Abstrakt
The aim of this case study is to analyse supporters' engagement in club governance on the example of the Czech Supporters' Trust Družstvo fanoušků Bohemians (DFB). The DFB was founded in March 2005 and saved the club from bankruptcy after several periods of financial mismanagement.
Since then, the DFB's representatives have been involved in numerous legal disputes over the club's traditional identity and in opposition to the proposed relocation away from the traditional Ďolíček stadium. Focusing on different levels of Bohemians supporters' involvement, the following questions are addressed: What is the role of the DFB in relation to club governance? What is the impact of these activities on club governance? The data that underpin the analysis are drawn from a variety of primary and secondary sources available online and offline.
First, semi-structured interviews with supporters and Bohemians club officials have been carried out. Second, non-participant observations during social gatherings, municipal council meetings, club events and football matches have been carried out.
Third, the research is further informed by a documentary analysis of newspaper articles, e-zines, blogs, Internet discussions and websites.