THE ROLE OF TRANSFER STRATEGIES IN THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS: THE CASE OF UEFA
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INTRODUCTION 6
1. FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT 9
1.1 Football clubs’ performance evaluation 9
1.2 Football clubs’ financial evaluation 12
3. FOOTBALL CLUBS’ STRATEGY DEFINITION FRAMEWORK 14
3. HYPOTHESES STATEMENT 20
4. METHODOLOGY AND DATA DESCRIPTION 21
4.1 Sample selection 21
4.2 Data collection 23
5. RESEARCH RESULTS AND FINDINGS 24
5.1 Modeling 24
5.2 Model A 28
5.2 Model B 30
5.3 Model C 32
5.4 Managerial implementation 33
5.5 Limitations 36
5.6 Further steps 38
CONCLUSION 39
LIST OF REFERENCES 42
1. FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT 9
1.1 Football clubs’ performance evaluation 9
1.2 Football clubs’ financial evaluation 12
3. FOOTBALL CLUBS’ STRATEGY DEFINITION FRAMEWORK 14
3. HYPOTHESES STATEMENT 20
4. METHODOLOGY AND DATA DESCRIPTION 21
4.1 Sample selection 21
4.2 Data collection 23
5. RESEARCH RESULTS AND FINDINGS 24
5.1 Modeling 24
5.2 Model A 28
5.2 Model B 30
5.3 Model C 32
5.4 Managerial implementation 33
5.5 Limitations 36
5.6 Further steps 38
CONCLUSION 39
LIST OF REFERENCES 42
Football, being the most popular sport in the world, is experiencing an era of rapid commercialization. In recent decades, football has turned not only into a cultural phenomenon, but also into a multi-billion-dollar industry, where success is determined not only and not so much by sporting achievements, but also by financial indicators. As a result, attitudes towards players have changed radically over time. Club management increasingly perceives team members not as the driving force behind sporting results, but as the organization’s main financial asset. This thinking has seen the sport go from the adoption of the Bossman Rule, which eased player transfers between clubs, to Neymar's record-breaking €222 million transfer from Barcelona to PSG in 2017 in less than 25 years. This “market inflation” was largely stimulated by the influx of investment in sports and the expansion of sponsorship, advertising and broadcasting royalties. Investors are increasingly seeing football clubs as attractive investment targets, which is leading to an increase in the clubs' financial capabilities and an increase in their market value. Sponsorship contracts are becoming larger and more profitable, and revenues from the sale of rights to television broadcasts of matches are growing rapidly, creating additional sources of funding for clubs. As a result, the European football market has almost doubled over the past 10 years, reaching a valuation of €29.5 billion in the 21/22 season. The restructuring affected both market processes, complicating the system of circulation of players, and the intra-club organization, due to which consortia, financial associations and large corporations are increasingly becoming the owners of clubs. Modern football management involves finding a balance and compromise between the activities demonstrated on the football field and what happens outside it. This is particularly true for strategic decisions made in the transfer market, as the increased focus on success and the focus on financial stability has led to more complex and consistent squad policies as opposed to simply buying the best players available. Modern footballers are viewed as assets whose value can significantly influence the financial performance of a club. This requires a review and adaptation of traditional financial mechanisms aimed at maximizing profits and reducing risks. With increased competition for talented players and rising transfer fees, clubs are being forced to implement more comprehensive and streamlined approaches to managing their resources.
The digitalization of sports opens up new opportunities for clubs in the field of analytics and planning. The use of advanced technologies and data allows us to assess players’ potential, predict their impact on team results and, accordingly, make more informed decisions in the field of transfer policy more accurately. This is due to the emergence of “laptop trainers” who base their work on a data-driven approach. These tools help not only improve athletic performance, but also increase the economic efficiency of the club.
However, new approaches to administration and advanced analytical tools have made it possible to significantly simplify the process of researching player characteristics, regulating pricing, financial return on investment in player development, analyzing sports results, while the basis of these processes - transfers - is still largely the result of negotiation management and long¬term planning of market policies determined by management.
However, there has been little attempt to understand what determines the overall financial success of football clubs based on management's player acquisition policies.
Thus, the research objective of this paper is to identify the features of club transfer strategies that contribute to achieving and/or maintaining the competitive advantages of football clubs at the level of overall financial solvency.
To solve this problem, data on transfers of football clubs from the top 5 UEFA leagues was taken and their approaches to implementing roster rotation were examined and examined. A conscious distinction is also made between individual, market and national strategies of football clubs in order to determine the extent to which environmental factors in determining the activities of organizations are applicable to the European football industry. Therefore, the following research questions were posed:
• What characteristics of player transfers determine a football club's transfer strategy?
• What are the features of transfer policy that have a greater impact on the financial success of football clubs than others?
• Do temporary and/or institutional features of the transfer market affect the effectiveness of certain elements of the strategy?
In order to identify the main practices and activities of clubs in the football transfer market, a review of the literature on football strategic management and assessment of transfer processes, as well as a qualitative analysis of the sports industry, was carried out. A suitable methodology was then developed, applied to the collected secondary transition data and statistical analysis was carried out to determine the relationship between the football clubs' strategies and key financial indicators.
