In recent years, multiple football clubs have faced financial difficulties, exacerbated by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. On the other hand, the influence of wealthy investors and state-funded investments has increased the financial pressure for other clubs to remain competitive. 

Consequently, football’s regulatory bodies have intensified their scrutiny of club finances. Based on this, recent seasons have seen intensified discussions around club ownership, legal charges, points deductions and salary caps to maintain an equal playing field.

Modern football now demands a balance between financial sustainability and on-field success, a balance increasingly challenging to achieve. Recognising clubs that stands out financially, highlights those that innovate and operate efficiently, ensuring both short-term and long-term success. 

Therefore, Off The Pitch is once again crowning Europe’s most financially sustainable clubs using a weighted model based on EBITDA-margin, Return-on-Assets (excluding exceptional income) and Equity-ratio across 245 clubs.

To further honor persistent financial sustainability, our ranking includes the last three fiscal periods – 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23 – with the most recent period weighted the most. This approach diminishes seasonal anomalies and enhances the latest financial figures.

Additionally, clubs for which we cannot accurately identify transfer income within their total turnover have been excluded from the ranking to prevent artificially inflated EBITDA margins.

Clubs relegated in the 2022/23 season have been slightly penalized as financial sustainability must still align with on-field success.

Who is the most financially-sustainable club?

This year the fast-growing Norwegian club FK Bodø/Glimt tops the list. 

In 2018, Bodø/Glimt narrowly avoided relegation, but by the next year, they finished as runners-up in Norway’s top division. Since then, the club have won three league titles out of four possible – which also becomes the first titles in the history of the club, cementing their impressive rise to the top.

Bodø/Glimt’s impressive rise in Norwegian and European football has positively impacted their finances. Based on the Off The Pitch sustainable rankings, Bodø/Glimt placed 7th in 2021 and 3rd in 2022, ultimately securing this year’s top spot. Since 2018, the club have more than quadrupled its turnover, reaching €23.5 million during the most recent fiscal period.

Looking at the recent turnover figures, Bodø/Glimt achieves an EBITDA-margin score of 22.8, indicating a healthy core business. 

Additionally, Bodø/Glimt earned a Return-on-Assets score of 20.3 and an Equity-ratio score of 60.1, securing a total score of 29.5, well ahead of second place, and domestic competitors, Molde. 

Their domestic success has also boosted their European profile, with clubs like Arsenal and AS Roma visiting the small town of Bodø for Europa League and Conference League games in recent seasons. 

For a relatively small club like Bodø/Glimt, the European participation money constitute a significant part of their revenue, with the UEFA payments accounting for approximately 41 percent of total turnover during the 2023 fiscal year.

However, this also means that in order to maintain revenue levels comparable to recent seasons, UEFA payments are crucial in the short term. Ultimately, a season without European football could still significantly alter the financial landscape for a club with the size of Bodø/Glimt. 

Familiar faces reign the rest of the list

Six of last year’s top ten clubs remain, with Bayern Munich, Malmo FF, Tottenham and SD Eibar falling out. Molde have risen six spots from last year’s 8th place, while also Norwegian club Brann enters the top ten for the first time. 

From Denmark, AGF – Aarhus dropped four places to 8th, while Silkeborg IF debuts in 5th place after a 2022/23 season in the Conference League group stages. Swedish club, Djurgaarden also makes the list, highlighting the continued Scandinavian dominance of recent years sustainable rankings.

Last year’s most financially sustainable club, Atalanta BC, have fallen to 6th place after their first season in many years absent from any of the European tournaments, leading to a dip in their key financial figures. Despite this, their financials remain positive. 

Overall, Italian football has struggled with financial difficulties and scandals during the past decade, but the presence of three Italian clubs in the top ten suggests a potential turnaround, as Fiorentina and Napoli enter the list.

Manchester City takes the remaining spot on the list. Their impressive performances on the pitch are undeniable, however with 115 ongoing legal charges and unresolved legal disputes, financial consequences remain possible. For now, their treble-winning 2022/23 season positions them 3rd on the list, an improvement from 5th place last year. 

For those wondering, Sheffield Wednesday takes this years last place based on the three selected metrics.

Gabriele Gravina, president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), has revealed that UEFA and FIFA are strongly opposed to the Italian government’s plans to set up a new body that would oversee the budgets of sports teams, including professional football clubs.

Speaking at a hearing convened by the Chamber of Deputies' Culture Committee, Gravina said: “We have received an email from UEFA and FIFA, very strict. It invites us to put pressure on the government authority to reverse this measure, which is considered to violate the autonomy of sport."

The plans for the new body emerged last month, with a draft decree ahead of a cabinet meeting which approved the plans stating the "independent committee" would look after "the legality and regularity" of teams’ finances to ensure they are properly managed and sustainable.

“Disparity in treatment”

Expressing his own opposition to the plans, Gravina said: "The decree not only violates the principles of the market economy, but is clearly not in line with the principles of autonomy enshrined in the rulings of the Constitutional Court.”

He added: “I see a disparity in treatment compared to other sectors of the economy of our country”. Gravina also defended the work of Italian football watchdogCovisoc, saying it "has brilliantly exercised its task” since it was established in 1987.

