Interviews
-
Safer Stadiums: Improving Women’s Experiences At Football Matches
A new research project is inviting women who attend men’s football matches to share their experiences to help make stadiums safer and more inclusive for all.
-
Innovating For The Future: The EFL’s Innovation Lab
Rick Parry, Chair of the EFL, explains how the organisation is reinventing the way its 72 clubs operate, engage and grow – powered by a pioneering innovation programme that is setting a new standard for the future of EFL clubs.
-
Football Association of Wales – The Dragon’s Crucial Next Steps
The Football Association of Wales celebrated its 150th anniversary in February. But the most important period of its existence comes in the next 150 weeks.
-
A New Era For American Soccer: The Dawn Of Promotion & Relegation In The USL
In November, USL publicly announced that Tony Scholes – the Premier League’s Chief Football Officer and former long-serving Chief Executive of Stoke City – would become the inaugural President of its new Division One league.
-
Sunderland AFC’s Revival – A Relentless Obsession With Purpose, People & Pride
When Sunderland AFC clinched promotion through the 2024-25 Championship play-offs, it was more than just a triumphant return to the Premier League.
-
Interview: Matt Denny – Never Standing Still
Six years is a long time in football, and North Texas SC has seen plenty of change and growth. The club has switched leagues, won championships, earned awards and even built a new stadium. We spoke with General Manager & Vice President, Matt Denny to learn more about these exciting developments.
-
A New Beginning at the Hill Dickinson Stadium
As Everton starts the next chapter in their long and storied history, Angus Kinnear, the newly appointed CEO, outlines his expectations as the club transitions to its new stadium. After eight years at Leeds United, Angus Kinnear now finds himself in the Northwest at the helm of Everton as they make the historic move…
-
A World-Class Experience In Atlanta
Since its opening in 2017, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has gained recognition as the busiest stadium in the United States and has hosted some of the largest sporting events worldwide. Hosting games for this year’s FIFA Club World Cup it will also serve as a venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. fcbusiness speaks with Tim Zulawski,…
-
Nigel Fletcher: Is This FIFA’s New President?
Meet Nigel Fletcher, one of the most well-connected executives in the sports industry. Fletcher spent five and a half years at FIFA, during which he visited nearly 100 National Associations, representing almost half of FIFA’s 211 Member Associations. Since 2009, he has served as co-founder and CEO of the International Sports Convention, one of the…
-
Polly Bancroft: My Leadership Journey
fcbusiness travelled to North Lincolnshire to chat to Polly Bancroft as she settles into life as CEO at Grimsby Town and reflects on her leadership journey. Starting out as a football coach for Nottingham City Council some 20 years ago, Polly Bancroft always knew working in the game was for her. Now CEO…
-
Exploring the Crossover Between UK Football Betting and Online Casinos
With such exponential growth, online sports gambling has started to blur the boundaries between traditional sports betting and online casino gaming. For quite some time now, football betting has been a favorite of all bettors in the UK, while for the fans of the sport, the experience is enhanced with bets placed on the games.…
-
Ipswich Town: Stars & Stripes In their Eyes
Ipswich Town’s CEO & Chairman Mark Ashton on how American ambition, plus support from local star Ed Sheeran, has helped their stellar rise to England’s topflight. Written by: Marc Webber The only constant in life is change. And nowhere is that more evident than when you take a walk around…
-
Huddersfield Town’s New Sense Of Optimism
After 30 years at the John Smith’s Stadium, Huddersfield Town is making significant changes to its business culture, stadium operations and fan experience. fcbusiness interviewed three of the club’s senior executives to explore the developments, the impact and their future goals. Words: Aaron Gourley – fcbusiness magazine issue 160 Huddersfield Town has experienced…
-
In Focus: Fanatics – Fanatical About Fans
After delivering all retail at EURO 2024 as official partner of UEFA, Fanatics’ new International President, Stephen Dowling, tells us how football, fans and fashion will connect in the future.
-
FIFPRO – Enhancing Player Safety
Amid growing concerns about fan violence and abuse towards players across Europe, a new report from FIFPRO has shone fresh light on the issue and proposed potential solutions. Jonathan Dyson reports.
-
Clubs Gather To Boost LaLiga
fcbusiness joined LaLiga clubs in Tarragona for two days of workshops and discussion as they continue their CVC investment to improve their infrastructure and business standings.
