The Special Jury Prize of the 4th Edition of the Manuel Blasco Garzón Awards has been granted to José Andrés Nevado Villalba for his outstanding work titled “Are soccer clubs sensitive to financial scandals? Evidence from the Plusvalenza case.”
This study analyzes the impact of the Plusvalenza financial scandal, involving the football club Juventus of Turin. To conduct this case study, José Andrés Nevado applied a methodology based on financial event analysis. His research concludes that the financial market reacts more strongly to negative news than to favorable court rulings.
Moreover, this work raises important ethical questions: Is it profitable for football clubs to break the law if the market reacts negatively?
The study conducted by José Andrés Nevado Villalba not only offers key insights into the financial sphere of football but also contributes to applications in professional football regulation, club management, and investment decision-making.
The Manuel Blasco Garzón Prize continues its mission of recognizing young talent, supporting and encouraging students to pursue academic and scientific research.
The student Javier Merino Pérez has been awarded the Blasco Garzón Prize, endowed with 800 euros, for his work in the field of sports and exercise science, titled “Comparison of two training protocols with different velocity loss in the set on performance in the bench press exercise.”
The study conducted by Javier Merino Pérez analyzes the impact of two training approaches based on controlling the average propulsive velocity and the percentage of velocity loss during the bench press exercise, with the goal of optimizing performance and minimizing fatigue.
For the study, Javier Merino compared two groups: one with a fixed protocol of a constant 25% velocity loss, and another with a wave-like progression where the percentage of loss varied from session to session. Both models showed significant improvements in physical performance, but the group with constant velocity loss achieved similar or superior gains in maximum strength and muscular endurance.
The study concludes that both methods are effective, but maintaining a constant velocity loss may be particularly useful during strength development phases, while varying the percentage could be beneficial at strategic points in training, such as at the end of a microcycle or in pre-competition preparation.
The Manuel Blasco Garzón Prize continues its mission of recognizing young talent, supporting and encouraging students to continue their work in academic and scientific research.
Alejandra López Cabrera has been awarded the Blasco Garzón Prize in the Business category (Master’s Thesis), endowed with 800 euros.
Her study, focused on nemaline myopathy, one of the most common forms of congenital myopathies, primarily caused by mutations in the ACTA1 and NEB genes. This condition, which affects muscle function, is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and abnormal intracellular iron accumulation, as observed in dermal fibroblasts from affected patients.
This work not only provides new insights into the cellular mechanisms of nemaline myopathy but also opens the door to the development of future therapies aimed at improving mitochondrial function in patients with this rare disease.
The Manuel Blasco Garzón Prize continues its mission of recognizing young talent, supporting and encouraging students to continue their work in the field of academic and scientific research.
The student Ignacio Gómez Dolader has been awarded the Blasco Garzón Prize, endowed with 450 euros, for his work in the field of sports and exercise science. His study, focused on how strength influences the balance of young acrobatic gymnasts, has been of great interest to the jury due to its relevance and scientific rigor.
The research analyzes how maximum isometric strength and jump power influence balance performance, particularly depending on the athlete’s biological development stage, especially in athletes near their peak height velocity (PHV).
Ignacio Gómez Dolader conducted a cross-sectional study with 34 female gymnasts, observing notable differences between athletes near PHV and post-PHV, with the latter showing better results in both strength and balance.
The results of Ignacio Gómez Dolader’s work provide scientific value of special interest, in addition to potential practical applications in training planning for acrobatic sports.
The Manuel Blasco Garzón Prize continues its mission of recognizing young talent, supporting and encouraging students to continue their work in the field of academic and scientific research.
The Sevilla FC Chair: University, Business, and Sport at Pablo de Olavide University presented the Manuel Blasco Garzón Awards this morning
The students, winners of the 4th edition of the Manuel Blasco Garzón Awards at Pablo de Olavide University, had the opportunity to attend the awards ceremony organized by the Sevilla FC Chair in collaboration with the university.
The awards were divided into the following categories: Business (Master’s Thesis – TFM), Business (Bachelor’s Thesis – TFG), Sports (Master’s Thesis – TFM), and Sports (Bachelor’s Thesis – TFG). In addition to the academic recognition that comes with receiving this prestigious award, the winning students were granted a cash prize of €800 for Master’s theses and €450 for Bachelor’s theses.