The article is structured as follows. First of all, the specificity and uniqueness of financial processes in the modern market and the realities of management in the industry are analyzed. Secondly, scientific works that study the quantitative measurement of the quality of the club’s management activities are analyzed. Finally, the concept of determining the quality of a transfer strategy is described...
The digitalization of sports opens up new opportunities for clubs in the field of analytics and planning. The use of advanced technologies and data allows us to assess players’ potential, predict their impact on team results and, accordingly, make more informed decisions in the field of transfer policy more accurately. This is due to the emergence of “laptop trainers” who base their work on a data-driven approach. These tools help not only improve athletic performance, but also increase the economic efficiency of the club.
However, new approaches to administration and advanced analytical tools have made it possible to significantly simplify the process of researching player characteristics, regulating pricing, financial return on investment in player development, analyzing sports results, while the basis of these processes - transfers - is still largely the result of negotiation management and long¬term planning of market policies determined by management.
However, there has been little attempt to understand what determines the overall financial success of football clubs based on management's player acquisition policies.
Thus, the research objective of this paper is to identify the features of club transfer strategies that contribute to achieving and/or maintaining the competitive advantages of football clubs at the level of overall financial solvency.
To solve this problem, data on transfers of football clubs from the top 5 UEFA leagues was taken and their approaches to implementing roster rotation were examined and examined. A conscious distinction is also made between individual, market and national strategies of football clubs in order to determine the extent to which environmental factors in determining the activities of organizations are applicable to the European football industry. Therefore, the following research questions were posed:
• What characteristics of player transfers determine a football club's transfer strategy?
• What are the features of transfer policy that have a greater impact on the financial success of football clubs than others?
• Do temporary and/or institutional features of the transfer market affect the effectiveness of certain elements of the strategy?
In order to identify the main practices and activities of clubs in the football transfer market, a review of the literature on football strategic management and assessment of transfer processes, as well as a qualitative analysis of the sports industry, was carried out. A suitable methodology was then developed, applied to the collected secondary transition data and statistical analysis was carried out to determine the relationship between the football clubs' strategies and key financial indicators.
The article is structured as follows. First of all, the specificity and uniqueness of financial processes in the modern market and the realities of management in the industry are analyzed. Secondly, scientific works that study the quantitative measurement of the quality of the club’s management activities are analyzed. Finally, the concept of determining the quality of a transfer strategy is described...
Football, one of the most popular sports in the world, is currently undergoing significant transformation, driven primarily by commercialization and digitalization. These factors are not only changing the game itself, but also creating new business models in the sports industry. Commercialization increases football's financial flows through marketing deals, television rights sales and merchandising, providing clubs with greater opportunities for economic growth and investment in talent and infrastructure. At the same time, digitalization enhances these opportunities by offering new ways to engage fans, such as virtual match tickets or interactive fan platforms, creating additional revenue streams.
On the other hand, the introduction of advanced technologies and analytics into the management of football clubs allows for more accurate analysis of player performance and team strategies. This leads to the formation of new methods for hedging risks and quantifying management decisions. Using data to assess risks, such as player injuries or financial investments, is becoming a key element of strategic planning. Quantitative analysis also helps in optimizing lineups and tactics, giving teams the best chance of success on and off the field.
The reform of football processes, driven by the need to adapt to modern market and technology requirements, has contributed to the intensification of scientific research in the area where data analysis, sports management and financial management intersect. These studies aim to make the management of football clubs more efficient and predictable. The scientific community pays considerable attention to studying ways to assess the effectiveness of players, analyzing the success of teams and the financial condition of clubs. These aspects are examined through the lens of available statistical data and analytical models to identify patterns and predict outcomes. The unification of clubs under the auspices of UEFA, which creates a platform for common interaction at the sports (continental cups) and financial (market) level, only strengthens the interest of clubs and researchers in finding the optimal formula for calculating key metrics of success in this sport.
However, despite the extensive amount of work in these areas, there is a significant gap in the study of strategies in the transfer market. A club's transfer policy is a critical element in football asset management as it not only reflects the current state and ambitions of the club, but also significantly shapes its future. Transfers affect both the internal processes of the club and its position in the market. In this context, the study of transfer strategies could offer new approaches to optimize management and financial strategies, helping clubs not only respond to changes in the sports industry, but also change the current market environment. Despite this, this area has not yet received adequate attention, remaining less researched and covered in the academic literature, highlighting the need for more in-depth and systematic analysis.
Many aspects of transfer policy in football clubs remain difficult to clearly understand and analyze, mainly due to the difficulties of assessing human capital. For example, investing in young talents does not always guarantee their development to the level of world stars, and large expenditures on acquiring star players do not necessarily lead to the formation of a strong, well- coordinated team. In addition, frequent roster changes do not always correlate with improved team results. This highlights that even experienced sports managers cannot always control and predict all the variables that influence success.
