SPEARHEADING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION: THE PORTUGUESE FOOTBALL FEDERATION (FPF)

INTRODUCTION:

This case study delves into how the FPF and Pixellot are working hand in hand to execute The Portuguese Football Federation’s (FPF) Project 2030. The FPF exhibited a forwardthinking approach by forging a partnership with Pixellot to digitally transform 5 of their leagues. This is a blueprint for the future digital transformation of football, with the goal of making it more accessible, inclusive, and engaging for everyone involved.

BACKGROUND:

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) is the governing body of football in Portugal. Renowned for its success in nurturing top football talents such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Eusébio, the federation oversees the national football teams, professional leagues, and grassroots development, ensuring the sport’s growth and sustainability at all levels across the country.

CHALLENGE:

The FPF is recognized for its innovative approach towards embracing digital technology to advance the sport, as evident in its ambitious Project 2030. Through strategic partnerships and initiatives, the FPF aims to foster a bright future for Portuguese football, making it more inclusive, competitive, and enjoyable for all.

The FPF sought to transcend traditional boundaries by:

1. Propelling women’s football to a larger stage.

2. Cultivating youth talent from U15 to U23, by better preparing them for the competitive world of professional football.

3. Enhancing performance analysis through state-of-the-art technology.

4. Amplifying fan engagement to create a ripple of enthusiasm across Portugal and beyond.

SOLUTION:

In 2023, the FPF and Pixellot signed a strategic partnership to install more than 75 AI-camera systems at venues across the country. The partnership includes the provision of Pixellot’s unique systems that provide both media as well as coaching and analytics of the same event.

After only a few weeks of work and testing, Canal 11 – a brand-new direct-to-consumer (DTC) subscription streaming service was launched. The platform and streaming app were created using Pixellot’s powerful whitelabel OTT sports streaming platform.

The free-to-air channel livestreams the 5 leagues that Pixellot is producing automatically – 3 Football leagues and 2 Futsal leagues.

Pixellot’s innovative solutions are acting as catalysts in realizing FPF’s objectives:

Women’s Games:
Pixellot technology is aiding in broadening the audience for women’s leagues. Stage one calls for the filming, producing, and streaming all matches of the 1st Women’s League (Liga
BPI) and the first Women’s Futsal league Liga Feminina Placard on FPF’s OTT platform.

Player Development:
Pixellot’s technology is instrumental in the FPF’s youth development program. By covering hundreds of matches per season in the 3rd Men’s League (Liga 3) and the Men’s U23 League (Liga Revelação), Pixellot is generating invaluable video footage and analytics for analysis, scouting, and feedback.

Performance Analysis:
The integration of Pixellot’s cameras and software for recording training sessions and tagging events automatically, has significantly upgraded FPF’s performance analysis capabilities for youth
and emerging leagues.

Fan Engagement:
Pixellot’s branded OTT platform is not just a window to various football leagues, but a gateway to a richer, engaging football narrative through editorial and external content. Every user that wants to access the content has to register thus creating a new database of fans.

IMPACT:

This collaboration is a trailblazing project that illustrates the tangible benefits of digital transformation:

1. Elevating the visibility and accessibility of women’s and youth football.

2. Providing a quantum leap in performance analysis for both player and coach development.

3. Enabling fans to enjoy a rich, data-driven football experience.

CONCLUSION:

The results of the synergy between the FPF and Pixellot underscore the transformative power of digital innovation in sports. This alliance serves as a blueprint for other sports federations in all types of sports who aspire to prepare for an optimal future that enhances the sports milieu for fans, players, and coaches alike.