Bologna owner Joey Saputo opened up about the issues of sustainability in Italian football, his time in charge of the Rossoblu and his plans for the future.
The Canadian businessman, who also owns MLS side CF Montreal, took over as the majority shareholder of Bologna in October 2014, being named chairman later that year.
His nine years in charge have seen many ups and downs for Bologna, who are currently experiencing a run of good form under coach Thiago Motta, whose work has attracted the attention of clubs like Paris Saint-Germain.
Speaking to Forbes, Saputo first discussed the financial health of Italian football clubs and what can be done to improve them.
“Absolute sustainability is still far away. As far as the issue of financial sustainability, I believe it is very difficult to achieve it due to the high competitiveness of Italian and European football in general, unless we impose shared rules that force everyone to respect specific spending parameters.
“I have always considered it appropriate for Italian football to adopt, at least in part, the managerial mentality of the North American sports leagues. I thought, and still think, that if the power and autonomy of the League grows, the individual clubs will also grow and benefit.”
The Canadian businessman discussed the cultural importance of clubs in Italy and the work done to improve the experience for local fans.
“A football club, especially in Italy, represents a territory and therefore its function goes beyond the pitch.
“We have built a new hospitality area, created a special area for families with entertainment for children, improved the quality and quantity of the refreshment points and organized a series of initiatives involving spectators before the match and at half-time with the collaboration of our partners.”
Finally, Saputo discussed his plans for the future with Bologna, not considering leaving the Emilia-Romagna outfit anytime in the near future.
“There is absolutely no intention of leaving the club. If over time entrepreneurs advance serious proposals to enter the company alongside me with a vision that is compatible with mine, I will certainly take them into consideration, with the aim of increasing Bologna FC’s potential.”