At the helm of the global football dialogue, Marian Otamendi is the Co-Founder and Director of World Football Summit, shaping football’s future.
What inspires the mission and evolution of the World Football Summit?
Football is more than a sport—it’s a universal language that transcends borders, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The mission of World Football Summit (WFS) is to embrace this global influence to shape a sustainable and inclusive future for the game. We bring together decision-makers from across the football ecosystem—governing bodies, clubs, brands, investors, and policymakers—to collaborate on the challenges and opportunities that will define the next era of football.
Our evolution is driven by a belief that football has the responsibility, but also the opportunity, to contribute beyond the pitch—to areas like social impact, governance, technology, and environmental sustainability. The question we ask ourselves is: how can football become a vehicle for positive global change?
What role does World Football Summit play in shaping the future of football beyond just networking?
At its core, WFS is a platform for impact. Yes, we create networking opportunities, but our goal is to drive tangible change by bringing together the right stakeholders to discuss solutions for the sport’s most pressing issues. Whether it’s tackling financial sustainability, improving governance, empowering female leadership in football, or leveraging sport for social development, WFS is where these discussions happen, and more importantly, where partnerships are forged to implement them.
For example, our work in fostering conversations around sustainability in football has led to direct initiatives for more environmentally responsible sporting events. We are an active collaborator in Real Betis’ ‘Forever Green’ campaign and our platform has helped them connect with other clubs from around the world to develop joint initiatives.
Similarly, our discussions on inclusivity have led to projects that improve access for underrepresented groups. Proof of this is the ‘Most Inclusive Match in the World’ initiative that we carry out with Integrated Dreams, that has enabled us to organize such matches with top tier clubs like Real Betis (even breaking a Guinness World Record), Atlético de Madrid, and others we cannot mention yet…
We’re not just a meeting place; we are a catalyst for action in the football industry.
Are innovations in sports technology driving commercial success in football?
Absolutely. The intersection of technology and football is not just reshaping the fan experience but also driving new economic models for the sport. Innovations in data analytics, AI-driven performance insights, fan engagement platforms, and blockchain technology are creating new revenue streams while improving the integrity and inclusivity of the game.
For instance, AI and biometric data are revolutionizing player performance and injury prevention, leading to longer and healthier careers. Meanwhile, blockchain and digital collectibles are redefining how fans engage with clubs, offering new commercial opportunities beyond traditional sponsorships and broadcasting.
However, with innovation comes responsibility. As football embraces these technologies, we must also ensure ethical governance, data privacy, and accessibility, ensuring that technology serves all stakeholders, not just the privileged few.
How does World Football Summit play a role in fostering diversity and inclusion in the football industry?
Diversity and inclusion are no longer optional; they are fundamental to the long-term sustainability of football.
At WFS, we actively amplify diverse voices within the industry by ensuring that our panels and discussions reflect the broadest range of perspectives—from gender equality in leadership to accessibility in stadiums. We actually commit to having at least 30% of women in our panels at each event and organize dedicated gatherings for Female Leaders in Football.
We recognize that inclusion is not just about representation—it’s about systemic change. This means ensuring equal economic opportunities, fostering female leadership, and making sure that underprivileged communities are not left behind in football’s rapid commercial growth.
What are the biggest challenges facing football governance today?
Football is at a crossroads. While its global reach has never been greater, the sport is also facing critical governance challenges that will determine its long-term sustainability. Among them:
1. Financial sustainability.
Many clubs operate on risky economic models. Ensuring financial fair play and long-term investment strategies is critical.
2. Regulatory transparency.
There is increasing scrutiny on how decisions are made at the highest levels, from player transfers to competition structures.
3. Human rights and ethical responsibility.
With football’s growing presence in emerging markets, there is a responsibility to uphold ethical labor practices, ensure fair wages, and guarantee safe working conditions in the construction of stadiums and infrastructure.
4. Match-fixing and integrity issues.
As betting markets expand, safeguarding the credibility of competitions is a constant challenge.
5. Environmental responsibility.
Football must embrace sustainable event management, from reducing carbon footprints to responsible travel policies.
Governance in football is no longer just about running a league or a federation—it’s about leading responsibly on the world stage.
In the upcoming World Football Summits in Monterrey and Hong Kong, what do you aim to achieve?
Each World Football Summit is designed to be locally relevant but globally impactful.
In Monterrey (9-10 June), we aim to accelerate the growth of football in North and Latin America, leveraging the momentum of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. This includes discussions on investment opportunities, commercial growth, and cross-border collaborations between Mexico, the LatAm region, the U.S., and Canada.
In Hong Kong (3-4 September), our focus will be on the future of football in Asia. This means exploring:
• The commercialization of football in China and Southeast Asia.
• The rise of Asian leagues and their global competitiveness.
• The role of technology in shaping the sport’s evolution in the region.
Both summits will also emphasize how football can be a force for positive change as we have discussed, whether through youth development, environmental sustainability, or gender equality.
How can football contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
Football has a unique role in tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges. Whether it’s climate action through more sustainable stadiums, quality education via grassroots programs, or reducing inequalities by providing opportunities for underserved communities, the sport has the power to make a real difference.
At WFS, we believe that football’s legacy should not be measured only in trophies and sponsorship deals, but also in its impact on society. This is a conversation we are committed to leading.