EU Sport Forum 2025
The EU Sport Forum took place on 10 and 11 April 2025 in Krakow, Poland.
Event programme
The event explored a diverse range of key topics, among others
- the promotion of a European Sport Model
- the role of sport in education and in the context of EU enlargement
- Artificial Intelligence in sport
- welfare of athletes
It also provided an opportunity to reflect on insights gained from the implementation of Erasmus+ Sport actions, in view of shaping future developments.
Watch again
Recordings for all sessions taking place in Room Renoir are now available. You will find the links in the event programme under each session description.
Biography
Growing up with music and live entertainment, I have been at ease both on stage and behind the scenes for as long as I can remember. Nevertheless, I have a strong academic background having studied culture and languages which led me to the city archives of Valladolid – Spain finishing my degree in History back in 2004.
The union of these different worlds makes me the person I am today. I started working as an event manager back in 2006 and organized events for Nespresso, Club Med, Google, Pfizer and NN Insurance Belgium amongst others. In the past fifteen years, however, I never lost touch with my life on stage and hosted and moderated (inter)national events for Volvo, Nike, EY, Orange, BNP Paribas Fortis, European Commission and many more in Dutch, French, English & Spanish.
Biography
Glenn Micallef is the Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport. His task is to give young people more freedom, say and responsibility within our societies, building on what brings us together in diversity, from our cultural heritage to sport at all levels.
Biography
Sławomir Nitras is a political scientist and politician, Member of the Polish Parliament (Sejm) in the 5th, 6th, 8th, 9th, and 10th terms, and Member of the European Parliament (7th term). From 2014 to 2015, he served as chief advisor to Prime Minister Ewa Kopacz.
Since December 13, 2023, he has been Minister of Sport and Tourism. He graduated in political science from the University of Szczecin, worked as a research assistant, head of the voivode’s office, board member of a mineral company, and entrepreneur.
A member of Platforma Obywatelska since 2001, he sat on the national board and led the branch of Szczecin where he ran for mayor in 2018.
Biography
Aleksander Miszalski is the Mayor of the City of Kraków and Chairman of the Civic Platform in Małopolska. He was a Member of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland from 2019 to 2024. Doctor of the Kraków University of Economics, Mayor Miszalski was also an entrepreneur in the tourism industry for over 20 years.
Biography
Thomas Bach, married and a lawyer by profession, has had a successful career in sports both on and off the field of play. He became an Olympic champion winning a gold medal in fencing at the Games of the XXI Olympiad in Montreal in 1976. In 2006, he was named as the founding President of the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB).
He was an athletes’ representative at the XI Olympic Congress in Baden-Baden (1981) and a founding member of the IOC’s Athletes’ Commission. He became an IOC member in 1991, was elected as a member of the IOC Executive Board in 1996 and served as an IOC Vice-President for more than 10 years. He has also chaired several IOC Commissions.
On 10 September 2013 he was elected as the ninth President of the IOC. He was re-elected for a second four-year term on 10 March 2021. On 19 March 2025, he was elected Honorary President for Life of the IOC, a position he will take up when his term of office as President of the IOC ends after 23 June 2025.
Biography
Diana Bianchedi, medical specialist and sports manager, is a winner of two Olympic gold medals in the women's team foil events at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics (the first-ever gold medal for an Italian women's team) and the 2000 Sydney Olympics, as well as of five World Championships.
She transitioned to her role as sports manager after her competitive career.
On 18 April 2001, she was elected to the executive board of CONI as vice president, becoming the first and youngest woman elected to Italy's highest national sports executive body. She was also a member of the Executive Committee of the Scientific Anti-Doping Commission, the Doping Control Commission of the Ministry of Health (the ultimate authority in doping matters) and the CONI Anti-Doping Commission. She chaired the CONI Athletes Commission and was a member of the CONI National Council.
From 2013 to 2021, she was the president of the CONI Honors Commission. She led both the bid for the 2024 Rome Olympics and the successful bid for the 2026 Winter Games.
Learning to be physically active from an early age is not only important for individual development but is also an investment in well-educated, healthy and happy society. Schools can be the spaces for practicing sport and physical activity as well learning about healthy habits.
This session explored how sport can be more present in educational setting, examined the positive impact of sport on children and young people’s well-being, mental health and skills development, and discussed challenges and strategies for integrating sports effectively within educational settings.
