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 Opinion 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 Sportbiz 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 [...]
Forget finishing the current seasons; this is a time for sport to ponder far bigger questions March 25, 2020 The now globally iconic slogan “Keep Calm and Carry On” was originally used on a 1939 British motivational poster, during the country’s preparations for World War II. With Covid-19’s outbreak and spread across Eurasia, much of British sport has appeared intent on summoning the spirit of this old poster. From the Cheltenham Festival to Champions [...]
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 [...]