12 Juin
Session 4 of the UEFA Executive Master for International Players came to an end in Madrid after a week of learning, discussion, and first-hand insight into leadership in sport.
Under the theme “Managers in Action,” participants from the programme’s sixth cohort explored how management works in practice by meeting professionals and visiting organisations across the football and sports industry.
The week opened at LaLiga, where participants explored strategic decision-making and financial control in professional football. At Real Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, discussions focused on team selection processes and negotiation. The programme then moved to Olympic Channel Services, where participants explored financial management from the perspective of sporting directors.
The cohort also visited Riyadh Air Metropolitano, home of Atlético de Madrid, to explore crisis communication and leadership in high-pressure environments. The week concluded at Real Club La Moraleja, with discussions on remuneration policies and the evolving responsibilities of sporting directors.
This session reflected the ambition of the UEFA MIP programme: connecting academic learning with real-world experience and helping participants develop the skills, perspectives, and professional networks needed for leadership roles in football and sport.
A sincere thank you to all speakers and hosts who contributed to making this session a valuable and rewarding experience.