Biography
Mark Cutajar has been Chief Executive Officer of SportMalta for the last 10 years. Under his leadership, sport in Malta was transformed both at grassroot and elite level. He was Director General for Maltese sport during Malta's Presidency in 2016.
A mathematics teacher by profession who lived a dual career path from being an athlete, to a team manager, sport journalist and a Director of Sport at the Olympic Committee for 8 years. He led the Maltese delegation in two Olympic Games (London 2012 and Rio 2016).
Past member of the Commonwealth Advisory Board for Sport and now director at EOSE. Chaired important sport events in Malta, namely the Games of the Small States of Europe 2023 and the Waterpolo Final 4 Champions league 2024 and 2025.
Biography
Hannes Heide is an Austrian Member of the European Parliament since 2019 and former mayor of the City of Bad Ischl (European Capital of Culture in 2024).
Since the beginning of the new parliamentary term in 2024, he has been the Coordinator of the S&D Group on the Committee on Culture, Education, Sport, Media and Youth (CULT) and substitute member of the Committees on Regional Development (REGI) and on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE). In addition to his committee assignments, Heide is part of the Parliament’s delegation to the ACP–EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly.
Hannes Heide was co-responsible for the 2021 report on “EU sports policy: assessment and possible ways forward” and was recently appointed shadow rapporteur for the report “The role of EU policies in shaping the European sports model”.
Biography
President of DES and Health Community of Practice of the Share 2.0 European Commission programme, having experience in managing different European projects and leading UN agencies missions, Andreu is also the European School Sport Day coordinator in Spain as well as part of the European Week of Sport´s Spanish stakeholders’ group and consortium member at the European Week of Winter Sport.
He is also supporting, as an expert, other Governments and organisations from LATAM and Asian countries.
Biography
Kirstie Simpson has been engaged in sport administration education and workforce development for over 30 years where she is now leading at an international level. More recently, she has had the opportunity to apply these skills and experience to the work she undertakes with local authorities in England as well as in Net Zero-related activities both regionally and nationally.
She has been able to move between very different sectors due to her ability to focus on the process of knowledge exchange, ensuring the appropriate application to the sector in which she is operating and her passion for developing people. Her work, in relation to a number of Government-funded projects, is focused on workforce development and skills and has attracted a total value of £650k to the University (from total project values of over £70 million and over £20 million, respectively).
Biography
An Olympic swimming champion and multiple medallist at the World, European and Polish Championships, she achieved everything she dreamed of as an athlete, but she did not stop at sports. She achieves her goals in the same way as in sport. She says, “Sport is a wonderful adventure in life that teaches consistency and determination in pursuing a goal.”
Since 2015, she has been running projects with her foundation to promote sport among children, young people and adults, activating the community to take care of physical and mental health. The foundation's motto is “Become a champion of life” - shape yourself through sport”. She promotes women's sport and women in sport as the president of the Polish Women's Sports Association.
Since 2021, she has been the President of the Polish Swimming Federation, since 2022 a member of the Board of the European Swimming Federation, and since 2023 a member of the Board of the World Swimming Federation and the Polish Olympic Committee.
The wellbeing of athletes and the respect of athletes’ rights has recently come under increasing scrutiny, especially in professional leagues and at major sport events.
This panel aimed to explore some of the most important aspects of this issue, including the increasingly demanding performance standards athletes face, alongside overcrowded competitive schedules, which lead to significant mental and physical strain.
Biography
Michelle Tanner (MBA, MA, CIMPSA) is the Director of Sport and Physical Activity at Trinity College Dublin. A member of the Board of Sport Ireland, and Chair of the Women in Sport Group. She is Vice Chair of the FISU Gender Equality Committee. She is a former President ENAS and former Board member of Student Sport Ireland.
She has worked at international, European, national and local levels on many sporting programs, policies, and initiatives. Tanner is a former Irish International Volleyball player, a national coach developer and assessor. She also coaches and manages the youth section of her local Volleyball Club. She is passionate about all sport and ensuring everyone has an opportunity to participate and/or excel at a level of their choosing.
Biography
Anneke van Zanen-Nieberg is a former President of BakerTillyBerk and former CEO of the national audit service at the Ministry of Finance.
As former treasurer of NOC*NSF she is now elected as President (May 2019). In this role she wants to extend the fundament of sport and make sure that sport is accessible for everybody.
Biography
Michael Sahl-Hansen is a former professional handball player and Danish champion as well as former President of the European Handball Players Union.
