Football: Soccer-COVID pandemic cost European clubs 7 billion euros: UEFA study

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(Reuters) – A study by governing physique UEFA confirmed the COVID-19 pandemic cost European clubs seven billion euros ($7.91 billion) throughout two seasons at the same time as participant wages at prime sides rose by 2% to 11.9 billion euros ($13.45 billion) through the interval.

Top-flight clubs suffered losses price 4 billion euros ($4.52 billion) in 2021, up from three billion euros ($3.39 billion) the earlier 12 months.

The majority of losses got here because of empty stadiums, with revenues from ticket gross sales falling by 88% in 2020-21. Transfer revenues additionally took a tumble, dropping by 40%.

British media mentioned the report, which included 724 clubs throughout 54 prime divisions in Europe, added that 900 million euros ($1.02 billion) was given in rebates to broadcasters, whereas sponsorship income plummeted by 1.7 billion euros ($1.92 billion).

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, nevertheless, mentioned there was cause for optimism with followers returning to stadiums.

“One lesson of the final two years has been that it’s only by exhibiting solidarity and dealing collectively that European soccer can overcome existential challenges such because the pandemic,” he mentioned.

“This report gives sobering particulars of the post-pandemic challenges that await us. But whether or not the pandemic stays or goes, European soccer will keep sturdy, secure and united in 2022.”

($1 = 0.8850 euros)

(Reporting by Dhruv Munjal in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)



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