-
LTT Sports: The African Dream – ASEC Mimosas
LTT Sports spoke with Benoit You, the Director of ASEC Mimosas, to gain deeper insights into the club’s reality in Africa and specifically in Côte d’Ivoire.
-
Engaging A New Generation Of Fans Through Games
James Draper, CEO at Bidstack & Leonie Fabisch, Director, Global Gaming at SPORTFIVE, discuss how sports brands can engage a new generation of fans through games.
-
AFC Bournemouth: Solving The Puzzle
Bournemouth President of Business, Jim Frevola explains how the club intend to solve a huge puzzle involving a new stadium and training ground, plus introducing new fans to their ground while trying not to alienate current matchday goers.
-
150 and Counting
As we celebrate 150 issues of fcbusiness magazine, our very first contributor, Colin Mafham reflects on some of the articles he’s written in this magazine and how football has changed over the years. In case you didn’t notice it on the front of the magazine the message says: “Because Football Is No Ordinary…
-
Andros Townsend: Future Game Plan
At the age of 31, Premier League star Andros Townsend is recovering from a period of injury and hopes to continue playing football for as long as possible. However, the Everton wide man is also starting to prepare for life when he eventually hangs up his boots. Townsend has a range of varied options lined…
-
Michail Antonio – Building For The Future
At the age of 32, Premier League star Michail Antonio is starting to prepare for life after football. The West Ham United striker has a burgeoning business portfolio with more investments planned. He is also eyeing up media opportunities in presenting as well as holding ambitions to own a football club. fcbusiness spoke to him…
-
EintrachtTech: The Digital Transformation of Eintracht Frankfurt
EintrachtTech Ltd, the digital subsidiary of Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt, sees all strategic digital projects bundled in the club’s 100%-owned subsidiary and is responsible for the internal digital professionalisation and the development of new digital business models that reach far beyond the stadium borders, whilst playing a central role in securing the club’s present and…
-
The Gen Z Dilemma
Sports Business & Consumer Analytics Specialist, Bas Schnater took part in a panel discussion at the World Football Summit in Seville in late 2022. The conversation was initiated around Gen Z’s content consumption and distribution and how they want to experience modern sports. In this article he summarises how the sports industry could appropriately respond…
-
The Speed of Growth: The USL’s Shift Into The Fast Lane
A week before all eyes were fixated on the Al Bayt Stadium for the opening game of the FIFA World Cup, the last champion of the 2022 domestic season in North America was crowned at the USL Championship Final.
-
Hibernian FC: Football’s Pioneers Enter A New Era
Hibernian Football Club has an ambitious owner and Chief Executive that are challenging the norms to develop the club’s commercial and hospitality offerings as well as transforming the way the club operates on the pitch. fcbusiness travelled to Easter Road to speak to Ben Kensell to find out more.
-
Ipswich Town: Running Towards Adversity
Ipswich Town CEO Mark Ashton explains how the motto of their new investors is at the heart of a revival on and off the pitch. At the start of the season, an Arizona police officer disfigured by 50% burns from a car crash while on duty came to speak to players and staff…
-
RCD Mallorca Spend Big To Improve Matchday Experience
RCD Mallorca Spend Big To Improve Matchday Experience – fcbusiness speaks to executives at RCD Mallorca to find out more about their investment in the stadium and how it will improve the matchday experience for fans.
-
Change Is In The Air At FC United of Manchester
Recently appointed as Chief Executive Officer at FC United of Manchester, Natalie Atkinson discusses some of the developments at the club following the launch of its new business plan, vision and operating structure.
-
Football Stars, Crypto, and NFT: How Football Players Lead Crypto Adoption
Football is one of the biggest sports in the world today, and apart from being a form of entertainment, its main actors, the football stars, attract a lot of interest to the sport. So It is no surprise that the round leather game has captured the interest of crypto brands. In 2021, former Real Madrid…
-
Women’s Sport Needs Brand Support If It Is To Survive And Thrive
The 2022 Women’s Euros has propelled women’s football back into the spotlight. Tickets have been purchased in 99 countries, with 20 per cent of attendees expected to come from overseas. There are 13 official brand partners, and we’re seeing lots of fantastic activations and partnerships that are increasing the visibility of the game.