As the CEO of the Danish player union in football (Spillerforeningen), he has negotiated agreements for both Women's and Men's football as well as previously handball.
Biography
As CEO of Rugby Players Ireland, Simon provides assistance to players in areas including employment, taxation and insurance, whilst also dealing with a range of general member services enquiries.
A graduate of University College Dublin, Simon furthered his education with a Diploma in Legal Studies from Dublin Business School, later trained as a solicitor at the Law Society of Ireland and more recently completed a diploma in management in the IMI. In 2011, Simon was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors following a ten-year professional playing career with his native Leinster and with Harlequins in the UK.
During his playing career, Simon was actively involved in both the RPA and IRUPA (now Rugby Players Ireland), with a focus on ensuring the welfare of players, their rights and entitlements. Playing for Leinster and Harlequins, Simon won noteworthy silverware, including the inaugural Celtic League in 2002, the Challenge Cup in 2004 and the Heineken Cup in 2009.
Biography
Dr Mark Abela is a Cardiology registrar practicing in Malta. He has undergone a fellowship in Sports Cardiology and Inherited Cardiac Conditions in London. He read for an MSc (with distinction) in Sports Cardiology (St George's University, London).
Following his fellowship in Sports Cardiology, he pioneered several sports cardiology initiatives in Malta. He is the sports cardiology clinic lead. He also helped establish cardiac screening programs for the Malta Olympic Committee, Malta Football Association and Armed Forces of Malta. He is also the lead cardiologist for these associations. He also plays a very active role on an international level.
He is currently a Sports Cardiology Nucleus member within the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). He is currently contributing towards various scientific documents and guidelines that focus on the management of athletes. He is eager to foster a collaborative strategy to enhance the well-being of athletes across all EU states.
Biography
Bogdan Zdrojewski is a Member of the European Parliament from Poland and a Member of the EPP Group. He is a Member and 1st Vice Chair of the Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) and was recently appointed the Rapporteur for the report on the role of EU policies in shaping the European Sport Model. He is also the Standing Rapporteur for the Erasmus+ Programme. Additionally, he sits on the Committee on International Trade (INTA).
He was the first president of Wrocław, elected in free local elections, and held this office for 11 years, from 1990 to 2001. Between 2007 and 2014, he served as the Minister of Culture and National Heritage in the first government of Donald Tusk. Throughout his career in politics and local government, he also served as a Senator (1997-2000), Member of the Polish Sejm (2005-2014), and a Member of the European Parliament of the 8th term (2014-2019).
Biography
Georg Häusler is currently the Director for Culture, Creativity and Sport in the European Commission (DG EAC). Prior to that, he was Director in another Commission department for seven years.
He joined the Commission in 1999 and has had several senior posts including as Head of Cabinet of Commissioner Dacian Ciolos, from 2009 to 2014.
Before he began his Commission career, he was Secretary General of an EU-wide NGO. He studied law (PhD in 1993).
Biography
Glenn Micallef is the Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport. His task is to give young people more freedom, say and responsibility within our societies, building on what brings us together in diversity, from our cultural heritage to sport at all levels.
Biography
Professor Laura McAllister, B.Sc., PhD, CBE, FLSW, FRSA, is a Professor of Public Policy and the Governance of Wales at Cardiff University's Wales Governance Centre.
She is Vice-President of UEFA and elected member of its Executive Committee as well as Chair of UEFA´s Social and Environmental Sustainability Committee, Deputy Chair of UEFA’s Women’s Football Committee and Chair of the Euro 24, Euro 25 Human Rights Boards.
A former Wales football international and national team captain with 24 caps, she was Chair of Sport Wales (between 2010-16). Until April 2016, she served as Board Member of UK Sport, the Government’s agency for Olympic and Paralympic sport. She is also a former Director of the Football Association of Wales Trust and a former Chair of the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame.
Biography
Born in Athens in 1955, Spyros Capralos studied Economics at the University of Athens and holds a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from INSEAD University.
In 2021, he was elected President of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) and, in 2019, member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In 2025, he was unanimously re-elected to lead the EOC for another four years and elected as a member of the IOC Executive Board (EB). He is Vice President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) for Europe. He was also President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee from 2009 until 2025.
As an athlete, he participated in the Olympic Games in Moscow and Los Angeles. In addition, he is Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Shipping Company Star Bulk Carriers, Chairman of the Board of Euroclinic and Vice President of GEK TERNA.
