By Ashwani Mishra, Editor-Technology, 63SATS
Soccer, the world’s most popular sport, has transformed into a billion-dollar industry where clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Liverpool are not just sporting entities but global enterprises.
With this massive growth, these teams have become targets not only for rival clubs on the field but also for cybercriminals seeking to exploit their vulnerabilities. In today’s digital age, hackers are striking where it hurts most—ticketing systems, player data, sponsorship contracts, and fan records.
Cyber Attacks on Soccer’s Elite
In November 2020, Manchester United, valued at $6.55 billion, suffered a cyberattack that paralyzed its internal systems. “Our IT team and external experts secured our networks and conducted forensic investigations,” the club announced at the time. Although operations were eventually restored, the incident revealed how even the biggest clubs can be unprepared for sophisticated cyber threats.
Fast forward to July 2024, and Liverpool, with a $5.37 billion valuation, became the next high-profile victim. A “serious technical issue” caused by a cyberattack on its ticketing system led to the suspension of matchday ticket sales, leaving fans frustrated and highlighting the vulnerabilities in the club’s digital infrastructure.
These aren’t isolated cases. The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) reported that 70% of sports organizations have faced cyberattacks, with financial losses exceeding £4 million ($5.1 million) in the worst cases. Such incidents underscore the growing appeal of soccer clubs as prime targets for cybercriminals.
The Bologna Breach: A Case Study
Perhaps the most alarming incident occurred a couple of days back when Bologna FC, a $4.8 billion Italian club, fell victim to a ransomware attack by the RansomHub extortion group. The hackers stole sensitive data, including player medical records, sponsorship contracts, and transfer strategies, and leaked it online. They brazenly accused the club of neglecting its cybersecurity responsibilities.
“The attack targeted our internal systems, resulting in the theft of company data,” Bologna FC stated, urging the public to refrain from sharing the stolen files to avoid legal repercussions.
RansomHub demanded a ransom to prevent further leaks but eventually published the data on the dark web, causing irreparable damage to the club’s reputation and potentially violating GDPR regulations. This breach serves as a wake-up call for the entire sports industry, emphasizing the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures.
The Cybercriminal Playbook
According to the NCSC, hackers use a range of sophisticated techniques to exploit the sports industry’s vulnerabilities. Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks, phishing schemes, and ransomware are among the most common.
For example, one Premier League club narrowly avoided a £1 million ($1.27 million) loss during a transfer negotiation when cybercriminals hacked into the managing director’s email account.
Another case involved a ransomware attack on an English Football League (EFL) club, where the hackers demanded 400 bitcoins (approximately $3.8 million) after encrypting almost all of the club’s systems. The attack left the club unable to access corporate emails, operate stadium CCTV, or even manage turnstiles—nearly resulting in a match cancellation.
These incidents highlight the sophistication and persistence of cybercriminals targeting soccer clubs. Beyond financial losses, the risks extend to fan trust, player privacy, and even the integrity of the sport.
A Game of Defense
Defending against cyberattacks requires a proactive and strategic approach, much like the game itself. Clubs must view cybersecurity as an integral part of their operations, investing in advanced technologies, employee training, and third-party expertise.
Paul Chichester, Director of Operations at the NCSC, stressed the importance of preparation: “While cybersecurity might not be an obvious consideration for the sports sector, the impact of cybercriminals cashing in on this industry is very real. Clubs must act now to protect themselves and their fans.”
Some clubs are beginning to take these warnings seriously. Implementing multifactor authentication, conducting regular security audits, and creating incident response plans are becoming more common practices. However, the disparity in resources between elite clubs and smaller teams means cybersecurity remains inconsistent across the industry.
The Digital Offside: Targeting Soccer’s Future
As soccer clubs continue to grow into financial juggernauts, their digital vulnerabilities will only attract more attention from cybercriminals. The industry is at a critical juncture: adapt or risk losing not only financial assets but also the trust of millions of fans worldwide.
Bologna’s ransomware attack, Manchester United’s 2020 breach, and Liverpool’s ticketing system hack tells us that cybercriminals aren’t just targeting databases; they’re aiming to disrupt the heart of the sport, exploiting the intersection of tradition and technology.
In the digital age, the battles for soccer’s future are being fought not just on the field but also in cyberspace. Whether it’s defending against ransomware gangs or preventing phishing attacks, the beautiful game must evolve to protect itself from these invisible yet formidable opponents.
Soccer clubs must remember: the stakes have never been higher, and the cost of losing goes far beyond the scoreboard.
