Analysis: Worst-ever crisis could not halt player wage spiral
Alamy
The pandemic did not stop the inflation of player wages in European football. Now UEFA is trying by imposing a new set of financial sustainability regulations including a squad cost limit.
In a sample of 200 clubs, half of those with the most sustainable wage bills are Scandinavian, while among the worst performing, eight out of ten are from the lower tiers of English football.
Why it matters: Wages are the single most important expense in football and despite the worst crisis for football ever seen, clubs are still paying out more to players.
The perspective: The pandemic has underscored the unhealthy wage race in football and that tighter regulation is needed.
31 May 2022 - 12:23 PM
Last month UEFA announced a new set of sustainability rules that will come into force in June 2022, replacing the former FFP rule set established in 2010. The aim of the new regulations is to ensure the stability and solvency of clubs and to keep their costs under control.
That is important not least because player salaries have increased under the pandemic despite clubs losing money.
Off The Pitch has taken a look at the wage bill of 200 European clubs to assess which are
Get smarter in minutes. Straight to your inbox
21-day free trial
Activate instantly with the link we’ll send you.
