Though soccer is comprised of 11 players on the pitch identical to American football, soccer exhibits characteristics more similar to the NBA in terms of the impact that a marquee player can have on TV ratings.
The media tycoon and owner of soccer club AC Milan -- who previously served three terms as prime minister -- was forced to step down amid an escalating eurozone debt crisis and personal legal battles.
Mr Murdoch's attempt to set up a pan-European pay TV channel linked to the launch of a new European Soccer Super League, fell apart two years ago after he failed to agree terms with Mr Berlusconi.