Results of the first edition

Recognition of the quality of the event, through the active involvement of different categories of operators. FIFA and UEFA guaranteed two high quality representatives (Mr Omar Ongaro and Mr Andrea Traverso) who enabled topical themes to be addressed (Financial Fair Play and the new regulations on players’ agents), and provided indications which encouraged clarity in the debate. The EFAA (European Football Agents Association which is now also open to non-European countries) and the ECA (the private European Club Association) recognised Globe Soccer as a good opportunity to address problems with stimulating arguments in a period when the rules are being rewritten.

FIFA, UEFA, EFAA, and the ECA recognised the value of the role of Globe Soccer, to the extent that they joined the preparation stage as partners in the operation (this was the case of the EFAA which decided to play a full role in the organisational stage by calling a general meeting in Dubai and studying the possibility of creating a global, and not just continental, association). The welcoming comment by Mr La Porta (Vice President of ECA) “Full support to Globe Soccer” moreover shows the extent to which clubs believe in the initiative (Dubai saw the presence of Rosenberg, Porto, Dynamo Zagreb, West Ham, Inter, Roma, Al Ahli, Al Shabab Al Arabi, Al Wasi Sport Club, Al-Nasr Sports & Cultural Club, Al Jazira Sports and Cultural Club, Al Ain Sports & Cultural Club, Al Wahda Club, Baniyas, Sharjah Football Club, Aldhafra Sports Club & Football Company, Emirates and Ajman Club).

The involvement of over 40 countries, through delegates or simple accredited representatives (over 600 people), is the main indication of a demand which Globe Soccer showed it could satisfy. Those who came to Dubai went away enthusiastic, both for the fantastic hospitality in an unrivalled environment, and for the technical value of the proceedings. The importance of the event was shown by the key supporters whose presence was second only to that of the press and TV. The event was noted around the globe.

Managing to organise part of delegates’ free time with opportunities to get together informally (dinner in the desert, gala dinner on a boat, a cocktail reception at the unforgettable party for the inauguration of the Burj of Dubai) contributed to the fascination of the whole event, to the extent that, as the organisers, we have received nothing but extraordinary messages of thanks and promises to attend again from operators (directors, agents, journalists), following the message that came out of the Emirates.

The meeting between leading representatives of the football world and the Emirates League, with its directors and clubs, was a first important step in encouraging an exchange of views which Globe Soccer set as its primary goal alongside the issues linked to the market and transfers. If the organisers intended to use the first edition of Globe Soccer to launch the initiative, it must be said that they achieved much more than that. It is no coincidence that the delegates themselves and participants overall wanted to make their own contribution to the next edition in order to optimise the numbers and representatives from their own countries.