The Football Economy

In this conversation, Les Reed discusses the innovative approach to player scouting and recruitment through the development of the 'black box' system, which utilizes data analysis to identify talent before other clubs. He shares success stories of players like Sadio Mane and Virgil van Dijk, emphasizing the importance of succession planning in football clubs. Reed also reflects on the unique cultu...

In this episode of the Football Economy podcast, host Ibrahim interviews Alexander Bergweiler, a prominent sports lawyer with over 25 years of experience. They discuss the intersection of law and sports, the evolving landscape of player agent regulations, and the financial stability of German football clubs under the 50+1 rule. Alexander shares insights on the impact of FIFA regulations on player...

In this episode of the Football Economy, host Ibrahim speaks with Hadi Halabi, co-founder and CEO of Stryde, about the evolving landscape of sports investing. They discuss how Stryde democratises access to sports investments, the growth of sports as an asset class, and the unique investment model Stryde employs. Hadi shares insights on the importance of governance in investments, the impact of med...

In this episode of the Football Economy, host Ibrahim engages with award-winning journalist Nick Purewal to explore the intricate relationship between storytelling and football. They discuss Nick's journey into sports journalism, the impact of Roman Abramovich on Chelsea FC, and the pivotal role of Marina Granovskaia in the club's success. The conversation also delves into the sale of Chel...

In this episode of the Football Economy Podcast, host Ibrahim speaks with Brian Kopp, a partner at Ryan Sports Ventures, about the intersection of sports, technology, and investment. They discuss the evolution of sports as an investment class, the rise of sports technology, and the importance of data in player development and safety. Brian emphasises the need for balance between training and recov...

Episode Re upload Notice: This episode has been re uploaded due to recent changes in Spotify’s policies regarding music rights. The original version was temporarily unavailable in select markets, including Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan, and the United States, because of the music used in the intro and outro. We’ve updated the episode to comply with the new guidelines...

Episode Re upload Notice: This episode has been re uploaded due to recent changes in Spotify’s policies regarding music rights. The original version was temporarily unavailable in select markets , including Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan, and the United States, because of the music used in the intro and outro. We’ve updated the episode to comply with the new guidelines...

In this conversation, Paul Barber, CEO of Brighton, shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a pivotal figure in modern football. He discusses the importance of understanding both revenue and costs in business, the value of empathy in leadership, and the innovative marketing strategies he implemented during his time at the FA. Barber reflects on his experiences at Tottenham and Vancou...

In this episode of The Football Economy Podcast, host Ibrahim engages with Jan Gösgens, managing director of the West African Football Academy (WAFA), to discuss the structural forces shaping African football. They explore the talent development pipeline in Ghana, the evolution of WAFA, and the challenges and opportunities within the African football landscape. Jan shares insights on scouting, pla...

In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of Japanese football with Dan Orlowitz, a seasoned journalist and expert on the subject. Dan shares his experiences and insights gained over 18 years living in Japan, discussing the unique cultural aspects that shape the football landscape. The conversation covers Japan's football philosophy, grassroots development, the evolution of the J-Leag...

In this episode, host Ibrahim discusses the intricate financial landscape of football, particularly in the lower leagues, with Joshua Price, founder and CEO of Goal Assist. They explore the challenges clubs face regarding financial sustainability, owner dependence, and the importance of governance and transparency. Joshua shares insights on enhancing match-day experiences, utilising financial plan...

In this episode, Brett M. Johnson, the CEO of Benevolent Capital and owner of Rhode Island FC, shares his journey in the world of sports investment and entrepreneurship. He discusses the influence of his entrepreneurial family background, the globalization of football, and the unique opportunities presented by his ventures, including the Rhode Island FC project. Brett elaborates on his investment...

In this conversation, Eno Mwamba, founder and CEO of The Football Banker, shares his journey from a politically influential family to becoming a leader in football finance. He discusses the importance of self-assurance, transformative education, and representation in leadership. Eno highlights the financial challenges faced by footballers and the need for better financial literacy. He outlines his...

