FIFA to help stream Homeless World Cup as part of agreement

Avatar
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.

Brisbane Roar teams up with Monochrome as Platinum Partner

Avatar
Image credit: Brisbane Roar website

Brisbane Roar confirmed Monochrome Corporation will become their Platinum Partner and A-League Men’s match day kit sleeve sponsor for the upcoming 2024/25 season.

Monochrome is a diversified financial services group specialising in crypto-assets and infrastructure projects within the bitcoin and digital asset sector across the Asia-Pacific region.

Earlier this year, Monochrome’s asset management division launched the Monochrome Bitcoin ETF (Ticker: IBTC), Australia’s first ETF to directly hold bitcoin.

A cryptocurrency company partnering with a club in the A-League is an extremely rare case and could signify a change in the future with this Brisbane Roar deal.

Central Coast Mariners partnered with Australian crypto platform Zipmex back in April of 2022 with the partnership becoming a joint deal with NRL club Penrith Panthers, however, this collaboration didn’t last very long at all, dissolving in 2023.

The other major codes in Australia have accepted multi-million dollar deals in crypto and the A-League could follow suit in the coming years if it becomes more acceptable.

Brisbane Roar Chairman & CEO, Kaz Patafta expressed his excitement and discussed the way this will benefit the club.

“We are delighted to welcome Monochrome to the club for the upcoming season. Monochrome is a leader in their field and a pioneer in the ETF investment space for crypto and bitcoin exposure. We are greatly appreciative for their support of our A-League Men’s program, and we look forward to seeing this partnership grow,” Patafta explained in a press release.

Monochrome CEO, Jeff Yew also commented on the collaboration and how the two parties are tied to the same values.

“Monochrome has been a long-standing supporter of Australian athletes and sporting events. Furthering our commitment to excellence alongside Brisbane Roar which aligns well with Monochrome’s brand values,” Yew said in a press release.

Brisbane Roar secure an important deal financially for the club and are busy once again in the offseason as they remain one of the strongest business clubs in the league.

This crypto deal is pioneering and could also give a glimpse into the potential for more deals like this if it becomes successful, with clubs becoming increasingly desperate for stable, financially-heavy partnerships.

Football Queensland will keep registration fees unchanged for 2025

Avatar
Image credit: Matimix

Football Queensland (FQ) has decided to buck national trends in increased registration fees by keeping the same low fees from past seasons for 2025.

FQ’s prices for the 2025 season will be $50 for MiniRoos, $66 for Juniors and $130 for Seniors making them the lowest registration fees in Australia.

President of Football Queensland, Paula Robinson, champions the federation’s economic management throughout the years to deliver affordable sport to a growing audience.

“The Football Queensland Board of Directors is extremely proud to keep its registration fees unchanged for yet another year. Having the lowest registration fees of any Member Federation means football in Queensland is one of the most financially accessible sports in the country. No wonder we have more Queenslanders than ever wanting to take to the football fields,” she said via FQ press release.

“As we continue to experience record year-on-year growth in participation across the state, the decision to not increase governing body fees for a fifth year reflects Football Queensland’s commitment to ensuring football remains accessible to all Queenslanders, no matter their age, background or location.”

Football Queensland CEO, Robert Cavallucci, explained how the governing body continue to manage difficult reforms.

“Football Queensland continues to undertake very difficult and significant reforms to its operational design, execution and statewide governance structures to transform how we deliver football and ensure the game can handle its evolving needs well into the future,” he said via press release.

“Coupled with prudent financial management, these reforms continue placing significant downward pressure on football’s volatile and high inflationary cost environment to deliver stable registration benefits to participants across the state. 

“After another exciting 2024 season, we look forward to welcoming participants back next year and seeing even more Queenslanders join our game in 2025.”

The registration fees for FQ have been the lowest in the nation for 5 years with the federation not allowing price increases since 2020, including in 2022 where on average football prices saw a 30% increase nationwide.

With the recent cost of living crisis in Australia, the cost of sports has been a massive influence on players either starting or returning to play football in Australia.

FQ’s massive increase in participants has made football the most-played team sport in Queensland, having the largest increase in players of all state federations last season. The continued low prices have been voiced as a key contributor to this success.

As a federation with a large contribution to Australian football in player numbers and successful professionals, its ability to keep prices low is a massive accomplishment.

Other state federations should look to FQ for inspiration in replicating their economic management if Australia wants to maintain participant numbers and ease the financial pressure to play football.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend