Show Notes
A trademark fight between FIFA and the owners of the Ballon d'Or has opened up a much bigger question: who gets to define greatness in world football? FIFA is seeking trademark protection for FIFA GOLDEN BALL around the world, including in Australia, but the move has been challenged by the owners of the Ballon d'Or — football's most prestigious individual award. The complication? Ballon d'Or literally translates as Golden Ball. In this episode of Moneyball, Scott Keenan speaks with Alex Sutcliffe, Chartered Trade Mark Attorney at Reddie & Grose, about the dispute and what it reveals about power, prestige and money in modern football. Why does FIFA want stronger protection for the Golden Ball name now? What's the difference between the Ballon d'Or, FIFA Golden Ball and The Best FIFA Men's Player award? Could FIFA turn its Golden Ball into a major commercial property through streaming, broadcast rights and replica trophies? And could it ever rival the prestige of the Ballon d'Or? Alex also explains the potential legal threat to the Ballon d'Or, the wider rivalry between FIFA and European football, how the dispute could potentially drag on for years, and why the real prize may not be the trophy itself — but the authority to decide who gets remembered as one of football's greatest players. About Alex Sutcliffe Alex Sutcliffe is a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney at Reddie & Grose, specialising in intellectual property and trademark law. In this episode, he brings his legal expertise and perspective as a football fan to the FIFA Golden Ball trademark dispute and the broader commercial battle surrounding football's biggest individual awards. About Moneyball Moneyball is an Australian sports business podcast hosted by sports business commentator and brand strategist Scott Keenan. The show goes behind the deals, decisions and dynamics shaping modern sport, exploring the intersection of sport, money, media and culture. From the NRL, AFL, cricket, NBL and Super Netball to football, Formula 1 and the biggest stories in global sport, Moneyball explores media rights, player contracts and salaries, sponsorship deals, sports ownership, athlete brands, the creator economy and the future of the fan experience. You'll hear from the executives, athletes, journalists, broadcasters, marketers and industry insiders who understand how sport really works — and where it's heading next. Follow Moneyball YouTube: @moneyball_show Instagram: @moneyball_show Contact the show Questions, feedback or guest ideas? Email Scott directly at [email protected]. Moneyball is made for sports insiders and fans who want to know what's really going on in the game. If you want to know what's really going on in sport, you've got to follow the money.
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