Nigel Fletcher: Is This FIFA’s New President?
Meet Nigel Fletcher, one of the most well-connected executives in the sports industry. Fletcher spent five and a half years at FIFA, during which he visited nearly 100 National Associations, representing almost half of FIFA’s 211 Member Associations. Since 2009, he has served as co-founder and CEO of the International Sports Convention, one of the leading B2B global sports events and media companies in the industry. At the core of this organisation is a commitment to connecting people and nurturing relationships.
For this article we discuss football, FIFA and the role and objectives of the International Sports Convention. Tipped to be a runner and rider in the 2027 FIFA Presidential elections, it’s clear in our discussions that he has a unique starting point. A British national, with Portuguese and African/Asian heritage and having lived in Switzerland for 15 years, he can be classed as a global citizen.
But where the six continental associations; UEFA, CONCACAF, AFC, CONEMBOL, OFC and CAF look to put up their continental candidate and invariably none do, having someone who still has excellent connections across the different regions would be appealing and a challenge to present incumbent, Gianni Infantino.
Fletcher is not drawn into the conversation about FIFA President candidate but said: “FIFA is a democratic institution and is rightly a Member Association first organisation, but I do believe the role of FIFA needs to be told better to the public, governments and fans worldwide. Building trust in decision-making has a positive snowball effect.
“There is probably a very strong rationale for other stakeholders to be more involved in the process at FIFA, this includes the players’ unions, leagues and clubs worldwide. Like any football match there needs to be an opposition and that is the same for elections such as FIFA President. For the most part in the last decades there has not been any opposition and that certainly needs to change.”
At the last FIFA Congress there was no opposition, let alone debate on monumental decisions at FIFA with Infantino avoiding close scrutiny of the controversial decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia after FIFA opted to stage the qualifying draw for the 2026 tournament as a virtual event. Saudi Arabia’s successful 2034 bid was confirmed by acclamation at an extraordinary FIFA congress that was held online on 11th December, 2024. Infantino is also under pressure to explain several decisions at FIFA, for example its organisation of this year’s Club World Cup, and why he has opted to largely keep the world’s media away from Zurich. The 54-year-old has not given a press conference since he was re-elected as President at the 73rd FIFA congress in Rwanda in March 2023 and again last December.
Moving away from FIFA, fcbusiness now takes a deep dive into the International Sports Convention – The meeting place for the Business of Sport. The International Sports Convention takes place on 19-20 March, 2025, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. A wide spectrum of topics will be discussed with a particular emphasis this year on Brands & Sponsorship, Fan Engagement, Integrity and Governance.
You set up ISC in 2009. Why did you think there was a need for a business event dedicated to sport?
During my time at FIFA, I spoke at many football conferences. Some at the time were broad business focused; others were subject-specific such as stadium/venue but there was not a global event which brought together the different facets of the business of sport. Like the famous Guinness slogan, good things come to those who wait. It did take time, but 16 years later under the International Sports Convention (ISC) brand we achieved that, and have extended the ISC brand to awards, education, media products and podcasts so our audience can be connected year-round.
Looking back, 2009-10 was also the start of the financial crisis and recession. My wife, Magdalena, who is also is co-founder with a strong corporate law background, had our first son. I was also kept on by FIFA for the first half of 2010 to finalise the South Africa Legacy Project, which was a great way to finish my time with them. So, in hindsight, it was perhaps not the best time to start a business but if you believe in the roadmap, you just have to get started.
In your opinion, how has the business of sport developed over this time?
Some aspects relate to specific changes to the business of sport, but others are more general. For example, back stories such as the governance of football and sport are now mainstream news. In many ways, the business of sport and how sport is run is now a topic of conversation for those not working in sport. The obvious examples are the disputes with the Premier League involving points deductions, and of course Manchester City’s ongoing case. Gaining and maintaining points in a league now involves more than just the eleven players on the pitch; it is a significant concern for supporters off the pitch as well.
Brand activation and sponsorship in sport in the last 15 years has seen considerable change too, particularly in terms of why, how and where brands partner and activate. Digital channels have transformed opportunities and activations. Data has transformed those discussions and decision-making. Brand execution and activations have changed substantially, but its core purpose has remained the same – to shape the connection between the sponsor and the audience. Now brands and event owners have numerous channels to build affinity through broadcasting, streaming and digital channels.
