The Business of Football

In this special on-location episode of The Business of Football Network, David Chimbaza travels to Madrid for the first international event covered by the network: the 2026 World Football Summit. From the venue in La Nave, David brings listeners behind the scenes of a major global football business conference, reflecting on the atmosphere, the people attending and the opportunity to connect with leaders from across the industry.
Throughout day one, David explores the importance of networking, collaboration and learning directly from people working across football, technology, finance, media and participation sport. He discusses sessions from JP Morgan on the transformation and financing of football, conversations with Skills Lab around immersive technology, and the growing importance of data, artificial intelligence and digital systems in helping clubs, leagues and organisations become more efficient and future-focused.
David also reflects on what it feels like to attend an international conference alone, film in public and represent the network abroad for the first time. He shares the challenges of navigating a large, multilingual event while trying to capture interviews, attend talks, meet delegates and understand different perspectives from Europe, the United States, the Middle East and beyond.
With insights into the Saudi Pro League, Wrexham, La Liga, global sponsorship, storytelling and the changing business of football, this episode captures the energy of the World Football Summit and the value of being present in the room where important industry conversations are taking place. It is a personal reflection on growth, confidence and the importance of putting yourself forward in football, while offering listeners a glimpse into the first day of the network’s international event coverage.

In this episode of The Business of Football, David Chimbaza sits down with John Gillespie, CEO of Power League, to explore the turnaround of one of the UK’s largest small-sided sports operators. John shares how he joined the business in 2018 as Chief Operating Officer when pitch quality, infrastructure and customer experience had deteriorated, and how a renewed focus on reinvestment, listening to colleagues and putting customers back at the heart of the operation helped transform utilisation, brand partnerships and overall performance. The conversation covers the shift from a top-down to a bottom-up operating model, the introduction of Power Pitch Plus surfaces and LED lighting across the estate, and the strategic move from being a five-a-side football business to a multi-sport community hub offering padel, cricket, basketball, 3x3 and darts. John explains how this diversification is attracting new demographics, including more women, girls and families, while maintaining the same core principles of quality, accessibility and social belonging that have always driven participation. John also reflects on his own journey from retail into sport, the differences between marketing a physical product and marketing an experience, and how redefining commercial partnerships around mutual value has led to long-term deals with brands like Heineken, Coca-Cola, Lucazade and Nike. He discusses the leadership transition after the business was acquired by Broad Solve Investment Management, the challenges of scaling a community-first model, and why the people on the ground, not just the facilities are what make Power League successful. This episode offers practical insight into operational turnarounds, community sport strategy, multi-sport diversification and the human side of leading a participation-focused business in the modern football and leisure landscape

In this honest, behind-the-scenes episode of The Business of Football, David Chimbaza opens up about the real struggles of building a media platform in the football industry. Recorded during a hectic week, this solo reflection dives into the challenges of staying consistent, managing burnout, and balancing passion with the demands of running a business  from researching complex stories like the FIFA governance crisis to producing articles, podcasts and social content while still trying to grow the network. 
David shares how working in football doesn’t always feel like being a fan anymore, and how the shift from consuming the game for enjoyment to analysing it for content can be emotionally taxing. He talks about the non-stop nature of the football calendar, the pressure to keep up with rapid industry changes, and the reality that even after securing high-profile interviews and partnerships (with representatives from Manchester City, UEFA, the FA, PFA and more), doors still open incredibly slowly and rejection remains a constant part of the journey. 
The episode also explores the importance of recognising small wins, staying humble through setbacks, and maintaining belief in your vision even when progress feels invisible. David reflects on how the network has grown compared to previous years, why the podcast frequency has dipped as he focuses on building the wider business, and why he remains committed to delivering the best possible value to the audience. This is a must-listen for anyone aspiring to work in football, start their own platform or understand the human side of breaking into the industry. 
 
Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launching his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetise & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience. Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry.
 
