Title: The glocalisation of sports: a study of the influence of European Football Leagues on Nigerian society

Authors: Paul Agu Igwe; Abiola Deborah Akinsola-Obatolu; Chinyere Augusta Nwajiuba; Obiamaka Priscilla Egbo; Olaleke Oluseye Ogunnaike; Kenneth Chukwuma Nwekpa

Addresses: Lincoln International Business School, University of Lincoln, Brayford Wharf East, Lincoln LN5 7AT, UK ' Lincoln International Business School, University of Lincoln, Brayford Wharf East, Lincoln LN5 7AT, UK ' Department of Educational Foundations, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo (AE-FUNAI), PMB 1010 Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria ' Department of Banking and Finance, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria ' Department of Business Management, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria ' Faculty of Management, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract: Nowadays, the commercialisation, internationalisation and brand images of football clubs are vital. This paper examines the globalisation and glocalisation of football and its influence on culture and society (a glocal response). Following an ethnography approach and a qualitative method, it articulates European Football Leagues brand internationalisation and evaluates its positive and negative effects on Nigerian society. It evaluates the impact on Nigerians (African largest economy and most populous nation) via a study of 50 participants made up of community football managers, managers of football viewing centres and football fans. Our findings reveal the connection of football with booming hospitality and a culture which has positive and troubling relationships. There is fan faithfulness, devotion and allegiance that creates a culture of identity, religion and sense of belonging. At the same time, there are negative impacts such as a betting culture and online gambling which have devastating effects, especially on young people.

Keywords: glocalisation of sports; globalisation of football; glocal response; European Football Leagues; Nigerian football fans.

DOI: 10.1504/EJIM.2021.113244

European Journal of International Management, 2021 Vol.15 No.2/3, pp.247 - 265

Received: 14 Oct 2019
Accepted: 01 Nov 2019

Published online: 25 Feb 2021 *

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