He has been President of the Athens Stock Exchange, Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Greece & Vice President of the Bankers Trust Company.
Biography
Natalia Orive Siviter, a former professional futsal player, is the President of the European Athletes and Players Association. She is also the President of Women Futsal Players in Spain and has been working on international expansion since 2022.
Besides being a Member of the Exco World Players Association, she acts as a coach and coordinator of women’s football and futsal at University Polytechnic of Madrid, Spain.
She served as a Member of the Directors' Board of the Spanish Higher Council of Sport in 2019-2024 and as a Board member of the Spanish Football Federation in 2018-2023. She is a Member of the Spanish Olympic Committee on Women and Equality and the writer of the chapter “International analysis of relevant Paralympic Committees of the white book of sports for people with disabilities”, published in 2018.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Physical Activity and Sports from INEF Madrid, Spain,as well as a Bachelor's degree in Sports Management from UCN Denmark. She also passed a course in Law, Business and Economics in Sports from ISDE Spain and is the second women in Spain obtaining the highest futsal coaching degree by the Spanish FA.
Biography
Duarte Lopes is Chief of Staff to the Secretary of State for Sport in Portugal and a member of the Executive Committee of the International Federation of University Sport (FISU).
He used to work as University Sport Manager, and before he joined the Cabinet of the Secretary of State he worked at the Portuguese Paralympic Committee as Assessor.
He is also a former President and Vice-President of the European Network of Academic Sport Services (between 2009 and 2013), National Tecnhical Director and Secretary General of the Portuguese National University Sport Federation (1996-2001), board member of the National Confederation of Sport (2006-2014) and he served as volunteer in several sport clubs.
He has a Masters Degree in Sport Sciences (U.Porto) and Quality Services Management post-Graduation (ISCTE Executive Education). He is a Public Policies PhD candidate. He practices orienteering and ultra trails.
The piracy of live sports events poses a significant threat to the integrity and financial sustainability of the sports industry.
As illegal streaming services become increasingly sophisticated, rightsholders, broadcasters, and sports organisations face mounting challenges in protecting their content. Revenue losses from piracy impact leagues, clubs, athletes and ultimately all citizens by reducing the funds available for reinvestment in the sport, from grassroots development to elite competitions.
This panel explored the real impact of sports piracy on the industry. It discussed its causes and the most effective strategies for combating illegal streaming, as well as ideas and practices that can improve the legal offer of sport events.
Biography
Born in Genoa (Italy), he works at the European Commission since 1995. He spent a long part of his professional life in the audiovisual media sector or dealing with media related issues both in the private sector and at the European Commission. In 2019, he moved to the Sport Unit of the Commission where he is in charge of issues related to professional sport, integrity, athletes’ rights and governance.
He has been Visiting Professor in Public Diplomacy at the School of International Relations of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. He holds a degree in Economics of the University of Genoa. He loves sport and football and is a huge fan of UC Sampdoria.
Biography
Sabina Tsakova is the Deputy Head of the Copyright unit in DG Connect (European Commission) since January 2025.
She previously worked in the Audiovisual and Media services unit of DG CONNECT, focusing mostly on the negotiations for a European Media Freedom Act.
Prior to this, Sabina was a policy and legal officer in the Copyright unit and a case-handler in DG Competition's Pharma and Health unit. She holds an LLM in European Law from the College of Europe.
Biography
Mark is the Chairman of the Sports Rights Owners Coalition (SROC), representing the collective interests of over 50 international and national sports bodies in the protection and development of their Intellectual Property Rights. SROC seeks proper legal recognition of the value of sports, and effective protection for their rights under law.
Mark has worked in the sports and sports technology industry for over 25 years, from technology startups in the USA to the administration of European sports bodies. Working both in male and female professional sport, he has served both as Chief Executive of golf’s Ladies European Tour (LET) and as Managing Director of the European Tour’s television production and distribution company.
A software engineer by education, Mark previously held a number of positions in the European software industry before joining the industry-led European Software Institute in Bilbao, Spain, co-funded by the European Commission.
Biography
Katarzyna is responsible for monitoring global regulatory developments relevant to the IOC's mission and the organisation of the Olympic Games, including in the area of intellectual property and copyright.
She has coordinated the IOC's contribution to the European Commission's Recommendation on piracy of live sports events and worked with various EU authorities on anti-piracy measures in the run-up to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Katarzyna has over 15 years of professional experience in policy and regulatory affairs for the digital and creative sectors.
