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Introduction: Managing soccer clubs is a challenging and rewarding experience, requiring a combination of leadership skills and strategic decision-making. Objective: This study investigated professional soccer club performance determinants in the Ethiopian Premier League. Methodology: This study investigated professional soccer club performance determinants in the Ethiopian Premier League. A correlational analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between the variables and the performance of soccer clubs. Thirty-nine seven-point Likert scale questionnaires, deemed reliable (α = .91), were used to collect data from a sample of 214 participants selected through a simple random sampling method. Frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, correlations, and multiple linear regression analyses (with a significance level of P < 0.05) were performed using SPSS version 26 software. Results: There was a negative correlation between the performance of soccer clubs and fan influence (r = (214) -.170, p < .05); financing (r = (214) -.394, p < .01); club history (r = (214) -.106, p > .05); game situations (r = (214) -.480, p < .01); human capital (r = (214) -.024, p > .05); media (r = (214) -.365, p < .01); legal issues (r = (214) -.406, p < .01); and leadership and governance (r = (214) -.139, p < .05), respectively. Furthermore, eight predictors collectively explained 44.7% of the variance (F (8, 214) = 22.537, p < .001). Discussion: The study reveals that factors like financing, game situations, media, and legal issues significantly influence soccer club performance, accounting for nearly half of its variability. Conclusions: The study found that game situation, financial capability, and legal issues significantly impact football club performance, whereas human capital, fan influence, and club history exhibit greater variability.

Introduction: Soccer is known as the \"global game\" because it is very popular in many parts of the world. Numerous studies have been conducted in different parts, segments, and levels of the soccer industry. However, the findings are inconclusive, unidirectional, and contradictory. Objective: to analyze contemporary soccer industry management practices, challenges, and future perspectives in the football industry.  Methodology: A systematic literature review was used. 540 articles were initially recorded from Google Scholar, SCOPUS, and JSTOR databases. Through inclusion and exclusion criteria, 83 published materials that met the inclusion criteria were thematically analyzed. Results: The findings reveal that a global outlook with fidelity to local roots, changing commercial partnerships, a changing media landscape, cultural aspects in the football playground, and game attractiveness are major patterns identified in globalization and its development. In particular, specific rules and regulations, the nature of competition, ownership, leadership, and governance are also current variants in the management of soccer Discussion: Therefore, these are crucial ingredients for understanding the future dynamics of global soccer and represent challenges and dilemmas for the industry. Conclusions: As a result, a massive or single research study on the current practices, issues, and possibilities of the modern soccer industry at the local, sub-regional, continental, and international levels is feasible.

Introduction: Managing football clubs is a challenging and rewarding experience, requiring a combination of leadership skills and strategic decision-making. Objective: to examine the dynamics of financing soccer clubs, fan influence, leadership, and governance on Ethiopian Premier League soccer club performance. Methodology: A correlational study was conducted. Twenty-one seven-point linker Amharic version questionnaires, known for their validity and reliability, were used from a sample of 307 participants selected through the simple random sampling method. Frequency, percentage, correlation, and multiple linear regression analyses (with a significance level of P < 0.05) were performed. Results: The main finding revealed that football clubs (M = 5.55, SD = 1.28), leadership and governance (M = 5.21, SD = 1.62), and fan influence (M = 3.74, SD = 1.31). There is no significant association between fan influence (r = 307), .074, p > .005) and soccer club performance; unlikely financing has a significant correlation (r = 307), -.348, p < .001) with football club performance; and leadership and governance (r = 307), -.626, p > .005), with soccer club performance and All dependent variables can make a 45.4% prediction Discussion: These findings suggest that fan influence and financing soccer clubs play a crucial role in predicting the success of soccer clubs. The study highlights the importance of effective leadership and governance in driving club performance.  Conclusions: Fan influence and financing of football clubs play a significant role in predicting soccer club performance, while leadership and governance also have a strong impact.

