Why Mexico, Dubai and Italy are the countries to watch in sport in 2026 Sport Business This time last year, City AM asked me to identify three countries for which 2025 would be an important year in sport. My three choices were Saudi Arabia, Morocco and the United States. Judging by recent standards, Saudi Arabia’s year was relatively quiet albeit interspersed with some rowdy moments, notably the Public Investment Fund’s acquisition [...]
Morocco, Saudi Arabia and the US are the countries to watch in sport in 2025 Sport Business Professor Simon Chadwick explains why Morocco, Saudi Arabia and the United States are his three countries to watch in sport in 2025. With the global sport industry apparently set to continue on its growth trajectory in 2025, albeit in the context of uncertain geopolitical times, many countries across the world will find themselves jockeying for [...]
Size matters: Why tiny Qatar decided it needed to host the World Cup Expert view Sport business and geopolitics expert Professor Simon Chadwick explains the economic, security-related and nation-building reasons why Qatar is hosting the World Cup. With the start of the men’s World Cup in Qatar imminent, fans are looking ahead to the action starting. Some will be anticipating Harry Kane retaining his Golden Boot, though others may feel [...]
Sport is guilty of shutting its eyes to Russia’s geopolitical ambitions February 27, 2022 Roman Abramovich’s near 20-year ownership of Premier League club Chelsea has been shrouded in mystery and therefore subject to constant scrutiny and speculation. Indeed, until the weekend, it remained unclear why he is there and what he is seeking to achieve. The oligarch has denied having direct links with Vladimir Putin but has been seen [...]
Best of 2021: Why Saudi Arabia bought Newcastle United December 27, 2021 In this article, originally published in October, sports business expert Professor Simon Chadwick explains the strategic background to the takeover of Newcastle United by a consortium headed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund – and why it about much more than football. After years of speculation, prevarication and consternation, Saudi Arabia has at last sealed [...]
Saudi Arabia’s takeover of Newcastle United is about far more than football October 7, 2021 After years of speculation, prevarication and consternation, Saudi Arabia has at last sealed the purchase of a Premier League football club, something it has long coveted. With a deal for Newcastle United finally set to be announced, one of the most tumultuous episodes in English football history is apparently drawing to a close. Rumours have [...]
Debate: Juventus is paying £99m for Ronaldo, is that good value in light of the strikes at Fiat Chrysler? July 16, 2018 Juventus is paying £99m for Ronaldo, is that good value in light of the strikes at Fiat Chrysler? Yes – Carlo Alberto De Casa is chief analyst at ActivTrades. Cristiano Ronaldo’s move has been named “the purchase of the century”, and could cost Juventus €400m by the end of the player’s stay. Yet, the summer [...]
Why Formula One’s new owners Liberty Media must step on the gas to reclaim lost ground from rivals January 24, 2017 The ousting of long-time Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone marks a coup and leaves a series of unanswered questions facing the sport. For decades critics have questioned how F1 is governed and how it generates revenues, and have therefore cast doubts on its long-term future. Although some commentators – notably former broadcaster Murray Walker – have observed how instrumental Ecclestone [...]
