Industry update: more on the FIFA World Cup™ venues, fan involvement and sustainability initiatives

Read more on fan involvement at Manchester City, a returnable beaker system at Borussia Dortmund, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics sustainability plan, the Al Bayt Stadium - Al Khor City, etc. in this short industry update by ESSMA.

Sustainability & SMART

• Following a petition by a fan, Borussia Dortmund will introduce a returnable beaker system for drinks to cut down on its single-use plastics. Currently the club is already using recyclable cornstarch beakers to serve beer. 
• For the 2019-2022 cycle, FIFA will invest $10 million in its sustainability , human rights and anti-discrimination programme. Moreover, a $67 million budget has been set aside to invest in women’s football development.
• With the ‘Be better, together - for the planet and the people’ sustainability plan, the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo aim to re-use and recycle 99% of procured goods and items. Other measures include 100% electricity from renewable sources and initiatives to encourage sustainable living.

Construction & Development 

• Construction timelapse of the 60,000 Al Bayt Stadium - Al Khor City, one of the 2022 FIFA World Cup™:

• After missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ bid which has been won by Canada, USA and Mexico, Morocco is preparing its bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup™.

Fan Experience

• Manchester City launched the ‘City Matters’ initiative. In total 11 voluntary members will be appointed to discuss a wide range of issues and topics with senior Club representatives. The 11 voluntary members will be appointed (by voting) to represent the following demographic groups: families & young people, under 25s, over 65s, LGBTQ fans, seasoncard holders, female fans, disabled fans, official supporters club, BAME fans, seasonal hospitality and local residents.
• Compared to the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ in Brazil, numerous new technologies have been implemented in Russia. Including Video Assisted Referees (VAR), Goal-Line Tech (via a smartwatch, referees can determine whether it’s a goal), live (VR and social) streaming, game balls are integrated with an embedded NFC chip, etc.
• As part of a new rights partnership, Birmingham City’s stadium will be named the St Andrew’s Trillions Trophy Stadium. Furthermore, their Wast Hills training centre will also be renamed to Trillion Trophy training centre.