Why do fans attend soccer games: investigating motivating factors for attending Ethiopian Premier League soccer games in 2023/24 G.C. A co-relational study was conducted. Sixteen seven-point linker Amharic version questionnaires, known for their validity and reliability, were used from a sample of 524 participants selected through the available sampling method. Frequency, percentage, correlation, and multiple linear regression analyses (with a significance level of P < 0.05) were performed. There was a positive correlation between the fan motivation factors and game attendance: socialization (r = 524, .669, p <.001); performance r = (524), .763, p <.001; excitement r = (524), .676, p <.001; esteem r = (524), .619, p <.001; and diversion r = (524), .630, p <.001, respectively. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that the five predictors collectively explained 69.3% of the variance in game attendance (5, 523) = 237.287, p<.001). Individual predictor analysis indicated that performance (β = .631, t = 15.200, p < .001), excitement (β = .588, t = 12.660, p < .001), and diversion (β = .333, t = 7.749, p < .001) have a positive impact on game attendance. On the other hand, socialization (β = -.382, t = -4.836, p < .001) and esteem (β = -.222, t = -3.534, p < .001) negatively affected game attendance. In conclusion, a notable positive correlation exists between fan motivation and game attendance, highlighting the importance of understanding fan motivation to increase attendance at sporting events. Keywords: motivation, premier league, game attendance, factors, motivational factors

Introduction: Soccer is one of the most globally recognized and profitable industries in the entertainment sector. Objective: This study examined the financing, fan stadium attendance, governance, and human capital of Ethiopian Premier League soccer clubs. Methodology: A correlational study was conducted involving 390 players, of whom 312 (80%) were selected through simple random sampling. Nineteen 7-point Likert scale questionnaires collected reliable and valid data from the players. A return rate of 99.1% was analyzed using percentages, means, standard deviations, correlation, and multiple linear regression with 95% confidence. Results: The findings revealed the following means and standard deviations: fan stadium attendance (M=3.61, SD=.408); financing (M=3.92, SD=.539); governance (M=4.07, SD=.406); and human capital (M=3.6, SD=.828). Additionally, there was a positive correlation between fan stadium attendance (r(307) = .149, p < .005) and performance of football clubs; financing (r(307) = .663, p < .001) and performance of football clubs; governance (r(307) = -.300, p < .001) and performance of soccer clubs; and human capital (r(307) = .167, p < .005) and performance of soccer clubs. Collectively, these factors account for 51.9% of the predicted performance of soccer clubs, while the remaining 48.1% of the variance in soccer club performance can be attributed to other factors not included in the analysis. Conclusions: Effective financial management and governance are critical to the success of Ethiopian Premier League soccer clubs, while factors such as infrastructure, political stability, and technological advancements warrant further exploration.

Introduction: Soccer is one of the most globally recognized and profitable industries in the entertainment sector. Objective: This study examined the financing, fan stadium attendance, governance, and human capital of Ethiopian Premier League soccer clubs. Methodology: A correlational study was conducted involving 390 players, of whom 312 (80%) were selected through simple random sampling. Nineteen 7-point Likert scale questionnaires collected reliable and valid data from the players. A return rate of 99.1% was analyzed using percentages, means, standard deviations, correlation, and multiple linear regression with 95% confidence. Results: The findings revealed the following means and standard deviations: fan stadium attendance (M=3.61, SD=.408); financing (M=3.92, SD=.539); governance (M=4.07, SD=.406); and human capital (M=3.6, SD=.828). Additionally, there was a positive correlation between fan stadium attendance (r(307) = .149, p < .005) and performance of football clubs; financing (r(307) = .663, p < .001) and performance of football clubs; governance (r(307) = -.300, p < .001) and performance of soccer clubs; and human capital (r(307) = .167, p < .005) and performance of soccer clubs. Collectively, these factors account for 51.9% of the predicted performance of soccer clubs, while the remaining 48.1% of the variance in soccer club performance can be attributed to other factors not included in the analysis. Conclusions: Effective financial management and governance are critical to the success of Ethiopian Premier League soccer clubs, while factors such as infrastructure, political stability, and technological advancements warrant further exploration.

Introduction: Managing soccer clubs is a challenging and rewarding experience, requiring a combination of leadership skills and strategic decision-making. Objective: This study investigated professional soccer club performance determinants in the Ethiopian Premier League. Methodology: This study investigated professional soccer club performance determinants in the Ethiopian Premier League. A correlational analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between the variables and the performance of soccer clubs. Thirty-nine seven-point Likert scale questionnaires, deemed reliable (α = .91), were used to collect data from a sample of 214 participants selected through a simple random sampling method. Frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, correlations, and multiple linear regression analyses (with a significance level of P < 0.05) were performed using SPSS version 26 software. Results: There was a negative correlation between the performance of soccer clubs and fan influence (r = (214) -.170, p < .05); financing (r = (214) -.394, p < .01); club history (r = (214) -.106, p > .05); game situations (r = (214) -.480, p < .01); human capital (r = (214) -.024, p > .05); media (r = (214) -.365, p < .01); legal issues (r = (214) -.406, p < .01); and leadership and governance (r = (214) -.139, p < .05), respectively. Furthermore, eight predictors collectively explained 44.7% of the variance (F (8, 214) = 22.537, p < .001). Discussion: The study reveals that factors like financing, game situations, media, and legal issues significantly influence soccer club performance, accounting for nearly half of its variability. Conclusions: The study found that game situation, financial capability, and legal issues significantly impact football club performance, whereas human capital, fan influence, and club history exhibit greater variability.

