The Political Economy of Football V2

Barca’s presidential elections are coming up next year, but the race has already started. Joan Laporta’s potential opponents are already making moves. Last month, the 2021 runner-up to Laporta, Victor Font, launched his candidacy at an event attended by over 1,000 people. These figures might not seem too significant in the context of such a massive brand, but in the particular world of FC Barcelona, every bit of support counts. Barca’s elections will take place before the end of the season. According to the club’s statutes, they need to be held on a day between March and June, but there is still no confirmation on when the exact day will be. Candidates must have been club members for a minimum of 10 years, and they also need to reach a certain number of supporting signatures: at least half the total votes cast in the most recent annual general assembly. For the purposes of this election, they will need around 2,300. According to the latest numbers released by Barca in October, ...

Can a massive world class signing pay for itself in increased commercial revenue?   The answer is probably not in the short run, although the real dividend may be a longer run one of raising the club's profile in key global markets.    It gives a leading club an edge over its rivals that may attract sponsors. The Athletic has reviewed this question in relation to the signing of Lionel Messi by PSG. In the immediate aftermath of Lionel Messi’s transfer to PSG, the club were at pains to point out that the cost of his deal will, effectively, pay for itself. This, sources argued, would be down to the commercial potential associated with the player. Their confidence echoed statements made earlier this year by Barcelona president Joan Laporta. He said “Messi generates more income than he earns”, before adding that the club conducted a study and found not only that “Messi generates around a third of Barcelona’s total income” but that “all the sponsors demand to have Le...

Barca’s financial woes have been much discussed in recent years as they gradually and inexorably accumulated deeper and deeper debts during Josep Maria Bartomeu’s ill-fated spell as president. But now, current chief Joan Laporta and his board suddenly find themselves faced with the consequences of all the years of avoiding facing up to the responsibility for their own actions. As things stand, La Liga will not allow them to register the four players they have signed this summer — unless they first make savings of over €200 million elsewhere. The Spanish league’s strict economic controls (or financial fair play rules) also mean that, unless they make drastic cuts elsewhere, Barca will not be able re-register Lionel Messi, no matter how big a pay-cut he might accept. La Liga set up an economic control department in 2013, staffed by analysts who review the finances of each Primera and Segunda club and establish its strict squad cost limit for each season. This squad cost limit i...