The two-day event showcased Hong Kong as Asia’s premier football hub, driving collaboration and growth across the region
Hong Kong, September 4, 2025 — The highly anticipated World Football Summit Hong Kong (WFS Hong Kong) officially made its landmark debut, transforming Asia World-Expo into a dynamic hub for the global football industry. Running from September 3-4, 2025, this inaugural Hong Kong edition brought together an unprecedented gathering of over 3,600 attendees, including senior executives from leading football organizations and businesses, football legends, investors and innovators driving industry transformation, and passionate fans from across Asia and beyond.
Organized by WFS and ASIA PARTNERS IFBD (the owner of the IP of the CR7® LIFE Museum and CR7® LIFE stores), with the support of The Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA) and featuring the active participation of FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the event reinforces Hong Kong’s status as a world-class destination for major sporting events.
The summit officially opened with inspiring remarks from Marian Otamendi, CEO of WFS, Datuk Seri Windsor John, General Secretary of the AFC, Charles Cheung, General Secretary of The Football Association of Hong Kong, China, and Saoud Maherzi, Head of Business Strategy APAC of Asia Partners. Otamendi emphasized Hong Kong’s role as a bridge between East and West in the football world, stating: “Football is evolving faster than ever, and Asia is at the heart of that transformation. By bringing global leaders together here in Hong Kong, we’re forging partnerships, inspiring innovation, and setting the stage for the next decade of growth in the game.”
“This event is a powerful declaration of Hong Kong’s global standing in sports, culture, and business,” add Filipe Gonçalves, Chairman of Svenska Capital, the parent company of Asia Partners IFBD Limited. “With the invaluable support of the Hong Kong Tourism Board and The Football Association of Hong Kong, China, we are not merely staging a conference; we are actively building a lasting legacy that harnesses football’s unique power to unite communities and unlock global opportunities right here in Asia.”
Over two days, WFS Hong Kong explored critical topics including international expansion, Asia’s growing influence in the global game, youth development, grassroots pathways, digital transformation, investment, technology, AI, sustainability, and community impact. Senior representatives from AFC, FPF (Portuguese Football Federation) Chelsea FC, FIFA, LALIGA, UEFA, Hong Kong Football Club, Kitchee SC and many more are in attendance, contributing to a rich exchange of ideas. More than 30 booths showcased innovations and initiatives aimed at fostering cross-border collaboration and unlocking new opportunities for football’s growth across Asia.
The agenda featured prominent discussions and insights from an extraordinary lineup. Key highlights include:
- Pierluigi Collina, Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, offered unparalleled insights into the crucial role of officiating, the challenges faced by referees, and the future of fair play in the global game.
- Sarah Walsh, Chief Operating Officer of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Local Organising Committee, highlighted strategies for expanding and professionalizing women’s football across the globe.
- John Sharkey, CEO of Kai Tak Sports Park, and Michel Chertouh, Managing Director of The Regent Hotel Hong Kong, grounded the conversation in the practical strategies for developing integrated sports and tourism ecosystems that drive economic growth and enhance urban appeal.
- Rio Ferdinand, former England & Manchester United Captain, explored how athletes are leveraging media and content creation to build their brands and connect with fans in new ways.
Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Eric Fok, Chairman of The Football Association of Hong Kong, China; and Jan Alessie, Co-founder & Managing Director of the World Football Summit, led the closing ceremony, discussing Hong Kong’s strategic role in the development and growth of football across Asia.
About World Football Summit
World Football Summit is the global platform connecting the football industry’s most influential leaders to shape the future of the game. Since 2016, WFS has hosted over 39,000 attendees from more than 100 countries, with editions in Spain, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and now Hong Kong.
About Asia Partners IFBD Limited
Asia Partners IFBD Limited is a leading investor in intellectual property (IP) in the global football industry. Known for its innovation and strategic acquisitions, it holds exclusive rights to brands such as CR7® LIFE Museum, CR7® LIFE Stores, CR7® LIFE Merchandise, World Football Summit, Beach Soccer World Cup, Football Wall of Fame, and Footlab. Under its parent company Svenska Capital, it also manages IP for renowned football figures including Bernardo Silva, Alex Balde, Vitinha, João Félix, Aitana Bonmati, and José Mourinho. With recent acquisitions like the Globe Soccer Awards (Asia) and SIF Sports Investment Forum, it drives sports, entertainment, and investment growth.