Germany’s Deutsche Fussball Liga (DFL) has agreed a deal to host exhibition football matches and training camps in Queensland, Australia.
The Queensland Government said the signing of the landmark agreement with the German Bundesliga marks the start of a strategic partnership aimed at growing football across Queensland, while delivering world-class competitions.
The deal includes scope for training camps and exhibition matches, including some of the most watched German teams in the world.
The MoU includes exploring opportunities for a summer football festival featuring Bundesliga clubs, grassroots programs, coaching clinics, youth development pathways, and a business summit to drive bilateral trade and investment between Queensland and Germany.
The Bundesliga is a professional association football league in Germany and the highest level of the German football league system. The Bundesliga comprises 18 teams.
The Queensland Government has recently boosted the tourism and events industries, with A$446 million over four years to kick-start the delivery of Destination 2045, which will include new dedicated funding to attract more world-class events – like Bundesliga exhibition matches – to Queensland.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Andrew Powell said the agreement with one of the top national European leagues was a powerful example of how Queensland was delivering on Destination 2045’s tourism and events vision.
Minister Powell said, “We said we would make Queensland the events capital of Australia, and a global leader in world-class events and experiences.
“By bringing one of the world’s most iconic football leagues to Queensland, we’re not only growing the game, but we’re creating new opportunities for tourism, trade and community connection across the State.
“We saw recently with the British and Irish Lions tour how much passionate fans will travel for their sport, and we expect a similar economic return. That event likely netted more than A$55 million.”
Minister for Sport and Racing Tim Mander said having a Bundesliga presence would strengthen football participation in Queensland.
He said, “The Bundesliga is one of the biggest leagues in the world, boasting worldwide viewership, while producing some of the best footballers.
“This partnership in collaboration with Germany’s topflight football clubs will generate even more interest in football across Queensland.
“The Crisafulli Government is committed to finding new ways to get Queensland kids playing sport and partnerships like this encourage our young ones to emulate their sporting heroes on the pitch.”
Member for Redlands Rebecca Young said the proposal to bring a training camp to Redlands was a game changer for her region.
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