The rise of multi-club ownership (MCO) has caused a significant upheaval in the football scene in recent years. The commercial dynamics, player development plans, and competitive balance of the sport have all shifted as a result of this paradigm, in which a single organization controls multiple clubs across multiple leagues and countries. As the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup approaches, discussion on MCO’s impact on football governance, equity, and sustainability heats up.
The Rise of Multi-Club Ownership
Multi-club ownership is not a new phenomena, but its popularity has increased over the past decade. Large financial institutions, companies, and wealthy individuals have increased their football portfolios by acquiring teams from several continents.
City Football Group: owns Manchester City (England), New York City FC (USA), Melbourne City (Australia), and numerous clubs around Europe, Asia, and South America.
Red Bull Group: owns RB Leipzig (Germany), Red Bull Salzburg (Austria), New York Red Bulls (United States), and Red Bull Bragantino (Brazil).
777 Partners: is a rapidly developing business having investments in clubs including Genoa (Italy), Sevilla (Spain), Standard Liege (Belgium), and Hertha BSC (Germany).
INEOS Group: owns OGC Nice (France) and has recently invested in Manchester United (England).
MCO’s main goal is to create synergies amongst teams, speed up talent scouting and player development, and boost financial performance through shared resources and sponsorship arrangements.
Advantages of Multiple-Club Ownership
Stronger player development and scouting: MCO gives clubs a clear strategy for developing players. Young talent can move across the network to gain experience in multiple leagues before joining the main club. For example, Red Bull Salzburg has become a feeder club for RB Leipzig, producing players like Erling Haaland and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Financial stability and risk diversification: Having many teams improves financial stability because losses in one can offset revenues in another. It also enables the pooling of resources, such as coaching personnel, training facilities, and medical departments, which reduces overall operational costs.
International Brand Growth: With clubs in several countries, marketers may reach a larger audience. Manchester City’s brand has successfully expanded beyond the United States, Australia, and Asia thanks to its associated teams.
Easier Transfer Paths: Player transfers within the same ownership group are often faster and less expensive because talks are conducted within. This tactic benefits teams by increasing squad depth and fostering player development.
Limits and Ethical Concerns.
Conflict of interest in Competitive Integrity: The possibility of match-fixing and improper competitive advantages causes great worry. For example, if two clubs with identical ownership structures qualify for the UEFA Champions League, they may be prohibited from competing against each other, posing ethical concerns.
Custody of Talent: Large ownership groups sometimes dominate young talent, limiting opportunities for lesser teams. Critics argue that this undercuts the competitive balance of domestic leagues.
Statutory Challenges: Football regulatory authorities, such as UEFA and FIFA, have struggled to effectively regulate MCO. The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will now feature extra restrictions to prevent conflicts of interest, such as restricting the number of teams from the same ownership group that can compete in a single tournament.
The Prospects of Multi-club Ownership
MCO’s growth rate is expected to rise as football becomes more commercialized. However, stricter governance policies are likely to emerge in order to ensure fair competition. FIFA and UEFA may utilize measures similar to those used at the 2025 Club World Cup to promote transparency and eliminate conflicts of interest.
Summary
Multi-club ownership has transformed modern football, providing significant benefits for player development, financial stability, and brand extension. However, ethical problems, regulatory barriers, and the impact on fair competition remain significant challenges. As the sport evolves, maintaining a balance between economic interests and game integrity will become increasingly important for long-term success.
“Look at the rise of multi-club ownership in football, covering the benefits, drawbacks, and impact on global competitiveness, as well as FIFA laws and potential consequences”.
