Models of Organization in Norwegian Professional Soccer

Abstract

Abstract The article departs from the observation that Norway's men's top football clubs, in contrast to clubs in most other countries, are not permitted to organize as pure public limited companies (plcs). The clubs are organized as voluntary associations, but since 1992, top clubs have developed contractual relationships with plcs to attract investments from commercial actors. In this article we ask if this dual governance structure is just a schizoid state of affairs treading a pathway between voluntary and corporate organization, or if it is in fact viable, reflecting characteristics of the national system that restrict the dominance of business on sport organizations. The article shows that pressures on field level, national systems level and club level all impact on the organizing of men's soccer clubs.