Ahmed Abas’ Post

As the #WorldFootballSummit and #FIFAWorldCup of Clubs are being launched tomorrow in Jeddah for the first time, I can throw back to some notable initiatives that i have been proud to be a part of the sports evolution in the region. As a part of the global #EY Sports Industry Group, I look forward to continue supporting major sports organizations to achieve their aspirations in the region. Dr. Stefan Mohr, Laurent Viviez ,André Olivença, Matt Colston, Tom Kingsley, Mathis Degroote, and the national sports icon Rasha Alkhamis Earlier personal reflections from the region: - Privatization workshop with Ministry of Sports in KSA showcasing potential private sector participation (PPPs) in the successfule development and finance of landmark stadiums and supporting world class tournaments through debt/project finance and hybrid models. Examples include: >> Wembley Landmark Stadium as a hub for sports, leisure and entertainment in the heart of London that delivered a major economic boost in Brent, to London and England as a whole after its signficant upgrade funded through a debt finance facility https://lnkd.in/dNMfQiUg >> In June 2016, nearly 2.5 million enthusiastic spectators gathered in France to attend the Euro 2016 soccer tournament. Those participating in matches in Lille, Bordeaux, Marseille or Nice would have noticed the brand new facilities and bold architectural design, but most probably didn’t realize these stadiums had been either constructed or modernized with financing through the relatively new “Contrat de partenariat” public-private partnership (PPP) scheme. https://lnkd.in/dZwj6AFZ >> More recently, privatization of sports clubs and stadiums is emerging in the headlines around the globe including Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Japan, India, etc. https://lnkd.in/dNVxj2Zt https://lnkd.in/darqnFhn https://lnkd.in/d3QV8ztE - Visioning and feasibility of the landmark stadium of Al Ahly FC in Egypt, the infamous football club with most titles amd largest fanbase in the region. The engagement include a road show with the board members, visioning workshops and an on-stage presentation that was broadcasted live across the national and local broadcasters https://lnkd.in/dngy99kY https://lnkd.in/dCvx-9hM - Prefeasibility of world-class training facility to host training camps of tier-1 clubs on the grounds of a local club in the region considering the climate advantage during the seasonal winter break and the ownership of multiple football and sports clubs by renowned investors and organizations in the region to name some: Mancity FC, New Castle FC, Aston Villa FC, PSG, etc. https://lnkd.in/dARZVeab - Last and not least, leading national Saudi programs of transformation and privatziation programs in healthcare and socialcare sectors. Sports, healthcare and socialcare are inter-related and together achieve the goals of Vision 2030 and Quality of Life program #saudivision2030 #sportsbusiness #projectfinance #publicprivatepartnerships