Matthew Southall
Dubai,UAE
Summary
Strategic and results-driven professional with a Masters in Business Administration from Alliance Manchester Business School and over 15 years of experience in football operations, player transactions, and strategic negotiations. Proven track record in managing end-to-end football transactions, advising senior stakeholders, and implementing governance policies across international markets. Adept at building strong relationships with clubs, agents, and regulatory bodies to drive value creation and ensure compliance with global and regional guidelines.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief executive officer
Alpha Investment Group
Dubai, UAE
07.2016 - Current
- Advised and consulted to Professional Football Clubs, global governing bodies, national federations, sports tech companies and franchises.
- Spearheaded strategic planning and decision-making processes, leading experienced and diverse advisors with a multitude of skills.
- Advised on full transaction origination and management services as well as strategic and financing advice to key stakeholders across the sports ecosystem.
- Worked with a range of clients from international federations, sports leagues, Clubs and franchises to assess and evaluate their operational strategy and capital requirements.
- Executed board decisions to achieve successful strategy implementation.
Management consultant
Wigan Athletic Football Club
Wigan, United Kingdom
02.2023 - 06.2023
- EPIC was the ultimate beneficial owner of Wigan Athletic Football Club and I reported directly to the owner regarding the operations of the Club.
- Prepared annual budget statements and forecasts for key stakeholders and worked with senior management to implement changes and internal controls.
- Established KPIs for departments and measured progress, sharing results with senior management.
- Helped with audit management by planning audit timelines, team briefings and audit delivery.
- Streamlined organisational operations to reduce costs and increase profitability to allow key stakeholders to exit their investments at a maximum enterprise value.
- Prepared due diligence including cash flow forecasts, 3 year financial budgets and commercial strategies.
Interim Chief executive officer
Birmingham City Football Club
Birmingham , United Kingdom
07.2022 - 03.2023
- Led the successful delivery of football transactions, overseeing negotiations and contract structuring for player acquisitions and disposals. Key transfers include Tahiti Chong, Hanibal Mejri, Krystian Bilek and Emmanuel Longelo.
- Advised senior club stakeholders, including the Technical Director on player trading activities and market opportunities.
- Managed the end-to-end transaction process for player transfers, including due diligence, contract negotiations, and regulatory compliance.
- Implemented governance policies to ensure compliance with FIFA, UEFA, and regional regulations across all transactions.
- Developed and maintained relationships with global agencies and clubs to identify talent pathways and value creation opportunities.
- Conducted market analysis to inform strategic decisions and support the club's long-term objectives.
Chairman
Charlton Athletic Football Club
London, United Kingdom
11.2019 - 10.2020
- Recruited and managed the senior management team to optimise operations and reduce costs with a focus on delivering clear results.
- Led the successful delivery of football transactions, overseeing negotiations and contract structuring for player acquisitions and disposals.
- Managed the end-to-end transaction process for player transfers, including due diligence, contract negotiations, and regulatory compliance.
- Advised senior club stakeholders, including the Director of Football on player trading activities and market opportunities.
- Implemented governance policies to ensure compliance with FIFA, UEFA, and regional regulations across all transactions.
- Developed and maintained relationships with global agencies and clubs to identify talent pathways and value creation opportunities.
- Conducted market analysis to inform strategic decisions and support the club's long-term objectives.
FA Licensed Football Agent
Self Employed
Manchester, United Kingdom
07.2010 - 07.2016
- Collaborated closely with solicitors during contract negotiations for seamless transaction processes.
- Increased client base with effective marketing strategies and direct outreach efforts.
- Successfully negotiated over £500 million in Transfers in leagues including the Premier League, EFL, La Liga, Bundesliga and MLS.
FA Licensed Football Agent
Media Sports Investment (MSI)
London, United Kingdom
09.2006 - 06.2010
- Advised on third party ownership which saw players from South America move to the UK.
- Assisted in the negotiations of high profile transfers including Carlos Tevez, Javier Mascherano, Robinho and Jo.
- Oversaw the recruitment of Academy players by MSI.
- Collaborated with South American Agents on the transfer of younger talent to Premier League Academies.
Education
Executive MBA - Business and Administration
Alliance Manchester Business School
Manchester, UK 09/2013 - 12/2017
Bachelor of Science - Economics
Leeds University
Leeds, UK 09/2003 - 06/2006
Skills
- Business administration
- Business development
- Strategic planning
- Employee management
- Football Transaction Management
- Strategic Negotiations
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Governance and Compliance
- International Market Analysis
- Player Trading Strategies
- Financial Planning and Budgeting
- Cross-functional Team Leadership
Languages
English
Native
Arabic
Intermediate
Affiliations
- Football
- Horse Riding
- Manchester City
- Tennis
- Polo
- Formula 1
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Management consultant
Wigan Athletic Football Club
02.2023 - 06.2023
Interim Chief executive officer
Birmingham City Football Club
07.2022 - 03.2023
Chairman
Charlton Athletic Football Club
11.2019 - 10.2020
Chief executive officer
Alpha Investment Group
07.2016 - Current
FA Licensed Football Agent
Self Employed
07.2010 - 07.2016
FA Licensed Football Agent
Media Sports Investment (MSI)
09.2006 - 06.2010
Executive MBA - Business and Administration
Alliance Manchester Business School
09/2013 - 12/2017
Bachelor of Science - Economics
Leeds University
09/2003 - 06/2006
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