Why do fans attend soccer games: investigating motivating factors for attending Ethiopian Premier League soccer games in 2023/24 G.C. A co-relational study was conducted. Sixteen seven-point linker Amharic version questionnaires, known for their validity and reliability, were used from a sample of 524 participants selected through the available sampling method. Frequency, percentage, correlation, and multiple linear regression analyses (with a significance level of P < 0.05) were performed. There was a positive correlation between the fan motivation factors and game attendance: socialization (r = 524, .669, p <.001); performance r = (524), .763, p <.001; excitement r = (524), .676, p <.001; esteem r = (524), .619, p <.001; and diversion r = (524), .630, p <.001, respectively. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that the five predictors collectively explained 69.3% of the variance in game attendance (5, 523) = 237.287, p<.001). Individual predictor analysis indicated that performance (β = .631, t = 15.200, p < .001), excitement (β = .588, t = 12.660, p < .001), and diversion (β = .333, t = 7.749, p < .001) have a positive impact on game attendance. On the other hand, socialization (β = -.382, t = -4.836, p < .001) and esteem (β = -.222, t = -3.534, p < .001) negatively affected game attendance. In conclusion, a notable positive correlation exists between fan motivation and game attendance, highlighting the importance of understanding fan motivation to increase attendance at sporting events.

