The Political Economy of Football V2

The bromance between Fifa boss Infantino and President Trump has attracted lots of attention, not least because Trump was able to get a US red card rescinded, the only one in the tournament.   But more fundamental Americanisation of the beautiful game is taking place with Fifa's compliance. In search of every last US dollar, Fifa is leaving no stone unturned. Ahead of Sunday’s final, football’s governing body is somehow still finding new ways to reach into fans’ wallets. Those who simply cannot get enough of the World Cup final have been offered the chance to attend the pre-match press conference in New York. The privilege that has until been reserved for, well, members of the press, is now open to attendees of Fanatics Fest — a four-day jamboree organised by Michael Rubin’s sports merchandise and memorabilia company. A one-day pass will set you back $80. But it doesn’t stop there. Diehards can buy one of the 1,996 “championship rings” available after the game (price still...

A new MLS season is upon us and if you want basic details about the teams (sorry franchises), sponsors and TV contracts, you can find them here: Commercial guide By 2022 the competition which had 24 franchises last season is expected to have 30 teams. Any expansion beyond that, given that relegation is out of the question (it would scare off the investors), would presumably require two 'conferences' and play offs between the top teams, as happens in baseball. Buying a franchise now getting very expensive, even though hardly any MLS teams have turned a profit in the last 25 years, but then normal profitability criteria do not apply in soccer. David Tepper, a hedge fund billionaire, paid $325m last December for the 30th franchise in Charlotte, North Carolina. You could get a half decent European team for that price. MLS is open only to new entrants willing to pay 'expansion fees' which are then shared between existing owners. Last year Meg Whitman, the former Hewl...