The Girona fans are left astonished and thrilled whenever they witness a goal at their home stadium, knowing full well the improbable nature of such an event for a club like Girona. With their small La Liga stadium, limited finances, and lack of European competition history, beating powerhouses like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético Madrid to secure the top prize in Spain is considered a far-fetched dream. Nevertheless, Girona's relentless momentum and their players' unwavering dedication to the coach's tactical approach have yielded surprising victories.
The success of Girona not only has the potential to breathe new life into La Liga's image but also to challenge the predictable nature of the annual champions. Moreover, Girona's impressive achievements have been made possible through their restricted spending capabilities and the influential backing of the City Football Group, an organization affiliated with Manchester City. The support provided by the City Football Group has granted Girona access to an expansive player network and state-of-the-art training facilities, effectively compensating for their financial limitations.Multiple club ownership is increasingly prevalent in the football industry, extending beyond Girona. Jim Ratcliffe, a billionaire from the UK and founder of Ineos Group, is said to be on the verge of acquiring another club in addition to his ownership of French club Nice. This trend is also observed in Ligue 1, where Todd Boehly, owner of Chelsea, and BlueCo have virtually taken over Strasbourg over the summer. Red Bull has also exerted significant influence, heading teams in both Europe and the United States for some time.
However, as this becomes the new normal, concerns arise about the competitive impact and the necessity for regulation in future ownership models. In a football landscape already dominated by wealthier forces, the story of Girona's rise to prominence may not align with the traditional underdog narrative seen in tales like Leicester City or Castel di Sangro. Nevertheless, it is clear that a blueprint exists for more clubs to flourish as ownership and influence become more widespread. This introduces a fresh dimension to the game, regardless of public perception.
