Growth in multi-club ownership: Is it time to strengthen global regulations?

This article examines the FIFA & UEFA regulations around multi-club ownership in football and discusses previous examples of clubs and ownership groups who have had proceedings initiated against them for falling foul of these regulations. With the growth in multi-club ownership in global football, it questions whether the regulations governing multi-club ownership need to be strengthened and updated.

Article Highlights

• Multi-club ownership and investment
• FIFA Rules
• UEFA rules
• Previous cases
  • Red Bull Salzburg & RB Leipzig
  • AC Milan, Aston Villa & Brighton
  • Most recent examples - Manchester City & Manchester United
• Possible effects and dangers
  • Advantages
  • Disadvantages and Challenges
• Conclusion

Introduction

Multi-club ownership remains an important topic with football clubs, particularly for the financially empowered ones. This trend is exemplified by Michael Edwards' return to Fenway Sports Group (FSG) not only to guide Liverpool FC through the post-Klopp era but also to expand FSG’s presence in football. As Mr. Edwards emphasized: “one of the biggest factors in my decision is the commitment to acquire and oversee an additional club, growing this area of their organisation.”^[1]

This convergence of events has prompted the author to reflect on the significance of multi-club ownership and investments within the football world.