{"id":247373,"date":"2026-06-25T16:33:59","date_gmt":"2026-06-25T16:33:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ipsnews.net\/business\/?p=247373"},"modified":"2026-06-25T16:33:59","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T16:33:59","slug":"the-rise-of-multi-club-ownership-what-it-means-for-competitive-balance-in-world-football","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ipsnews.net\/business\/2026\/06\/25\/the-rise-of-multi-club-ownership-what-it-means-for-competitive-balance-in-world-football\/","title":{"rendered":"The rise of multi-club ownership: What it means for competitive balance in world football"},"content":{"rendered":"

The increased prevalence of multi-club ownership (MCO) in professional football over the past few years has not been met with widespread approval.<\/p>\n

According to Sports View<\/a>, there were approximately 380 clubs worldwide that were part of a multi-club investment structure at the end of 2025.<\/p>\n

The model is embedded in the big five European leagues, while more than one-third of the top flight clubs in Belgium, Denmark, Portugal, Scotland and Switzerland are part of an MCO network.<\/p>\n

With that in mind, read on as we look at the rise of multi-club ownership and assess what it means for competitive balance in world football.<\/p>\n

The multi-club ownership phenomenon<\/b><\/h2>\n

The benefits of MCO are clear. Clubs operating under the same umbrella have greater commercial bargaining power and increased brand reach.<\/p>\n

They are also able to pool key elements such as playing resources, knowledge sharing, coaching strategies and scouting.<\/p>\n

The City Football Group, headlined by Manchester City, is the most prominent example of MCO in action. Many other clubs have followed their lead.<\/p>\n

However, concerns over the competitive impact of MCO have sparked plenty of debates amongst governing bodies and the wider football world.<\/p>\n

Article 5 of the regulations of the Champions League prohibits clubs controlled by the same owners or directors from competing in the same European competition.<\/p>\n

This rule resulted in Crystal Palace being demoted to the Europa Conference League last season after initially qualifying for the Europa League.<\/p>\n

A MCO conflict involving former shareholder John Textor, who was also the majority owner of French club Lyon, ended with Palace dropping into UEFA\u2019s third-tier competition.<\/p>\n

Palace ultimately won the Europa Conference League title to secure a place in next season\u2019s Europa League. Textor is no longer a factor after selling his stake in the club.<\/p>\n

The investment fund factor<\/b><\/h2>\n

There are around 125 MCO groups operating in football. The majority operate just two clubs, while fewer than 40 percent control three or more.<\/p>\n

Many MCOs are backed by institutional capital or private equity, which is a significant shift away from how professional football clubs were traditionally owned.<\/p>\n

The investors seek to achieve a higher collective valuation for the clubs under their control by establishing creative synergies across the network.<\/p>\n

The MCO framework ultimately aims to replicate the success of the flagship club across the weaker teams in the portfolio.<\/p>\n

While the model is clearly attractive to investors, many fans whose clubs are part of an MCO network are extremely resistant to the idea.<\/p>\n

BlueCo\u2019s ownership of Chelsea and Strasbourg is a prime example. Many supporters of the French club believe they have become a \u2018B team\u2019 for Chelsea.<\/p>\n

While Strasbourg\u2019s results on the pitch have improved over the past couple of years, their fans are eager to salvage their club\u2019s identity.<\/p>\n

Similar dissatisfaction has been expressed elsewhere, with supporters feeling that the MCO model has destroyed their respective club\u2019s soul.<\/p>\n

The future of the MCO model<\/b><\/h2>\n

Although there is resistance to multi-club ownership inside football, it appears that its long-term viability is not under any threat.<\/p>\n

Much of the debate surrounding MCO<\/a> is focused on regulation and oversight from governing bodies, rather than any emotional factors.<\/p>\n

With clubs such as Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool yet to jump on the MCO bandwagon, the scope for further growth of the model is off the scale.<\/p>\n

While traditional football fans may baulk at the idea of their club operating under an MCO umbrella, the model is here to stay.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The increased prevalence of multi-club ownership (MCO) in professional football over the past few years has not been met with widespread approval. 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