How to work with Football Transfers in Norway
In today’s blog story, we have the pleasure of sharing the journey of Joel Biniam. He is a consultant at the Norwegian Football Association. After spending several years abroad, gaining experience from the hospitality side at Emirate Stadium, he decided to move back to Norway to pursue his sport business career. If you are passionate about football and considering working with transfers or at an association, this is the blog interview for you.
Thanks for taking the time, Joel!
Can you share a bit about your academic and professional background?
I had decided to enroll at a University in London where I studied Sports Business Management. After I graduated, I moved back to Norway to pursue a career in sports. While studying, I had worked in hospitality where I was responsible for 15 Executive boxes at every home fixtures of Arsenal FC at the Arsenal/Emirates stadium. When moving back to Norway, I got the opportunity to work for the Norwegian Football Association as a consultant.
You are now working as a Transfer Consultant at the Norwegian Football Association (NFA). What are some of your key tasks?
There are several tasks, but one of the key ones are to deal with anything in regards to transfers of players. For instance, every player moving from one club to another needs to go through a certain process involving different type of paper work. We both sanction transfers and release players to other associations. Also, we provide a great deal of service in transfer matters mainly to clubs, intermediaries (aka agents) players (and parents).
we provide a great deal of service in transfer matters mainly to clubs, intermediaries (aka agents) players (and parents)
How has the covid situation affected your work and daily routine?
Like many other fields, it mainly affected my work and daily routine in terms of being temporarily laid off, as the employer was seeking to save funds in those challenging times. This was only briefly though (a little over two months I believe). We have needed to adapt to the work load being different, and co-workers mainly working from home, having most interactions with colleagues through digital platforms (such as Microsoft Teams).
Although Elite Football is running back again, what did you miss the most when all sports were silenced?
Obviously, the passion. There was a period where, for many I believe, they actually felt like it was possible to “live” without football. However, I believe once it got started again, most was bitten by the bug again and the passion resumed.
You had the opportunity to explore overseas as a student and professional. How has this experience enhanced your professional career in the work you do today?
I am fully convinced that my experience abroad made me more enlightened. Moreover, I became much more mature, responsible, appreciative and truly professional (just to mention a few things). If I may add, I am of the belief that anyone with the opportunity to either study, work or just live abroad for an extended period of time should really take that opportunity. Especially for those who wish rapid development, both personally and professionally. Living even abroad for even a short period of time can truly broaden ones horizon.
Living even abroad for even a short period of time can truly broaden ones horizon.
What tips do you have for students that are exploring the transfer market and want to understand the mechanisms involved. Where should you start to learn?
Firstly, take the time to truly make your own research, and be critical with the information you find/receive. The information you should rely on are the rules and regulations of FIFA, and the association where you operate. Secondly, you should try get in contact with someone in the industry that knows the ins and outs of the game. There are a lot of different characters in the industry, with different motivations. Pick your “teacher” carefully, as this most likely will form who you become. Lastly, have integrity and energy at the top of your priority list (as you will need both in this game for longevity).
What kind of skill sets do you need to be a consultant at the NFA and what kind of people would you look for?
There are limited of special skills needed. Most graduates with the intelligence level needed to work at as a consultant for a large organization, who also possesses energy and integrity, should be able to do this line of work. I think the type of people that are being targeted are both diligent and cooperative.
Some final wisdom from Joel!
Pick your “teacher” carefully, as this most likely will form who you become.
Join us at www.sportinglobal.com and connect with leaders like Joel and find relevant job opportunities.
Vi snakkes!
