Off The Pitch

⚽️ Morning Snapshot 👔 San Diego FC have appointed Kenneth Heiner-Møller as their new Technical Director. Heiner-Møller joins the club after departing from his role as Technical Director of the Danish FA. 🤝 FC Barcelona have secured a five-season sponsorship agreement with winemaker Raventós Codorníu, making it the new Official Wine & Cava Partner for Espai Barça until 30 June 2029. 🤝 Aston Villa Football Club have introduced Ukrainian brand Nemiroff as their new Official Vodka Partner. 🤝 Real Zaragoza announced a partnership with Uber, designating the mobility platform as the club’s official sponsor for the next two seasons. 🤝 Juventus Football Club and adidas have launched a NASA-themed lifestyle collection. #Partnership #Broadcasting #SportsBusiness #Commercial #Sponsorship #Football #SportsBiz #Finance #People #Data #Tech #Intelligence #Investment

Dame Tracey Crouch’s long-awaited Independent Football Regulator (IFR) is finally set to become law, following a lengthy and often challenging journey since her 2019 call for a fan-led review of English football governance. This major development aims to strengthen oversight, ensuring sustainable growth across all levels of English football. 1. Why was there such a delay in establishing the Independent Football Regulator? The IFR’s progress was slowed by a series of events, from the pandemic to political shifts. Though initially pledged in the 2019 Conservative manifesto, it wasn’t until the failed European Super League proposal in 2021 that the government fast-tracked Crouch’s review. Additional delays came with a general election and ongoing debate on amendments. 2. What key changes did Crouch advocate for in the IFR draft legislation? Crouch proposed a shift from strict alignment with UK foreign policy to allowing the IFR more independence in decision-making, especially in the owners and directors test. This adjustment aims to balance the need for regulatory oversight with the independence necessary for football’s long-term health. 3. How does the IFR impact the future of English football? The IFR is expected to secure financial stability and fair resource distribution across all levels, enhancing football’s role as a “top export.” With safeguards for backstop powers, the IFR could also intervene if voluntary governance measures fail, driving sustainable growth and a more equitable financial structure in English football. Read the interview 👇 https://lnkd.in/dDBszWJx #SportsBusiness #Football #SportsBiz #Finance #Forecast #Data #Tech #Intelligence

⚽️ Morning Snapshot 👔 Chris Casper MSc, Director of Football Development, is leaving Salford City FC after eight years to become the new Academy Director at Burnley Football Club. 👔 Kyrk M. has been appointed chairman of the board at Motherwell Football Club, joined by Greg Anderson and Professor Grant Jarvie. 🤝 VfL Wolfsburg have introduced Buxtrade GbR, a health-focused e-commerce retailer, as their newest club partner. 🤝 Real Sociedad have signed a sponsorship deal with KOSNER, an air conditioning and renewable energy brand, for the 2024/25 season. 🤝 Real Betis Balompié and the Fundación Cajasol have extended their collaboration until 2025, committing to ongoing initiatives that promote grassroots sport. 🤝 U.C. Sampdoria have confirmed the bank Banca Ifis as their new partner in an agreement that will run until 2029. 🤝 FIFA has joined forces with Hawk-Eye Innovations Ltd to create the Football Technology Centre AG, aiming to advance football technologies. #Partnership #Broadcasting #SportsBusiness #Commercial #Sponsorship #Football #SportsBiz #Finance #People #Data #Tech #Intelligence #Investment

⚽️ Morning Snapshot 👔 Youri Mulder has been appointed interim director of football at FC Schalke 04. 👔 Matthew Roberts has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer at Scunthorpe United Football Club. 💰 Heart of Midlothian FC have reported an overall loss of €5.25 million for the financial year ending 30 June 2024. 🤝 Real Betis Balompié have partnered with This Is FC88 to launch a new line of official products focused on creative recycling. 🤝 Real Valladolid Club de Fútbol and the basketball team Club Baloncesto Valladolid SAD have extended their partnership agreement until 30 June 2025. #Partnership #Broadcasting #SportsBusiness #Commercial #Sponsorship #Football #SportsBiz #Finance #People #Data #Tech #Intelligence #Investment

