LaLiga welcomes the European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, and Youth to discuss technology and innovation projects

Mariya Gabriel, the European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, and Youth, today took part in a meeting focusing on a variety of technology and innovation projects which LaLiga has been undertaking together with professional clubs in recent years.

These ambitious projects led by LaLiga Santander and LaLiga SmartBank clubs, both on and off the pitch, include initiatives to grow not only the local but also global community of fans, improve their experiences, create new technological infrastructures, and improve sporting performance through technology and data analysis.

Mariya Gabriel stated that "making the most of innovation in and through sport is an absolute priority for European policy. LaLiga and Spanish football teams have been the first to adopt tech-based innovations. I am convinced that this will have an indirect and transformative effect across the board. This is clearly in line with our vision and the efforts undertaken as part of the New European Innovation Agenda."

LaLiga president Javier Tebas said that "the incorporation of talent at LaLiga from the most cutting-edge companies in the world, Microsoft and Globant, has been key to our culture of digitization. We are the most digitized sports institution in the world. Digitization is a fundamental right for all clubs, not just the big clubs, and it is something we are working together on.”

The CEO of LaLiga Tech, Alejandro Scannapieco, made clear that "our goal with the project is to accelerate and evolve until it becomes a world reference in the reinvention of sport and entertainment."

René Abril, Director of Technology and Digital Development at Athletic Club, added that "we are not only building a football stadium but a technological city. We create a multiservice network as a starting point that serves multiple mobile operators, broadcasters, and fans."

José María del Nido, vice-president of Sevilla FC, explains that "one of the key pillars of digitization is to reach fans and improve their experiences, to grow our brand efficiently, and to sustainably optimize and create new sources of income."

Federico Martínez, General Director of Real Betis, said meanwhile that the club’s objective is to “to improve competitiveness and to prepare for the future through the efficient use of technology. Sustainability is absolutely key for us."

Andoni Iraola, Director of the Presidency of Real Sociedad, said: "Technology and data are a strategic axis of all areas: the sporting side of things, business activity and all forms of fan interaction."

Manuel Contreras, vice-president of Cádiz CF, added: "Among our objectives are to connect and grow the Cadista community, and to technologically position the club as the axis of a business model."