However, developing and implementing a strategically sound transfer policy can bring sustainable and significant benefits to the club. For example, an increase in transfers can increase brand awareness and attract new fans, which in turn strengthens the club's commercial position. Focusing on team rejuvenation makes players more liquid assets: they are easier to sell at a better price, develop more efficiently and optimize contract terms for the long term. In addition, active interaction with other clubs within the league, despite the risks associated with direct competition, can bring additional financial benefits. Ultimately, increasing the share of transfer costs in a club's budget can make it more flexible and adaptable to a changing sporting and economic landscape.
This study creates the basis for the development of a different approach to assessing transfer processes. Unlike previous studies that focused on market transactions from the perspective of assessing the subjects of these relationships, such as players and their parameters, this study makes a significant contribution to the development of the object-based approach. The new approach views the club not as a participant in individual transactions, but as an actor in complex actions that are consistent with the accepted internal policies, principles, philosophy and strategy of the club.
The traditional approach to assessing transfer processes focuses on the individual qualities of players, their market value and potential benefit to the team. However, the proposed object¬based approach changes the emphasis on the club as an integral structure, considering its actions and decisions in the context of the overall development strategy. This method allows for a better understanding of how clubs manage their resources and plan for the long term, taking into account not only current needs, but also future goals and ambitions.
Further expansion of this work into other markets and the identification of more specific approaches to transfers could be an important step towards developing a recommendation pool of actions applicable to specific clubs. Studying the variety of approaches and strategies used in different leagues and countries will provide a set of recommendations that can be adapted depending on the specifics of each club. This, in turn, will increase the efficiency of club management and improve their competitive position in the market...
On the other hand, the introduction of advanced technologies and analytics into the management of football clubs allows for more accurate analysis of player performance and team strategies. This leads to the formation of new methods for hedging risks and quantifying management decisions. Using data to assess risks, such as player injuries or financial investments, is becoming a key element of strategic planning. Quantitative analysis also helps in optimizing lineups and tactics, giving teams the best chance of success on and off the field.
The reform of football processes, driven by the need to adapt to modern market and technology requirements, has contributed to the intensification of scientific research in the area where data analysis, sports management and financial management intersect. These studies aim to make the management of football clubs more efficient and predictable. The scientific community pays considerable attention to studying ways to assess the effectiveness of players, analyzing the success of teams and the financial condition of clubs. These aspects are examined through the lens of available statistical data and analytical models to identify patterns and predict outcomes. The unification of clubs under the auspices of UEFA, which creates a platform for common interaction at the sports (continental cups) and financial (market) level, only strengthens the interest of clubs and researchers in finding the optimal formula for calculating key metrics of success in this sport.
However, despite the extensive amount of work in these areas, there is a significant gap in the study of strategies in the transfer market. A club's transfer policy is a critical element in football asset management as it not only reflects the current state and ambitions of the club, but also significantly shapes its future. Transfers affect both the internal processes of the club and its position in the market. In this context, the study of transfer strategies could offer new approaches to optimize management and financial strategies, helping clubs not only respond to changes in the sports industry, but also change the current market environment. Despite this, this area has not yet received adequate attention, remaining less researched and covered in the academic literature, highlighting the need for more in-depth and systematic analysis.
Many aspects of transfer policy in football clubs remain difficult to clearly understand and analyze, mainly due to the difficulties of assessing human capital. For example, investing in young talents does not always guarantee their development to the level of world stars, and large expenditures on acquiring star players do not necessarily lead to the formation of a strong, well- coordinated team. In addition, frequent roster changes do not always correlate with improved team results. This highlights that even experienced sports managers cannot always control and predict all the variables that influence success.
However, developing and implementing a strategically sound transfer policy can bring sustainable and significant benefits to the club. For example, an increase in transfers can increase brand awareness and attract new fans, which in turn strengthens the club's commercial position. Focusing on team rejuvenation makes players more liquid assets: they are easier to sell at a better price, develop more efficiently and optimize contract terms for the long term. In addition, active interaction with other clubs within the league, despite the risks associated with direct competition, can bring additional financial benefits. Ultimately, increasing the share of transfer costs in a club's budget can make it more flexible and adaptable to a changing sporting and economic landscape.
This study creates the basis for the development of a different approach to assessing transfer processes. Unlike previous studies that focused on market transactions from the perspective of assessing the subjects of these relationships, such as players and their parameters, this study makes a significant contribution to the development of the object-based approach. The new approach views the club not as a participant in individual transactions, but as an actor in complex actions that are consistent with the accepted internal policies, principles, philosophy and strategy of the club.
The traditional approach to assessing transfer processes focuses on the individual qualities of players, their market value and potential benefit to the team. However, the proposed object¬based approach changes the emphasis on the club as an integral structure, considering its actions and decisions in the context of the overall development strategy. This method allows for a better understanding of how clubs manage their resources and plan for the long term, taking into account not only current needs, but also future goals and ambitions.
Further expansion of this work into other markets and the identification of more specific approaches to transfers could be an important step towards developing a recommendation pool of actions applicable to specific clubs. Studying the variety of approaches and strategies used in different leagues and countries will provide a set of recommendations that can be adapted depending on the specifics of each club. This, in turn, will increase the efficiency of club management and improve their competitive position in the market...
