The Business of Football

Contact us: david@businessoffootballnetwork.co.uk
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In this episode of The Business of Football Network, David Chimbaza reflects on his experience covering Wales vs Spain at the UEFA Under-19 European Championships in Wales, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it was like to be inside the media environment at an international tournament for the very first time. From collecting accreditation and navigating the pre-match setup to observing the work of photographers, stewards and event staff, David shares the lessons, nerves and small mistakes that came with learning on the job, as well as the excitement of seeing a major UEFA event up close.
 
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He also explores what the experience taught him about event planning, media operations and the scale of organisation required to deliver a tournament of this level. David reflects on how UEFA’s branding, rehearsal processes and attention to detail create a world-class experience, while also highlighting how opportunities in football events, media and operations can begin on a much smaller scale before growing into something bigger. For anyone interested in careers behind the scenes, this episode offers a practical and honest insight into what it really takes to work at live football events.
Alongside the matchday recap, David talks about how the network is continuing to grow, why more behind-the-scenes content is on the way, and how the support of the audience has made it possible to access opportunities like this in the first place. With more interviews, more coverage and more analysis coming soon, this episode is both a reflection on an incredible first experience and a step forward in The Business of Football Network’s journey into live event storytelling.
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 special on-the-ground recap from the UEFA U19 Euros in Wales, David Chimbaza shares his first day behind the scenes at the Racecourse Ground as media for The Business of Football Network. From collecting accreditation and navigating pre-match operations to capturing the atmosphere around the stadium, this episode gives listeners a real glimpse into what it takes to cover an international tournament from the inside.
David reflects on the experience of working in a new environment, the lessons learned from being in media rather than stewarding, and the small mistakes that come with doing something for the first time — including one early bib-related mix-up he won’t be repeating. He also looks ahead to the next matches, where the focus will shift even more toward player content, behind-the-scenes coverage and building out the network’s tournament coverage in real time.
With Spain running out 7-0 winners over Wales on day one, this episode combines matchday reaction, event access and a growing ambition to bring more live football content to the audience. It’s another step forward for The Business of Football Network as it continues to expand beyond interviews and analysis into full event coverage and storytelling from the ground.

In this episode of The Business of Football, we unpack why the World Cup is capturing attention in a way the domestic game often struggles to, from standout performances by Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland to the wider debate around entertainment, business and football’s future. We also dig into the frustration surrounding VAR in the Premier League, asking why the technology still slows the game down and what that means for the viewing experience.
Alongside the footballing discussion, we share an exciting update on our own journey as we head to the UEFA Under-19 Euros in Wales with media accreditation, ready to capture behind-the-scenes content, interviews and on-the-ground insights. This episode is also a reflection on content, patience and growth, as we continue expanding what The Business of Football can offer across podcast, video and live event coverage.
A few alternative title options:
Messi, Mbappé, Haaland and the Business of the World Cup
VAR Is Killing the Product: Football, Business & Entertainment
Inside the World Cup Hype and the Future of Football Content
Why Football Needs Better Content, Better Events and Better VAR
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ACCESS OUR FREE FOOTBALL NETWORKING GUIDE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSffMip0TFkgJOoo9ptbH9uZ67fTWvFai57QPBOy07J7D80J8A/viewform OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/
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 episode, UCFB student and The Business of Football Network interviewer Taylor Denton sits down with Soccerex marketing executive Joshua Keyes to talk about breaking into the football industry while balancing study, work, and networking. Joshua shares how he got started, what drew him to the business side of football, and what it’s really like working across events, consultancy, and football business media. From his role at Soccerex to his experiences with Football Business Black Book and Football Business Television, Joshua gives a real insight into the opportunities, challenges, and relationships that are shaping his journey in the game. The Business of Football is a premium media platform dedicated to telling the real stories behind the global game. We speak with the biggest names in football, as well as the leaders, operators, innovators, and decision makers working behind the scenes on and off the pitch, to uncover the ideas, experiences, and business lessons shaping the sport today. Through in depth conversations, sharp analysis, and a growing library of content, we bring audiences closer to the people and projects driving football forward. From weekly podcasts and daily articles to interviews, features, and insight led storytelling, we cover the business of football from every angle, connecting the world of the game with the world of business.

