{
  "id": 10902683,
  "title": "From Awoniyi to Azpilicueta: Footballers studying to become sporting directors",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/from-awoniyi-to-azpilicueta-footballers-studying-to-become-sporting",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-30T09:08:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/from-awoniyi-to-azpilicueta-footballers-studying-to-become-sporting-directors/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Current and former professional footballers are increasingly pursuing education to prepare for careers in football management, coaching, and sporting direction. At the PFA Business School’s 2026 graduation ceremony held at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, graduates such as Everton midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi, and former Chelsea captain César Azpilicueta celebrated completing qualifications alongside their playing careers. Dewsbury-Hall, 28, completed a postgraduate diploma in global football sport directorship and emphasized his commitment to learning. Awoniyi, 29, is the third academic achievement in his life, made possible by his father’s strong emphasis on education. Azpilicueta studied before turning professional with Osasuna at 17 and later earned an MBA from Harvard University while playing for Chelsea. The PFA Business School programme allows players to study alongside their professional commitments with scheduled seminars and flexible work schedules.",
  "summary": "Footballers including Taiwo Awoniyi and César Azpilicueta are studying for future careers as sporting directors at the PFA Business School. Read More: https://punchng.com/from-awoniyi-to-azpilicueta-footballers-studying-to-become-sporting-directors/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "From Awoniyi to Azpilicueta: Footballers studying to become sporting directors",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/from-awoniyi-to-azpilicueta-footballers-studying-to-become-sporting-10904098",
        "published": "2026-09-30T09:16:52.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}