Having been founded in 1993, the LaLiga Foundation is one of the main partners of LaLiga’s socio-educational outreach programmes through football. The organisation has been leading projects to transform society through positive footballing values for more than seven years. During this period, it has taken on more than 600 projects in five continents.
The Spanish LaLiga is one of the most important club leagues in the world. The league has an international footprint and is expanding in Asia, South East Asia, China and India. It has a strong digital ecosystem, which combines channels, services and data. It also benefits from an extensive network of delegates who represent the league globally.
In December 2017, LaLiga held its biggest ever public screening in Delhi, India, with a crowd of more than 17,000 people attending. The event, which was attended by Dr Thobile Sifunda, acting deputy director general of the KZN Department of Sport, was part of the launch of the LaLiga season for the upcoming 2018/19 season. It featured the evolution of virtual reality, artificial intelligence and new technologies that make VAR (video assistant referee) possible.
LaLiga is an active partner of the National Commission against violence and has collaborated with the RFEF (Real Federation of Football Associations) and State Law Enforcement Agencies in order to combat the issue. The organisation has also undergone strict financial control and has reduced its debt by EUR629m. In addition, LaLiga has played a leading role in social and ethical initiatives, including Za’atari social project, which aims to improve the lives of children in Za’atari refugee camp in Turkey.
In recent months, LaLiga has also established a new partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sports. Marcos Pelegrin, LaLiga’s Southern Africa Managing Director, said that it was a great partnership that would help the league reach every corner of the country. The partnership would allow the league to identify talented youngsters and bring leading Uefa Pro Licenced coaches to South Africa for LaLiga camps. The province of KwaZulu-Natal is one of the most passionate regions in South Africa and the LaLiga partnership is intended to benefit the area’s children.
In November, LaLiga and MEDIAPRO incorporated a new pitch-side camera into match broadcasts, providing an ultra-realistic experience for fans. A lightweight mirrorless camera is mounted within the stadium and is linked via wireless link to the live broadcast. It captures the position of each player on the ball 25 times a second. This technology is set to be rolled out to all first and second division matches.
The KZN Provincial Government has also agreed to provide facilities for the LaLiga camp. The camp will feature 150 talented footballers and coaches. Participants will receive a LaLiga Diploma and will be able to learn from the top Uefa Pro Licenced Coaches in Spain. During the camp, the participants will learn about positive values through football, and will be taught to identify anti-sporting attitudes.
Moreover, LaLiga has been active in CSR, with the aim of creating genuine competition and social change. It has undergone a restructure of its finances, as well as a strategy of technological leadership and internationalisation. It has also reduced its debt with the Spanish tax authorities.