In this week’s episode of The Business of Football Podcast, David Chimbaza explores one of the biggest questions in the game and asks whether the World Cup really benefits the countries that take part in it. With the tournament in full swing, and England playing on the same day, David breaks down the economics, the culture, and the long term impact of football’s biggest stage. From FIFA prize money and commercial exposure to tourism, grassroots development, and national pride, this episode looks beyond the headlines to examine what the World Cup actually means for the countries involved, both on and off the pitch.
David also reflects on the wider debate around the 48 team format, the impact of major tournaments on smaller nations, and the way football can inspire the next generation through visibility, representation, and success. He considers how countries such as Morocco, Croatia, South Korea, Iceland, and others have used major tournaments to build recognition, momentum, and footballing progress, while also questioning whether the financial and sporting benefits are always as significant as they are made out to be. This is a thoughtful, opinion led episode that blends football culture, business, economics, and personal perspective in a way that speaks directly to fans and industry followers alike.
Hosted by entrepreneur David Chimbaza, founder of The Business of Football Network, the podcast continues to grow as a platform dedicated to exploring the people, ideas, and forces shaping the modern game. David has built the network from the ground up with a clear mission to bring insight into the football industry through weekly podcasts, daily articles, interviews, and wider content that covers both the business side of the game and the human stories behind it. As someone who has sat down with some of the most established voices in sport and continues to develop his own leadership journey through student consultancy, the FA’s Leadership Academy, and his work across football media, David brings a unique and ambitious perspective to every episode. The Business of Football Podcast is where football conversation meets business insight, and where the game is examined with honesty, curiosity, and depth.

It’s opening night of the FIFA World Cup, and The Business of Football is kicking off the tournament with our official predictions episode hosted by David Chimbaza. In this video, David gives his full take on the competition ahead, breaking down who he thinks will win the tournament, which teams could cause major shocks, what the game of the tournament might be, and the key storylines to watch as the World Cup gets underway with Mexico vs South Africa. THE LATEST E-BOOK BY BUSINESS LEADERS IN FOOTBALL: https://amzn.eu/d/0btrliBv This episode is a mix of opinion, analysis, and pure football excitement as we look ahead to what should be one of the biggest tournaments in the world. From early favourites to dark horses, surprise results, and the matches that could define the event, this is our chance to put our predictions on record before the first whistle has even blown. JOIN OUR FREE NETWORKING GUIDE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSffMip0TFkgJOoo9ptbH9uZ67fTWvFai57QPBOy07J7D80J8A/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=101118948474912953943 If you are following the World Cup closely, love tournament predictions, or just want to hear the business of football take on the biggest stage in the game, this episode is for you. Join us for our official World Cup predictions as we react to opening night and set the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable tournament. Make sure to like, subscribe, and follow The Business of Football for more World Cup covera

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In this week’s episode of The Business of Football Podcast, David Chimbaza takes listeners inside his recent visit to the InScout Innovators Forum in Middlesbrough, sharing a detailed reflection on a day packed with insight, conversation, and real world football business learning. From player care and safeguarding to scouting, women’s football, non league leadership, community foundations, post career support, medical innovation, and agency work, David breaks down the key takeaways from every speaker and explains why events like this matter so much for anyone looking to build a career in football. This episode is a reminder that the game is shaped not just by what happens on the pitch, but by the people, organisations, and ideas working behind the scenes to support players, clubs, and communities.
 
Hosted by business entrepreneur David Chimbaza, The Business of Football Podcast has become a growing platform for honest conversations about the football industry, leadership, and career pathways in the game. David has sat down with some of the most established voices in sport, building a platform that explores both the business of football and the personal journeys behind it. Alongside running his own platform, David also manages a student leadership consultancy and is part of the FA’s Leadership Academy, giving him a unique perspective on leadership, development, and the opportunities that exist across the football landscape. Through weekly podcasts, articles, and wider content, The Business of Football Network continues to shine a light on the leaders on and off the pitch who are shaping the future of the game.