 
 

In this deep-dive analysis episode of The Business and Football Network, David Chimbaza explores how football leadership has evolved over the last 10–15 years, moving from the traditional “manager-centric” model to a more sophisticated, multi-layered executive structure. The episode examines how the role of the manager has changed, why sporting directors and CEOs now hold greater authority, and what this shift means for the future of club operations, recruitment and long-term strategy.
David draws on Gareth Southgate’s recent comments about the erosion of managerial authority, using Manchester United as a central case study to show how the post-Ferguson era has seen nearly £100 million spent on managerial and executive compensation since 2013. He contrasts this with clubs like Brighton and Brentford, whose success is built on strong infrastructure, recruitment systems and organisational culture rather than reliance on a single high-profile manager.
The conversation also looks at the rise of the sporting director as a central decision-maker, the tension between short-term fan expectations and long-term squad building, and how ownership models (from FSG to Clearlake to INEOS) have become more visible and influential in day-to-day football decisions. David reflects on what the Manchester City transition from Guardiola to Maresca might reveal about succession planning, and whether modern clubs have learned from United’s instability to build structures that protect both the organisation and the head coach.
HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launching his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetise & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience. Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry.

In this deep-dive analysis episode of The Business of Football, David Chimbaza breaks down the governance crisis unfolding at FIFA in the wake of the 2026 World Cup. The episode focuses on the fallout from Gianni Infantino’s controversial proposal to create FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a new commercial subsidiary that would have sold a minority stake in World Cup rights to private investors in a deal reportedly worth up to $4.2 billion. David explains how the plan triggered immediate backlash from UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation, who accused FIFA of poor governance, lack of transparency and attempting to push through major commercial changes without proper consultation. The controversy escalated into threats of boycotts across FIFA tournaments, including the Women’s World Cup and youth competitions, and led to calls for Infantino’s resignation as trust in FIFA’s leadership collapsed. The episode also explores the wider implications for football: what the dispute reveals about power dynamics between FIFA and the confederations, how governance failures at the top affect clubs, sponsors, broadcasters and fans, and whether the sport could face a structural split if alternative competitions are pursued. David examines Infantino’s position ahead of the 2027 presidential election, the role of political backing (including public support from Donald Trump), and why restoring transparency and accountability may be more important than any single investment proposal. **This is a must-listen for anyone working in or studying football business, governance, law, commercial strategy or event operations, offering a clear breakdown of one of the most significant off-pitch stories shaping the future of the global game. Our sources: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7505310/2026/08/11/gianni-infantino-fifa-trump-post/ https://offthepitch.com/a/wednesday-briefing-infantino-backs-64-team-world-cup-plan-trump-offers-public-support https://offthepitch.com/a/friday-briefing-uefa-hold-fifa-boycott-infantino-apology-falls-short https://offthepitch.com/a/monday-briefing-infantino-sought-bypass-fifa-council-five-person-approval-investment-plan https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7503475/2026/08/10/gianni-infantino-fifa-resign-uefa-concacaf/

In this special guest episode of The Business and Football Network, David Chimbaza sits down with Daniel Mayhew, Career Progression Manager at the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), to explore education, career development and life after professional football. With previous experience at the Global Institute of Sport and UCFB, Daniel shares his insight into supporting footballers, students and practitioners as they plan their next steps within the sports industry. paste.txt
Daniel explains how the PFA Business School supports players at every stage of their journey, from academy scholars and current professionals to recently retired players and those who have been away from the game for several years. He discusses the realities of transition, the uncertainty that can follow the end of a playing contract or career, and how education can help players develop confidence, identify new opportunities and prepare for life beyond the pitch. paste.txt
The conversation also explores the transferable skills that footballers often fail to recognise in themselves, including leadership, communication, negotiation, influencing, creativity, discipline and teamwork. Daniel explains how these abilities can be connected to roles such as sporting director, coach, scout or other careers in football, while highlighting the importance of building and activating professional networks in an industry where many opportunities are never publicly advertised. paste.txt
David and Daniel also compare the experiences of professional players and sports students, discuss how career coaching and teaching methods have evolved, and examine the value of learning directly from people who are currently working in the industry. This episode offers practical advice and an honest look at how education, self-awareness and networking can help footballers and aspiring professionals build successful careers both within and beyond the game.

In this episode of The Business of Football Network, David Chimbaza reflects on attending the ElevateHER Football conference at UA92, a two-day event focused on women’s football and leadership. Rather than being a passive sit-and-listen conference, Elevate pushed delegates to discuss, collaborate and challenge one another, creating an environment that encouraged real engagement, personal growth and new ideas.
 
