Multi-club ownership

Common card · No. 328136

In association football, multi-club ownership (MCO) is a business model in which a single individual or entity holds influence in two or more football clubs, or a club over one or more other clubs. There are multiple different criterion for what makes a club a member of an MCO, but most cover decisive control or influence over a clubs' shares, governance, and/or finances. Two of the largest are City Football Group and Red Bull GmbH, who control ten and nine clubs respectively. Since the 2000s, the structure has become increasingly common; there are an estimated 200–400 clubs involved in MCO networks, with the majority of clubs located in Europe and investment groups based in the United States. Across Europe, 17% of all top-division teams are involved in a multi-club network. Many sporting bodies regulate or prevent the practice, but there are concerns that current laws are growing insufficient, especially at an international level. Benefits include better player development and retention...

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