World Football Summit kicks off in Saudi Arabia

By Fatih Erel

RIYADH (AA) – The World Football Summit (WFS) officially began in Saudi Arabia on Monday, bringing together key stakeholders from the global football community.

At the opening ceremony, attended by representatives from major football organizations such as FIFA and UEFA, along with senior executives, players, and technical staff, the summit's co-founder and managing director, Jan Alessie, outlined the event's overarching goal.

“Our mission is to unite the football industry,” Alessie said, emphasizing the summit’s role as a platform for fostering collaboration and innovation across all facets of the sport.

Saudi Arabia's Vice Minister of Sport Bader Alkadi, underscored the critical role of sports in his country's development during his speech at the summit.

Highlighting Saudi Arabia's substantial investments in the sports sector, Alkadi said: "As a nation, we live happier, longer, and more active lives thanks to sports. We connect the world through sports."

He asserted that the investment in sports is intended to improve the quality of life for Saudis.

During the summit, Turkish Super Lig side Eyupspor’s head coach, Arda Turan, will participate in a panel discussion titled "Transition from Elite Football Player to Coach: Adaptation and Leadership Journey," where he will share insights from his career shift.

The event serves as a forum for discussions about football’s future, with a focus on sustainability, technological advancements, and global development.

The two-day summit has brought together prominent figures from the global football industry.

*Writing by Emre Asikci