FSGC: key continental engagements on fan business, licensing and sustainability

Last week the San Marino Football Federation and its activities were the focus of major discussions and workshops, both within the football ecosystem – with particular reference to UEFA events – and in the economic sphere. Starting with the latter, Andrea Nardoni – Head of Marketing and Commercial at FSGC – took part in the European Congress of Local Governments, the eleventh edition of which was held in Mikołajki, Poland. At what is one of the flagship events organised by the Economic Forum, Nardoni spoke on the topic “Fan Zone, Business Zone: sport as a driver of local development”. Addressing the many high-profile participants – including representatives of embassies, governments and European local authorities – Nardoni outlined the reality of football in San Marino, placing particular emphasis on the relationship between the FSGC and the context in which it operates, and illustrating the ways in which the former can have a positive impact on the latter. The aim was to paint a clear picture of the football movement in the Republic and the benefits this activity brings to the wider community, as well as the significant economic impact it generates for the country. While the raw figures may not appear striking at first glance, their proportional significance when set against the size of the territory and its population aroused considerable interest and surprise. This applied both in terms of the activities and services provided (youth sector transport network, social projects, brand identity, etc.) and from a San Marino socio‑economic perspective (according to the most recent integrated report, 92% of turnover is channelled back into the national system). All of this is driven by the established ambition to make the San Marino Football Federation an ever more innovative corporate entity, which has come to serve as a model for the local sporting environment and the industrial fabric in which it operates.

A few days later it was the turn of Andrea Zoppis, Paolo Rondelli and Giulio Simoncini to represent the San Marino Football Federation in major European forums – in this case, strictly linked to the world of football, focusing on sustainability and licensing. At UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Zoppis and Simoncini – in their respective roles as SES Officers – presented the current development of the FSGC SES Strategic Plan, which is being held up as an example to be shared with other European member associations. During the presentation, Zoppis highlighted the process that led to the creation of the Sustainability Strategy in 2022 and the setting of tangible objectives to be achieved by 2030. In turn, this strategy has influenced the FSGC Strategic Plan, which was recently published (consult it here). A particular focus, requested by UEFA, was devoted to the development of Walking Football activities, which were initially launched in San Marino with some critical issues that over time have been turned into strengths – today serving as a source of inspiration for European colleagues. During the meeting, Michele Uva, Director of UEFA’s SES Unit, announced that he would be leaving his role in the department; the FSGC wishes to thank him for the work carried out over these years and for the strong support consistently provided to our Federation at each stage of the creation and implementation of sustainability principles and projects within the San Marino football system.

A few days later, Zoppis travelled on to Luxembourg where, together with Paolo Rondelli – Licensing Manager at FSGC – he attended the UEFA Club Licensing Regional Workshop. This provided a useful opportunity to present up‑to‑date benchmarking data for clubs and European member associations on multiple aspects, such as refused licences, solidarity and other contributions to clubs, participation in UEFA club competitions, and economic and legal issues.