Investment Rating - The report does not provide a specific investment rating for the industry Core Insights - Vinícius Jr emerged as the top player in the FIFA Men's Player voting, receiving a total of 48 scoring points, followed by Rodri with 43 points and Jude Bellingham with 37 points [3][5] - The voting results reflect a diverse range of players from various countries, indicating a competitive landscape in the football industry [5][6] - The voting process involved multiple parties, including coaches, captains, media, and fans, showcasing the collaborative nature of player recognition in the industry [6][7] Summary by Relevant Sections Voting Results - Vinícius Jr ranked first with 48 points, followed by Rodri (43 points) and Jude Bellingham (37 points) [3][5] - The voting included contributions from coaches, captains, media, and fans, highlighting the multifaceted evaluation of player performance [6][7] Player Recognition - The report emphasizes the significance of player recognition in the football industry, with Vinícius Jr receiving widespread acclaim across various voting categories [3][5] - The results indicate a strong fan engagement, particularly with Vinícius Jr receiving over 1 million votes from fans [3][5]

Industry Investment Rating - The report highlights the exponential growth of women's football, positioning it as football's biggest growth opportunity with vast untapped potential [16][21] Core Viewpoints - FIFA aims to lead the sustainable growth of women's football until 2027 through a revised global strategy and tailored development programmes [2][3] - Key objectives include increasing female participation, enhancing commercial value, and building strong foundations for the women's game [22][23][31] - The FIFA Women's World Cup is identified as a major catalyst for accelerating the growth of women's football globally [17][19] Strategy and Tactics Participation Growth - FIFA targets increasing the number of female players to 60 million by 2027 [37] - Plans to double the number of member associations with organized youth leagues by 2026 to sustain girls' participation [37] Commercial Value Enhancement - FIFA aims to unlock the commercial potential of women's football at all levels, leveraging the success of the FIFA Women's World Cup [26][28] - The organization plans to develop a dedicated women's football commercial programme by 2026 [45] Foundation Building - FIFA commits to modernizing the regulatory framework and ensuring diverse representation in football leadership [32][33] - The organization will invest in targeted research to close the gender research gap and support the professionalisation of women's football [32] Game Plan Execution - FIFA's five-pronged strategy includes developing and growing the game, showcasing it, communicating and commercialising it, governing and leading, and educating and empowering stakeholders [35] - Specific tactics include modernizing development programmes, creating new competitions, and strengthening the Women's International Match Calendar [36][42] Development Programmes Women's Football Strategy - FIFA supports member associations in developing or revising their women's football strategies through expert guidance and funding up to USD 10,000 [93] Women's Football Campaign - This programme aims to boost grassroots participation by organizing football festivals and providing safe spaces for minority groups [96][98] League Development - Focuses on introducing new competitions and strengthening existing ones, with funding up to USD 100,000 per year for capacity-building [105][106] Club Licensing - Aims to accelerate the professionalisation of women's football by raising club and league standards through licensing workshops and funding up to USD 20,000 per year [111][112] Commercial Strategy (Pilot) - Provides guidance to member associations for establishing sustainable sponsorship and marketing strategies, with funding up to USD 50,000 [115][117] Global Benchmarking of Women's Leagues - FIFA will monitor the state of women's leagues globally and provide benchmarking tools to improve their quality and competitiveness [121][123] Capacity-Building for Administrators - Offers workshops and funding up to USD 50,000 to enhance the skills of women's football staff in member associations [130][131] Women in Football Leadership - Aims to increase female representation in decision-making roles through leadership workshops and networking opportunities [136][137] Coach Education Scholarships - Supports the development of female coaches through individual and group scholarships, including course fees and networking opportunities [149][150] Coach Mentorship - Focuses on fostering the growth of female coaches through mentorship programmes and funding up to USD 50,000 [156][157] Elite Performance: Coach Mentorship - Aims to develop talented female coaches aspiring to coach at the highest level, with support from experienced mentors and funding up to USD 