English football regulator: Labour Party eyes plans for ticket prices and transfer levy

The Labour Party has reiterated its commitment to set up a new independent regulator for English football and said it may regulate ticket sales and review proposals to impose a transfer levy on Premier League clubs if it wins next month’s UK general election.

Speaking to reporters at the home ground of EFL League One club Bristol Rovers, Labour leader Keir Starmer said the party – which remains the runaway favourite to win the 4th July vote – intends to bring forward its own version of the Football Governance Bill in a bid to ensure clubs’ financial stability and protect fans.

Labour’s shadow secretary of state for digital, culture, media, and sport, Thangam Debbonaire, told Bloomberg the party is considering regulating ticket prices to ensure they’re not too expensive, with proposals for a levy on transfers by top-flight clubs, with the proceeds going to grassroots football, also being looked at.

“Back to first principles”

Debbonaire said Labour’s version of the Football Governance Bill will “go back to first principles,” adding: “In giving supporters a greater say in how their clubs are run and by strengthening owners’ and directors’ tests we will make England the best place in the world to be a football fan.”

When asked about regulating ticket sales, she said: “I’m going to look at everything because obviously ticket sales are a good part of income. But there’s a whole range of ways that clubs have to generate income.”

Olympique Lyonnais owners Eagle Football have announced that the sale of National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) club Seattle Reign FC (formerly OL Reign), agreed back in March, has been completed following approval of the deal by the NWSL and MLS.

In a statement, Eagle Football confirmed the sale of 100 per cent of the shares in the team for around €54 million to a group that includes the MLS club Seattle Sounders and global investment firm Carlyle.

“In line with the group's strategy announced on October 25, in particular the refocusing on men's football, this transaction should enable Eagle Football Group to recognise a capital gain on the sale in the 2023/2024 financial statements,” the statement read.

LDLC Arena sale

The Seattle Reign deal follows Eagle Football’s sale earlier this month of the multipurpose LDLC Arena to Holnest, the investment company of Lyon’s previous owner Jean-Michel Aulas, together with a group of other investors, for €160 million.

As reported by L’Équipe, Lyon’s latest appearance before French football’s financial watchdog the DNCG, due to take place last Wednesday, was postponed to the end of the month to wait for the completion of the Seattle Reign and LDLC Arena sales.

The billionaire owner of Roma, Dan Friedkin, has emerged as the new frontrunner to purchase Everton and is set to be handed exclusivity this week to complete a takeover, according to a report from The Times.

The US businessman is the chairman and CEO of the Houston-based Friedkin Group, which has been in talks with Everton owner Farhad Moshiri about acquiring his 94.1 per cent stake following the collapse of the proposed takeover by 777 Partners last month.

It is understood Friedkin must provide an initial sum of £200 million, which will pay off a £158 million loan and provide £30 million of working capital. That is scheduled to happen today, with exclusivity due to be granted tomorrow once the funds have cleared.

Talks with different parties

Moshiri has had discussions with a number of different parties, including the UK-based investor Vici Private Finance and the local businessmen and Everton fans Andy Bell and George Downing. However, Friedkin is said to be Moshiri’s favoured choice.

About £50 million of loan is owed to Bell and Downing with £80 million owed to MSP Sports Capital, another bidder of a drawn-out process. The Times reported that one of the rival groups was twice informed that a deal would be struck with them earlier this month, only for the trail to then go cold.

Manchester United begin £50 million revamp of Carrington training complex

Manchester United have announced that a £50 million renovation of the club’s Carrington training complex will start today, with work expected to last for the duration of the 2024/25 season.

In a statement, United said all areas of the building will be refurbished. “The initial focus will be on the gym, medical, nutrition, and recovery areas, with a design emphasis on creating more space for collaboration and innovation among players and staff,” the club said.

The architectural practice Foster + Partners, led by Manchester-born Lord Norman Foster, has been appointed to lead the project. The firm’s previous work includes the reshaping of Wembley Stadium and the design of the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, used for the final of the 2022 World Cup.

“World-class environment”

United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said: “We want to create a world-class environment for our teams to win. When we conducted a thorough review of the Carrington training facilities and met with our men’s first team players, it was clear the standards had fallen below some of our peers.

“This project will ensure Manchester United’s training ground is once more renovated to the highest standards.”

Everton strike club-record kit deal with Castore worth £20 million a year

Everton have announced a new “multi-year club-record” kit deal with Castore, which according to media reports is worth more than £20 million a year.

The Merseyside club did not put a precise figure or timescale on the contract. However, as reported by The Daily Telegraph, the value of the partnership is understood to be at least double what the club agreed with previous kit manufacturer Hummel. That four-year deal, which finished at the end of the 2023/24 season, was worth up to £10 million a year.

In a statement, Everton said Castore will also become the first founding partner of their new stadium on Bramley-Moore Dock, giving the sportswear brand “access to enhanced commercial opportunities and media rights” at the new venue once it opens next summer.

Difficult 12 months for Castore

For Manchester-based Castore, a fresh tie-up with a Premier League club is timely as it follows a difficult 12 months in which two of their biggest English football partners ended agreements, one doing so under controversial circumstances.