Biography
Britta Sölter is co-founder and Managing Director at Athletia Sports and ryghts – a joint venture with DFL. Before that, she worked in Business Development at Sony Music Entertainment.
For more than 15 years, her focus has been on the distribution, exploitation and protection of content in the digital sports environment. She’s an expert on the various forms of content piracy, ranging from Social Media platforms to websites and IPTV offers to apps, while keeping a close eye on market developments.
With the team at Athletia Sports, she provides effective strategies for content protection around many of the most popular (and pirated) sports events in the world - always committed to tackle the issue at the source and finding long-term solutions rather than just fighting off symptoms.
Biography
Justus is the Policy Director of the Communia Association for the Public Domain where he advocates policies that promote access to and reuse of knowledge and culture.
He holds a PhD in Political Science from Freie Universität Berlin. Before joining Communia, he worked as an advisor for international regulation at Wikimedia Deutschland.
The session on sport actions under the future Erasmus+ Programme served as a platform for gathering ideas and feedback from stakeholders regarding the forthcoming Erasmus+ Sport Actions. Participants enjoyed a highly interactive discussion, designed to encourage the sharing of innovative ideas, constructive proposals, and any concerns regarding the evolution of the Sport Actions beyond 2027.
This session complemented the recent open consultation on the same topic, offering a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to contribute their perspectives in first person. Engaging in this dialogue was an opportunity to share their views and give their invaluable insights into the future direction of the Erasmus+ Sport Actions.
Biography
Giorgio Guazzugli Marini studied political science in Italy and obtained a Master of Arts in EU Affairs at the European Institute of European Studies in Brussels. He joined the Directorate General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture (DG EAC) of the European Commission in 2005, following previous professional experiences in both civil society and public sectors.
Over the years, he held several positions in DG EAC and played a key role in the development and implementation of European Union’s programmes and policies in education, training, youth, sport and culture. As Deputy Head of the Erasmus+ Coordination Unit between 2016 and 2020, he led the team responsible for devising the current Erasmus+ programme. He also served as Deputy Head of the International Cooperation and Creative Europe units. He joined the Sport Unit of DG EAC in December 2024.
Biography
Luciano Di Fonzo is the Deputy Head of Sport Unit at the European Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Before his current position, he spent 20 years in the Education sector as programme manager within the Jean Monnet Programme and the Lifelong Learning Programme.
He was also general secretary of ECSA (European Community Studies Associations), a network of academics specialised in the field of European integration studies. He holds a degree in Political Science at the University "La Sapienza" in Rome and two Masters on EU law and politics.
Biography
Growing up with music and live entertainment, I have been at ease both on stage and behind the scenes for as long as I can remember. Nevertheless, I have a strong academic background having studied culture and languages which led me to the city archives of Valladolid – Spain finishing my degree in History back in 2004.
The union of these different worlds makes me the person I am today. I started working as an event manager back in 2006 and organized events for Nespresso, Club Med, Google, Pfizer and NN Insurance Belgium amongst others. In the past fifteen years, however, I never lost touch with my life on stage and hosted and moderated (inter)national events for Volvo, Nike, EY, Orange, BNP Paribas Fortis, European Commission and many more in Dutch, French, English & Spanish.
Biography
David is President and Managing Director of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia and Senior Advisor for International Development for Special Olympics, Inc. He is responsible for the growth and development of the Special Olympics movement across 58 nations across Western Europe, Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
As Senior Advisor for International Development, David is responsible for the creation and expansion of global partnerships with United Nation agencies, foreign aid agencies, international non-governmental organizations and global philanthropy.
David serves on the Advisory Board of the Division of Multilateral Diplomacy for the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), a current member of the Centre for Sports and Human Rights (CSHR). David was a former member of the High-Level Group on Sports Diplomacy for the European Commission and a former member of the Global Partnership for Children with Disabilities for UNICEF.
Biography
Shanaia Xuereb is an athlete from Special Olympics Malta in the Europe Eurasia Region. Shanaia participates in bowling and swimming. She has been involved in Special Olympics since 2009.
Shanaia’s favorite part about Special Olympics is that it encourages athletes not only to be active in their sports discipline, but also involves them in other activities, giving them a voice. She appreciates the great opportunities Special Olympics Malta has given her especially helping young athletes during training sessions.
She is looking forward to representing her country as well as meeting other athletes from different countries.
