Global football icon, business founder, owner, and investor, Andrés Iniesta stars as the face of the newly launched FedEx Champions of Business list. Created by FedEx, this campaign aims to spotlight innovative SME businesses that are shaping the football industry.
Iniesta is joined by Dan Vines, senior vice president – sales, FedEx Europe and Bex Smith, former football player, business founder, and CEO, to hear inspiring stories from the businesses that have made it onto the FedEx Champions of Business list. This prestigious list created in collaboration with The Financial Times, features SME businesses that have significantly influenced football or are driving innovation within the sport. From game-changing technology to revolutionary fan experiences, these businesses are contributing to the success of football clubs across Europe from the grassroots to the top-tier teams.
As part of the launch, three businesses from the list had the unique opportunity to ‘pitch’ their business stories live to Andrés, Dan, and Bex. The first business to take the stage being Eyeball.club. This innovative company have developed technology designed to enhance the scouting of players around the world. Following Eyeball.club, The Waste Transformers, showcased their groundbreaking solution. They provide compact biodigesters that convert left food waste from stadiums into clean energy and natural fertilisers. Concluding the event was Zone 14, a pioneering business that has developed automated video cameras and accompanying software that records, analyses, and streams matches and training sessions, already working with some of the top clubs across the world.
Supported by research from The Financial Times, the campaign surveyed 100 European clubs. The survey findings revealed that 71% of football clubs believe SME businesses provide significant value. Currently, 47% have at least three in ten of their suppliers as SMEs, and 85% of clubs aim to achieve this within the next three years.
Andrés Iniesta, Global football icon, business founder, owner, and investor, added: “Football isn’t just about what happens on the pitch; it’s also about the behind-the-scenes efforts of companies innovating the sector and elevating the game we love. It was truly inspiring to hear how these businesses are impacting and shaping the future of football. The FedEx Champions of Business list is an incredible way to acknowledge and highlight the businesses driving real change in the sport.”
Dan Vines, senior vice president of sales in Europe, FedEx commented: “The FedEx Champions of Business list is dedicated to recognising the businesses that are shaping the future of football. Through our collaboration with The Financial Times, we have created an impactful and insightful list that highlights the contributions of SME businesses within the sport. It was a pleasure working with Andrés and Bex, both of which are highly respected in the worlds of football and business.”
Bex Smith, former football player, business founder and CEO, said: “It was truly inspiring to hear the three business stories from the FedEx Champions of Business list, alongside Dan and Andrés. Each of these businesses showcases innovation and pushes the boundaries of what is possible within the football industry, which is exactly what we need. It is fantastic to see FedEx recognising and celebrating these forward-thinking companies that will undoubtedly shape the future of the sport we all know and love.”
FedEx in collaboration with the Financial Times, has launched the ‘FedEx Champions of Business’ – a list of successful companies that are breaking boundaries in the football industry and positively influencing the sport.
To see the full FedEx Champions of Business list please click here – FedEx.com/champions
