The Stakeholders in Professional Football: Who Really Runs the Clubs?

Professional football is a multimillion-dollar industry that involves not only players and coaches but also a complex web of stakeholders with varying agendas. While we are often presented with the image of clubs run by a single owner or president, the reality is far more complex. The stakeholders in the management of professional football clubs are diverse, and at times, they clash, creating an environment where decisions are made not solely for sporting welfare but also for economic, political, and media interests. First and foremost, the influence of owners and shareholders cannot be overlooked. They are the ones who ultimately make the most significant strategic and financial decisions. In clubs with private owners or large investment groups, the primary goal is often profitability. Decisions on signings, coaching hires, and even stadium developments are heavily influenced, in many cases, by the desire to maximize revenue. This is where the first conflict of interest arises: football, as a sport, has both an emotional and social dimension, but it is also a business, and money becomes the main driver. Owners seek short- and long-term profitability, and their vision for the club is often focused on how to generate income through TV rights, sponsorships, ticket sales, and merchandise. However, this financial focus can sometimes clash with the club's traditions or identity, especially if economic interests are prioritized over sporting development or the team's stability.

Another crucial stakeholder group in the management of clubs are the sporting directors and coaching staff. While, in theory, coaches have the final say in terms of tactics and team selection, the reality is that their decisions are often subject to external pressures. Sporting directors, responsible for player acquisitions and squad management, are directly linked to the owners. At times, these directors, who are closer to the club's financial interests, may prioritize high-profile signings; not for their technical qualities but for their ability to generate income through popularity or the potential to increase the club’s brand value. On the other hand, coaches, while in charge of performance on the field, must often adapt to the demands of more powerful interest groups. A coach who focuses solely on the sporting aspect, without considering economic and commercial factors, may quickly be replaced if financial results do not align with sporting achievements. In this sense, coaches find themselves in a difficult position, where their success depends not only on their ability to manage the team tactically but also on their ability to navigate the pressures from the various stakeholders influencing the club.

The third key stakeholder group in club management is the fans and the media. Fans are the heart and soul of football, but their influence extends beyond filling stadiums. Supporters have significant power in shaping the public image of the club and, therefore, influencing the decisions made by the owners and management. Fan pressure can quickly shift the dynamics within a club, demanding player signings or even the dismissal of coaches. Moreover, the media wields considerable power in shaping the narrative surrounding the club. Media coverage affects public perception, which, in turn, impacts sponsors, investors, and ultimately the club’s revenue. In many cases, the media applies constant pressure, either praising or criticizing the decisions of the club's leadership. The management of a professional football club is a constant balancing act between these various interest groups. Owners seek to maximize financial benefits, coaches and sporting directors wish to maintain control over sporting decisions, and fans and the media, with their public influence, demand success on the field. The question is: who really runs the club? Is it possible for a club to maintain its identity and tradition without yielding to financial and media pressures? The answer is not simple, but what is clear is that modern football is increasingly shaped by the interests of these stakeholders, which poses a challenge for those trying to strike a balance between business and sport.