In this episode of Football Economy, host Ibrahim speaks with Tony Sharkey, a seasoned football agent and founder of the Football Transfer Forum. They explore Tony's journey from aspiring professional footballer to a leading agent, discussing the misconceptions about the industry, the importance of networking, and the evolving landscape of football agency. The conversation also delves into the gro...

In this episode, Ibrahim speaks with Dr. Salma Mashhour, an Egyptian football content creator and PhD researcher, about her journey in merging research with football storytelling. They discuss the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry, the importance of fan engagement, and the role of community in football. Dr. Salma shares insights on the Arab football fanbase, the impact of Eg...

In this episode of The Football Economy, host Ibrahim engages with Nathan Thompson, a professional footballer with MK Dons, to explore the intricacies of transitioning from a football career to life beyond the pitch. Nathan shares his personal journey, highlighting the importance of planning for career transitions and the concept of fractional twinning, which bridges the gap between players and ex...

In this episode of Football Economy, Ibrahim and Dr. Daniel Parnell discuss the evolving role of sporting directors in football. They explore the importance of governance, the impact of technology, and the need for effective communication within clubs. Dr. Parnell shares insights from his career and research, emphasizing the significance of leadership and stability in the sporting director role. T...

In this episode of The Football Economy Podcast, host Ibrahim speaks with Darragh MacAnthony, the influential owner of Peterborough United, about his journey from real estate to football ownership. They discuss the challenges faced during the Lehman Brothers crisis, the importance of accountability in sports ownership, and the financial commitments involved in running a football club. Darragh shar...

In this episode of The Football Economy, Ibrahim interviews Rachel Dugdale, a Northern Ireland International and FA Women's Championship player. They discuss Rachel's journey in women's football, her educational background, the cultural differences in sports between the US and UK, and the challenges faced in women's football, including club crises and the importance of speaking out for change. Rac...

In this episode of The Football Economy Podcast, host Ibrahim speaks with Jordan Gardner, an American sports executive with extensive experience in European football. They discuss Gardner's journey from being a football fan to becoming a CEO and chairman of various clubs, including FC Helsingør. The conversation delves into the challenges of club management, the importance of cohesive strategy, an...

In this episode of The Football Economy Podcast, Tony Faulkner shares his journey from professional footballer to a leading voice in sports business innovation. He discusses the importance of resilience developed through sports, the role of neuroscience in enhancing performance, and the SCARF model for effective leadership. Faulkner emphasizes the evolving role of sporting directors in football, t...

In this episode of The Football Economy Podcast, host Ibrahim speaks with Stephen Constantine, an international head coach known for his transformative work in football across various continents. They discuss Stephen's unique coaching philosophy, his adaptability to different cultures, and the importance of resilience in overcoming early struggles in his career. Stephen shares insights on building...

In this episode of The Football Economy , Ibrahim speaks with Tan Kesler, CEO and Vice-Chairman of Pogoń Szczecin and former Vice-Chairman of Hull City. Tan shares his journey from growing up as the son of a footballer in Turkey to becoming a respected executive in global football. He reflects on his strategic roles at the Turkish Football Federation, his leadership experience at Hull City, and th...

In this episode of the Football Economy, Ibrahim and Professor Rob Wilson discuss the transformative moments in sports finance, focusing on ownership models, media disruptions, and the evolving landscape of football. They explore the implications of celebrity ownership, the rise of multi-club ownership models, and the opportunities in women's football. The conversation also delves into the cha...

In this episode of the Football Economy podcast, host Ibrahim speaks with Charlie Stebbings, a prominent figure in sports media and investment. They discuss the evolving landscape of sports business, focusing on the importance of communication, financial sustainability, and the growing trend of athletes as investors. Charlie shares insights on the challenges and opportunities within the sports ind...