News Focus
- Espanyol chief operating officer Brad Spiby defends multi-club ownership under ALK Capital
- He criticises Premier League financial rules as “backward-looking” compared to La Liga’s sustainable system
- ALK Capital owns both Espanyol and Burnley, with Monchi joining as sporting director for both clubs
- Spiby promises to act as “custodians” preserving the history of both famous football institutions
- Espanyol plan to use CVC investment funds to improve fan experience at the RCDE Stadium
Brad Spiby, the chief operating officer at RCD Espanyol, has strongly defended his company’s multi-club ownership structure. He insists that ALK Capital possesses enough resources to manage both Espanyol and Burnley FC effectively.
ALK Capital, led by chairman Alan Pace, holds majority stakes in both clubs. They purchased Espanyol last July and have controlled Burnley since 2020. Speaking at a recent La Liga promotional event, Spiby addressed growing concerns about multi-club ownership models across European football.
Spiby described his group as “custodians” of two historic institutions. He noted that Espanyol stands as one of Spanish football’s most famous clubs, while Burnley represents a founding member of the English Football League. “We carry this responsibility heavily on our shoulders,” he stated. “Our duty is to preserve what we found here and use that history as our strength moving forward.”
The executive dismissed fears that owning two clubs creates neglect. He explained that both teams operate as separate businesses with sufficient funding. “We would never have taken control of Espanyol without the resources to support both clubs properly,” Spiby added. “Alan Pace serves as president of both teams and actively works in both Barcelona and Burnley.”
Spiby contrasted the financial regulations between England and Spain. He labelled the Premier League’s system as “backward-looking” when compared to La Liga’s salary limits. Spanish clubs can only spend 70 percent of their income on player wages and transfer fees. Spiby praised these strict controls, calling them the only “forward-looking” regulations in European football.
“The La Liga model creates a sustainable future for football,” he explained. “It reduces uncertainty for owners and lowers investment risks. The Premier League follows the same old financial patterns seen across most of Europe.”
Regarding infrastructure, Spiby revealed that Espanyol still holds CVC investment funds received in 2021. Unlike other clubs that used the money immediately, Espanyol plans to spend these reserves on future projects. They aim to enhance the matchday experience at the RCDE Stadium and develop their sports facilities across Barcelona.
The club recently appointed legendary sporting director Monchi to oversee recruitment. He will work with both Espanyol and Burnley, strengthening the connection between the two clubs. Espanyol secured their La Liga survival last weekend after a difficult season that saw them battle relegation.
Spiby acknowledged the challenge of competing for fans against FC Barcelona in the same city. However, he stressed that serving existing supporters remains their top priority. “Our fans have stayed with us through good times and bad. We must give them the best experience possible,” he concluded.