Football calls for ownership

Fiji Sports

Ownership call at district football in FijiDISTRICT football needs to adopt the ownership model to build a successful organization in the country.

It is the best way forward for the sport.

The setup will take time to get off the ground but it’s worth a try, says former Ba Football Association president Amzad
Sunny Khan.

In an exclusive Sportsone interview ahead of the 2024 Inter district championship, Khan said a private entity or an individual ownership would alleviate the financial stress facing the districts, run efficiently and be business-like.

“Financial independence is what the district needs, ownership model is the way,” said Khan, a Lautoka businessman.

“Much like the world over, where every football club is owned".

The model is characterized by centralized decision-making and management, with the owner or a small group of owners having the final say in the affairs of the organization.

Khan, under whose leadership Ba won the 2023 Inter District Championship said every district in the country lives off remittances, donors and sponsorship funds that don’t suffice the operating expenses.

“The districts are struggling financially, raising money through fundraisers, sponsors, handouts, beg and borrow. We live in the 21st century and districts raise funds through Barbeque (BBQ), raffles and liquor sales to facilitate the shortfall.”

With ownership, Khan believes districts would be better off, able to negotiate, trade, transfer and market their brand.

He said in the dynamic world of professional football, the ownership model plays a crucial role in its management, operations, and overall success.

“There are four well-marked management models in football: private ownership, partner ownership, mixed ownership, and public ownership.

Hall of Fame football administrator Bobby Tikaram couldn’t agree more with Khan, saying it’s doable but work on the ‘ownership’ model needs to start now.

“It’s not a dream but reality that is around the corner.”

“FFA is the governing body and whatever changes are made must be in line with the constitution. Since the International Clubs are owned by big business owners, it must already be enacted in the FIFA constitution, which should easily go through into the FFA Constitution.

Tikaram says the ownership idea is good for the greater good of the sport and something for the districts to consider.

“Through this framework, the district can identify areas for improvement, implement sustainable practices, and build a strong governance structure that aligns with the best interests of all stakeholders.”