Thoughts in the Library of Hungarian Football: Evaluation after 11 years

Abstract

Based on his study written a decade earlier (Becsey 2013), the author takes into account the results achieved since the implementation of the Hungarian state support of football - 2011 to 2013 - and compares them with similar countries in the region. The analysis is also relevant because at the end of 2023, the Hungarian Football Association itself prepared a statistical survey in the matter. That analysis shows that the financial situation of the top Hungarian soccer clubs has been stabilized compared to the previous period, and through the national team and one elite club, we have also qualified for the group stage in European competitions. At the same time, despite higher income and personnel costs and infrastructural development, compared to previous level of state involvement, we were not able to advance in terms of the in-depth quality indicators (e.g. youth results, total minutes played, average number of spectators, and financial balance of the sale of playing licence) compared to similar countries in the region facing greater market challenges and conditions. As a conclusion, the author suggested the implementation of a stronger competition law approach in Hungary (owner-management independence from the state, reduced and more targeted state subsidy system).