The Future of the Latin American Football Business

Latin America has a long and proud footballing history dating back to the late nineteenth century. The region is home to several of the world’s biggest clubs, as well as countless global superstar footballers. However, in recent years Latin American football has been tarnished by financial impropriety, mismanagement, and accusations of corruption. Moreover, despite the enormous popularity of football in the region, in business terms it is still worth only a fraction of the turnover of the Big 5 Leagues in Western Europe, and there is a continuous drain of players to Europe and Asia.

Since the ‘FIFAGate’ scandal of 2015, in which many senior figures from Latin American clubs and football associations were implicated, there has been some progress towards reform, and in some national federations, leagues, and clubs some very clear signs of much more professional business management. However, the near shutdown of the business due to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to further problems for clubs and competition organisers.

In partnership with the University of Liverpool Management School.

This discussion covered various topics that may help to determine the future of the business, such as:

  • The Ownership and Management of Clubs
  • Clubs’ Participation in International Competitions, such as the Copa Libertadores
  • Trends in Broadcasting and Digital Streaming
  • Player Transfers
  • The Likely Impact of the 2026 World Cup and the Prospects for the Centenary World Cup in 2030
  • The Future for Women’s Football

Introduction

Rory Miller

Canning House Trustee and Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Liverpool Management School

Panel

Chair: Antonio Rosique

FIMBA graduate, commentator with TV Azteca in Mexico

Marcela Mora y Araujo

Specialist in South American and Argentine football and Advisor for the BBC World Cup Stories

Harold Mayne-Nicholls

Ex-president of the Chilean federation, and currently VP of Colo-Colo

Fabio Ritter

FIMBA graduate, Marketing Manager for the CBF

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