Shihao Xu

Profile

I am Shihao Xu, a PhD Candidate at the School of Law, University of Leeds. My academic journey began with a dual degree in Audit and Law from Southwest University of Political Science & Law in China (2013). Following this, I worked as a financial accountant at a major Chinese state-owned enterprise, where I was responsible for the accounting and tax management of large-scale infrastructure projects. This role provided me with substantial, hands-on experience in corporate governance and financial compliance. 

In 2022, driven by my commitment to academic excellence, I obtained an LLM from the University of Leeds and began my PhD studies here. My research currently focuses on New Institutional Economics, sports law, competition law, and corporate governance, with the aim of making meaningful contributions to these fields.

While research is my primary focus, my wife remains the center of my world. She is a constant source of inspiration and support, and the driving force behind everything I do. In my free time, I enjoy bartending, watching football games and diving.

I am thrilled to be a part of the University of Leeds community and am eager to advance in my field of study.

Research interests

As a passionate football fan and commentator, I am thrilled to be pursuing a PhD in the field of FIFA governance at the University of Leeds. My research interests are focused on exploring FIFA's governance environment and the private ordering governance model behind it, which is a perfect combination of my work experience, research experience, and personal preferences. 

My goal is to delve deeper into this field and examine the governance structure of FIFA and its impact on commercial football. Through my research, I aim to contribute to the development of new strategies for improving governance structures and models within international sports organizations such as FIFA, as well as to the New Institutional Economic theory of private ordering.

I am confident that my research will lead to a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing FIFA. I look forward to making a meaningful impact in the fields of corporate governance and New Institutional Economics and am excited to collaborate with esteemed faculty members and researchers at the University of Leeds.

Research groups and institutes

• Centre for Business Law and Practice