-
European Super League
The all-important hearing into whether football’s governing bodies had the legal right to sanction the much-maligned European Super League clubs will take place on July 11 and 12, potentially shaping the game as we know it for years to come, just as the Bosman case did in the mid-1990s.
-
The PFA: Adapting To Change
The Professional Footballers Association (PFA), the union for all current and former footballers and scholars in the Premier League, the FA Women’s Super League and the English Football Leagues has undergone a huge amount of change in the last year that is seeing it deliver a stronger focus on the needs of today’s players. fcbusiness…
-
Asghar’s Thirst For Innovation
Dundee United’s Sporting Director reveals how thinking differently is forming their strategy for growth.
-
Alan Pace Discusses Turf Moor’s Digital Transformation
Burnley Football Club are improving their Turf Moor home with innovative digital branding and state-of-the-art LED big screen technology. The work is being overseen by Preston-based stadium engagement specialists ADI.
-
Raj Singh: Another Chance
How Raj Singh is using the lessons from his first foray in club ownership to give Hartlepool United a second chance. Born on Teesside, Raj Singh’s first taste of football was at Ayresome Park watching Middlesbrough in 1978 which would start a love affair that has seen him take the helm of two…
-
In Scully We Trust
fcbusiness travelled to Nottingham to speak to new EFL Trust Chair, Liam Scully, about the organisation’s outlook as the country emerges from the pandemic and how he aims to navigate them through one of the most testing periods in football history. Words: Aaron Gourley Following previous EFL Trust Chair, John Nixon stepping down…
-
In Focus: Liverpool Legends Help Haworth’s Development
Ben Haworth explains how he’s developed a first class CV through VSI’s Executive Education programmes and a little help from Klopp and Co. Perched on a balcony at Liverpool’s former-Melwood training ground, New Balance’s then Global Head of Sports Marketing, Ben Haworth, revelled in the kind of real world education that money just can’t…
-
The Foundations of a Success Story
Football As A Force For Good / Presented By Geoff Wilson Consultancy Sir Bob’s lasting legacy of hope for his homeland. For a lad who left school at 15 with no more than a dead end job in the local steelworks as a prospect Bob Murray has done pretty well for himself…
-
Managing in the Modern Game
Ryan Garry: Overcoming Challenges In the latest instalment of Managing in the Modern Game, a series of interviews looking at specific elements of football management through the eyes of those involved, Dean Eldredge of Oporto Sports Management speaks to England under-18s manager Ryan Garry about overcoming injuries as a player, how this has influenced him…
-
A Chance For Change
Ex-PFA chairman Ben Purkiss talked to Ian Halstead about his vision for the organisation, its new CEO Maheta Molango and much more. There was always a medieval flavour about the power struggle between the Professional Footballers’ Association’s (PFA) long-serving CEO, Gordon Taylor and its chairman, Ben Purkiss. The former had spent decades…
-
1st October – Covid Pass Day?
The date when you might need more than a ticket to get into the match! Under normal circumstances 1st October should have been just like any other day. But probably not this year. According to Government sources it could be the pivotal date that so called Covid vaccination passes are introduced and many…
-
Super Cup Boost For Irish FA
The thriving, ever expanding capital of Northern Ireland has undergone a cultural facelift in recent times with the sport mad city is a regular destination for people across the British Isles, Ireland and across Europe. The Irish FA is the hub of all its football activity, working hard to increase participation levels from girls and…
-
In Focus: Football Foundation – One Year On…
Dean Potter, Director of Grant Management at the Football Foundation, reflects on a difficult year for the grassroots game and how, in spite of everything, the power of football prevailed thanks to an unprecedented level of emergency investment and support. It’s been a challenging time for football across the country. Many clubs and organisations…
-
Rangers Look To Capitalise On Title Success
Rangers’ Commercial & Marketing Director, James Bisgrove shares the club’s ambitions for the season ahead as the look to capitalise on their 55th league title success. Rangers Football Club clinched its 55th Scottish league title in the summer, nine years after being demoted to the former third division following administration. It’s been a…
-
The Changing Role of the Media: Paul Dickov
Managing in the Modern Game In the latest instalment of Managing in the Modern Game, a series of interviews looking at specific elements of football management through the eyes of those involved, Dean Eldredge of Oporto Sports Management speaks to former Oldham Athletic and Doncaster Rovers manager Paul Dickov about how the media has evolved…
-
St. George’s Park Offers England The Perfect Home During Euro 2020
With UEFA EURO 2020 reaching the latter stages of the competition after a year-long wait due to the Coronavirus pandemic, St. George’s Park has played host to the England team since early June as their base camp for the tournament. Here Holly Murdoch, General Manager at the National Football Centre, outlines the crucial role the…
-
Sven-Göran Eriksson – Preparing for Major Tournaments
In the latest instalment of Managing in the Modern Game, a series of interviews looking at specific elements of football management through the eyes of those involved, Dean Eldredge of Oporto Sports Management speaks to former England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson about the importance of correct logistical preparation for a major tournament at international level,…