In the Business category (TFM), the award was given to Alejandra López Cabrera for her work titled “Mitochondrial dysfunction in nemaline myopathy.”
In the Sports category (TFM), the prize went to Javier Merino Pérez for his thesis “Comparison of two training protocols with different velocity loss thresholds on bench press performance.”
In the Sports category (TFG). Ignacio Gómez Dolader received the award for his research “Influence of strength on static and proactive balance in young gymnasts.”
Additionally, the jury awarded a Special Prize to José Andrés Nevado Villalba for his thesis “Are soccer clubs sensitive to financial scandals? Evidence from the plusvalenza case.”
The 4th Edition of the Manuel Blasco Garzón Awards once again highlights the support and commitment of the Sevilla FC Chair, alongside Pablo de Olavide University, to fostering young talent in research and academic study within the fields of business and sport.
This week, the new official website of Sevilla FC Academy has been launched—a platform designed to showcase all the training programs related to the expansion of the club’s working methodology in the sporting field. With this initiative, Sevilla FC takes another step forward in its commitment to sports and educational development, introducing a new website that becomes the go-to reference for players interested in being part of the club’s unique methodology.
Sevilla FC Academy aims to expand the club’s methodology by offering opportunities to young talents striving for sporting excellence. With programs tailored to different skill levels and age groups, the academy seeks to foster player growth under the same technical, tactical, and physical principles applied within the Sevilla FC youth system.
The new website will make it easier for players and families to access key information about joining this initiative. From registrations to news and events, the platform positions itself as the official channel to stay updated on all academy developments. This reaffirms the club’s commitment to taking its successful model beyond its borders and inspiring new generations of footballers worldwide.
The 8th edition of one of the most important master’s programs within the extensive educational offering of the Sevilla FC Innovation Center has arrived: the Master’s in Big Data applied to Football Scouting. This high-level course is designed to prepare scouts, analysts, and sports directors, among other key roles in the football industry.
The program provides students with the necessary tools to adapt to all situations within the world’s most popular sport while also diving into the crucial field of Big Data—an essential aspect in the training of future professionals.
Once again, the Sevilla FC Innovation Center opens its doors to aspiring professionals looking to specialize in scouting. This master’s program is ideal for football enthusiasts and offers a great opportunity to become a true expert in talent identification and analysis at a prestigious institution.
In previous editions, students of this program have had the chance to access top-tier internships and significant job opportunities with various football clubs worldwide. You can find all the details about this master’s program through this link.
The importance of data in football has been the central topic in various roundtable discussions. Sergio González, an expert in analysis, emphasized that data is here to stay and its integration into the coaching staff is essential. A good understanding between analysts and coaches allows for determining what information is necessary to improve performance. He also stressed the need for analysts to actively engage and filter relevant data to facilitate decision-making.
Daniel Del Valle, on the other hand, highlighted the importance of convincing the coach of the value of data. In his opinion, the proper use of information can make a key difference at critical moments of a match. He also reminded that artificial intelligence does not replace human work but serves as a supportive tool.
Jesús Galván, a representative from Sevilla, explained that the club’s players are familiar with data from the youth categories. They aim to understand their strengths and weaknesses, using information as a way to improve their performance. He also noted that data is a useful tool to motivate players and establish a dialogue with them, as long as it is interpreted properly.
From a different perspective, Miguel Do Carmo highlighted the challenge of training coaches in data usage. According to his experience, once coaches understand the available information, they can request specific data according to their needs. However, he warned about the importance of synthesizing the information and providing reliable data without imposing work methods.
Omar Bautista, for his part, emphasized that the data strategy is the foundation of the work at his club. The collection and analysis of information have become key pillars for decision-making and optimizing player performance.
The development of young prospects is a fundamental aspect of any strategic plan within a sporting directorate. Romeo Jozak, technical director of Future Falcons, is well aware of this. Speaking at the Sport Data Forum 2025, he highlighted the significant investment that will be made in the coming years to foster the growth of young footballers in Saudi Arabia. He emphasized that the country has immense potential but that it is crucial to educate these players professionally in Europe.
