By Andrew Warshaw
March 5 – The latest managerial sacking by Chelsea’s Russian owner Roman Abramovich (pictured) has been put into stark perspective by a new report showing fans are generally against having foreigners in charge of their clubs.
André Villas-Boas, brought in to rebuild, lasted a mere nine months in the Chelsea hot seat and his exit, widely reported to be partially as a result of player power, means Abramovich is now searching for his eighth manager in nine years.
The latest sacking has been described as “a serious embarrassment” by Richard Bevan, boss of England’s League Managers’ Association, and, according to a survey conducted by Havas Sports & Entertainment, most European sports fans believe foreign owners “do not have the best interests of their club at heart”.
In the survey, sports fans ranked the “match day experience” lowest in a list of club owners’ priorities behind selling merchandise, maximising ticket sales, signing sponsors and winning games.
Altogether, 63.3 per cent of those questioned said they “don’t want foreign owners in their domestic league”, with more than half worried that clubs would be left “in turmoil” when foreign owners have had enough and decide to quit.
The research was carried out with 3,500 sports fans across seven European markets – France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom.
The findings, along with other topics affecting the sports industry, will be discussed at this week’s Global Sports Forum in Barcelona.
Lucien Boyer (pictured), global President and chief executive of Havas Sports & Entertainment and general commissioner of the Global Sports Forum Barcelona, said the statistics proved that fans were being short-changed.
“Technology and globalisation have helped more sports clubs reach a wider fan base, but all club owners must not forget their regular and dedicated fan base, who deserve the best possible match day experience,” he said.
“A club’s most committed and passionate supporters are an integral part of its identity and can be one of the main reasons why a club can gain global appeal.
“Owners, whilst focussing on the team’s development on the pitch and commercial potential off it, must remember to keep its loyal fan base happy and work with them to grow the club.
“It’s a crucial time for owners to balance the imperative for results with its relationship with fans and the long-term sustainability of its club.”
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