Comparative Analysis

Soccer is widely regarded as the most popular sport in the world, in terms of participation and the number of fans who watch the game. ‘The Federation International de Football Association’, commonly known as FIFA, is the governing body for the World game. FIFA governs and regulates all major competitions, both at club and national level and helps to oversee and uphold the rules of the game, both on and off the field of play, and organise all the major world soccer competitions. Although FIFA is the governing body for the World Game, different countries, states and clubs have their own rules, regulations, responsibilities, endorsements, sponsorships and contracts, which the players and its members must follow. For example Football Federation Australia (FFA) is the governing body of football in Australia and is a member of FIFA and the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is the governing body of football in Italy and is also a member of FIFA.

FFA’s long-term goal is to establish Australia as a world-class football nation and in order to achieve this vision, FFA’s business operations are structured across three core strategic pillars with the first being the National Teams & Elite Player Development, next the A-League & Competitions and then the football community. FIGC organises the Italian Football League, Coppa Italia, Italian National Football team, and the Italian Women's National Football team.

Soccer in Australia occupies an inconsistent position in the Australian sporting scene. It has the highest overall participant rates but is only ranked fourth of the four football codes in popularity and resources. It is seen as a marginal code when it comes to media attention, opportunities for players in Australia, sponsorship and revenue generation opportunities. Soccer is the most popular sport in Italy, a cultural phenomenon that inspires great passion and even greater loyalty among its fans. Soccer in Italy is more than just passion; it is a tradition