Perhaps nowhere is the battle for influence more high-stakes than in European soccer, where long-running power struggles at the elite level continue to fray the very fabric of the game. New movements of money and emerging commercial interests are having an outsized impact on the planet’s most popular sport, with the powers that be continuing to push often conflicting agendas even as Covid-19 wreaks financial havoc.
In ‘Power games’, an in-depth report on the state of play in European soccer, SportsPro digital editor Tom Bassam speaks to several industry heavyweights, including La Liga president Javier Tebas, European Clubs Association chief executive Charlie Marshall, and former Fifa chief commercial officer Simon Thomas, to find out what the future holds for the continent’s elite clubs and leagues.
Elsewhere in the magazine
Seizing the moment
Athlete activism has been around for generations but, as deputy editor Sam Carp reflects, 2020 was different. In a year when the world was desperate for leadership, it was sportsmen and women who formed a united front as the inequalities underpinning society were laid bare.
All in
In 2018, US states were given the power to legalise sports wagering. Approaching three years on from that momentous ruling, staff writer Ed Dixon assesses the state of play in the country’s multi-billion dollar betting market.
Delivering on the plan
In the final chapter of his CEO Playbook, senior contributor Matt Rogan looks at how leaders in sport can turn a great strategic plan into a sustainably successful business.
Ideas to invest in now
Investors, advisors, executives and analysts from around the world share their views on the top sports tech trends to watch as SportsPro presents its pick of 20 emerging companies to invest in now.
Issue 112 of SportsPro also includes a host of refreshed columns and regular features. Purchase the issue now from our online shop or access a digital version here.
