Fifteenth International Conference on Sport & Society

Abstract

Over the last three decades, football has experienced a remarkable surge in popularity, marked by an expanding fan base, heightened stakeholder interest, and increased financial circulation. This study centres on the football clubs of the top five European countries—England, Spain, Italy, Germany, and France—acknowledging their pivotal role in revenue generation, fan engagement, and sporting achievements. The research employs a semi-structured interview method, complemented significantly by secondary data analysis. Key focus areas include unravelling the organizational structure of these football clubs, delving into organizational effectiveness, and exploring the interplay between financial and sporting performance. Notably, the study aims to identify prevalent vertical and horizontal management styles within these top-tier football leagues. Moreover, it seeks to underscore the importance of communication among various facets of the organization, including staff members, youth academy participants, and technical staff. By addressing these aspects, the research endeavours to provide valuable insights into the intricate organizational dynamics of elite football clubs within the top European leagues.