WFS RIYADH 2027
04 NOVEMBER 2026
World Football Summit (WFS) has decided to postpone WFS Riyadh, originally scheduled for 27-28 January 2027, following the AFC’s decision to reschedule the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027. The event will now take place during the rescheduled tournament, with new dates to be announced shortly.
This was not an easy decision, and one we have given careful consideration during these difficult times.
Our commitment to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and the wider region is unchanged. Holding WFS Riyadh during Asia’s biggest football tournament will bring the global football industry together at the moment the region takes centre stage.
In the meantime, we will keep working with our partners in Saudi Arabia, across the region and throughout the global WFS community to keep the industry close and connected.
We thank you, our partners, speakers and attendees, for your understanding and continued support. We will be in touch with each of you individually.
WORLD FOOTBALL SUMMIT TEAM
Past speakers at WFS in Saudi Arabia
Adwa
Al Arifi
Assistant Minister for Sport Affairs
Adwa
Al Arifi
For more than 15 years, Adwa has led dozens of initiatives to help drive and develop the sport sector as well as playing a key role in mass participation across the Kingdom. Her early work included helping to establish the Kingdom’s first women’s football team in 2007 and founding the Riyadh Women’s Football League in 2008. Her continued to support the growth of football becoming the first ever female board member of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation in 2019.
H.E. Bader
Alkadi
Vice Minister of Sport
H.E. Bader
Alkadi
His Excellency Mr. Bader bin Abdulrahman Alkadi holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the College of Business at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, specializing in Financial Management, and a master’s degree in Sports Management and Entertainment from ISDE University in Spain. He began his professional career 20 years ago at HSBC Bank in London, then returned to the Kingdom and transitioned to the trade and retail sector, where he worked for 10 years at Procter & Gamble.
Lamia
Bahaian
Vice President – Saudi Arabian Football Federation
Lamia
Bahaian
Lamia Bahaian, Vice President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) Lamia Bahaian is the first female Vice President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF). A pioneer of Saudi women’s football who has been involved in the game for over 15 years, she also supervises the SAFF Women’s Football Department. During her tenure at the Federation since 2020, she helped establish four women’s national teams, two leagues and four regional training centres across the country.
Esteve
Calzada
Chief Executive Officer | Chief Executive Officer
Esteve
Calzada
Esteve Calzada is CEO of Al Hilal Club Company, Asia’s most decorated football club, with over 22 years of experience in the global sports industry. Previously Chief Commercial Officer at City Football Group and FC Barcelona, he also founded Post United. A sports marketing expert, he authored Show Me The Money! and developed the Football Transfer Review. He has lectured at ESADE, Wharton and Waseda, advised UEFA and FIFA, and holds an MBA from ESADE.
Ornella
Desiree Bellia
Director of Professional Football – Relations and Development | FIFA
Ornella
Desiree Bellia
Ornella Désirée Bellia is a senior international football executive, lawyer, author and lecturer with nearly two decades of experience across governance, business and stakeholder relations. Her career spans clubs, leagues, players and international institutions. After overcoming a life-threatening illness, she wrote The Game of Life, exploring resilience, identity, pressure and purpose. She also lectures in Sports Management and Sports Law and speaks internationally.
Tony
Douglas
Chief Executive Officer – Riyadh Air
Tony
Douglas
Tony Douglas became CEO of Riyadh Air in 2022 to lead Saudi Arabia’s new world-class airline. With decades of experience in aviation, infrastructure, and defense, he previously led Etihad Airways’ transformation and held senior roles at Abu Dhabi Airports, BAA, and the UK Ministry of Defence. Known for building high-performing teams and delivering complex projects, he now oversees Riyadh Air’s strategy and alignment with Vision 2030.
Miguel Ángel
Gil Marín
CEO | Atlético de Madrid
Miguel Ángel
Gil Marín
Miguel Ángel Gil has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Atlético de Madrid since 2002. Since joining the organization in 1993 as General Manager, he has successfully led the club to 12 domestic and international titles. In addition to his role at Atlético de Madrid, Mr. Gil is the First Vice President of LaLiga and an executive committee member of both UEFA and the EFC (European Football Clubs).