2,500 [160][161] Elite Performance: Women's National Team Preparation - Supports the physical preparation of women's national teams for major tournaments, with funding up to USD 25,000 per year [172][173]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 engaged 2 billion fans across all media platforms, including Linear TV, Digital, Social Media, and FIFA Platforms [17] - The final match between Spain and England reached 222.02 million viewers, with an average global live audience of 14.12 million viewers throughout the tournament [17][96] - Oceania, the host region, experienced a 232.6% increase in Linear TV reach compared to the 2019 tournament [17][47] - Australia set records for linear TV and streaming viewership, becoming the most-watched TV program on record [17][135] Global Summary - Total media engagement reached 2 billion, with 932.85 million viewers on Linear TV, 895.38 million on Digital/Streaming, 684.42 million on Social Media, and 45 million on FIFA Platforms [20] - The total number of posts on FIFA's social media platforms was 23,000, generating 3.5 billion impressions, a 123% increase compared to 2019 [21][22] - The average match audience was 14.12 million, reflecting an 18.2% decrease from the 2019 average of 17.27 million [96] Audience Measurement - The report utilized bespoke primary research across 17 markets, with a total sample size of 22,100, to assess consumer engagement [7] - Linear TV reach was 932.85 million, with a retention rate of 57.1% for viewers watching 20 minutes or more [33] - The largest audience declines were observed in Brazil, China, and the USA, attributed to various factors including time zone issues and team performance [36][49] Regional Insights - Africa and the Middle East saw a 338.8% increase in reach compared to 2019, largely due to coverage by beIN Sports [46] - Oceania's reach increased by 232.6%, with significant growth in both Australia and New Zealand [47] - Asia recorded the smallest percentage decline in reach at 14.3%, influenced by reduced free-to-air coverage [48] Digital and Social Media Engagement - Digital streaming reach totaled 895.38 million viewers, with significant contributions from various regions [55] - Social media audience reach was 684.42 million, with Africa and the Middle East leading in engagement [64] - The report highlighted a total of 978.3 million video views across digital platforms, with a notable increase in key markets compared to the 2019 tournament [146][147]

Investment Rating - The bid from Saudi Arabia for the FIFA World Cup 2034 has received an average score of 4.2 out of 5, qualifying it for consideration by the FIFA Council and Congress [40]. Core Insights - The Saudi Arabia bid presents a unique and ambitious vision for the FIFA World Cup, integrating the Kingdom's cultural heritage with its Vision 2030 strategic project aimed at socioeconomic transformation [32][54]. - The bid showcases a strong commitment from stakeholders at all levels, ensuring a robust legal framework for organizing the event [33]. - The proposed infrastructure includes 15 stadiums across five cities, with a mix of new builds and refurbishments, emphasizing legacy and sustainability [63][64]. Summary by Sections Executive Summary - The FIFA administration has evaluated the Saudi Arabia bid, highlighting its strong all-round proposition and innovative infrastructure plans [29][33]. - The bid's technical evaluation reflects a commitment to high-quality facilities and commercial potential, with a focus on stakeholder engagement [33][39]. Hosting Vision and Strategy - Saudi Arabia's hosting vision aims to unite and inspire global football, aligning with FIFA's strategic objectives [54][55]. - The bid is part of the broader Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to enhance economic growth and social development [54][56]. Infrastructure - The bid proposes 15 stadiums, slightly exceeding the minimum requirement, with a focus on state-of-the-art facilities and legacy use [63][64]. - The proposed transport infrastructure includes expansions to airports and public transport systems, enhancing international accessibility [75][79]. Commercial Aspects - The bid is expected to generate significant revenue, with forecasts indicating a 10% growth in global live TV audience and over USD 240 million in ticketing and hospitality revenues [85][86]. - Overall organizing costs are projected to be below baseline estimates, driven by competitive pricing and cost efficiencies [84][87]. Human Rights and Sustainability - The bid includes commitments to human rights and sustainability, aligning with FIFA's standards and the Paris Agreement [97][100]. - There is potential for the tournament to act as a catalyst for ongoing reforms in human rights within Saudi Arabia [99]. Legal and Compliance - The bid has received extensive government support and has complied with the bidding process, creating a solid legal framework for hosting the event [101].

