with one of the UAE’s best players Ismail Matar, then discussed Investment Strategies for Players – During and Post Career, before Infantino addressed the delegates.
The Conference is held under the umbrella of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, and is organised by Dubai Sports Council under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of the Dubai Sports Council. The Conference was established to bring together the leaders in all areas of football to share their knowledge and ideas.
And in a fitting conclusion to the Conference, the prestigious and highly anticipated Dubai Globe Soccer Awards will be staged on Thursday evening, December 28, recognising the best performances of the season from players, coaches and administrators.
The Awards will this year will be presented in 13 categories. The nominees have been selected by the Globe Soccer Jury of international footballing coaches, directors and chairmen.
