Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has suggested that Chelsea’s BlueCo multi-club ownership model could see cracks starting to form if Strasbourg fans become unhappy with their treatment.
Multi-club models are starting to become the norm in the footballing world nowadays, with various big teams looking to create a network of smaller clubs to bounce off and use to their advantage.
Chelsea are the flagship club in their own multi-club ownership model, which currently exists with Strasbourg, and there has been speculation that they would ideally like to grow that.
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TBR Football revealed that Manchester City have been tipped to add another club to their model, but if the Blues want to follow suit then they might have to try and appease Strasbourg.
Todd Boehly looks on during a Premier League clash between Chelsea and Fulham
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Kieran Maguire on Chelsea’s multi-club ownership model frustrating Strasbourg fans
Speaking to Beyond The Back Four, football finance expert Kieran Maguire sat down with Graeme Bailey to discuss the multi-club ownership model, and how the Strasbourg fanbase view it.
He said: “The fans in Strasbourg don’t necessarily object to being part of a multi-club model, but they do object to being treated as second-class citizens.
“We’ve seen that as far as the recruitment strategy is concerned, Strasbourg has been used as a convenience.
“That’s what’s happened to Strasbourg, they have benefited from being able to recruit players from Chelsea, but are seen to be a holding area.
“You take a look at Enciso going to Strasbourg from Brighton because Chelsea couldn’t afford to sign a player, and then in due course, that player will move on to join Chelsea.
“I think that’s indicative of how Chelsea see things. Chelsea have got no interest in Strasbourg’s welfare, or at least Todd Boehly has got no interest in Strasbourg’s welfare.”
The model is currently being used to benefit Chelsea in the long term, and while that might be something Strasbourg fans are aware of, there are concerns that supporters could eventually turn on that.
“It’s all about what’s best for the host club, and therefore from a fan perspective, you feel that your identity as a Strasbourg fan, as a proud Strasbourg fan, is being compromised, and you’re just being used as a vehicle to benefit another club.
“If that psyche continues to exist, I expect to see further style of objections. We saw when the City football group tried to buy Breda in the Netherlands, that the fans objected very significantly, and that deal collapsed.
“It’s noticeable that there are very few MCOs involving German clubs, potentially due to the 50+1 model, but also because owners are fearful of the reaction of German fans who tend to be very organised and militant when it comes to the welfare of their clubs.”
Chelsea have looked to strengthen Strasbourg’s squad in recent years
While the current model is something that appears to be focused on benefiting Chelsea, the Blues have looked to strengthen the Ligue 1 side in the process.
Last season Djordje Petrovic was sent to Strasbourg on loan, and he ended up being named the Player of the Year, clearly making a positive impact for them.
This summer Ben Chilwell was sold to Strasbourg, giving the French outfit a Champions League-winning defender, proving that the multi-club ownership can work both ways.
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Do you like multi-club ownership models in football?
Is that enough to make the multi-club ownership worthwhile? That would depend on who you ask, as Chelsea fans will likely see the potential benefits, while Strasbourg supporters may feel that their club’s progress is being hindered in the long term.
Ultimately, it’s something that is going to continue happening while the powers that be are pleased with the results, and that is