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The FIFA Sub-Committee on Human Rights & Social Responsibility has developed a report addressing access to remedy for workers involved in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, responding to a request from the Norwegian Football Federation [1][2] - The report emphasizes the importance of creating a legacy for workers and outlines recommendations for FIFA to enhance its efforts in providing remedy to affected workers [18][23] Summary by Sections Steps Undertaken by the Sub-Committee - The Sub-Committee prioritized labor rights issues related to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 since its inception, transitioning from a Working Group to a formal Sub-Committee in December 2022 [3][4] - A visit to Doha was conducted to engage with stakeholders, including FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC and the International Labour Organisation, to understand measures taken for labor rights protection [4][5] - The Sub-Committee committed to a transparent study on access to remedy for workers, incorporating insights from independent experts and civil society [6][7] The Human Level Study - The Human Level Study assesses FIFA's efforts to mitigate human rights risks for workers and measures taken to enable access to remedy [10] - It acknowledges the steps taken by FIFA and its partners to protect the rights of construction and service workers while identifying areas for improvement [11] - The study proposes a proactive approach for FIFA to provide remedy for workers who have not received adequate remediation [12][13] Considerations by the Sub-Committee and Advice to FIFA - The Sub-Committee acknowledges FIFA's efforts in protecting workers and the role of the Supreme Committee in enhancing labor rights [15][16] - It highlights the labor rights reforms in Qatar since 2016 and the importance of continued engagement with the Ministry of Labour [16][17] - The Sub-Committee advises FIFA to consider the Human Level Study's conclusions and to act on the intention to dedicate the FIFA World Cup 2022 Legacy Fund to strengthen the legacy for migrant workers [20][21] - Recommendations include establishing a Working Group to develop a detailed Project Plan for the Legacy Fund, ensuring it supports both retrospective and prospective remediation measures [21][22]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 industry Core Insights - The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 engaged 5 billion fans across all media platforms, including linear TV, digital, social media, and FIFA platforms [19] - The total reach of the final match between France and Argentina was the highest ever, with 1.42 billion viewers [19] - The average global live audience for the tournament was 175 million viewers, reflecting an 8.2% decrease from the 2018 tournament [87] - There was a substantial increase in digital and social engagement, with the 2022 final delivering a 621% increase in social media engagements compared to the 2018 final [19] - Digital streaming records were set, with Telemundo's coverage of the final being the most streamed FIFA World Cup match in U.S. media history [19] Summary by Sections Total Engagement - The total engagement for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 was projected to reflect the total number of people who engaged with the event, extending beyond traditional TV reach [4] - Claimed consumer behaviors related to engagement were collected from 24 markets, with a total sample size of 26,000 [5] Audience Measurement - The majority of audience data was sourced from official television auditing agencies and Publicis Sport & Entertainment [9][10] - Linear TV reach was reported at 2.87 billion viewers, with a noted 11.9% decrease in one-minute reach compared to the 2018 tournament [39] Digital and Social Media Engagement - The report highlighted that 2.62 billion hours of viewing were reported on digital platforms, with a significant portion coming from MRL owned and operated platforms [118] - China accounted for 49.8% of all hours of viewing on digital and social platforms globally, with Douyin and Miguvideo being the most viewed platforms [122] Regional Engagement - The highest consumption of coverage was in Africa & Middle East with 9.89 billion viewer hours, followed by Asia with 9.56 billion hours [103] - Europe saw a 21.0% increase in coverage hours compared to the 2018 tournament, while North America experienced a 44.2% decrease [95] Match Audience - The final match had an average audience of 17.43 million for Argentina and 25.07 million for France, with a total of 1.064 billion viewers [76] - The top ten most-watched matches included Argentina vs. France in the final, which had a global live audience of 50.8 million [79]

Investment Rating - The Morocco/Portugal/Spain 2030 bid received an average score of 4.2 out of 5, while the Argentina/Paraguay/Uruguay bid for the Centenary Celebration received an average score of 3.6 out of 5 [41][42]. Core Insights - The Morocco/Portugal/Spain bid aims to unite people through football, emphasizing inclusivity and sustainability, and would be the first FIFA World Cup hosted across two continents [28][29][73]. - The Argentina/Paraguay/Uruguay bid focuses on celebrating the tournament's historical roots and aims to deliver a memorable experience for fans [36][39][123]. Summary by Sections Executive Summaries - The Morocco/Portugal/Spain bid presents a strong proposition with high-quality venues across 17 host cities, including a mix of existing and modernized facilities [29][30][34]. - The Argentina/Paraguay/Uruguay bid highlights the emotional connection to football and the capacity to host a significant Centenary Celebration [36][39]. Bidding Process Overview - The FIFA administration evaluated the bids based on technical requirements, infrastructure, and commercial potential, ensuring compliance with hosting standards [26][27][41]. Bid Evaluation Methodology - The evaluation included scoring systems for technical assessments, focusing on infrastructure, accommodation, and transport [4][60]. Individual Bid Evaluations - The Morocco/Portugal/Spain bid includes 20 stadiums, with significant refurbishment projects underway, and a strong commitment from governments at all levels [78][80][84]. - The Argentina/Paraguay/Uruguay bid showcases existing infrastructure in Buenos Aires and ongoing modernization efforts in Montevideo and Asunción [38][39][40]. Risk Assessments - The Morocco/Portugal/Spain bid has a medium risk profile for stadiums due to extensive refurbishment, but strong planning and early construction mitigate this risk [30][83]. - The Argentina/Paraguay/Uruguay bid also presents medium risks related to accommodation and infrastructure, which need further attention [54][39]. Technical Scoring - The Morocco/Portugal/Spain bid scored highly across various components, particularly in accommodation and transport, indicating a robust commercial position [64][97]. - The Argentina/Paraguay/Uruguay bid scored lower, particularly in transport, highlighting areas for improvement [66].

