FIFA to help stream Homeless World Cup as part of agreement

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Image credit: FIFA

FIFA has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support the Homeless World Cup Foundation (HWCF) in supplying materials and streaming upcoming tournaments.

The HWCF organises the annual Homeless World Cup men’s and women’s tournaments aimed to support and inspire homeless people to change their lives through the world of football.

The tournament also tries to change people’s perceptions and attitudes towards people who are experiencing homelessness and this year’s edition will take place in Seoul, South Korea, which will be the first time the event will be hosted in Asia.

As part of the MoU, the HWCF and FIFA have agreed to broadcast the event jointly on FIFA’s streaming service, FIFA+, while also providing equipment and materials for the tournament, including medals and trophies.

In addition, FIFA and HWCF will also be looking into co-branding opportunities, involving pitch-side content and using various social media platforms to endorse the tournament.

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, expressed his excitement about teaming up with the HWCF and supporting the Homeless World Cup:

“I am delighted that FIFA will be supporting this wonderful tournament and to be partnering with the Homeless World Cup Foundation,” he said in a media release.

“The Homeless World Cup is a perfect example of how football can bring people together to challenge existing social perceptions and improve people’s lives.

“FIFA is excited to contribute, because we share the view of the Homeless World Cup Foundation that football is a force for good, and starting from the upcoming edition in Seoul, FIFA will contribute in ensuring that this tournament continues to make a real impact that supports homeless people all across the world,” he said.

Homeless World Cup President, Mel Young, added about signing the agreement with FIFA:

“We are delighted to sign a partnership agreement today with FIFA which will greatly enhance the delivery of the Seoul 2024 Homeless World Cup,” he said via a media release.

“The purpose of the Homeless World Cup is to use football as a way of ending homelessness and 1.2 million people have benefited from the initiative since it was born in 2003.

“Sport has real power, and we have proved that it can be a force for good. FIFA is committed to supporting those in need so a partnership between the Homeless World Cup and FIFA is natural. Longer term the impact will be very significant.”

Out of the 49 Homeless World Cup Member Countries, Australia will compete in the men’s competition of the Homeless World Cup.

The “Street Socceroos” were formed by The Big Issue Australia, an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and creating work opportunities for people experiencing homelessness, marginalisation and disadvantage.

The team is selected through one of The Big Issue’s initiatives called the Community Street Soccer Program which operates in 25 locations across the country.

Street Soccer promotes social inclusion and positive health outcomes for players while providing a safe and welcoming environment for those participating.

In 2008, the Homeless World Cup was hosted in Melbourne which brought more than 50 national teams for a week of competition and there are plans to bring the event back in 2026.

This year’s Homeless World Cup will take place at Hanyang University in Seoul, South Korea, from the 21st to the 28th of September.

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Football Has the Audience. Does It Have the Commercial Strategy?

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Image Credit: One Nil Media

Soccerscene has launched Survey 4: Commercial Confidence in Football, calling on clubs, sponsors, governing bodies, commercial leaders and football industry professionals to assess whether the game is making the most of its enormous commercial potential.

Football has the audience, participation base and community reach to be one of Australia’s most powerful commercial platforms. But does the industry have the commercial strategy, professionalism and infrastructure required to turn that potential into sustainable growth?

That is the question at the centre of Soccerscene’s latest industry research.

The survey examines how attractive grassroots football is to potential commercial partners, what industry professionals believe is limiting football’s commercial potential, and whether clubs are presenting themselves professionally enough to sponsors.

It also explores what sponsors value most when engaging with football – from community reach and participation scale to brand alignment, values and purpose – as well as whether improved facilities could directly contribute to stronger sponsorship outcomes.

Is football fully capitalising on its commercial opportunity?

Football continues to provide brands with access to highly engaged communities across grassroots, community and elite environments. Yet the commercial landscape remains fragmented, with clubs operating with vastly different levels of resources, capability, governance, media infrastructure and commercial expertise.

Soccerscene’s survey is designed to capture the industry’s perspective on where the opportunities exist – and where football may be leaving commercial value on the table.

The research will look specifically at four key areas:

  • Commercial attractiveness – How attractive is grassroots football as a commercial partnership?
  • Commercial barriers – What is holding football back from reaching its full commercial potential?
  • Club professionalism – Are clubs presenting themselves effectively and professionally to sponsors?
  • Sponsor value – What are sponsors really looking for when they invest in football?

The survey also asks whether better facilities would have a direct impact on sponsorship outcomes, highlighting the potential relationship between infrastructure, commercial presentation and investment.

Have your say

Soccerscene is encouraging football clubs, sponsors, commercial professionals, governing bodies, administrators, media professionals and industry stakeholders to participate.

The findings will contribute to Soccerscene’s ongoing program of industry research, designed to provide a clearer picture of the challenges and opportunities facing football and the organisations operating within it.

Take the Survey: Commercial Confidence in Football

Complete the Commercial Confidence in Football Survey here

The survey will close on 30 August 2026 at midnight, with responses received before the deadline included in the final analysis.

Football has the audience. The question is whether it has the commercial strategy to match.

Football Queensland’s Logan hub plan rejected by council

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Image Credits: Football Queensland

Football Queensland’s plans for a major new football hub at Meakin Park have been rejected by Logan City Council. The proposed $76.1 million redevelopment aimed to create a state home for football in Queensland.

Council unanimously rejected Football Queensland’s request for longer-term leases and additional land at the Slacks Creek site. The decision leaves the organisation’s current leases in place. The proposed development would have delivered new playing fields, elite training facilities and a dedicated home for Football Queensland.

Three-stage development

The first stage of Queensland Football’s development carried an $8.5 million price tag. It would upgrade fields, lighting, drainage and irrigation across Meakin and Mappas parks. The goal was to create a six-field, international-standard training venue.

The second stage represented the largest investment. Football Queensland planned to spend $55.3 million on a new headquarters at the adjoining Queens Park site. The facility would include a Women and Girls Academy, sports science facilities, sports medicine and strength and conditioning services.

A third $12.3 million stage would add an indoor futsal academy and two synthetic fields. Football Queensland said the project could create a major football precinct for the region. It also saw the facility playing a role in Queensland’s preparations for Brisbane 2032 and beyond.

Lease decision creates roadblock

Queensland’s governing body sought a 25-year lease with an option for another 25 years. Chief executive Robert Cavallucci said longer tenure was essential to secure government funding and move the project forward. The organisation has around three years remaining on its existing leases.

Council took a different view. Concerns included community access, funding certainty, future costs and the level of use at the existing facilities. Councillors also questioned whether a long-term arrangement would deliver enough benefit to Logan residents and grassroots clubs. Logan Council has now ordered a review of Football Queensland’s performance under its current lease.

Grassroots football at the centre

The decision highlights a wider issue for football infrastructure. Major facilities can provide elite pathways, sports science and high-performance opportunities, but unless councils can ensure local players and clubs can access the fields, they will be rejected.

Meakin Park already serves several sporting organisations, including football users and community sporting groups. Football Queensland said it had invested almost $2 million at Meakin Park and Mappas fields. It also argued the precinct operates at around 130 per cent capacity. For Queensland football, the challenge now is finding a model that can deliver high-performance facilities while expanding access for the community.

The proposal may have been rejected, but the need for better football infrastructure remains. With participation growing and Brisbane’s 2032 Olympic Games approaching, the debate over where and how Queensland builds its next generation of football facilities is unlikely to disappear.

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