Jozak also mentioned the challenges of managing information in such a vast country and how they are working on data organization to optimize player performance. In this regard, he stressed the great career opportunities for young Spanish analysts, who can contribute their expertise in data analysis and football development.
One of Future Falcons’ main objectives is to identify and distribute talent to elite leagues, with the goal of having 30 competitive players in the national team over the next 10 years.
The Balance Between Technology and Experience
Eduardo Covelo, former head of methodology at RC Celta de Vigo, took the stage to emphasize the importance of correctly interpreting data within the sporting context. He pointed out that data and technology should complement, rather than replace, experience and intuition. For Covelo, success lies in striking a balance between these two factors, avoiding an excessive dependence on analytics.
He also stressed that while technology has made talent identification faster and more efficient, the real challenge today is not only spotting talent but also developing it. He predicted that, over time, many intangible aspects of football would be measured with precision, creating new opportunities in sports management.
Another speaker, Luis Helguera (sporting director of UD Las Palmas), explained that the divide between data analysis and subjective interpretation of the game no longer exists. In his view, the real challenge is finding professionals who can handle data but also understand the game from within.
For this reason, he encouraged data specialists to expand their knowledge by taking coaching courses and learning traditional football methodologies. This, he said, would allow them to interpret analytical information more effectively. He also emphasized the difficulty of finding hybrid profiles, individuals who can combine technological expertise with a deep understanding of the game, a growing need in club sporting directorates.
The three experts agreed on several key points regarding the evolution of data-driven sporting directorates, particularly in their belief that data is essential, but without passion and context, it loses its true value.
In modern football, information means power, which translates into an advantage over others. In a sport where every detail matters, video analysis has become a fundamental tool for coaches. Roberto López states that “The language that the coach understands is video. That is why this tool is so important, as all data is linked to video.”
The customization of this tool for each club is key—it’s a competitive advantage. Sports analysis consultancies work directly with clubs to offer personalized dashboards tailored to each team’s specific needs. It is not just about transforming data into information but about providing real value to coaching staff.
Highly qualified professionals work alongside coaching teams, ensuring that the tools are fully functional and adapted to the coach’s needs. However, the use of artificial intelligence in data analysis requires caution. It is essential to apply sound judgment when evaluating AI-generated insights, as AI can also make mistakes. Therefore, it is crucial to have experts who can interpret the data correctly.
The football of the future will depend on how today’s tools are used. The key lies in combining human expertise with data analysis to optimize strategies and enhance team performance. Despite all technological advancements, football remains a sport of chaotic nature, where passion and uncertainty are an essential part of its magic.
El Sport Data Forum 2025 continúa con una ponencia sobre Dirección deportiva: un modelo integral basado en innovación y sentimiento en la que participaron Sergio Fernández, director deportivo del Club Deportivo Alavés, y Pablo Sanzol, miembro de la secretaría técnica del mismo club. En esta sesión, se abordaron las estrategias clave del Deportivo Alavés en cuanto a la dirección deportiva basada enla innovación, el rendimiento y el sentimiento de pertenencia.
Sergio Fernández explicó el modelo del Deportivo Alavés, estructurado en tres pilares fundamentales: Rendimiento, Innovación y Sentimiento. Destacó cómo, tras su descenso a Segunda División, el club llevó a cabo un análisis profundo de los errores cometidos con el fin de no repetirlos en el futuro. A partir de esta evaluación, definieron su enfoque en nichos de mercado estratégicos para la búsqueda de jugadores.
Una de las claves del modelo del Alavés ha sido focalizar la captación de futbolistas en una franja de edad entre los 20 y 24 años, segmento que ha demostrado ofrecer los mejores resultados de rendimiento para el club. Como muestra de su evolución, Fernández destacó que actualmente cuentan con solo tres jugadores cedidos, en contraste con los nueve que tuvieron en la temporada en que descendieron, lo que refleja una gestión más estable y planificada de la plantilla.
