As a football agent, one trend you can’t ignore is the rapid growth of multiclub ownership (MCO). Investors are buying multiple clubs across leagues and this development creates both new opportunities and serious challenges for agents working to secure the best deals for their players.
What is Multiclub Ownership and Why does it Matter?
Multiclub ownership means a single investor or group controls more than one football club. We have giants like the City Football Group, Red Bull, and Chelsea’s Clearlake consortium setting the tone, with smaller investors following suit. For you as a FIFA football agent, this is of particular concern to you because ownership structures can directly affect transfers, player development, and market access.
For instance, recent coverage on The Ball Business highlights Crystal Palace’s risk of missing out on the Europa League due to MCO conflicts. That shows how governance issues can have a direct impact on players’ opportunities.
Risks of Multiclub Ownership for Agents
When clubs under the same ownership group trade players, it can sometimes limit your bargaining power. Instead of an open market with competing offers, negotiations may be internal, where the parent group dictates terms. That reduces the competitive tension that usually drives better contracts for your players.
Conflicts of interest are another challenge. Imagine representing a player who might be shifted around a network of clubs not necessarily for career growth but to serve ownership interests. That could harm your reputation if the player feels their development is being compromised.
Regulatory risks also come into play. Governing bodies like UEFA and FIFA are increasingly scrutinizing MCO structures, and sanctions could block transfers or even restrict clubs from competing in Europe. If your client is at one of those clubs, their visibility and career trajectory could be affected.
Opportunities of Multiclub Ownership for Agents
On the other hand, Multiclub Ownership creates a broader pathway for players. You can position younger talents to move across a network of clubs, gaining experience in different leagues without the uncertainty of external transfers. That can come in handy if you’re managing prospects who need game time at the right level.
It also expands your market access. Agents with strong relationships within an ownership group can unlock opportunities across multiple clubs in different countries. That means your players have the chance to break into markets that would have been harder to penetrate otherwise.
Another upside is the potential for smoother deals. With shared management structures, transfers within an ownership group can be finalized faster, helping you move players quickly when opportunities arise.
What This Means for You as an Agent
If you want to succeed in this environment, the key is balance. You need to leverage the networks and opportunities Multi-Club Ownership provides while protecting your players from being treated as mere assets shuffled around for financial strategy. Building transparent communication with your clients and aligning with clubs that prioritize player development will help you do that effectively.
