The Price of Football: Understanding Football Club Finance

In an era where football clubs are as much about balance sheets as they are about match sheets, Kieran Maguire's "The Price of Football" emerges as an indispensable guide to understanding the complex financial machinery that powers the beautiful game. This third edition arrives at a crucial moment, as the sport grapples with financial fair play regulations, controversial ownership models, and the aftermath of several club bankruptcies.
Maguire, a respected academic from the University of Liverpool Management School, possesses a rare talent for translating complex financial concepts into digestible insights. His approach is methodical yet engaging, breaking down intricate topics like amortization of transfer fees and salary caps into comprehensible chunks that both students and passionate fans can grasp. The book's strength lies in its ability to demystify club accounts without oversimplifying the underlying complexities.
The updated edition proves particularly timely, incorporating recent seismic events in football finance. From the fallout of failed European Super League attempts to the latest regulatory breaches by Premier League clubs, Maguire provides clear-eyed analysis of how money shapes modern football. His examination of ownership changes and financial irregularities serves as both a historical record and a warning about the sport's future direction.
Perhaps most valuable is Maguire's exploration of the growing divide between football's haves and have-nots. Through careful analysis of club accounts and regulatory frameworks, he illustrates how current financial structures often reinforce existing hierarchies while making it increasingly difficult for smaller clubs to compete. The book doesn't just identify problems; it also explores potential solutions, including fan ownership models and more equitable distribution of broadcasting revenues.
While the subject matter could easily become dry, Maguire's passion for football shines through, making this book as engaging as it is informative. His use of real-world examples and case studies helps readers connect financial theories to the clubs they support. The result is a work that serves both as a practical guide for industry professionals and an enlightening read for concerned supporters.
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Publisher: Visit Agenda Publishing
Published: March 27, 2025
Price: £16.99
Paperback: 256 pages
ISBN-10: 1788216830
ISBN-13: 978-1836801535
Dimensions: 171 x 241 (mm)