• Naguib Sawiris says Egyptian football could be profitable if modern management models and global best practices are applied.
• He calls for turning clubs into fully integrated businesses, with revenue from TV, tickets, merchandise, and fan investments.
• The Sawiris family has experience in football investments, notably Nassef Sawiris helping Aston Villa return to the Premier League.

Egyptian Football

According to Alarabiya Business, Naguib Sawiris stated in a recent interview that Egyptian football continues to lose hundreds of millions annually. He explains that they do not achieve the level of profitability that they should due to their traditional management methods. He further states that these clubs follow outdated standards that need to be updated to match modern global models.

The billionaire further points out that success in football is not just about managing a club. Instead, it is about turning sports into a fully integrated business. He highlights global models such as English clubs. He states that these clubs are listed on the stock market, allowing fans to buy shares.  Additionally, they gain revenue streams from television rights, ticket sales, and official merchandise. Thus, turning sport into a profitable and economically beneficial sector.

Sawiiriss indicates that transitioning to this model requires economic innovation and professional management. He adds that this step could bring a huge shift to Egyptian football. This is because it would enable clubs to economically compete domestically and internationally. Thus, effectively transforming sports into a genuine economic sector.

The Sawiris Family and Football

Over in Europe, Nassef Sawiris played a significant role in the revival of England’s Aston Villa FC. In 2018, the prominent businessman partnered with American billionaire Wes Edens to acquire a controlling stake in the football club. The investment, valued at around USD 39 million (EUR 30M), led the football club to return to the Premier League in 2019.