At the Swiss School of Business and Management Geneva (SSBM Geneva), we are fortunate to work with industry leaders who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our classrooms. One such leader is Professor Gianpaolo Monteneri, a renowned expert in sports law and a key faculty member in our MBA in International Sports Law program. In this edition of Professor Spotlight, we had the pleasure of interviewing Professor Monteneri to gain insights into his career, his teaching philosophy, and his perspective on the Internationalization of Sport.
Can you tell us more about your professional background and how you became interested in the field of international sports law?
After graduating as a Swiss lawyer, I joined FIFA, the world governing body of football, in 1997 as Head of the Players’ Status Department. For more than 8 years, I headed a team of international lawyers at FIFA in charge of investigating commercial and labour disputes. I left FIFA in 2005 to establish monteneri sports law, a boutique law firm specialized in international sports law.
I always had the passion for sport in general and for football in particular and I was very fortunate that I got the chance to join the legal division of FIFA; suddenly my passion became my job, and over 25 years later, it is still my job!
What are some of the most significant projects or initiatives you have been involved in throughout your career?
Between 1997 and 2005, I experienced two World Cups where I had some operative functions. A World Cup is always an unforgettable experience workwise but also for the emotions it transmits. At the same, during my time at FIFA the regular revision of the Regulations on the status and transfers of players fell under my responsibility and it was always a challenging and interesting activity.
In the last twenty years as a lawyer, I was dealing with extremely interesting disputes or transfer of players; unfortunately, I cannot make any name, due to professional secrecy, but you may google me…
How do you highlight the importance of understanding the global landscape of sports to your students?
To highlight the importance of understanding the global landscape of sports, it is crucial to emphasize how interconnected and influential the sports industry is worldwide. Just consider for instance the economic, cultural, and social impact of global events like the Olympics, the FIFA World Cup, and the NBA Finals, just to name few; these events can boost tourism, create jobs, and foster international recognition.
What are some of the most important skills and knowledge areas students should focus on to succeed in the global sports industry?
First of all, it is crucial to be familiar with regulations of major international sports organizations in order to better understand the legal aspects of international sports. At the same time, it is necessary to be able to effectively communicate with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, particularly understanding cultural nuances. For this purpose, fluency in more foreign languages is a significant asset, especially languages relevant to major sports markets.
What advice would you offer to individuals considering an MBA in International Sports Law, and how do you believe this degree can enhance their career prospects?
Considering an MBA in International Sports Law can be a strategic decision for individuals aiming to combine their passion for sports with a strong foundation in business and legal principles. Combining business insight with legal expertise specific to the sports industry makes every individual a valuable asset to organizations that require specialized skills in navigating international sports laws and regulations.
Professor Monteneri’s deep understanding of the global sports landscape and his passion for fostering student growth make him an invaluable asset to SSBM Geneva. His course on the Internationalization of Sport equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complex world of international sports law.
Thank you, Professor Monteneri, for taking the time to speak with us. We are proud to have such a distinguished professor guiding the next generation of sports law professionals.