Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.31141/zrpfs.2021.58.139.253
Restriction of multi-club ownership in professional football
Marko Ivkošić
; Pravni fakultet Sveučilišta u Splitu, Split, Hrvatska
Abstract
In contrast to other business activities, where there exists freedom of investment and acquisition of company stock on the market, in football such options are limited. In all European countries, through national law or on an autonomous level, it is forbidden to horizontally connect football clubs in a way that one club has influence over another. The restriction of multi-club ownership is an essential element in the protection of the integrity of the game. It directly influences the quality of football, as a product, as the dependence of clubs, would directly affect the affection of fans and the interest of the media and sponsors, which in turn affects the interest of investors. After structuring the concept under Croatian and German law, as well as the autonomous rules of the UEFA, the author analyses the adequate application of the rules in Croatia and presents a de lege ferenda viewpoint on how to complement them. The author proposes the introduction of an option to structure clubs as forms of private company limited by shares or limited partnership under national law. This would cause that under the right application of the concept of multi-club ownership restriction, and an increase of the limit to buy out other shareholders in commercial sportsclubs to 50%, cause that foodball clubs become a more attractive investment.
Keywords
multiple stocks; controlling share; professional football club; sport stock company; association; investment limitation
Hrčak ID:
252093
URI
Publication date:
9.2.2021.
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