Hybrid Analysis of Financial Distress in Professional Football Clubs Using Network Analysis and XGBoost: Evidence from the English Premier League

Deasy Aisyah Safitri Musyawaman

doi:10.55927/fjmr.v4i12.647

Authors

Deasy Aisyah Safitri Musyawaman Universitas Negeri Surabaya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55927/fjmr.v4i12.647

Keywords:

Financial Distress, Network Analysis, XGBoost, Professional Football Clubs, English Premier League

Abstract

This study investigates financial distress among English Premier League clubs using a hybrid approach combining financial indicators, non-financial performance signals, network-based features, and XGBoost. Using 224 observations from 32 clubs during the 2016/17–2022/23 seasons, the study constructs correlation-based financial networks to extract centrality and community features. Comparative prediction modeling shows that the hybrid model outperforms the baseline model, with significant differences in financial and network signals between distressed and healthy clubs. Results support signaling and agency theories, suggesting that both internal financial indicators and structural network positions reflect a club’s financial vulnerability.

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