David Pons’ Post

Lets talk about sports players acquiring citizenship, and thereafter representing nations of the Global North in international sporting competitions. This phenomenon is often driven by these countries actively enticing talented players to change their citizenship. What would the USA basketball team be without Embiid and Adebayo? What would Spain be without Inaki Williams and Lamine Yamal? There are so many examples that can be brought to this post. Now, consider the other side of the coin- how competitive would the African/Latin-American countries be, if they were able to retain these players?  What reforms are being ignored, looking at this from the governance process?

Spain's football successes in the past few years offer key insights: 1. Youth Development: Spain's strong youth systems focus on technical skills, producing players who excel in possession and passing. 2. Consistent Tactics: A commitment to possession-based football, combined with tactical adaptability, has been crucial to their success. 3. Investment in Women's Football: Increased support for the women's game, especially through strong domestic leagues, has led to their rise on the international stage. 4. Resilience: Spanish teams have shown mental toughness, overcoming setbacks and maintaining a winning mentality. 5. Team Cohesion: Emphasizing teamwork and strong leadership has created a united and disciplined squad. 6. Club and National Synergy: Success in domestic clubs has contributed to the national team's achievements, with close collaboration benefiting both. 7. Long-Term Planning: Strategic, stable planning by the football federation has ensured the continuous development of Spain's football philosophy. These factors together underscore the importance of a holistic approach in building successful football teams. #spainfootball #football #spain #fifa

We are thrilled to announce the partnership between Referee Abroad and the Football Association of Slovenia (NZS). As part of the "Refereeing Beyond Borders" project, financed by the European Union, 12 up-and-coming Slovenian referees will attend multiple international tournaments, gaining invaluable experience and development opportunities. This partnership builds on years of collaboration, with Slovenian referees frequently participating in our tournaments. Together, we aim to strengthen our shared commitment to developing the next generation of refereeing talent.

With Brazil having a long and successful history of exporting footballing talent, Associate William Bowyer comments on how the county's top flight is increasingly looking to European clubs to sign new talent, in City AM Follow the link below to read Will's comments in full. https://lnkd.in/e3p9KGA9 #SportsLaw #SportsBusiness #FootballTransfers #peoplebusiness

🌍 Could Opting Out of National Duties Cost Players? As another international break unfolds, stories of players stepping back from national team duties are making headlines. Increasingly, top-tier players are opting out, citing reasons from fatigue to club commitments. Yet this trend may have career consequences that aren't immediately obvious. Consider Kylian Mbappé, who has now withdrawn from a France squad for the second time, suggesting a preference for major international competitions over routine matches. Similarly, in the October international window, Ghana’s Thomas Partey declined a call-up, citing illness. When Ghana’s FA requested an in-person assessment, he declined due to the travel involved. What are the long-term implications of such decisions? Recent award rankings suggest that choosing club over country may have a greater impact on players’ careers than they realize: - Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus—despite a stellar season with West Ham—missed out on a top-10 spot for Africa’s best players after Ghana’s poor AFCON showing. His exclusion underscores that club form alone may not suffice; international success still weighs heavily in these rankings. - In the Ballon d’Or race, players who balanced club and national duties often ranked higher. For example, Vinicius Jr. may have been edged out by Spain’s Rodri, whose contributions at both club and country level were key. Seventeen-year-old Lamine Yamal soared to 8th place, largely on the back of his impressive performances for Spain, while Cole Palmer, who contributed 40 goals across 45 matches, ranked lower—likely due to limited involvement in England’s Euro campaign. These examples reveal that national duties go beyond pride—they’re a strategic career decision. Players considering stepping back from international commitments may want to think twice, as missing out could cost them not only accolades but also visibility and influence on the global stage. #Football #InternationalBreak #BallondOr #PlayerAwards

The Euros are over for another four years - are you sad or are you sighing with relief? For the winners Spain, not only is there the kudos of being crowned the best footballing country in Europe, but there’s the financial gain - a prize of EUR 10 million. Plus of course, all the bonuses and payments for each round of the competition. The winning players could earn around £200,000 each in fees and progression bonuses - not a bad pay day for playing 7 games. A big incentive to play well, right? When you have a big goal it can spur you on to find different ways to achieve your targets. But to do well, you need a coherent plan and execution strategy, just like Spain. Are you a winner? Have you defined your goals? Do you have a clear plan for your financial future?

Soccer is a universal language with diverse markets across the globe. From the high-octane Premier League in England to the passionate La Liga in Spain, each region offers unique opportunities and challenges. Europe: Home to the most lucrative leagues, with massive viewership and sponsorship potential. South America: Rich in talent and fervent fanbases, providing a vibrant market for scouting and grassroots development. Asia: Rapidly growing in popularity and investment, presenting untapped commercial opportunities. North America: The MLS is expanding fast, with increasing fan engagement and a rising level of play. While Europe remains the gold standard in terms of revenue and global reach, emerging markets like Asia and North America are becoming increasingly attractive for their growth potential and expanding influence.

We have just published a new article titled ‘Will Major European Leagues Have Their Matches Played Abroad?’ In this article, we analyse the current trends with domestic matches being played in overseas territories, the legal implications of this (specifically in relation to La Liga’s proposals) and finally, what we can expect in the future regarding league matches being played abroad. Check out the article via the link and follow for more!

Navigating Business and Pleasure: German Dating Culture During Euro 2024 As Berlin becomes the focal point for football enthusiasts with the Euro 2024 final, the city's cultural dynamics offer unique networking and social opportunities. This article provides professionals visiting from England and Spain, or local experts, with essential insights into German dating practices. Learn how cultural understanding can enhance both personal and professional interactions during major international events. Discover the pragmatic charm of German dating culture and make the most of your stay in Berlin during this bustling period. 🇩🇪⚽️💼 https://lnkd.in/eY8CpeKw #Euro2024 #GermanDating #InternationalBusiness #CulturalIntelligence

Fútbol transcends borders and languages…