By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich
October 18 – Whenever Umberto Gandini holds court on the business of football, his audience invariably sits up and takes note.
The AC Milan operations director, one of the most recognisable and influential figures in the corridors of European football who has been at the forefront of efforts to give the clubs more say in the way the game is run, rarely minces his words.
This makes Gandini’s appearance at the International Football Arena (IFA) conference on November 7 essential viewing for delegates.
The media-friendly Gandini, a prominent voice within the European Club Association, has been around long enough to know that major changes in the game do nothappen overnight.
Nor does he back down easily over issues he feels need to be aired, especially when it comes to club versus country.
So whilst he may not deliver any fireworks in Zurich, he is bound to provide unique insight into what works and what does not when it comes to individual European leagues.
Gandini, who has a strong career background in broadcasting rights and knows just about everyone worth knowing in the business of football, is looking forward to sharing his views with his colleagues on the platform as well as the audience.
“We will talk about the real stories behind what’s going on at the moment,” he says.
“Sharing broadcasting revenues is a hot topic right now.
“I’ll put forward my knowledge and expertise and see what feedback I get.”
Gandini, 51, is one of those who believes selling individual television rights is perfectly acceptable, in fact preferable – depending, crucially, on the footballing traditions of a particular country.
Italy and Spain, he points out, have a different mentality to, say, England.
The recent declarations by Liverpool manager director Ian Ayre are not lost on him.
“Liverpool are experiencing the same struggles many top clubs are experiencing, like some of us in Italy,” said Gandini.
“But if you sign an agreement and accept certain regulations, you can voice your discontent but you will always be in a minority.”
Gandini, given his profile and breadth of knowledge, understandably gets invited to a string of football conferences and talk shops.
He likes the IFA because of its special nature and what it stands for.
“I went to the first one and I found the format fascinating, being in front of a select audience where I could freely express my opinion,” he said.
“I like to be portrayed as a person who has independence, not necessarily linked to the responsibilities of my own club.
“I’m not an owner and I’m not a chairman.
“I’d like to think looking at the broader picture gives me credibility.”
IFA Zurich 2011 takes place on November 7th and 8th at the Dolder Grand Hotel, Zurich.
To find out how to attend please click here.
Contact the writer of this story at zib.l1734840479labto1734840479ofdlr1734840479owedi1734840479sni@w1734840479ahsra1734840479w.wer1734840479dna1734840479
Related stories
October 2011: Don’t miss out on all there is to know in the world of football at this year’s IFA conference