The Queensland Government has signed a landmark agreement with one of the world’s most popular football leagues, the German Bundesliga, as part of a plan to grow the popularity of football across the state.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the DFL Deutsche Fussball Liga includes scope for training camps and exhibition matches, including some of the most watched teams in the world.
The MoU includes exploring opportunities for a summer football festival featuring Bundesliga clubs, grassroots programs, coaching clinics, youth development pathways, and a business summit to drive bilateral trade and investment between Queensland and Germany.
The Government has pledged $446 million over four years to kick-start the delivery of Destination 2045, which will include new dedicated fund to attract more world-class events – like Bundesliga exhibition matches – to Queensland.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Andrew Powell said the agreement with one of the top national European leagues was a powerful example of how Queensland was delivering on Destination 2045’s tourism and events vision.
“We said we would make Queensland the events capital of Australia, and a global leader in world-class events and experiences,” Minister Powell said.
“By bringing one of the world’s most iconic football leagues to Queensland, we’re not only growing the game, but we’re creating new opportunities for tourism, trade and community connection across the State.
“We saw recently with the British and Irish Lions tour how much passionate fans will travel for their sport, and we expect a similar economic return. That event likely netted more than $55 million.”
Minister for Sport and Racing, Tim Mander said having a Bundesliga presence would strengthen football participation in Queensland.
“The Bundesliga is one of the biggest leagues in the world, boasting worldwide viewership, while producing some of the best footballers,” Minister Mander said.
“This partnership in collaboration with Germany’s topflight football clubs will generate even more interest in football across Queensland.
“The Crisafulli Government is committed to finding new ways to get Queensland kids playing sport and partnerships like this encourage our young ones to emulate their sporting heroes on the pitch.”
TEQ CEO Craig Davidson said a partnership with the Bundesliga would help Queensland stand out on the global stage in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“The Bundesliga MoU is a strategic win for Queensland, aimed at strengthening our events pipeline, and showcasing Queensland’s capability as host of globally significant experiences,” Mr Davidson said.
“From grassroots football to major festivals, this MoU will help us to explore the kind of unforgettable moments that define our state, especially as we work towards the 2032 Games.”
The Bundesliga currently features more Australian players than any other of Europe’s top five leagues, including Socceroos stars Jackson Irvine, Connor Metcalfe and Kasey Bos.
