Australia: the Federation creates a department dedicated to digital and fan engagement

The FFA announced the creation of its own "digital and fan engagement" department, on 29/10/2015. "The department will aim to provide a world class experience for fans, players, coaches, club administrators, referees, volunteers and general football consumers," said the Australian Federation.

This new sector will also manage technological systems, content distribution and statistics as well as sales to consumers. The department will be headed by Robert Squillacioti (30 years old), who currently holds the role of marketing director of the Federation. The FFA estimated that 1.96 million people were playing football in Australia in 2015 (out of a population of about 23 million people).

• "The game has a clear objective to become the largest and most popular sport in Australia and now we setting up the mechanisms the achieve it. This decision is the culmination of extensive work and consultation on strategy and scoping of our digital landscape over the past 18 months," said David Gallop, CEO of the FFA, on 29/10/2015.