Rio chosen to host Soccerex Convention 2010 – 2013

Soccerex announced that the Soccerex Convention, the world’s leading football business event, will be held in Rio de Janeiro from 2010 to 2013. Following a tender process that began at Soccerex 2008 and led to bids from cities around the world, Rio was identified as the most suitable host and an agreement was reached with the Rio Government last week.

Brazil will be the hub of the football world in 2014 and by moving to Rio, Soccerex are continuing a strong and hugely successful South Africa experience in the build up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Commenting on the move, Duncan Revie, CEO, Soccerex said:

“I am delighted that Soccerex is going to Rio. After 3 very successful years in Gauteng, South Africa, in the build up to 2010 FIFA World Cup, our next move was always going to be important. Soccerex is a global brand, committed to bringing the world of football together and it is crucial we place our product at the centre of the industry. As the host of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and home of the beautiful game, Brazil is a natural fit for our strategic objectives and in Rio, with its iconic landscape and footballing history, we have the perfect location.”

In Brazil, Sergio Cabral, the Governor of the state of Rio de Janeiro said:

“It will be an honour for Rio de Janeiro to host Soccerex, the world’s biggest business football event. All delegates will be very well received and will do excellent business, inspired by one of the most beautiful settings in the world. We are all committed to the success of Soccerex in Brazil and with our arms open, like the Statue of Christ, we welcome the world of football into the city that in 2014, we hope will host one more World Cup Final. Welcome!”

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter described Soccerex as a “must attend event” and since the first Soccerex in 1996 over 20,000 senior industry figures have followed his advice. For over 14 years, Soccerex has successfully provided business events for the global football community and the move to Rio will bring the Soccerex Convention to a 5th Continent following events in London, Los Angeles, Paris, Manchester, Dubai, and Johannesburg.

Paul Mashatile, Premier of Gauteng, long term partner and current hosts of Soccerex, has backed the move to Rio de Janeiro:

“I must congratulate the Rio Government in securing the Soccerex Convention. The event has brought in considerable revenue to our province and provided our football industry with invaluable knowledge and experience, as we prepare for 2010 FIFA World Cup. I look forward to welcoming our Brazilian brothers in Gauteng, this November for Soccerex 09 and to attending the first Soccerex Convention in Rio in 2010”.

Already this year, Soccerex have staged their inaugural event in Brazil - the Brasilia Forum, 17-18 March - and continue to serve the needs of both Europe and the rest of the world with the London Forum, coming up on 13 May at Wembley stadium and the 2009 Soccerex Convention in Gauteng, South Africa this November. With Rio now in the calendar for 2010, along with an African Forum and plans for an enhanced presence in Europe, Soccerex are continuing their global expansion and look set to go from strength to strength.