Por su parte, Pablo Sanzol detalló el proceso de trabajo dentro de la secretaría técnica del club, basado en tres fases fundamentales:
En cuanto al ajuste de información, los datos de los distintos proveedores se adaptan a su propio Index Alavés, en una fase inicial totalmente cualitativa. En relación a la valoración de los jugadores, se evalúa en función de unos parámetros específicos establecidos por el club. Para la realización de los informes, se analiza en profundidad el desempeño y la proyección de cada jugador.
Además, Sanzol subrayó la importancia de conocer los modelos de juego de cada liga para orientar el scouting hacia competiciones que mejor se alineen con la estrategia del Deportivo Alavés.
Durante la mesa redonda, los ponentes compartieron algunas de las ideas más relevantes en su metodología de trabajo La ponencia dejó claro que la innovación y el uso de datos juegan un papel crucial en la planificación deportiva del Deportivo Alavés. La aplicación estratégica de esta información no solo optimiza la toma de decisiones, sino que también permite al club maximizar su competitividad dentro de su contexto deportivo.
El Sport Data Forum 2025 aborda la evolución de las Direcciones Deportivas Data Driven
Romeo Jozak (director técnico del Future Falcons), Luis Helguera (director deportivo de la UD Las Palmas) y Eduardo Covelo (exdirector de metodología del RC Celta de Vigo) debatieron sobre la creciente integración de la tecnología y el dato en la toma de decisiones deportivas
La formación de jóvenes promesas es clave en todo plan estratégico dentro de una dirección deportiva. Lo sabe bien Romeo Jozak, director técnico del Future Falcons, quien intervino en el Sport Data Forum 2025 destacando la fuerte inversión que se llevará a cabo en los próximos años para fomentar el desarrollo de jóvenes futbolistas en Arabia Saudí. Subrayó que el país cuenta con un enorme potencial, pero que es fundamental educar a estos jugadores de manera profesional en Europa.
Además, Jozak mencionó la complejidad de gestionar la información en un país tan extenso y cómo están trabajando en la organización de datos para optimizar el rendimiento de los jugadores. En este sentido, enfatizó que existen grandes oportunidades laborales para jóvenes analistas españoles, quienes podrán aportar su conocimiento en el ámbito del análisis de datos y el desarrollo futbolístico.
Uno de los grandes objetivos de Future Falcons es identificar y distribuir talentos en ligas de élite con la meta de contar con 30 jugadores competitivos en la selección nacional en los próximos 10 años.
El equilibrio entre tecnología y experiencia
Eduardo Covelo, exdirector de metodología del RC Celta de Vigo, tomó la palabra en la ponencia para hacer hincapié en la necesidad de interpretar correctamente los datos dentro del contexto deportivo. Destacó que el dato y la tecnología deben ser un complemento y no un reemplazo de la experiencia y la intuición. Para Covelo, el éxito radica en el equilibrio entre estos dos factores, evitando caer en una dependencia absoluta de la analítica.
Asimismo, insistió en que identificar talento se ha vuelto más rápido y eficiente gracias a la tecnología, pero el gran desafío actual es no sólo detectar talento, sino también desarrollarlo. Además, anticipó que con el tiempo, muchos aspectos intangibles del fútbol podrán ser medidos con precisión, lo que abrirá nuevas oportunidades en la gestión deportiva.
Otro de los intervinientes, Luis Helguera (director deportivo de la UD Las Palmas) explicó que en la actualidad ya no existe una dicotomía entre el análisis de datos y la interpretación subjetiva del juego. En su opinión, el gran reto está en encontrar profesionales que sepan manejar los datos pero que, a la vez, comprendan el juego desde dentro.
Por ello, recomendó a los especialistas en datos que amplíen su formación con cursos de entrenador y otras herramientas del fútbol tradicional, de manera que puedan hacer una interpretación más funcional y útil de la información analítica. También resaltó la dificultad de encontrar perfiles híbridos que combinen el uso de la tecnología con el conocimiento profundo del juego, una necesidad creciente en las direcciones deportivas de los clubes.
Los tres expertos coincidieron en varios puntos fundamentales sobre la evolución de las direcciones deportivas basadas en datos, sobre todo a la hora de afirmar que el dato es clave, pero que sin pasión ni contexto pierde su valor real.
