The Complex Issue of Multi-Club Ownership in Football: Integrity, Regulations, and Concerns

The issue of multi-club ownership models in football has recently come into focus. With clubs like Manchester City and Girona occupying Champions League qualification places and sharing ownership, questions have been raised about the integrity of competitions and the need for tighter regulations.

Uefa Rules and Concerns

Uefa rules currently prohibit anyone from having "control or influence" over two clubs in the same Uefa competition. However, Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin has expressed his concern, calling it his "biggest problem where I don't have a solution." He believes that the challenge lies in the perception of integrity if clubs under the same control meet in the same competition.

Measures in Place

To comply with Uefa rules, clubs like Brighton and Aston Villa have had to make significant changes. These changes include restricting investors' influence and decision-making power over more than one club. Additionally, clubs have agreed not to transfer players to each other permanently or on loan and not to use any joint scouting or player database.

Ownership Models in the Premier League

The Premier League has seen various ownership models across its clubs. For example:

• Arsenal: Majority shareholder Stan Kroenke owns 100% of the club and also has ownership in the Colorado Rapids.
• Aston Villa: Owners Nassef Sawaris and Wes Edens have a controlling stake in Villa and also have a stake in Vitoria Guimaraes.
• Brighton: Owner Tony Bloom has a shareholding in Royale Union Saint-Gilloise and has become a minority shareholder of the club to comply with Uefa rules.
• Bournemouth: American businessman Bill Foley's Black Knight Football Club owns a majority stake in the club, with Hollywood actor Michael B Jordan as part of the minority ownership group.
• Burnley: American investment group ALK Capital has an 83% stake in the club and has formed a strategic relationship with Scottish Premiership side Dundee.
• Chelsea: American investor Todd Boehly and private equity firm Clearlake Capital completed a takeover of the club in 2022.

Other Clubs and Concerns

Other clubs like Crystal Palace, Everton, Liverpool, Newcastle United, and Tottenham have their own ownership models. Concerns have been raised about potential Saudi involvement at Stamford Bridge, but club sources have denied any direct involvement. Additionally, there are concerns about the influence of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) at Newcastle United.

Conclusion

The issue of multi-club ownership in football is a complex one. While Uefa rules are in place to prevent undue influence, there are ongoing concerns about the integrity of competitions and the need for tighter regulations. Each club in the Premier League has its own ownership model, with varying degrees of involvement in other clubs. It remains to be seen how the footballing authorities will address these concerns and ensure fair competition in the future.