Forza Clubs’ Post

⚽ Football has become a business, and that's what's killing it... as a business The last EURO showed that top-level football has become a rather boring spectacle. Teams full of bright players play too cautiously, too positional, too bland. I remember a popular meme before the tournament about who would stop the England attack. And such a person was found: Sir (almost) Garrett Southgate. The Spaniards were a breath of fresh air, maybe because Nico and Lamin played a bit of backyard football. But who was the best player of the tournament? Who became its face: Rodri. Reliable, clear, balanced and... "extremely boring". Like all modern football. Marcelo Bielsa agrees with me (well, he inspired me to write this post...) - Football has more and more spectators, but it is becoming less and less attractive. What made this game the best game in the world at the time is not prioritized today. Then this process will be finished. No matter how many people watch football, if you don't ensure that what people watch is something pleasant, it will only benefit the business because the business only cares about how many people watch it. But in a few years, the players who deserve to be watched will be fewer, and the games produced will become less enjoyable. This current artificial increase in spectators will come to an end. Of course, I'm being too hard on Rodri - he's a great player in the current environment , I really want him to win the Ballon d'Or, but I miss the imperfections of football - the mistakes of the greats, the gaffes of the referees, even the fields that look a bit like a potato field. Football has become a game of numbers, because it's not just a "spectacle for British factory workers." It is big business, and there is no place for Jimmy Greaves or even Mario Bassler. Walking through the streets of Barcelona, I could not hide my surprise: there were fewer Barca fan stickers on the poles than there were FC Europa stickers. One of my friends who lives in this wonderful city said: "We don't go to Barcelona games, real football is much lower down, in the basements of the leagues." The less money, the more sincerity.

On Tuesday evening, Real Madrid C.F. will visit Berlin to face this year’s most unexpected team in the Champions League. In 2019, 1. FC Union Berlin competed in the second tier, and since then, the club has progressively ascended the European football ladder. 🚀 What makes Union Berlin's Champions League appearance so significant? Union Berlin's ascent from the second tier in 2019 to the Champions League in just a few years is a testament to their strategic development and adherence to club values. Their presence in this elite competition challenges the narrative of financial power dictating football success. ❤️ How does Union Berlin maintain its club culture amidst commercial pressures? Despite increased attention and opportunities, Union Berlin stays true to its ethos. They focus on preserving the dignity of the game and their community spirit. 💰 What are Union Berlin's financial strategies following their Champions League success? With a turnover expected to reach €190 million, Union Berlin plans sustainable investments. They aim to enhance the club's overall quality, with a significant €150 million project in expanding their stadium and developing the whole surrounding area, independent of their European success. 🌟 How does Union Berlin's story inspire other football clubs? Union Berlin's journey demonstrates the power of a club leveraging its unique identity and community support. Their success in the Champions League, achieved without compromising their values, serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for other clubs in European football. 📚 Learn more: Discover how a club with modest means and a strong community connection challenges the norms of modern football and makes an improbable mark on the Champions League. Christian Arbeit #Broadcasting #SportsBusiness #Football #SportsBiz #Finance #Data #Tech #Intelligence #Investment

🎥 What do two and a half days of sport in focus look like? Like the #EUSC2023, filled with meaningful discussions, networking, labs, insightful presentations, and much more. Check the summary video of the event that brought together the European sport community.

Not sure I qualify as an expert when amongst such prestigious company, but notwithstanding, this promises to be a quality event. Book your tickets in the link below if interested and hopefully I’ll see you there. #always #rugby #business #mindset #financebroker

For this month's Fourth Economy blog, I wrote about major sporting events, their economic impacts, and how cities can, with the right priorities, leverage these events to drive long-term investment and community prosperity. These events don't happen without negative externalities, though, and can swiftly become burdens for host communities, their budgets, and local constituents. I'm excited to head to the USMNT game vs Panama in Atlanta tonight and get an early look at how the city will fare with massive World Cup crowds in 2 years time! "This year’s Copa America is equal parts competition and trial-run. The big event, 2026’s FIFA World Cup jointly-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, looms ahead just two years from now. Host cities are already making short and long-term investments in their infrastructure to maximize the tournament’s economic impact, which is estimated at over $5b across the 3 countries." https://lnkd.in/gxDNFCPC

⚽ The Future of Football Isn't on the Pitch For two days in September, the most important football match won't be played in a stadium. It'll unfold in meeting areas, panels, and over coffee in Sevilla. #WFSEurope isn't about who wins or loses. It's about who dares to reimagine the game. What if: - Clubs became cultural movements? - Leagues transformed into global storytellers? - Federations led societal change? The future of football is being written. But by whom? Will it be by those who cling to "how it's always been done"? Or by the people who see beyond the 90 minutes? WFS Europe is not for everyone. It's for the curious, the bold, the ones who believe football can be more than it is today. The game is changing. The question is: will you play the game? 📅 WFS Europe. Sevilla. September 18-19. The ball is in your court.

The intricacies of owning a European football club: A case study A deep dive into Robert Platek's venture with Danish club, SønderjyskE (Sønderjysk Elitesport A/S), reveals the challenges foreign ownership can face in European football. 🔹 In less than two years, Platek's ownership culminated in the club's relegation and financial challenges. 🔹 Key issues included inadequate due diligence, misunderstanding of local culture, and struggles in leadership appointments. 🔹 Building robust connections with local stakeholders is fundamental. Without it, the road can be tumultuous. 🔹 Despite challenges faced in Denmark, it's noteworthy that Platek's other European football investments showcase varied experiences. This narrative underscores the importance of understanding not just the game, but the culture and intricacies of club management and local community relationships. Every football club's ecosystem is unique; effective ownership requires a nuanced approach. #SportsBusiness #Football #SportsBiz #Finance #People #Data #Tech #Intelligence #Investment

I'm looking forward to this one and sharing what Amazon Web Services (AWS) are doing in the sports world. Thanks for the invite Jan Alessie Jaime Domínguez Pérez de Ayala and the World Football Summit team. Get over to the #WFSEurope in Sevilla next month to hear some great people talk all things football, sports and tech. #awsinsport #sportstechnology #sportsanalytics #sport