Ben
Harburg
Chairman – Harburg Group
Ben
Harburg
Ben Harburg is a Managing Partner of Novo Capital a global, multi-stage investment firm. He is the principal of Harburg Group, a multi-club ownership group that is the owner of Al Kholood Club of the Saudi Pro League, and co-owner of Cádiz Club de Fútbol of LaLiga Hypermotion. He is a board director of various private companies, as well as those of several foundations in the arts, geopolitical and academic arenas.
Datuk Seri Windsor
John
General Secretary – AFC
Datuk Seri Windsor
John
Widely recognised as an outstanding football administrator, Datuk Seri Windsor John has been the driving force behind the AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa’s all-encompassing vision to propel Asian football to greater heights.
Mauricio
Macri
President of the FIFA Foundation – FIFA
Mauricio
Macri
Mauricio Macri, former President of Argentina from 2015 to 2019, who also served two terms as Mayor of Buenos Aires and President of Boca Juniors Club on three occasions, is the Executive Chairman at the FIFA Foundation. In his current capacity, Macri is dedicated to leveraging the unifying power of football and the educational opportunities it presents to empower youth, foster positive change, and pave the way for a promising future on a global scale.
Omar
Mugharbel
CEO – Saudi Pro League
Omar
Mugharbel
Omar Mugharbel is a dynamic and visionary leader, currently serving as the CEO of the Saudi Pro League (SPL). With a proven track record of driving organizational transformation and operational excellence, Mugharbel is spearheading the SPL’s efforts to transform Saudi Football. His mission centers on creating a sustainable and commercially viable league while preserving the essence of the sport.
Ralf
Reichert
CEO – Esports Worldcup Foundation
Ralf
Reichert
Ralf began his esports journey in the 90s, co-founding SK Gaming and later ESL, helping turn esports into a global phenomenon. As Chairman of ESL Faceit Group, he oversaw its rise into a billion-dollar brand. In 2023, he became CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, leading efforts to elevate esports to a premier global sport and grow the foundation as a driving force in the industry.
Adwa
Al Arifi
Adwa
Al Arifi
For more than 15 years, Adwa has led dozens of initiatives to help drive and develop the sport sector as well as playing a key role in mass participation across the Kingdom. Her early work included helping to establish the Kingdom’s first women’s football team in 2007 and founding the Riyadh Women’s Football League in 2008. Her continued to support the growth of football becoming the first ever female board member of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation in 2019.
H.E. Bader
Alkadi
H.E. Bader
Alkadi
His Excellency Mr. Bader bin Abdulrahman Alkadi holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the College of Business at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, specializing in Financial Management, and a master’s degree in Sports Management and Entertainment from ISDE University in Spain. He began his professional career 20 years ago at HSBC Bank in London, then returned to the Kingdom and transitioned to the trade and retail sector, where he worked for 10 years at Procter & Gamble.
Lamia
Bahaian
Lamia
Bahaian
Lamia Bahaian, Vice President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) Lamia Bahaian is the first female Vice President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF). A pioneer of Saudi women’s football who has been involved in the game for over 15 years, she also supervises the SAFF Women’s Football Department. During her tenure at the Federation since 2020, she helped establish four women’s national teams, two leagues and four regional training centres across the country.
Esteve
Calzada
Esteve
Calzada
Esteve Calzada is CEO of Al Hilal Club Company, Asia’s most decorated football club, with over 22 years of experience in the global sports industry. Previously Chief Commercial Officer at City Football Group and FC Barcelona, he also founded Post United. A sports marketing expert, he authored Show Me The Money! and developed the Football Transfer Review. He has lectured at ESADE, Wharton and Waseda, advised UEFA and FIFA, and holds an MBA from ESADE.
Ornella
Desiree Bellia
Ornella
Desiree Bellia
Ornella Désirée Bellia is a senior international football executive, lawyer, author and lecturer with nearly two decades of experience across governance, business and stakeholder relations. Her career spans clubs, leagues, players and international institutions. After overcoming a life-threatening illness, she wrote The Game of Life, exploring resilience, identity, pressure and purpose. She also lectures in Sports Management and Sports Law and speaks internationally.
