Brussels-based IFBI launches post-grad course for next generation execs

By Samindra Kunti

September 27 – The International Football Business Institute (IFBI), and the Free University of Brussels, the VUB, have launched the first full-time postgraduate football course with the aim of preparing new future executives for the football industry.

“Football is a single language, but also a commercial aphrodisiac,” said Jos Verschueren, the director of sports management at the VUB and the driving force behind the IFBI, in his opening address. The hype surrounding Belgium’s national football team at the 2014 World Cup triggered Verschueren into exploring the possibility of founding a full-time course in football business.

The programme wants to offer a mixture of academic classes and real life experiences, with a singular focus off the pitch. Over the course of three trimesters students will be taught courses ranging from football history to football stadium technology management.  They will also enjoy trips to the headquarters of UEFA, FIFA and leading European football clubs.

“The international football industry continues to grow and needs more knowledgeable well-trained professionals who know the business inside out,” said VUB rector Paul De Knop. “This is what the IFBI aspires to. As a modern educational institution, the VUB wants to support the IFBI in every way.”

Twelve students have enrolled this year with participants coming from Albania, Belgium, DR Congo, Germany, India, Nigeria, Senegal and the USA. At €40,000 the tuition fee is sky-high, at the level of American Ivy League universities. With little historic credibility, that tuition fee may be a deterrent.

“It comes down to €50 per hour,” said Verschueren, the director of sports management at the VUB and the driving force behind the IFBI. “We notice that European applicants are a bit wary.’

For the 2017/18 academic year, the IFBI aims to enrol a maximum of 60 students.

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