n this week’s episode of The Business of Football Podcast, David sits down with Jamie Khan, co author of How to Become a Football Agent, to explore the journey behind building a career in football and sport. Jamie has already achieved a huge amount in a relatively short time, including being recognised in the sports industry’s 30 Under 30, and in this conversation he opens up about how it all started during lockdown, when he realised the path he was on was not the one he wanted to follow. What followed was a period of reflection, networking, and action that ultimately led him into the football industry.
Jamie shares how one opportunity led to another, beginning with Dr Erkut Sogut, where a simple message offering value turned into writing blogs, books, and building a long term working relationship. That story sits at the heart of the episode because it shows exactly what Jamie believes in, adding value first, being useful, and making it easy for people to say yes to you. He also talks honestly about trying different areas of the industry, from agency work to sports law, player care, commercial work, and more, before discovering that the commercial side was where he felt most at home.
The conversation also touches on the realities of balancing multiple projects, the pressure of studying while working, the importance of mentors, and the lessons that come from not being perfect at everything straight away. Jamie reflects on how much the industry has changed, from agent regulations to the growing influence of AI, and shares his long term ambition to make an impact within a governing body and help grow a sport he has always loved. This is a brilliant episode for anyone trying to understand how to build a career in football by staying open minded, working hard, and finding ways to genuinely contribute.
 
“It’s a community that’s much bigger than we thought.” “A sports club is basically a business.” “If we can even save one team from folding, that would make my day.” ACCESS 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: HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch 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.
 

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In this very special episode of The Business of Football Podcast, David shares an exciting milestone for The Business of Football Network as we launch our very first book, Breaking Into the Professional World of Football Business, by the Professionals. This episode is a deep dive into why the book was created, what inspired it, and how it brings together some of the most important lessons from the conversations we have had on the platform so far. Rather than telling people what to do, the book is designed to reflect on real stories, real journeys, and real insights from professionals across the football industry, giving readers the chance to interpret the lessons in a way that feels relevant to their own path.
David explains that the book has been built around key themes such as application, networking, sacrifice, taking risks, and advice to aspiring professionals. He reflects on the fact that there is no single route into football, and that every guest has brought a different perspective, a different background, and a different way of reaching their position. That is exactly what makes this project so valuable. It is not about one blueprint or one perfect answer. It is about showing that there are many different ways to break into the industry and that people can take what resonates with them to form their own journey.
This episode also highlights the importance of learning in different formats, whether that is through podcasts, books, or conversations with people in the industry. David shares how much effort has gone into collecting the most insightful moments from past episodes and turning them into something that listeners can go back to whenever they need inspiration or clarity. He also makes it clear that this is only the beginning, and that feedback from the audience will help shape future editions, future content, and future projects from The Business of Football Network.
If you have ever wanted a more honest and accessible look at how people really get into football business, this is the episode for you. It is a celebration of growth, reflection, and the power of sharing knowledge, and it marks an exciting new chapter for the network and everyone who has supported it along the way.
 
You can reach us david@businessoffootballnetwork.co.uk
OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: LinkedIn:   / david-chimbaza-   Instagram:   / thebusinessoffootballpodcast   Tik Tok :   / businessoffootball  
 
HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch 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.

David Chimbaza digs into the business side of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to ask a simple but shocking question: could qualifying for the tournament actually cost some national teams money? A month out from kick-off, David walks listeners through prize funds, daily allowances, travel and tax headaches, and why a bigger, multi-country World Cup may squeeze already-tight national association budgets.
Drawing on reporting from PA, The Guardian and Reuters, he explains how FIFA’s $727M prize pool, reduced daily allowances, and the tournament’s US–Canada–Mexico footprint create extra costs that aren’t covered by headline figures. He also explores the knock-on effects — from player bonuses and operational bills to potential cuts in grassroots investment — and argues who should be bearing the extra cost as FIFA projects record revenues for the cycle.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Bigger tournament scale = bigger costs: travel, hotels and cross-border logistics raise bills well beyond Qatar 2022.
Prize money and daily allowances aren’t necessarily offsetting extra expenses for some associations.
Tax exposure varies by venue (state/local rules in the US), creating a “venue lottery” for teams’ net receipts.
Reduced net revenue for FAs can mean fewer funds for grassroots development and domestic programmes.
There are hard choices ahead: cut player bonuses, seek tax relief, or ask FIFA to provide more support.