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the core professional competencies that significantly influence sport managers’ effectiveness across global contexts, with a focus on leadership, communication, and strategic/administrative domains. Methods: Guided by PRISMA 2020 protocols, a total of 10 peer-reviewed studies published between 2022 and 2025 were selected from Scopus, Web of Science, and related databases. Studies included three systematic reviews, four quantitative cross-sectional studies, and three mixed-methods investigations. The methodological quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to estimate pooled effect sizes. Results: The overall pooled effect size was moderate to strong (Cohen’s d = 0.69, 95% CI [0.51, 0.87], p < .001), suggesting a significant relationship between competency development and sport manager performance. Subgroup analysis revealed that leadership (d = 0.73) and interpersonal communication (d = 0.71) had stronger effects than strategic/administrative competencies (d = 0.62). Moderate heterogeneity (I² = 59.9%) was observed, reflecting contextual variation across studies. No significant publication bias was found (Egger’s test, p = .218). Conclusions: This review reinforces competency-based sport management frameworks by emphasizing the rising importance of soft skills in global sport governance. Practical implications include the need to integrate adaptive leadership, stakeholder communication, and digital fluency into sport management curricula and professional development. Future research should employ longitudinal and intervention-based designs to strengthen causal interpretations and expand competency models to meet the evolving demands of sport organizations worldwide. Objetivo: Esta revisión sistemática y metaanálisis examinó las competencias profesionales fundamentales que influyen significativamente en la eficacia de los gestores deportivos en contextos globales, centrándose en el liderazgo, la comunicación y los ámbitos estratégico/administrativo. Métodos: Siguiendo los protocolos PRISMA 2020, se seleccionaron 10 estudios revisados por pares, publicados entre 2022 y 2025, de Scopus, Web of Science y bases de datos relacionadas. Los estudios incluyeron tres revisiones sistemáticas, cuatro estudios transversales cuantitativos y tres investigaciones de métodos mixtos. La calidad metodológica se evaluó mediante la Herramienta de Evaluación de Métodos Mixtos (MMAT). Se realizó un metaanálisis de efectos aleatorios para estimar la magnitud del efecto agrupado. Resultados: La magnitud del efecto agrupado general fue de moderada a alta (d de Cohen = 0,69; IC del 95 % [0,51; 0,87]; p < 0,001), lo que sugiere una relación significativa entre el desarrollo de competencias y el rendimiento de los gestores deportivos. El análisis de subgrupos reveló que el liderazgo (d = 0,73) y la comunicación interpersonal (d = 0,71) tuvieron efectos más fuertes que las competencias estratégicas/administrativas (d = 0,62). Se observó una heterogeneidad moderada (I² = 59,9%), lo que refleja la variación contextual entre los estudios. No se encontró un sesgo de publicación significativo (prueba de Egger, p = 0,218). Conclusiones: Esta revisión refuerza los marcos de gestión deportiva basados en competencias al destacar la creciente importancia de las habilidades interpersonales en la gobernanza deportiva global. Las implicaciones prácticas incluyen la necesidad de integrar el liderazgo adaptativo, la comunicación con las partes interesadas y la fluidez digital en los planes de estudio y el desarrollo profesional de la gestión deportiva. Las investigaciones futuras deberían emplear diseños longitudinales y basados en intervenciones para fortalecer las interpretaciones causales y ampliar los modelos de competencias para satisfacer las demandas cambiantes de las organizaciones deportivas en todo el mundo. Objectivo: Esta revisão sistemática e meta-análise examinou as competências profissionais fundamentais que influenciam significativamente a eficácia dos gestores desportivos em contextos globais, centrando-se na liderança, na comunicação e nos ámbitos estratégicos/administrativos. Métodos: Seguindo os protocolos PRISMA 2020, selecione 10 estudos revistos por pares, publicados entre 2022 e 2025, da Scopus, Web of Science e bases de dados relacionadas. Os estudos incluíram três revisões sistemáticas, quatro estudos transversais cuantitativos e três investigações de métodos mistos. A qualidade metodológica foi avaliada através da Herramienta de Avaliação de Métodos Mixtos (MMAT). Foi realizada uma metaanálise de efeitos aleatórios para estimar a magnitude do efeito agrupado. Resultados: A magnitude do efeito agrupado global foi moderadamente elevada (d de Cohen = 0,69; IC de 95 % [0,51; 0,87]; p < 0,001), o que sugere uma relação significativa entre o desenvolvimento de competências e o rendimento dos gestores desportivos. A análise de subgrupos revelou que a liderança (d = 0,73) e a comunicação interpessoal (d = 0,71) tiveram efeitos mais fortes do que as competências estratégicas/administrativas (d = 0,62). Observou-se uma heterogeneidade moderada (I² = 59,9%), o que reflete a variação contextual entre os estudos. Não foi encontrada uma sessão de publicação significativa (avaliação de Egger, p = 0,218). Conclusões: Esta revisão revê os marcos da gestão desportiva baseada em competências para destacar a crescente importância das competências interpessoais na governação desportiva global. As implicações práticas incluem a necessidade de integrar a liderança adaptativa, a comunicação com as partes interessadas e a fluidez digital nos planos de estudo e no desenvolvimento profissional da gestão desportiva. As investigações futuras deverão empregar projetos longitudinais e baseados em intervenções para fortalecer as interpretações causais e ampliar os modelos de competências para satisfazer as exigências mutáveis ​​das organizações desportivas em todo o mundo.

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes a zoonotic respiratory disease of global public health concern, and dromedary camels are the only proven source of zoonotic infection. Although MERS-CoV infection is ubiquitous in dromedaries across Africa as well as in the Arabian Peninsula, zoonotic disease appears confined to the Arabian Peninsula. MERS-CoVs from Africa have hitherto been poorly studied. We genetically and phenotypically characterized MERS-CoV from dromedaries sampled in Morocco, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, and Ethiopia. Viruses from Africa (clade C) are phylogenetically distinct from contemporary viruses from the Arabian Peninsula (clades A and B) but remain antigenically similar in microneutralization tests. Viruses from West (Nigeria, Burkina Faso) and North (Morocco) Africa form a subclade, C1, that shares clade-defining genetic signatures including deletions in the accessory gene ORF4b. Compared with human and camel MERS-CoV from Saudi Arabia, virus isolates from Burkina Faso (BF785) and Nigeria (Nig1657) had lower virus replication competence in Calu-3 cells and in ex vivo cultures of human bronchus and lung. BF785 replicated to lower titer in lungs of human DPP4-transduced mice. A reverse genetics-derived recombinant MERS-CoV (EMC) lacking ORF4b elicited higher type I and III IFN responses than the isogenic EMC virus in Calu-3 cells. However, ORF4b deletions may not be the major determinant of the reduced replication competence of BF785 and Nig1657. Genetic and phenotypic differences in West African viruses may be relevant to zoonotic potential. There is an urgent need for studies of MERS-CoV at the animal–human interface.