Tony
Douglas
Tony
Douglas
Tony Douglas became CEO of Riyadh Air in 2022 to lead Saudi Arabia’s new world-class airline. With decades of experience in aviation, infrastructure, and defense, he previously led Etihad Airways’ transformation and held senior roles at Abu Dhabi Airports, BAA, and the UK Ministry of Defence. Known for building high-performing teams and delivering complex projects, he now oversees Riyadh Air’s strategy and alignment with Vision 2030.
Miguel Ángel
Gil Marín
Miguel Ángel
Gil Marín
Miguel Ángel Gil has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Atlético de Madrid since 2002. Since joining the organization in 1993 as General Manager, he has successfully led the club to 12 domestic and international titles. In addition to his role at Atlético de Madrid, Mr. Gil is the First Vice President of LaLiga and an executive committee member of both UEFA and the EFC (European Football Clubs).
Ben
Harburg
Ben
Harburg
Ben Harburg is a Managing Partner of Novo Capital a global, multi-stage investment firm. He is the principal of Harburg Group, a multi-club ownership group that is the owner of Al Kholood Club of the Saudi Pro League, and co-owner of Cádiz Club de Fútbol of LaLiga Hypermotion. He is a board director of various private companies, as well as those of several foundations in the arts, geopolitical and academic arenas.
Datuk Seri Windsor
John
Datuk Seri Windsor
John
Widely recognised as an outstanding football administrator, Datuk Seri Windsor John has been the driving force behind the AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa’s all-encompassing vision to propel Asian football to greater heights.
Mauricio
Macri
Mauricio
Macri
Mauricio Macri, former President of Argentina from 2015 to 2019, who also served two terms as Mayor of Buenos Aires and President of Boca Juniors Club on three occasions, is the Executive Chairman at the FIFA Foundation. In his current capacity, Macri is dedicated to leveraging the unifying power of football and the educational opportunities it presents to empower youth, foster positive change, and pave the way for a promising future on a global scale.
Omar
Mugharbel
Omar
Mugharbel
Omar Mugharbel is a dynamic and visionary leader, currently serving as the CEO of the Saudi Pro League (SPL). With a proven track record of driving organizational transformation and operational excellence, Mugharbel is spearheading the SPL’s efforts to transform Saudi Football. His mission centers on creating a sustainable and commercially viable league while preserving the essence of the sport.
Ralf
Reichert
Ralf
Reichert
Ralf began his esports journey in the 90s, co-founding SK Gaming and later ESL, helping turn esports into a global phenomenon. As Chairman of ESL Faceit Group, he oversaw its rise into a billion-dollar brand. In 2023, he became CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, leading efforts to elevate esports to a premier global sport and grow the foundation as a driving force in the industry.
Super Early Bird
Tickets
WFS Riyadh 2027
Choose the pass that best fits your objectives and join the global football industry in Riyadh.
Super Early Bird
Corporate Pass
697€
615€
+10% VAT
- Access to all the conferences and corporate presentations.
- Access to the WFS App.
- Access to all the networking activities.
- Access to the Corporate Lounge.
- Access to the WFS Awards ceremony.
- Access to all the workshops (except the private ones).
Super Early Bird
Female Leaders Corporate Pass
574€
+10% VAT
- Access to all the conferences and corporate presentations.
- Access to the WFS App.
- Access to all the networking activities.
- Access to the Corporate Lounge.
- Access to the WFS Awards ceremony.
- Access to all the workshops (except the private ones).
- Access to the Female Leaders Gathering.
Super Early Bird
Delegate Pass
450€
225€
+10% VAT
- Access to all the conferences and corporate presentations.
- Access to the WFS App.
- Participate in networking activities.
Super Early Bird
Female Leaders Delegate Pass
225€
+10% VAT
- Access to all the conferences and corporate presentations.
- Access to the WFS App.
- Participate in networking activities.
