"Asia Soccer Management Seminar" Kickoff!

 

Dentsu Inc. has agreed to jointly develop the "Asian Soccer Management Seminar," aimed at revitalizing soccer in Asia, in collaboration with CIES (International Center for Sports Studies), the FIFA (International Federation of Association Football) Master Management Education and Research Institution. The first seminar, "The Future of Asian Soccer," was held at Dentsu Hall in Shiodome, Tokyo, on May 9th as the kickoff event.

 	 
	 
Mr. Oi (Dentsu Inc.)	 
 	 
	 
Mr. Sugihara (FIFA Consultant)	 
 	 
	 
Mr. Bertoni (EPFL)	 

CIES is an international sports research institute established in 1995 by FIFA, in partnership with the University of Neuchâtel and the Canton and City of Neuchâtel, Switzerland. It operates the FIFA Master program, a master's degree in sports studies. In rankings of sports-related master's programs, it was rated the best program in Europe for two consecutive years in 2012 and 2013.

This seminar aims to promote seminar activities targeting working professionals and students, both domestic and international, interested in the promotion of soccer culture and business, with the goal of contributing to the development of the growing soccer business market in Asia. Approximately 700 participants attended, including representatives from the JFA (Japan Football Association), J.League, sponsors, media, and students studying sports marketing.

At the outset, Yoshihiro Oi, Director of Dentsu Inc. Sports Bureau, explained the rapidly growing soccer business in Asia, particularly China, using concrete examples. Three FIFA Master graduates were invited as guests and gave presentations from their respective perspectives. FIFA Consultant Kaita Sugihara spoke about the realities of leagues across Asia based on his eight years of experience working at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Jair Bertoni of the European Professional Football Leagues (EPFL) offered proposals for Asian football based on successful examples from European leagues. Former Japanese national team player Tsuneyasu Miyamoto, who serves as a JFA International Committee member and Specially Appointed Director of the J.League, shared insights gained from the FIFA Master program. He discussed Japan's role within Asian football, incorporating perspectives from his playing career.

Dentsu Inc. and CIES plan to continue holding similar seminars in the future.