Shanaia is employed full time as a Senior Clerk Officer. Her role involves checking registrations to see that that all information and requirements are filled correctly. When Shanaia isn’t working or competing, she enjoys listening to music, hanging out with family and friends, and going for walks.
Biography
Robert Korzeniowski – born on 30 July 1968 in Lubaczów - is an athlete, 20 and 50 km walker, and the only Pole to win four Olympic gold medals.
He won in the 50 km in 1996, in the 20 km and 50 km in 2000 and in the 50 km in 2004, besides winning the world champion title three times (1997, 2001, 2003) and standing on the highest podium of the European Championships twice (1998, 2002). He set world records in the 5000 m and 50 km. Since 2014, he has been a member of the IAAF Hall of Fame (World Athletics).
Since 2017, he has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and since 2024, he has been an Advisor to the Minister of Sport and Tourism for the Sports Development Strategy 2040.
Biography
Sandra Forgues is the 1996 Olympic Canoe Slalom Champion, 1992 bronze medallist, and three-time World Champion.
She is a Computer Engineer, Information Systems Director, and President of Toulouse CREPS (Academy Sport Center) and chairs the Expert Committee on trans identity in high-level sports.
Biography
Paola Ottonello is currently Team Leader for events and stakeholders’ engagement in the European Commission’s sport unit.
She has extensive experience in sport, having championed for many years gender equality and integrity in sport and contributed to the launch of the European Week of Sport and the #BeActive campaign.
Paola holds a PhD in International Relations and for several years, while on a break from sport policy, she coordinated the work of the European Commission in the Western Balkans, in the areas of education, culture, youth and sport.
Biography
Matvii Bidnyi was appointed as Minister for Youth and Sports of Ukraine in 2023, and in 2020-2023 served as Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports of Ukraine.
Since January 2025, Matvii Bidnyi holds the position of the European representative in the Executive Committee of the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Biography
Bergqvist was appointed Minister of Youth, Sport and Physical Activity for Prime Minister Orpo’s Government on 20 June 2023.
In her work as Minister, she has highlighted the need to strengthen equality, nondiscrimination and gender equality, and the realisation of human rights in the field of youth, sport and physical activity. She has emphasised that the work which organisations do to improve equality should be taken into account in awarding discretionary government grants.
Biography
Kersti Kaljulaid served as the President of the Republic of Estonia from 2016 to 2021. Since 2024, she has been serving as the president of the Estonian Olympic Committee.
In 2021, she founded the President Kaljulaid Foundation, an NGO and think-tank for Advancing Democracy, Empowering the Vulnerable, and Navigating the Societal Impact of Digitalization. She holds the distinction of being the first Estonian featured on Forbes' list of the World's 100 Most Powerful Women.
She is a member of several prestigious boards. These include the Yalta European Strategy, the GLOBSEC Advisory Council, the Microsoft Technology & National Security Advisory Council, the Multiverse AI advisory board and the Stockholm Environment Institute Board.
Biography
Kurt Wachter studied Social Anthropology and African Studies at the University of Vienna and the University of Cape Coast Ghana. In 2014, he completed the first Sport and Development Master’s programme at Southampton Solent University.
In 1997, he founded the fairplay initiative for diversity and anti-discrimination at the Vienna Institute of International Dialogue and Cooperation (VIDC). In 1999, he co-founded the Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network. He works as Head of Fairplay Department at VIDC.
In 2023, he became the chairperson of the newly established Sport Inclusion Network (SPIN) association. He is managing the ERASMUS+ sport project “Sport Zajedno - Promoting social inclusion and reconciliation through grassroots youth sport”, which promotes social inclusion and post-conflict reconciliation among young people in and through grassroots sport across the Western Balkan Region. As a freelance journalist, he has covered nine editions of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Foreign investment in European football has reshaped the landscape of the most popular sport in Europe, bringing both opportunities and significant challenges. Influxes of capital from international investors, including sovereign wealth funds, private equity firms, and multinational corporations, have fueled the growth of certain clubs, enhanced infrastructure.
However, concerns about financial sustainability, competitive balance, and the potential influence of non-European stakeholders on the sport’s governance have sparked debates about the long-term implications of foreign ownership and its adherence to the core values of the European Sport Model.
This panel examined the double-edged nature of foreign investment in European football, weighing its economic benefits against regulatory and ethical concerns.
