Staying on the theme of democratic soccer ownership, MyFootballClub, the community Web site that aimed to take over a soccer club and let fans decide on everything (we’ll explain), on Monday announced that it had successfully taken over its first team, Ebbsfleet United of the Blue Square League. The project’s 20,000 members have each paid $70 to finance the $1.4 million takeover. Members will own an equal share in the club, and will vote on everything from player selection to transfers and management personnel.
This is a first in many respects. In Brazil and Spain, fans of certain teams can vote on their club’s president, but handing over this degree of control — such as allowing fans to vote on a starting eleven — is a first in world soccer. The deal is still pending regulatory approval, but if the move passes, MyFootballClub.com will own a 51 percent controlling stake in Ebbsfleet, and have the option to buy the club outright in the near future.
Ebbsfleet’s management will stay in place. Manager Liam Daish, whose role would be reduced to “head coach” if the takeover is approved, said he was happy to have fan input on team matters. “Picking 11 players and formations isn’t a precise science and luck often plays its part,” he said. “During and after matches, Ebbsfleet supporters often give me their opinion on which players should or shouldn’t start games. Now they can have their say.”