Industry Investment Rating - The report does not provide an explicit investment rating for the industry [1][2][3] Core Viewpoints - FIFA has introduced a new standard within the FIFA Quality Programme for Electronic Performance and Technology Standard (EPTS) called Broadcast EPTS, which aims to democratize football technologies by assessing supplier systems that generate player performance data using existing infrastructure such as broadcast footage and team-filmed footage [4] - The test protocol for Broadcast EPTS involves providing footage from an official professional match, with pitch dimensions surveyed using a total station, and capturing player movements with a reference system and professional broadcast system [5][6] - Suppliers will receive a secure link to download broadcast footage, pitch dimensions, and team sheets, and will have up to 24 hours to upload data for evaluation [7][8] - The reference system's accuracy is assessed using a three-dimensional motion capture system (VICON), with excellent agreement between VICON and the reference system demonstrated by a mean absolute error for speed of 0.04 m·s-1 and an RMSD for position of 0.15 m [11][16][18] - Data analysis processes include synchronizing reference system data with supplier data, aligning position data, and conducting statistical analysis to determine the level of agreement between the two data sources [24][29][30][31] Detailed Summary by Section Introduction - FIFA has launched the Broadcast EPTS standard to democratize football technologies by assessing supplier systems that generate player performance data using existing infrastructure [4] Test Protocol - FIFA will provide footage from an official professional match, with pitch dimensions surveyed using a total station [5] - The test area will consist of the full size of the pitch, capturing player movements with a reference system and professional broadcast system [6] - Suppliers will receive a secure link to download broadcast footage, pitch dimensions, and team sheets, and will have up to 24 hours to upload data [7][8] - Players will be tracked in all match activities within the pitch dimensions [9] Reference System - The accuracy of the reference system is assessed using a three-dimensional motion capture system (VICON), with excellent agreement demonstrated by a mean absolute error for speed of 0.04 m·s-1 and an RMSD for position of 0.15 m [11][16][18] - The reference system uses sixteen cameras running at 25 fps and 1936 x 1216 pixels, positioned as high as possible around the test area and synchronized to capture images at the same time [21][22] Data Analysis - Data analysis processes include synchronizing reference system data with supplier data, aligning position data, and conducting statistical analysis to determine the level of agreement between the two data sources [24][29][30][31] - Suppliers must provide data in .csv format, including specific data columns and using the FIFA EPTS Standard Data Format [27][28] - Statistical analysis will assess differences between supplier and reference system data for position and velocity, with pass or fail criteria based on tolerance thresholds for visible players [31] Available Camera Footage - The report provides an overview of available camera angles, types of player coverage, derived metrics, and limitations, including WORLD FEED, CAMERA 1 FEED, and DYNAMIC TACTICAL FEED [10]

Industry Overview - The FIFA Council has approved several updates to the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game for the 2024-25 season, aligning them with recent modifications in football [1] - The main amendments and the complete Beach Soccer Laws of the Game 2024-25 are accessible on FIFA's official website [2] Key Amendments to Beach Soccer Laws Law 3 - The Players - If a substitute or their team commits another offence, play is restarted based on the restart associated with that offence [3] - Each team must have a captain identified with an armband, responsible for the team's behavior [3] Law 4 - The Players' Equipment - Compulsory equipment includes a shirt with sleeves, shorts, and an armband for the captain [3] - Footwear is not permitted, and protective equipment like gloves and headgear is allowed [3] Law 5 - The Referees - Referees must stop play if a player is seriously injured and ensure the player is removed from the pitch [4] - The time review system (TRS) is used to verify if the ball entered the goal before the acoustic signal at the end of a period [4] Law 7 - The Duration of the Match - Each period ends when the stipulated playing time has elapsed, signaled by an acoustic signal [6] - If no timekeeper is present or the signal fails, the referees signal the end of the period with their