Supporter groups rebel against multi-club ownership

Investors purchasing stakes in multiple soccer teams has essentially skyrocketed in recent years.

In fact, a 2023 report by UEFA, the governing body of the sport in Europe, revealed that more than 180 clubs across the globe were part of a multi-club ownership.

To put this boom into perspective, there were less than 40 teams in such a structure a decade ago.

The overall appeal of multi-club ownership varies depending on opinions and each team’s situation. Some investors could target multiple clubs in order to position themselves in different global markets.

Holding ownership in teams on different continents may give these investors easier access to young prospects. Others, however, can point to a minimized financial risk of owning multiple clubs.

Another benefit of multi-club ownership is having one main club and then several smaller teams. This is the current setup for Manchester City‘s Abu Dhabi United Group. Along with the Premier League giants, the company also holds stake in several other teams across the world.

Nevertheless, City is the clear focal point of the investors. The group can buy players and use these smaller clubs as feeders for the English top-flight side.

777 Partners targeted by supporter groups of their own clubs

While investors can see an obvious benefit to the multi-club structure, fans generally disapprove of the move. Supporters, especially in the smaller clubs, feel as if ownership may not have full focus on their beloved team.

Another particular set of investors that have been under fire lately is 777 Partners. The group has been attempting to takeover Everton ever since last fall. However, the move has stalled for months, leaving the Toffees in limbo.

Along with their Everton endeavors, 777 Partners currently owns Genoa, Standard Liège, Red Star FC, Vasco da Gama, and Hertha Berlin. The Americans own minority stakes in Sevilla and Melbourne Victory as well. Despite their investments, many of…

Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/supporter-groups-rebel-against-multi-club-ownership/

Author : Chris Moore

Publish date : 2024-05-18 14:55:23

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