OUR FREE FOOTBALL NETWORKING GUIDE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSffMip0TFkgJOoo9ptbH9uZ67fTWvFai57QPBOy07J7D80J8A/viewform? usp=sharing&ouid=101118948474912953943 OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/ ⁨@businessoffootball⁩  Youtube:
David shares how the conference challenged him to step outside his comfort zone, from taking part in exercises on personal branding and origin stories to reflecting on the value of authentic introductions and stronger networking. He highlights the impact of Chris Mumford’s session, which encouraged attendees to think differently about how they present themselves, and how a simple but effective CV workshop helped make conversations more meaningful and practical.
Alongside his reflections on the event itself, David also talks about the broader mission of the network: showing up not just online, but in real-world spaces, conferences and events where football business conversations actually happen. This episode captures both the learning experience and the ambition behind the platform, as well as the importance of collaboration, confidence and continuous development in the football industry.
HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launching his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetise & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience. Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry.

In this deep-dive episode of The Business of Football, David Chimbaza explores whether the financial gap in football is still widening and what that means for the future of the sport. Recorded during the summer 2026 transfer window, the episode examines how record-breaking fees, PSR rules and commercial revenue are reshaping the balance of power between elite clubs and the rest of the pyramid.
David draws on the Deloitte Football Money League to show how the top 20 clubs generated €11.2 billion in revenue in 2023–24, with commercial income now the largest revenue stream at 44%. He highlights how big clubs leverage broadcast deals, global branding and multi-use stadiums to grow faster, while smaller clubs face rising costs, travel burdens and pressure to sell players to stay compliant. customchangingrooms+1
The conversation also looks at competitive balance in the Premier League compared to La Liga and the Bundesliga, the role of governing bodies in shaping (or failing to shape) financial fairness, and whether the gap is now a permanent feature of modern football. David closes by asking listeners where they think the trend is heading and whether there is any realistic path back to a more level playing field.

ASHINGTON AFC BBC Documentary: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002ypk3
 
In this episode of The Business of Football, David Chimbaza sits down with Nicola Sanders Cooper, the chair of Ashington AFC, to explore what it really takes to help run one of Northumberland’s oldest football clubs. Ashington AFC was formed in 1883, is closely tied to the town’s football heritage, and sits at the heart of its community, making this a conversation about much more than football on the pitch. 
Nicola shares how she moved into the role through her work on the board, initially supporting commercial growth and sponsorship before stepping up as chair, and she reflects on the reality of leading a step four non-league club with a volunteer-driven structure. She discusses the financial pressure of running the club, the challenge of long away travel across the Northern Premier League East Division, and why sustainability matters as much as results.
The conversation also looks at the wider impact Ashington AFC has beyond matchday, including its community role, volunteer base, and the importance of raising awareness for the work done behind the scenes. Nicola explains how the club uses football to support local people, from mental health initiatives to food bank collections, and why the documentary about the club has helped increase awareness, attract sponsorship, and encourage more people to get involved. 
This episode is a thoughtful look at non-league football, community leadership and the hidden work that keeps a historic club alive. It’s a must-listen for anyone interested in football operations, grassroots sport, or the people working quietly to protect the future of their club.

In this special wrap-up episode of The Business of Football Network, David Chimbaza reflects on his experience attending the UEFA Under-19 European Championships final between Germany and Spain at the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham, Wales.
 
OUR FREE FOOTBALL NETWORKING GUIDE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSffMip0TFkgJOoo9ptbH9uZ67fTWvFai57QPBOy07J7D80J8A/viewform?
usp=sharing&ouid=101118948474912953943
OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/ ⁨@businessoffootball⁩  Youtube:
 
 
Filmed on the pitch and in the photo areas during the trophy presentation, national anthems and pre-match rituals, this episode captures what it was like to be embedded in the environment of a major UEFA tournament as a media representative for the network.
Alongside pitch-side reflections, David shares key insights from the tournament’s organisation, how UEFA and the Football Association of Wales worked together to deliver a seamless event, and what he learned about operational efficiency, organisational culture and the sheer amount of behind-the-scenes work that goes into every match day. He speaks openly about the challenges and lessons from this first tournament coverage, his approach to continuous improvement, and how the network is evolving its content, production and delivery based on real event experience.
David also explores the broader impact of the tournament for North Wales, the clubs and communities involved, and the opportunities it created for players, coaches, volunteers and aspiring professionals to see how international football events are run from the inside. Grateful to UEFA, the Football Association of Wales and his audience, this episode marks both a celebration of what was achieved and a clear ambition to make the next tournament even stronger, more professional and more valuable for everyone following The Business of Football Network’s journey into live football content.