FIFA and Universal Music team up for new entertainment strategy and podcast series

Universal Music Group has partnered with FIFA to launch a collaborative entertainment strategy which includes a new podcast series hosted by Liam Payne.

The FIFA PlayOn Podcast, co-hosted by sports presenter Jaydee Dyer, will feature soccer players alongside internationally-renowned musicians. The first episode launched yesterday, starring Croatian soccer player Ivan Rakitić and Colombian band Morat. Future guests on the eight-episode series include Carli Lloyd and Rachel Platten, and Asisat Oshoala and Tiwa Savage.

"I can’t wait for everyone to hear what we’ve been working on with FIFA," Payne said in a statement.

"The PlayOn Podcast has been such a journey – it’s been awesome having these incredible players and special guests come together and exchange life experiences from both on and off the pitch, all through the lens of music.”

The FIFA PlayOn Podcast is one component of the larger FIFA Sound strategy, which will aim to bring together both soccer and music fans through a range of initiatives in 2021.

"We’re delighted to be able to launch this collaboration between FIFA and Universal Music Group, which brings together two of the world’s biggest and most influential passion points – football and music – to create a series of unique fan experience," Universal Music Group's Olivier Robert-Murphy said.

"Starting with the launch of the PlayOn Podcast series, these initiatives will showcase the symbiosis and shared bonds between the world’s best footballers and musicians alongside the fans that idolise them globally."

FIFA's marketing director Jean-François Pathy added: "It’s been fantastic to see the enthusiasm around the launch of this strategy, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead to connect people through inspiring human stories.”