Biography
Dirk De Corte is a finance and strategic management expert with extensive experience in football, fashion, and film industries. For over 20 years, he has been an Associate Professor at the University of Antwerp, teaching arts, fashion, music industry, and sports finance. He is also a lecturer in football finance at the Belgian Pro League Business School and has advised clubs, leagues, and sports organizations on financial strategy.
A former live football commentator for Belgian national radio, Dirk combines deep industry knowledge with hands-on expertise. He has consulted in fashion and luxury brand finance, as well as in the music and film industries, guiding production companies and entertainment ventures.
Previously, he held leadership roles in banking, theater, and international cultural organizations. A Club Brugge supporter, Dirk remains a sought-after speaker in sports, arts, and creative industry finance worldwide.
Biography
Javier Tebas Medrano has been the LALIGA president since 2013. A law graduate from the University of Zaragoza, he is an active advocate for the European sports model and football pyramid, representing LALIGA and Spanish football in the World Leagues Association. Tebas’ involvement in football began in 1993 when he was elected president of S.D. Huesca. In 2001, he became vice-president of LALIGA, and in 2003, he represented the G-30 group, which brought together 30 LALIGA clubs for collective audiovisual rights negotiations.
In April 2013, he was appointed president of the institution, a role he has been re-elected to three times, the most recent being in 2023. His leadership of LALIGA is built on the pillars of economic control, the centralised sale of audiovisual rights, internationalisation, technological and innovation leadership in the sports industry, and the fight against piracy.
Biography
Martina Pavlová is in charge of the Sports Department at AC Sparta Praha. She has been working for the club since 2007 and she is a specialist in international relations and diplomacy. In 2023, she was elected to the Board of European Club Association and subsequently was appointed a Vice-chair of ECA leading the women`s football matters and incentives.
As a member of the Sports and Legislative Committee within the Czech League Association (LFA), Martina is actively involved in the football governance on national level, too, where she maintains the relationships with other football stakeholders.
Martina graduated from Charles University in Prague and holds a MA in Sports Management and a BA in Media Studies. Later, she has also completed the ECA Club Management programme and UEFA Certificate in Football Management foundation programme.
Biography
Stuart is the Director of European and Institutional Affairs at Football Supporters Europe, where he is chiefly responsible for relations with the European Parliament, the European Commission, and the Council of Europe along with other key football stakeholders.
He has extensive experience in facilitating the implementation of the Supporter Liaison Officer provision in UEFA's Financial Sustainability and Club Licensing Regulations on behalf of UEFA as well as in the delivery of EU-funded projects.
In April 2020, he completed the Executive Master in Global Sports Governance (MESGO) programme, graduating with a high-class distinction. His thesis had the title "Fan Dialogue in France: Impact of the Law of 10 May 2016 on Strengthening Dialogue with Supporters".
Biography
Rebecca Nuttall is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Haverfordwest County AFC. Rebecca joined the club in January 2024, bringing a wealth of experience from her previous roles at Cardiff Metropolitan University FC, where she served as General Manager and Academy Manager.
In addition to her administrative roles, Beccy is a lecturer at Cardiff Metropolitan University, focusing on managing work placements and supporting the student experience. Academically, she holds a BSc in Sport and Physical Education, an MSc in Sport Management, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching. As an athlete, Beccy has represented Wales as a middle-distance runner, showcasing her dedication and excellence in sports.
Since joining Haverfordwest County AFC, Beccy has been instrumental in developing the club's academy structure and fostering community partnerships.
In addition, Rebecca was voted on to the UEC board in 2024 where her contribution has been both extensive and invigorating.
Biography
Alberto Colombo is the Deputy General Secretary of the European Leagues, the organisation that gathers and represents the interests of 40 professional football leagues and more than 1000 professional clubs in 34 countries, across Europe. Alberto works closely with major leagues’ top executives and with key football stakeholders on political and strategic matters to protect and enhance the growth and development of professional domestic football competitions across Europe.
He is a sports industry senior director with experience in football and sport governance, stakeholders’ relations, media & communication, sports integrity, IPR, public affairs and social dialogue in the EU landscape and event management. Before joining the European Leagues, he had experiences in marketing and media operations for major sports events such as the Olympics and the America’s Cup of Sail. Alberto speaks 5 languages and is guest lecturer at several academic sport management and legal postgraduate courses.
