As the Football World Cup approaches, this evening seminar brings together leading voices from the world of Football to explore the key themes shaping the tournament in the lead‑up to kick‑off. From global attention and commercial impact to governance, fan engagement and legacy, the session will examine what the World Cup means for the sport and the business surrounding it.
Hosted in Sydney, the seminar will feature expert insights, lively discussion and audience Q&A, followed by light refreshments and networking ahead of one of the world’s most anticipated sporting events.
Tickets
Individual Ticket
Member: $60
Non Member: $90
Group of 4
Member: $200
Non Member: $320
Paul McStay MBE
Former Central Midfielder, Celtic Football; Executive, Property & Technology - xburo
Paul McStay MBE
Former Central Midfielder, Celtic Football; Executive, Property & Technology
Paul McStay is a former professional footballer who played with Celtic FC and Scotland. Paul spent his entire professional career at Celtic, becoming club captain and representing Scotland at every level. Following his playing career, Paul transitioned into business and leadership roles across sport, property, and technology.
He is currently working with XBuro, where he contributes to projects focused on infrastructure, property development, and community-focused initiatives that integrate sport, health and technology.
Alongside his work in the infrastructure sector, Paul remains deeply involved in the global football community through Maestro Sports, supporting player development initiatives, sports education programs, and international partnerships that create pathways for young athletes.
Combining elite sporting experience with business leadership, Paul brings a unique perspective on teamwork, high performance, and the role sport can play in strengthening companies and communities.
Alex Wilkinson
Centre Back, A-League; Head of Football Operations - Sydney FC
Alex Wilkinson
Centre Back, A-League; Head of Football Operations
Alex Wilkinson is (arguably) the A-League’s greatest ever player having retired as one of Australian football’s most decorated footballers, winning twelve major trophies at home and abroad and making over 600 appearances for club and country.
A cornerstone of Sydney FC’s most successful era, Wilkinson won three Championship and Premierships, as well as the Australia Cup with the Sky Blues, captaining the club to the Championship and Premiership double in 2020.
Wilkinson remains the only player in A-League Men’s history to win five Premierships, thanks to two with the Central Coast Mariners and he also holds the record for most appearances in A-League Grand Finals with seven, and most A-League Finals Series matches with 30.
A calm, intelligent and commanding centre-back, he was named as Captain of the PFA Team of the second decade. On the international stage, Alex represented the Socceroos 16 times, including the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, where he featured against world football heavyweights Spain, the Netherlands and Chile, and was also part of the victorious Socceroos squad who lifted the AFC Asian Cup in 2015. He also had successful spells overseas with Jiangsu Sainty in China and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in South Korea, where he lifted K-League title twice
