Football Management & Finance Online Course 2025

Football Benchmark and Birkbeck, University of London present the second edition of the Football Management and Finance Course, featuring industry experts as new guest speakers.

Following the success of the inaugural edition, Football Benchmark and Birkbeck University of London are thrilled to announce the return of their special course on Football Management and Finance. This year's program, enhanced with new guest speakers, is designed to further elevate the financial and management expertise of professionals in the football industry while offering invaluable insights for newcomers.

As the football industry continues to evolve rapidly within the sports media and entertainment landscape, this course will once again explore the key elements that drive the economic success of football clubs. Topics include the basics of financial statements, historical trends and forecasts, an overview of financial control mechanisms and the transfer market, as well as emerging trends such as club valuations, youth football, and the growing impact of women's football.

Furthermore, this year's course introduces fresh perspectives from newly invited industry leaders, who will share their real-life experiences and provide practical insights. These guest speakers will complement each module's technical foundation with case studies and best practices, giving participants a comprehensive view of effective business models and future industry trends.

What is the course about?

The exclusive Football Management and Finance online course, offered by Birkbeck University of London in collaboration with Football Benchmark, delivers unparalleled insights into the evolving business aspects of football, equipping you with a forward-thinking perspective on the industry's future trends and strategies.

Who is it for?

Designed for both seasoned professionals and newcomers to the industry, this course combines academic excellence with real-world applications, featuring industry leaders as guest speakers. Through expert-led modules and cutting-edge case studies, you will gain the knowledge and tools to excel in the dynamic world of football business, from financial analytics to the latest industry trends.

Who are the lecturers and guest speakers?

This year's course introduces fresh perspectives from newly invited industry leaders, who will share their real-life experiences and provide practical insights. These guest speakers will complement each module's technical foundation with case studies and best practices, giving participants a comprehensive view of effective business models and future industry trends.

Guest speakers are set to include:

• Andrea Sartori , Founder & CEO, Football Benchmark
• Hugo HAMON , Head of Finance Strategy and Operations at the European Club Association (ECA)
• Yacine Sossé Alaoui , Director, Strategy & Development, OGC Nice
• Martyn Hawkins , Sports Business Consultant, Former Finance Director Manchester City/City Football Group
• Pedro Mil-Homens , Associate Director of the University of Lisbon, Former General Director of the Benfica Campus
• Francesca Whitfield , Director of Group Planning, Manchester United
• Pouya Yaghoubinia , Football Development Manager, European Club Association (ECA)
• Tommy Aylmer , Managing Director, Tifosy Capital & Advisory
• Dr Christina Philippou , Associate Professor in Accounting and Sport Finance, University of Portsmouth
• Pedro Iriondo , Director, Football Benchmark
• Simone Antonio Bonfiglio , Executive Director, Tifosy Capital & Advisory
• Matt Slater , Senior Football News Reporter at The Athletic
• Antonio Di Cianni , Head of Football Economics & Strategy, Football Benchmark

When will the course start and what are the exact sessions about?

The nine sessions of the short course will be delivered between 6.00 – 7.30pm UK time from Thursday 16 January until Thursday 13 March 2025 and will feature real-life case studies presented by prominent industry professionals joining as guest speakers.

What kind of certificate will the participants receive?

A Birkbeck certificate is awarded to each student in recognition of their outstanding attendance and participation in the Football Management and Finance short course. This certificate acknowledges their commitment to learning and their dedication to completing the course requirements.

Sean Hamil, Co-Director of the Birkbeck Sport Business, said: “This second edition of the Football Management and Finance program builds on last year’s success, providing students with cutting-edge financial analysis tools and practical knowledge to excel in the football industry. Our partnership with Football Benchmark ensures the curriculum remains relevant to today’s football businesses."

Andrea Sartori, Founder and CEO of Football Benchmark, remarked: "We are excited to return with an even stronger program this year. By incorporating new guest speakers and refining our curriculum based on feedback, we continue to provide participants with the most relevant and up-to-date insights into football management and finance. The collaboration with Birkbeck University once again allows us to share our extensive and hands-on expertise, ensuring attendees gain a deep understanding of both the fundamentals and the latest trends impacting the football business.”

Enroll now:

Football Management and Finance — Birkbeck, University of London

To discuss the programme in more detail please contact the course programme director, Dr Giambattista Rossi, at [email protected]