Sports education has changed hugely, too. Twenty plus years ago there were only three sport management courses in the UK. I did two of them, the MSc Business of Football at Birkbeck, University of London and the pioneering Football Industries MBA at the University of Liverpool. In 2025, there are hundreds of courses and European football clubs are now using their brand and partnering with universities. In addition, there are many private, immersive education courses available in-person and online. This shows that football and sport are businesses and the need for education and professional development will attract the very best.
How do you see the business of football developing in the next 5 to 10 years?
Sustainability
Sport business will play a greater role in promoting and supporting sustainability. Influencers, governing bodies, fans and regulators will drive the discussion further forward. Nothing less than a neutral footprint will be expected. It means new stadiums must be carbon neutral, should encourage waste recycling and find ways to generate their own energy and water usage. Additionally, alternative means of transportation to and from the stadium will increase. This is just a snapshot, but we have seen sport and sustainability move from a breakout room session to the main stage at the International Sports Convention. Also, sponsors now want to see robust strategies and deliverables in these areas when considering partnerships. What was once a specialist subject, will be more front and centre going forwards.
More regulation, accountability and governance
There has been a lot said about the independent regulator for English football. Whether it will be truly effective, time will tell. However, it does have a focused and narrow remit, which is mainly concerned with financial sustainability of club football – this is an excellent starting point. The effectiveness will come when the “European Super League” or another “so-called premium league or competition for Premier League clubs” comes calling again and has the potential to affect the fabric and heritage of the English football pyramid. The regulator is there to defend and protect the fans, preserve the status quo, whilst improving the health and governance of clubs.
More US ownership
North American ownership of clubs, whether in the Premier League or elsewhere in the pyramid, will continue to grow. Everton became the tenth English Premier League team to be owned by an American or a conglomerate based out of the US when Texas-based Friedkin Group acquired the club. One of the reasons why Americans are investing in the Premier League is due to its popularity and relatively cheap price compared to NFL, NBA or even, for that matter, Major League Soccer clubs.
In May last year, the 38th and final matchday of the 2023-24 Premier League season was the most-watched final day in American history with a “Total Audience Delivery” of 2.9m viewers on the Peacock streaming service and NBCUniversal. So far, we have witnessed the good, the bad and ugly of US ownership but that has mirrored what has gone on in the last generation plus – nothing new.
As mentioned, the governance of leagues will be put to further test and the Independent Regulator will likely need to step in. It is therefore important the Regulator has the flexibility in its final remit to intervene. The 39th match, new cup competitions or more friendlies, will all put further strain on the football calendar. Watch out for the players and player unions getting more involved.
Looking at football specifically, the game is facing several challenges in governance and historical structures – the attempt to form a breakaway European Super League being one major challenge. How do you see this year playing out in the game?
If you then look at the funding of other bodies within the English game – Football Supporters Association, Kick It Out, League Managers Association, Professional Footballers Association etc, most of their income comes from a direct payment from the Premier League. The Premier League is also the only European league with governance control of football facilities, this time under the Football Foundation. So, the Premier League remit has somewhat extended to nearly every facet of English football. This has not gone unnoticed by the incoming regulator.
Certainly, we have seen in the last 12 months decisions which have changed long standing traditions – no replays in FA Cup, for example. Each year we see another change that prioritises the few Premier League clubs. This slow erosion will continue to occur, unfortunately. The governance of the game is at stalemate. Forensically, the Premier League ‘controls’ The Football Association within its committees/boards. The first step was 25 years ago when Adam Crozier, the then FA CEO, resigned when the “Professional Game Board” was put in place, handing over professional matters to the Premier League.
Control of football governance and financial distribution, also more importantly, financial control of all aspects of the game need to be untangled – and whilst not a direct role for the Independent Regulator, it is where the core problem stems from. I suspect with further issues arising, this will change.
The FIFA statues 20.1 refer: “Clubs, leagues or any other groups affiliated to a member association shall be subordinate to and recognised by that member association. The member association’s statutes shall define the scope of authority and the rights and duties of these groups. The statutes and regulations of these groups shall be approved by the member association.”
It is ambiguous whether FIFA can intervene in English football governance issues, but the key word is ‘subordinate’ and who is really driving the changes.
What are your thoughts on football’s growth in recent years and the pressure this is placing on players as the number of games they’re expected to play increases?