-
A Blueprint For Football’s Future
EFL duo deliver lifeline plea Rick Parry and Trevor Birch have tackled some top jobs in their time, but the one they’re facing now is almost certainly the toughest. Win, lose, or draw, it could change the face of football in this country forever. Along with what they hope will be a little…
-
A Football Philosophy – Paulo Sousa
Managing in the Modern Game In the latest instalment of Managing in the Modern Game, a series of interviews looking at specific elements of football management through the eyes of those involved, Dean Eldredge of Oporto Sports Management speaks to Poland manager Paulo Sousa about the importance of having a clear football philosophy, whether that…
-
Norwich City FC: Investing in the Future
Norwich City have invested a great deal financially and strategically to aid its on-field performance and promote its vision of self-sufficiency. Player trading has proved hugely lucrative for the club but maintaining their competitiveness on the pitch is also a vital aspect of the club’s ambitions. The club’s investment in its training and academy…
-
Rangers’ Digital Transformation & Brand Evolution
Rangers’ Digital Transformation & Brand Evolution Steven Gerrard has helped transform Rangers Football Club on the pitch which saw them clinch their first Scottish Premiership title in 10 years, but in September 2020, the club embarked on an ambitious brand evolution and digital transformation strategy which included an enhanced suite of unified digital products…
-
Dariusz Mioduski: European Football Has To Change
Football is at a crossroads as it battles the effects of the pandemic and the growing polarisation of wealth and access to European competition, the impact of which will be profound without immediate change according to Dariusz Mioduski, Legia Warsaw President and Vice-Chairman at the European Club Association (ECA). In February 2020, Italy…
-
Turning The Tide On Sunderland AFC
Can Sunderland’s new owner turn the tide on the club that’s been cast adrift for so long? Sunderland’s new owner, 23 year old Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has a lot of expectation resting on his slight, young shoulders as he takes to the helm of a club that has been cast adrift since it sank out…
-
Brentford’s New Beginning
Their long-planned move to a new stadium and glorious farewell to Griffin Park didn’t quite go to plan due to a global pandemic but Brentford remain optimistic about the future as they build a long-term football and business strategy. Jon Varney, CEO – Brentford FC We’ve said goodbye to our old home that…
-
Everton FC: Despite Covid Crisis, Work Goes On Behind The Scenes For The Toffees
With the disruption caused by the Covid pandemic permeating all areas of life, work at Everton Football Club continues as they overcome the difficulties this has caused whilst pushing the club forward both on and off the pitch. BRAMLEY-MOORE DOCK NEW STADIUM PROJECT Colin Chong, Director of Stadium Development explains how the club is…
-
Forward Thinking: LAFC’s Technology Innovations
Chief Technology Officer, Christian Lau explains how Los Angeles FC’s forward thinking technology innovations at the Banc of California Stadium has seen them create an touch free environment that will be essential for watching live sport in the post-covid world. FC: Our chat was to be about the digital and technology implementations at…
-
Marcus Rashford: A Game Changer On & Off The Pitch
Marcus Rashford has rightly received universal praise for his life-changing campaign that has set a new benchmark for footballer-led activism in the UK. Rashford’s crusade prompted a government U-turn that will see parents claim vouchers for 1.3 million children in England during the summer holidays, after earlier helping the FareShare charity raise £20m and…
-
Coronavirus Exposes Football’s Weak Financial Foundations
Coronavirus Exposes Football’s Weak Financial Foundations The suspension of football across the globe due to coronavirus has exposed the weak financial state many clubs find themselves in but will it prompt a change in behaviour post lockdown? Andrew Warshaw finds out more. Football is in for the long-haul as a result of the…
-
Time To Make A Stand Against Racism
Remember the bad old days of racism and how seriously the image of English football was damaged? No-one would suggest that the situation is as bad today as it was then but the resurgence of intolerance and discrimination surging through the game risks alienating fans and, as a knock-on effect, impacting upon the financial well-being…
-
The New Lionesses
Interview: Diane Culligan Chairwoman, London City Lionesses London City Lionesses have arrived in the women’s game with a new bold approach masterminded by chairwoman Diane Culligan. The start of the 2019/20 season has further highlighted the swift growth in popularity of the women’s game, with enormous crowds in the WSL and…
-
The Stage Is Set For Ayre
Former Liverpool CEO, Ian Ayre speaks to fcbusiness about how he’s adjusting to life in the US as he prepares to take Nashville Soccer Club from the USL into the MLS in 2020. How are you adjusting to life in Nashville? I’ve been here just over a year now; I arrived in early July…
-
A Federation For The Future
With huge investment in infrastructure, technology and knowledge, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) is reaping the rewards on the field. CEO, Tiago Craveiro speaks to fcbusiness about how the federation’s commitment to its strategic plan has impacted the nation’s football fortunes. It would be easy to think that the success of winning the UEFA…
-
Manchester United PLC – Football Club Or Business?
