Column: A football finance nerd’s guide to the Championship play-off final
24 May 2019

The most valuable football match on the planet takes place Monday. Both finalists, Aston Villa and Derby County, have been accused of unethical financial practices.
But who should wear the crown for the most creative accounting practices?
Financial football expert Kieran Maguire looks in this column at the finances of the two teams.
It is well documented that the winners of the play-off will be better off by at least £190 million. This is due to higher broadcasting revenues and a minimum of two years of parachute payments, should they be relegated.
Both finalists, Aston Villa and Derby County, have been accused of unethical financial practices, although the clubs will claim that they have complied with the present Profitability and Sustainability (P&S) rules that govern finances in the EFL.
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