Nearly 20 years ago, I led FIFA’s first working group with FIFPro. I do believe the world’s player union for football will, in the next one to three years, become more dynamic and player issues/concerns become more front and centre, especially in the governance of football confederations (UEFA, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, CAF, OFC, AFC) and FIFA. Therefore, players and their unions will be further integrated into the decision-making process – this is good in my humble opinion. I would be surprised if there were any ‘strikes’ but certainly, the calendar and rest periods will be leading issues. The product on the pitch is only as good as the players. Too much football will affect performance and in turn will also strengthen the elite with more players in their squads. This is already happening, but I do believe positive changes will occur which will benefit the players and fans.
International Sports Convention returns on 19/20th March, at the impressive Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. What can we expect from this year’s event?
We can expect over 1000 delegates and over 100 speakers across five key subject areas: Brands and Sponsorship, Digital and Fan Engagement, Broadcast and Media, Integrity and Governance and Sports Events. As always, we will deliver premium attendee and business hospitality services, with first class catering and, this year, two drinks receptions. Plenty of open networking space and first-class lounges await all attendees to ensure networking and conversations can flow over two days of packed content. World leading brands and those investing in sports partnerships will be sharing their insights including; Standard Chartered Bank, Diageo, Unilever, Virgin O2, Aviva, Food Hub, Panini, Pernod Ricrd, Pepsi Co and Valeo Foods. Media and Broadcast will continue to be a key topic with the likes of DAZN, England Rugby, BBC, NWSL, Olympic Channel, NASCAR, Rakuten, FIBA, Formula E, FC Barcelona, Eintracht Frankfurt, Cowboy Channel, NFL, NBA RB Leipzig and LaLiga all taking centre stage. Our Integrity and Governance track continues to grow with leading lights including Starlizard Integrity Services, StatsPerform, FIFPro, FIFA, ITF, FIBA, Cricket Regulator and many more sharing their insight and expertise.
What else can we expect from ISC in 2025?
Our exhibition and networking lounges are full once more and Guinness World Records will be giving all delegates an opportunity to be an official world record holder. We have secured a partnership with the popular podcast The Price of Football, with Kevin Day and Kieran Maguire taking to the mic live. Dame Tracey Crouch, who played the central role in the development of the White Paper for The Independent Football Regulator, will also be on the integrity panel.
We will be hosting the ISC International Sports Awards 2024, with winners coming to the podium to receive their trophies, as well as the first cohort of the ISC Thirty Under 30 winners – recognising the next set of leaders, pioneers and entrepreneurs in the sports industry. I am also grateful for the continued support of fcbusiness in partnering with the International Sports Convention, now for the fourth year. With over 100 speakers, stay tuned for further updates on our website – www.internationalsportsconvention.com
Our tagline is ‘The Meeting Place for the Business of Sport’.
Networking is always a key element to any major industry event. ISC goes above and beyond in this respect. How can attendees make the most of the event’s networking opportunities?
Thank you – we do pride ourselves in providing the best possible event experience, perhaps “Business Fan Engagement.”
The art of communication and a seamless hospitality delivery is all about listening to your clients and each year making incremental changes. Everyone who is part of the ISC team knows it’s the attention to detail that is the key and that all starts in the planning stage. We like to think we have perfected it, but there is always a new opportunity and somewhere to improve. Four weeks before the event we will publish the delegate list, alongside the mobile app which includes all our information. We also still print the programme and showguide, which is a substantial cost – but delegates want that, and yes, we try and recycle them at the end of the event.
Attendees can make the most of the opportunities by setting up meetings and reaching out to attendees in advance. This, we believe, is key in terms of networking and being effective with their time and investment into ISC.
We are one of a handful of long established B2B event and media operators in the sports industry. Whilst the price of a delegate ticket is high, we compare that to one European flight, one meeting and dinner. At ISC, if planned correctly, one can have more than 20 meetings, with existing clients and prospects, whilst having your finger on the pulse of what’s moving (and not) in the industry. If viewed this way ISC is excellent value.
Later in the year, we will be hosting several one-day summits and themed events. This includes the one-day ISC Brands and Sponsorship Summit at Unilever House (25 Sept); ISC Women’s Sport Business Week (29 Sept to 3 Oct) which includes the ISC Women’s Sport Business Awards and lunch, and the ISC Women’s Sport Business Summit, plus numerous online initiatives from Africa, Asia and North America. 13 November also sees a return of the ISC Fan Engagement Summit in London. Keep an eye on our website for more information, deadlines and how to be involved.
For more information, contact ISC at: events@internationalsportsconvention.com
Images: ISC
