RUSSELL PAUL

About

Russell Paul is a senior executive, internationally recognised for his leadership in global sports event operations. He has delivered major international tournaments across FIFA, CAF, UEFA and CONCACAF, and provides consultancy services for large-scale sports, entertainment and cultural events worldwide.

As a former CEO of the South African Bid for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, former Chief Operations Officer for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, former Acting CEO of the South African Football Association, and former Festival Manager of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, he has led complex, multi-functional operations across competitions, venues, broadcasting, transport, and stakeholder environments across the globe.

Core Expertise

• Major Event Operations & Delivery
• Sports Governance & Administration
• Strategic Planning & Execution
• Commercial & Sponsorship Negotiation & Management
• Venue & Stadium Operations
• International Stakeholder Coordination
• Festival & Concert Production Management

Selected Experience

• CEO – South African Bid FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027
• Chief Operations Officer – FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
• Acting CEO / General Secretary – South African Football Association
• General Coordinator – Multiple FIFA World Cups & International Tournaments
• General Coordinator - Multiple CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Champions League & Confederation Cups
• General Coordinator - CONCACAF Copa América Centenario
• Tournament Director – Multiple CAF, UEFA & COSAFA Tournaments
• CAF Stadium Inspector
• CAF Club Licensing Instructor
• CAF Instructor for Match Commissioners and General Coordinators
• CAF Infrastructure Manager
• Advance Operations – ABSA Cape Epic
• Advance Operations – Nedbank Gravel Burn
• Festival Manager – Cape Town International Jazz Festival (formerly known as North Sea Jazz Festival, Cape Town)