⚽️ Morning Snapshot 👔 FC Internazionale Milano have appointed Giorgio Ricci as their new chief revenue officer. 👔 Liverpool Football Club have promoted Kate (Pratt) Theobald to commercial director, succeeding Ben Latty, who stepped up to chief commercial officer at the end of last season. #Partnership #Broadcasting #SportsBusiness #Commercial #Sponsorship #Football #SportsBiz #Finance #People #Data #Tech #Intelligence #Investment

Aston Villa's rise in the The Premier League to a remarkable 4th place in 2023/24 is paying dividends in revenue, but it comes at a cost. Despite a record turnover fueled by league and matchday revenue, Aston Villa Football Club’s high expenses and player amortisation have left the club bracing for substantial EBIT losses. With UEFA Champions League participation, there’s potential for the club to reshape its finances – but challenges remain. Read our forecast 👇 https://lnkd.in/dsqqCThZ #FootballFinance #SportsBusiness #Football #Finance #SportsBiz #Intelligence #Data

⚽️ Morning Snapshot 👔 TSG Hoffenheim Fußball-Spielbetriebs GmbH have appointed Daniel Stolpe as director of media, international affairs, and associations. 🤝 FC Bayern München and Zeotap, a German data software solutions provider, have entered into a multi-year partnership. 🤝 Club Atlético de Madrid and K8 have signed a sponsorship agreement for the next two seasons, making K8 the club’s official Asian betting partner. 🤝 Tottenham Hotspur Football Club have named FURSYS GROUP(퍼시스그룹) as their official furniture manufacturing partner. 🤝 Atalanta B.C. and pasta company La Molisana Spa have announced a new partnership for the 2024/25 season. 🤝 Sheffield United Football Club have introduced S2S Group as the club's official data management partner for the 2024/25 season. #Partnership #Broadcasting #SportsBusiness #Commercial #Sponsorship #Football #SportsBiz #Finance #People #Data #Tech #Intelligence #Investment

In an interview with Off The Pitch, Norwich City Football Club's sporting director, Ben Knapper, shares insights into the club’s new, long-term strategy. Rather than focusing solely on promotion, Norwich is aiming to build a squad capable of competing—and staying—in The Premier League. Full interview 👇 #FootballFinance #SportsBusiness #Football #Finance #SportsBiz #Intelligence #Data #Newsletter #Insights

⚽️ Morning Snapshot 👔 Youssef Debbagh ي. has been appointed CEO of Moroccan club Wydad Athletic Club S.A. 🤝 Real Betis Balompié and Alompe Autocares- Alompe Coaches have extended their sponsorship agreement until 30 June 2027. 🤝 AZ Alkmaar and Tourismusverband Zell-Gerlos have renewed their partnership for three years, now set to run until mid-2028. #Partnership #Broadcasting #SportsBusiness #Commercial #Sponsorship #Football #SportsBiz #Finance #People #Data #Tech #Intelligence #Investment

Alex Muzio, president of Royale Union Saint-Gilloise SCRL (RUSG) and head of the Union of European Clubs, is leading the call for reform in football’s governance. Under his leadership, RUSG has become a remarkable success story, using data-driven strategies to challenge Belgium’s top teams despite operating on a fraction of their budgets. However, Muzio warns that football is at a crossroads, with outdated governance structures leaving clubs vulnerable to legal disputes and external pressures. 1. Why is Alex Muzio advocating for change in football governance? Muzio points to the rising tide of legal challenges as a sign that the governance structures in football are no longer effective. He believes that consistent losses in court show a need for modernized, transparent decision-making that better serves clubs, players, and fans alike. 2. What role has data played in RUSG’s success under Muzio’s leadership? Data analytics has been central to RUSG’s achievements, allowing the club to identify undervalued talent and compete strategically against much wealthier teams. This approach has seen the club promoted, compete in European leagues, and challenge Belgium’s top teams. 3. How does Muzio’s Union of European Clubs (UEC) differ from the European Club Association (ECA)? The UEC aims for equitable representation, with each member having one vote, regardless of club size. Unlike the ECA, which is closely tied to UEFA, the UEC focuses on advocating for better governance, independent from existing dominant bodies like FIFA and UEFA. Read the interview 👇 https://lnkd.in/dwEdi4G9 #SportsBusiness #Football #SportsBiz #Finance #Forecast #Data #Tech #Intelligence