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September 01, 2026

Football fandom: Community or commodity?

Youtube video

Twenty years ago, the football club you followed usually offered insight into where you came from. Today, Manchester United trades on the New York Stock Exchange and counts its followers in the hundreds of millions, most of them Asian and African nationals. Still, they cry when United loses. They fight in the comment sections. The sense of belonging is real—but what exactly do these fans belong to? 

Some argue that the new money behind football clubs—private equity firms, sovereign wealth funds, and multi-club investment groups—means a better and more global game. But how does it affect fan identity and loyalty? This town hall, in partnership with the Qatar, Canada and Mexico 2026 Year of Culture, asks: What happens to football fandom when big money gets involved?

Participants

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David Goldblatt

Sociologist, sportswriter, broadcaster and author

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Kely Nascimento

Chief impact officer, Hadaf Global
President, Nascimento Foundation

Shireen Ahmed Headshot 104 104

Shireen Ahmed

Senior contributor, CBC Sports
Co-owner, Lewes FC in East Sussex, England

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Imran Garda

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