A recent Doha Debates town hall held in Toronto examined the complex relationship between football fandom, commercialization, and community identity amid the sport’s growing financial influence. The event, titled “Football fandom: Community or commodity?”, was organized in collaboration with the Qatar, Canada and Mexico 2026 Year of Culture initiative, a program aimed at fostering cross-cultural engagement ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

The discussion took place at The Terminal Theatre and was led by journalist Imran Garda. It featured a panel of experts including Shireen Ahmed, senior contributor at CBC Sports; David Goldblatt, a football historian and sociologist; and Kely Nascimento, president of the Nascimento Foundation and daughter of football legend Pelé. The conversation also included input from 20 students representing Qatar, Canada, Mexico, and other countries, illustrating a diverse range of perspectives on football’s evolving dynamics.

Goldblatt argued that football clubs should remain collectively owned cultural institutions rather than being controlled by wealthy individuals or states. He emphasized that the sport’s essence lies in its communal roots, which cannot be negotiated through financial transactions. “Football clubs should not be privately owned by anyone. They shouldn’t be owned by states, or by rich men or rich women. They are collective forms of cultural capital,” he asserted.

Nascimento challenged that view by questioning whether football was inherently better before the rise of major financial investments. Drawing on her research and experience, she suggested that the idealization of a pre-commercialized era might be more utopian than realistic. “I did some research into what it was like before the money. It didn’t seem like it was that great,” she stated.

Ahmed added nuance to the debate by calling for greater accountability and transparency in the flow and use of money within football. She cautioned against a simplistic rejection of financial involvement, advocating instead for a critical examination of the sources and impact of funding in the sport. “This discussion that money is bad in all cases—it’s nuanced, and it’s complicated. So, I would rather have accountability for that money and transparency,” she said.

Students participating in the discussion brought additional viewpoints. Nawaf Al Kuwari, a graduate from the University of Strathclyde, drew attention to economic and social barriers that prevent working-class fans from attending prominent football matches, suggesting that the sport has become more of a luxury than an accessible pastime for many. Similarly, Regina Aldrete, an international relations student, highlighted the political aspects of football, noting that the sport can reflect broader societal conflicts, citing tensions linked to matches between El Salvador and Honduras as an example.

Amjad Atallah, managing director of Doha Debates, underscored the significance of the dialogue, describing football as a rare global phenomenon that captures the attention of over a billion people while stimulating passionate debate. He praised the panel and participants for resisting simplistic conclusions and engaging in a thoughtful exploration of the sport’s cultural and economic complexities.

The town hall is now available for viewing on Doha Debates and Al Jazeera Digital platforms, offering viewers a multifaceted examination of football’s role as both a community asset and a commercial enterprise.