MUMBAI: German football league Bundesliga is scouting for partnerships in India to launch coaching academies and excellence centres.
Bundesliga International CEO-designate Robert Klein told the Economic Times that India is one of the most important markets for the league. “We created Bundesliga International in July this year to focus specifically on the international markets and India is a key market,” Klein, who will be taking charge as chief executive of the company on January 1, told ET.
Bundesliga International manages the sales of international media rights and marketing activities. Klein said the league is looking at a long term commitment in India, and wants to set up sustainable programmes with local partners to exchange training and business knowhow. “We want a two-way partnership, we want to grow our brand, and also give back in terms of help grow football here,” he said.
DFL (German Football League), of which the Bundesliga is a subsidiary, is looking to set up youth academies for players and coaches and centres where they can bring their understanding on the business of running a league, he added.
Klein told ET that the Bundesliga has had several meetings with different companies during his trip to India last week, but that nothing had been finalised.
