Football, often dubbed the “beautiful game,” transcends mere entertainment; it holds immense potential as a catalyst for sustainable development across various societal realms. As we navigate the challenges of the 21st century, football emerges not only as a sport but also as a vehicle for fostering positive change in climate action, gender equality, educational advancement, and community development.
In recent years, the global sports industry, including football, has come under scrutiny regarding its environmental impact. Climate change poses a pressing threat, and football clubs and organizations have a responsibility to mitigate their carbon footprint. From sustainable stadium designs to eco-friendly transportation options, the football industry is beginning to embrace green initiatives. However, more can be done. Clubs must prioritize renewable energy use, reduce single-use plastics, and promote carbon offsetting programs to truly lead the charge toward environmental sustainability.
Highlighting a few examples of sustainable sports stadiums world wide can provide a clearer understanding of the concept.
To truly harness the transformative power of football for sustainable development, collaboration and partnerships are key. By working together with international bodies, governments, NGOs, and local communities, football organizations can amplify their impact and drive meaningful change on a global scale. Initiatives such as the UN’s Sports for Climate Action Framework and FIFA’s Football for Schools program provide valuable platforms for collaboration and knowledge-sharing on sustainability best practices.
As we look to the future, it is imperative that football embraces its potential as a force for good in the world. By prioritizing sustainability, gender equality, education, and community development, football clubs and organizations can not only enhance their own operations but also contribute to building a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable society for generations to come. The time for action is now, and football stands ready to lead the way.
Football: A Powerful Tool for Sustainable Development
With its pervasive influence and communication power, soccer serves as a catalyst for sustainable development not only in the realm of sports but across all sectors of society. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focus on addressing social, cultural, and ecological issues such as ending hunger and poverty, combating climate change, promoting gender equality, ensuring quality education, and fostering responsible production and consumption. Soccer, as an industry that directly or indirectly reaches over 5 billion people worldwide, plays a crucial role in raising awareness and contributing to these goals. It is no longer possible to view football simply as a game; it has become a multi-billion-dollar global industry, with the European soccer market alone approaching $40 billion.
Just a decade ago, clubs that disregarded the concept of Financial Fair Play are now facing difficulties, highlighting the importance of aligning with sustainable development goals. Clubs that fail to generate revenues from sustainable sources may experience financial losses, while those neglecting initiatives such as gender equality, environmentally-sensitive stadium and facility development, and carbon footprint reduction projects may face sanctions in the near future. In this regard, necessary agreements have been signed between the European Club Association and both UEFA and FIFA.
Highlighting a few examples of sustainable sports stadiums worldwide can provide a clearer understanding of the concept. The Amsterdam Arena, home to Ajax Football Club, is a pioneer in sustainable green initiatives, supported by a wind turbine and 4,200 solar panels. Similarly, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, hosting the Atlanta Falcons football team, has achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification, consuming nearly 30% less energy and 47% less water than average arenas.
What are the models for creating sustainable revenue in sports?
Any revenue stream centered around fans can be considered sustainable. Sponsorships and commercial partnerships may have contractual terms subject to geopolitical and political conditions, as evidenced by the losses experienced during the recent pandemic. However, clubs focusing on analyzing changing fan consumption habits, leveraging data science, innovative solutions, and technologies can increasingly engage fans in decision-making and revenue-generating processes. The FanSupport platform, developed by FS Technology AG in Switzerland, exemplifies this vision, aiming to involve fans in online platforms. Following a successful pilot program in Turkiye last year, the advanced version of the platform is set to launch in La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, and soon thereafter in the Premier League. This aims to alleviate budget constraints for sports clubs in line with their Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development Goals.
By harnessing the power of football, we can advance sustainable development goals and create a more inclusive and equitable world for all.
Gender equality in football also warrants attention. Last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup hosted by New Zealand and Australia marked a turning point in the sport, generating significant impact and revenue. Following the FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which sold 3 million tickets and generated $4.7 billion in revenue, the FIFA 2023 Women’s World Cup in New Zealand and Australia saw record ticket sales of 1.5 million and reached 2 billion viewers via web and TV. This underscores the potential of women’s football to drive growth and engagement, presenting a significant opportunity for the football ecosystem and clubs alike.
In conclusion, with the support of the United Nations, FIFA, UEFA, and the European Club Association, the Football Association for Sustainable Development in Turkiye has laid the groundwork to operate in line with sustainable development strategies. Comprising leaders from Turkey’s business, sports, legal, and media sectors, this association aims to promote sustainability, with a governing body where female members outnumber males.
By harnessing the power of football, we can advance sustainable development goals and create a more inclusive and equitable world for all.
Mehmet Özdemir has played a significant role in the sports industry as a manager, entrepreneur, and volunteer. He is actively involved in projects related to sustainable income generation, sustainable growth, and digital transformation. Currently, he serves as the CEO and Co-Founder of FS Technology AG, based in Luzern, Switzerland.Beyond his professional accomplishments, he is a member of the UN’s Football for the Goals initiative, promoting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals through football-related initiatives. This experience has deepened his understanding of the social impact that sports can have and further fueled his passion for driving positive change within the industry.
