This thesis examines the legal structure of football clubs in Croatia, specifically focusing on the forms of organizations for managing football clubs, associations and sports joint-stock companies. The Sports Law allows a sports club to be established as either an association or a sports joint-stock company, with each form having specific legal characteristics, rights, and obligations for its members or shareholders. Associations gather their members with the goal of promoting sports but are established without the intention of generating profit. On the other hand, sports joint-stock companies allow for capital accumulation, further development, and professionalization. The thesis also analyzes the process of transforming an association into a sports joint-stock company, regulated by the Regulation on the Transformation of a sports club – association for competition into a sports joint-stock company, providing clubs with better access to capital and financial stability. Examples of clubs, such as Hajduk and Rijeka, that have successfully undergone this transformation are mentioned. The thesis concludes by referencing european management models, the socios model in Spain, and the "50+1" rule in Germany, which combine private ownership with the role of fans who are involved in the operation and organization of the club. Finally, the author emphasizes the need to adapt croatian legislation to ensure transparency, accountability, and long-term stability of football clubs.