Biography
Alexander Bielefeld is Director Global Policy & Strategy (Men’s football) at FIFPRO Europe. Alexander has been working for a decade on matters affecting the world of work of players and has represented player’s collective interests at various levels of international professional football.
In his current role he advanced positions on player workforce issues and represented professional player unions in international employment negotiations on matters including workload, peak performance, health and safety, financial regulations, human rights, technology and data as well as other strategic labour rights matters.
Following the publication of the International Olympic Committee’s AI Agenda, which has begun to illuminate the impact of artificial intelligence on the world of sport, this session delved into how these transformative technologies are reshaping the sports landscape.
AI's applications in sport are vast and varied: from crafting personalised training plans for individuals to optimising the management of elite athletes' performance through data-driven insights or preventing injuries due to training load. AI is also revolutionising how fans engage with their preferred teams both in and outside of stadiums, opening larger and larger markets.
The panel provided a comprehensive exploration of AI's multifaceted impact, offering a robust discussion on how to harness these technologies for the future of sport.
Biography
Stefano Pintus is a Policy Officer responsible for innovation at the Sport Unit of the European Commission. Over the years he promoted innovation as a means to boost the competitiveness and accessibility of the sport sector. He founded the Community of Practice of Innovation in Sport SHARE 2.0 to help innovators across Europe to connect, discuss and innovate together.
Biography
Sophie is the Head of the Sport Division of the Council of Europe (international organisation based in France) and is the Executive Secretary of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS).
Her work focuses on promoting human rights in and through sport. She supports the implementation of ground-breaking legal instruments upholding the integrity and values of sport, the most recent one being the 2021 European Sports Charter. Combating doping and the manipulation of sport competitions, and promoting an integrated safety, security and service approach at sports events are the key aims of the three Council of Europe Sport Conventions.
She is a graduate of the Strasbourg Law University and has been working for the Council of Europe for over 25 years on a variety of topics ranging from data protection to prisons’ reforms, or from the independence of the judiciary to nationality law. Her sole objective: championing human rights in and through sport!
Biography
Morten Pohl is the leader of the AI working group at the German Olympic Sports Confederation.
With a lifelong background in sports, a master's degree in business and a focus on the impact of AI on sports organizations, Morten is passionate about helping sports organizations proactively shape the future with AI.
Through academic research and hands-on experience, they aim to empower sports leaders to not just adapt to AI advancements, but to drive meaningful change within their organisations.
Biography
Samir Ceric is a C-level executive in a number of tech and financial institutions; former senior executive in finance, telecom and aviation industries; former Chairman of football club; investor and serial entrepreneur with 25+ years’ experience in Asia, Western and Eastern Europe; author, mentor, philanthropist, board member, competition judge, public speaker (including London Business School TEDx), alumni member of George Soros Foundation, The Open Society, guest lecturer and mental health campaigner focused on blockchain technology, AI and innovation in the fields of sport, finance, investment, ESG and creative industry; aiming to create more transparency and openings in these industries for high level investments including a better ‘fit’ between start-up / scale- up and investment (private and institutional) worlds.
Ceric holds a Masters in Mathematics, speaks 4 languages and is a former elite athlete, having won the England National Championships in handball.
Biography
Lucy Mills is the Founder and Chief Catalyst at Ready Sport Global (READY), leading technology strategy, training, and implementation services for sports federations, clubs, NGOs, and brands. Lucy founded READY in 2022 to bridge the gap between sport and fast-moving technology.
Inspired by Web3’s potential to transform finance, sustainability, and inclusion, she recognized the untapped potential for sport. She went on to train 3,000+ sport professionals in Web3/AI, host networking events across Europe, and partner with global sport and tech leaders on strategy and advisory, setting the foundations for the company today.
Prior to founding READY, Lucy worked 15+ years in football and social impact. She designed and led programs in 30+ countries, including at FC Barcelona and 2010 FIFA World Cup. She is Professor of Sport & Innovation at Emlyon Business School and was honored with the 2023 Everything in Sport “Contribution to Education in Women’s Sport” Award for her Web3 initiatives.
Biography
Georg Häusler is currently the Director for Culture, Creativity and Sport in the European Commission (DG EAC). Prior to that, he was Director in another Commission department for seven years.
He joined the Commission in 1999 and has had several senior posts including as Head of Cabinet of Commissioner Dacian Ciolos, from 2009 to 2014.
Before he began his Commission career, he was Secretary General of an EU-wide NGO. He studied law (PhD in 1993).
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