Corporate Social Responsibility in Spanish professional soccer: a relationship for the development of a new citizenship?

Abstract

This research explores the relation existing between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Public Relations (PR) through the legitimization theory (Lindblom, 1994). With this project we aim to determine if soccer clubs are implementing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs to legitimate their role in society as corporate citizens. The specific objectives are (1) to know how CSR programs are being introduced in Spanish soccer clubs; (2) to determine their main CSR polices and (3) to identify dialogue channels with stakeholders. The methodology is based on the interpretative and descriptive analysis of 42 professional soccer clubs in the Spanish League (2016/2017), including those in the first and second division. In particular, we will analyze annual reports, their corporate websites and finally, the foundations of these clubs as instruments to develop CSR policies. The results show little commitment to CSR, which emphasizes charity, actions aimed at the members and compliance with Transparency Laws. The main conclusion is that professional clubs are limited to comply with the legislation and do not have a real commitment to transparency and CSR. The concept of CSR is not applicable to the professional soccer sector in Spain. Palabras