whistle [6] Law 8 - The Start and Restart of Play - Offences during kick-off, such as a double touch by the kicker, result in a free kick to the defending team [8] - If both teams commit offences simultaneously, the kick-off is retaken, and both players are cautioned [8] Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct - A player is sent off for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity through a deliberate handball [11] - A player is cautioned for stopping a promising attack by committing a deliberate handball offence [11] Law 14 - The Penalty Kick - If an attacking-team player encroaches during a penalty kick, the penalty is retaken if the goal is scored [19] - If the goalkeeper commits an offence, the penalty is retaken, and the goalkeeper is warned [19] Practical Guidelines for Referees - Referees must position themselves 2m from the goal during penalty shoot-outs to check if the ball crosses the goal line [20] - The second referee stands 3m from the imaginary penalty mark to ensure the ball and goalkeeper are correctly positioned [20] Video Support Protocol - Video support (VS) can be used to review decisions related to goals, penalties, free kicks, direct red cards, and mistaken identity [25] - VS can also be used to verify if the ball entered the goal before the acoustic signal at the end of a period [25] Summary of Key Changes - The amendments aim to simplify the game and align beach soccer laws with football and futsal [59] - Referees are expected to make decisions within the "spirit" of the game, promoting fairness and safety [60]

Industry Overview - The FIFA Council has approved several updates to the Futsal Laws of the Game for the 2024-25 season, aligning them with recent modifications in football [1] - The updates include futsal-specific adjustments, particularly for youth, veterans', disability, and grassroots futsal, covering aspects such as pitch size, ball specifications, and game duration [3] Key Amendments to Futsal Laws - Advertising on the pitch is permitted, provided it is at least 0.75m away from boundary lines and does not distract players or officials [3] - Each team must have a captain wearing an identifying armband, with no special privileges but a responsibility for team behavior [3] - Goalkeepers are allowed to wear trousers, and shinguards must be covered by socks and made of suitable material for protection [3] Gameplay and Equipment Rules - Non-dangerous protective equipment, such as gloves, headgear, and facemasks, is permitted for players, and goalkeepers may wear caps and sports spectacles [4] - A dropped ball must be retaken if it enters the goal without touching at least two players, unless due to facility conditions or improper dropping [4] - Players sent off during the match are not permitted to participate in penalty shoot-outs, and warnings/cautions are not carried forward [5] Penalty and Free Kick Regulations - For a direct free kick beginning with the sixth accumulated foul (DFKSAF), the ball must be stationary on the 10m mark, and encroachment by players is penalized if it impacts the goalkeeper or kicker [6] - If a penalty kick is not taken within four seconds after the referee's signal, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team [7] - Encroachment by both attacking and defending players during a DFKSAF results in a retake and warnings for the offending players [8] Referee and Match Official Guidelines - Referees must ensure that the pitch surface is flat, smooth, and non-abrasive, with dangerous surfaces prohibited [41] - The pitch dimensions for international matches must have a touchline length between 38m and 42m and a goal line width between 20m and 25m [49] - Referees are required to stop play if unauthorized marks are made on the pitch and caution the offending player for unsporting behavior [46] Player and Substitution Rules - A match is played by two teams, each with a maximum of five players, including one goalkeeper, and cannot start or resume with fewer than three players [100] - Substitutions are unlimited, and a maximum of nine substitutes may be used in official competitions organized under FIFA or confederations [104] - Players sent off before the match cannot be named on the team list, and substitutes sent off cannot be replaced [124] Equipment and Safety Standards - Players must not wear dangerous equipment or jewelry, and referees must inspect players before the match to ensure compliance [137] - Compulsory equipment includes a shirt with sleeves, shorts, socks, shinguards, and footwear, with the team captain required to wear an identifying armband [139] - Non-dangerous protective equipment, such as gloves and headgear, is permitted, and goalkeepers may wear trousers [145]