- Access to the Female Leaders Gathering.
Second Day Pass
Second Day Delegate Pass
250€
+10% VAT
- Access to all the conferences and corporate presentations.
- Access to the WFS App.
- Participate in networking activities.
Student Pass
Student Pass
350€
+10% VAT
- Access to all the conferences and corporate presentations.
- Access to the WFS App.
- Participate in networking activities.
- Access to the Job Match session.
Super Early Bird
Virtual Pass
90€
60€
+10% VAT
- Remote access to all the conferences and corporate presentations.
- Access to the WFS App.
- Access to 1-to-1 video calls with attendees.
Request
Property Pass
Complimentary pass
- Access to all the conferences and corporate presentations.
- Access to the WFS App.
- Participate in all the networking activities.
- Explore potential sponsorships and unlock new business opportunities.
- Two free passes will only be granted to applicants with an organisation email from an official club, league or federation.
Accreditation
Media Pass
Media accreditation
- Access to all the conferences and corporate presentations.
- Access to the WFS App.
- Access to all the networking activities.
- Access to the Media Area.
- Access to Press Conferences and other media events.
Tracks
A decade of working alongside clubs, leagues, federations, investors and players has shown us where the industry is heading.
GOVERNANCE, OWNERSHIP & LEADERSHIP
Who leads Asian football through transformation?
Governance models, ownership structures and leadership
strategies strengthening clubs, leagues and federations.
INVESTMENT, INFRASTRUCTURE & GLOBAL STRATEGY
How can the Asian Cup moment create lasting value towards 2034?
Capital, commercial models, international partnerships,
stadium development and major-event legacy.
INNOVATION, TECHNOLOGY & DATA
How can technology accelerate football’s next commercial cycle?
Digital solutions, data intelligence and innovation transforming
operations, decision-making and fan experiences.
MEDIA, CONTENT & FAN ENGAGEMENT
How can record attention become sustainable value?
Media rights, storytelling and digital strategies connecting
football with increasingly engaged, mobile-first audiences.
PERFORMANCE, SCIENCE & TALENT DEVELOPMENT
What does it take to compete at the top of the Asian game?
High performance, sports science and talent pathways driving
sporting excellence and long-term competitiveness.
CULTURE, PURPOSE & SOCIAL IMPACT
How can football grow while creating positive change?
Inclusion, sustainability, social business and community
development, positioning football as a force for wider
societal impact.
Become a partner of WFS Riyadh 2027
Four ways to put your brand where football's business decisions get made — from the main stage to the inbox of its senior decision-makers.
①
Speaking
Speaking
Showcase your expertise and join the conversations that set the industry agenda. Build the credibility that opens doors among football's top decision-makers.
Main Stage Panel
Lead the global conversation with a branded session on the main stage.
Industry Stage Panel
Showcase expertise and share case studies with the professionals who need what you offer.
Speaking Slot
Join the stage alongside the industry's decision-makers.
②
Exhibiting and Branding
Exhibiting and Branding
Showcase your brand where the industry connects, through exhibition spaces, networking lounges and strategic digital platforms.
Exhibiting
Engage directly with key industry leaders and build credibility within the ecosystem.
Branding Activities
Boost visibility through exclusive on-site activations, from lounges to social events.
Branding Visibility
Place your brand on essential event materials for continuous exposure.
③
Lead Generation
Lead Generation
Bypass traditional barriers and secure direct access to the professionals who can say yes.
B2B Agendas
Tailored meetings connecting you directly with qualified contacts.
Workshops
Lead focused discussions and engage with the participants who matter most.
④
Content Hub
Content Hub
Put your brand at the centre of the conversation that drives the global football industry forward.
Thought Leadership
Opinion pieces and expert analysis for the professionals who lead the game.
Success Stories
Turn your results into compelling narratives of real impact.
Interviews & Editorial Content
Exclusive interview formats distributed across WFS channels.
Email & Newsletter
Put your message in the inbox of football's most senior decision-makers.
WFS Riyadh 2025 IN IMAGES
Exhibitors of WFS Riyadh 2025