Why Solskjaer And Phelan Could Be The Right Men For Both In November 1986 Manchester United PLC appointed Sir Alex Ferguson as manager of the football club. This appointment would prove to be the catalyst for ‘Brand Manchester United PLC’ and the birth of a global multi-million-dollar business never seen before from the likes…
-
Nadine Kessler: Leading The Way
Following a glittering playing career ended prematurely through injury, Nadine Kessler is leading UEFA’s Women’s Football Strategy 2019-24, a five-year strategic framework with the aim of supporting, guiding and lifting both women’s football and women in football across Europe. FC: You had a very successful career as a player but how have you found…
-
USL: A League On The Rise
With the FIFA World Cup set to return to North America in 2026, interest in soccer in the United States is booming. Capitalising on this surge is the United Soccer League (USL), the largest professional soccer organisation in the U.S., led by former pro-footballers, chief executive officer Alec Papadakis and president Jake Edwards. fcbusiness spoke…
-
What You See Is What You Get
Burnley FC’s Dave Baldwin was our ‘Premier League CEO of the Year’ in 2018. Ian Halstead paid a visit to Turf Moor to discover more about this affable character. It was a term coined when the internet was in its infancy, Mark Zuckerberg was still in diapers, and tweets meant something only to twitchers,…
-
Laying the Foundations for Future Growth
AFC Wimbledon CEO, Erik Samuelson tells Marc Webber why he’s ready to move aside for the good of the club’s long-term prosperity. We all feel like it is time to move on now and again. So, at nearly 71 years old, it is no surprise the man who has led Wimbledon from rebirth to…
-
Toffees’ New Direction
Everton have made significant changes to its boardroom structure following the departure of CEO, Robert Elstone. fcbusiness speaks to new CEO, Prof Denise Barrett-Baxendale about her role and the changes being made across the business and football sides of the Merseyside club. On joining Everton in the Community as CEO in January 2010, initially…
-
Moore The Merrier
Liverpool FC chief executive officer Peter Moore discusses reaching the Champions League final and establishing the platform to place the club back among Europe’s elite. Alex Miller reports. Despite Liverpool’s standing as Britain’s most successful club in European football, progress to the final of the Champions League has caught most people by surprise. …
-
AS Monaco: Unique Forever
fcbusiness spent 48hrs with AS Monaco speaking exclusively to Vice-President – CEO Vadim Vasilyev about the club’s success on the pitch, their transfer policy, building the business and Financial Fair Play. “From the very beginning of the season it felt pretty special,” recalled Vadim Vasilyev as we discussed the club’s 2016/17 season sitting in…
-
Stoke City’s CEO, Tony Scholes
“When we got promoted we were the bookies favourites to go straight back down. If you’d offered us 10 years in the Premier League then I think all of us – myself, Peter Coates, John Coates – we’d have bitten your hand off!” Tony Scholes, Stoke City CEO Since 2007, Stoke City has…
-
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Andrew Warshaw finds out how the transformation of Tottenham’s stadium is having a far wider impact across the local area both economically and socially. He is an intensely private man who shuns the limelight and is rarely interviewed, his expressionless face giving away few clues about his thoughts and emotions whenever the television…
