A significant year for football and the business behind it, 2014 represents a unique time for the beautiful game with one of the greatest world cups staged in the spiritual home of football, the 13 host cities slated to host the historic 2020 UEFA European Championships announced and the Soccerex Global Convention returning home to Manchester on 6-10 September.

With 2014 signifying such an important period for the football family on and off the pitch, FIFA President, Joseph S. Blatter said: “I am really looking forward to the World Cup in Brazil and I am also looking forward to reprising its success at Soccerex in Manchester for the Global Convention in September. I wish you all a great 2014 football experience!”

After being on the road for the past 12 years, the Convention’s return to Europe will see a greater presence and involvement from the continent’s leading clubs, leagues, federations and associations. This will be represented through a combination of tailored conference sessions, workshops, private meetings rooms and an exclusive exhibition which will make the Convention the event to meet and do business with rights holders.

The Convention will maintain its global presence by providing a platform for Confederations and Local Organising Committees to highlight and promote their individual tournaments around the globe. With dedicated exhibition space, tournament-specific workshops and round-table discussions, the Convention will be the key event to meet major event organisers for the 30 plus tournaments taking place in the next 5 years.

Sticking to the principal mechanisms behind the industry, the event will cater for the core business streams within football including commercial activities, performance, finance and stadia/operations whilst showcasing the latest in digital media and technology through programmes of dedicated content for each sector.

Soccerex CEO Duncan Revie said: “The initial disappointment over the cancellation of this year’s Global Convention has been replaced by a buzz and excitement around Manchester, which has been demonstrated by a large majority of our sponsors, exhibitors and delegates transferring their bookings to next year’s event. We’re very excited about the next chapter of Soccerex and to welcoming the world of football to Manchester in September 2014.”

(Soccerex Press Release)