The Complex Club-Fan Relationship: A Glimpse into Stakeholders’ Experience With the Aggressive Interventions of Fans

Felix Lebed, Sima Zach, Elia Morgulev, Dita Fischl

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study aims to understand the club-fan relationship from the standpoint of club owners, CEOs, and head coaches (i.e., managers). Eight in-depth interviews were conducted with prominent figures from professional football and basketball in Israel. The current findings indicate that while clubs need the support of their fans, they often find themselves struggling with their aggressive behavior and demands to influence the club’s decision-making processes. First, this qualitative research provides an important insight into the unique experience of pivotal decision-makers in professional sports. Second, we apply the complexity lens to discuss the challenges faced by such stakeholders when trying to manage fans’ disruptive interventions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)15-27
Number of pages13
JournalPhysical Culture and Sport, Studies and Research
Volume103
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jun 2024
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • complexity
  • management
  • sports club
  • sports fans
  • team sports

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cultural Studies
  • Education
  • Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Management

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The Complex Club-Fan Relationship: A Glimpse into Stakeholders’ Experience With the Aggressive Interventions of Fans'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this