Aston Villa switched to Adidas shortly after complaining about technical issues with their Castore jerseys. Newcastle United have also moved from Castore to Adidas for the 2024/25 season, although they said that was solely for commercial reasons, describing the quality of their kits as “extremely high”.

Global footballers’ union FIFPro has gone through with its threat of court action against FIFA over next summer’s expanded Club World Cup amid heightened concerns over player burnout.

The lawsuit, also led by England’s Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) and its French counterpart, the UNFP, requests a Belgian court to refer the case to the European Court of Justice (CJEU).

FIFPro said it had no other option than launching legal action after warnings went unheard over the scheduling of the 32-team Club World Cup in the US next June and July.

“Fundamental rights of players”

FIFPro Europe president David Terrier said: “Since all attempts at dialogue have failed, it is now up to us to ensure that the fundamental rights of players are fully respected by taking the matter to the European courts and thus to the ECJ.

“It’s not a question of stigmatising a particular competition, but of denouncing both the underlying problem and the straw that broke the camel’s back.”

The union is “challenging the legality of FIFA’s decisions to unilaterally set the international match calendar and, in particular, the decision to create and schedule the FIFA Club World Cup 2025”.

Everton takeover: UK-based investor backed by two billionaires enters race to buy club

Everton owner Farhad Moshiri has received a fresh bid to buy the club from a UK-based investor, Vici Private Finance, which is backed by at least two billionaires, according to a report from The Times.

It is understood that Vici – a newly established UK multi-family office of investment funds – initiated talks with Moshiri and his advisers several months ago and has offered concrete terms within the past week.

The Vici bid is being advised by Keith Harris, who was brought on to Everton’s board of directors by Moshiri in 2016 and was deputy chairman for a spell.

Billionaire owners’ funds

The Times reported that Vici has brought together a financial consortium for the bid supported by two western hemisphere billionaire owners’ funds and several foundations, including a humanitarian fund.

The bid involves no borrowed money and it is believed that proof of funds of about £1 billion in cash have been shown. As external funding is not required, an agreement could be executed quickly if Moshiri decides to give the group the green light.
 

FC Barcelona face legal challenge from Libero over Barça Studios stake sale contract

The fallout from the collapse of the planned IPO of FC Barcelona’s digital unit Barça Visión looks set to continue after it emerged that the club is facing legal action from the investment fund Libero.

The German firm failed to pay FC Barcelona €40 million for the purchase of a stake in the unit, which led the Catalan club to begin their own legal action against the firm earlier this year in the hope of attaining the funds.

However, Libero is now suing Barcelona for breaking the agreed contract of the stake sale, and in a note to the Frankfurt Stock Exchange states that the payment of the amount owed was guaranteed at the time by an external investor "with a solid financial situation" before they stepped aside.

Proceedings against investor

Libero has also initiated legal proceedings against the investor to claim the missing funds. The company adds that "it is unlikely that the lawsuit will have negative consequences for Libero" and hopes that the investor will fulfil what was agreed.

Last August, Libero announced it would be purchasing a 9.8 per cent share of Bridgeburg Invest, the holding company which controls Barça Vision.

However, at the beginning of this year it emerged that Barcelona had not been paid by Libero after extending the deadline to pay them until 31st December.

A-Cap, the US insurance company inextricably linked with failed Everton buyer 777 Partners, is regarded by the club’s owner Farhad Moshiri as a serious takeover contender, The Daily Telegraph has reported.

It is understood that A-Cap is attempting to convince Moshiri it can take control at the club despite apparent pressure from US authorities to cut its exposure to troubled 777.

Early interest from A-Cap CEO Kenneth King was initially dismissed as 777 descended into legal turmoil in recent weeks. However, Moshiri is now said to be in active talks with the New York-based executive.

Operational costs

King has some clout as he appears to have helped fund operational costs provided by 777 at Everton in recent months before the Miami-group’s takeover collapsed.

Some sources close to talks told The Telegraph that A-Cap is now in the driving seat, although other sides of a proposed deal play down his prospects.

All insiders agree, however, that King is fiercely motivated to secure an agreement, with money already tied up inside the Merseyside club.
 

Manchester United water down Erik ten Hag’s power amid new transfer policy

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag’s influence on player recruitment is set to be reduced after it emerged the Dutch coach will continue in his role following an internal review of football operations at the club led by co-owner INEOS.

According to a report from The Independent, United are seeking to build a dynamic young squad primarily based on signings under the age of 24, as they now overhaul recruitment after finally making a decision on Ten Hag’s future.

It is understood that under the new approach the United manager will have a slightly altered influence amid contract extension talks, where he won't have the same responsibility over signings.

Ajax system

It is thought the new INEOS hierarchy ultimately felt it was only fair to give Ten Hag a chance at showing what he can do within the new structure, which is closer to the Ajax system where he forged his reputation.

The Independent also reported that while the aim is to quickly restore United as a Champions League club, one of the significant points raised in the internal review was how Arsenal benefited from patience with Mikel Arteta.

Motherwell investment from ex-Netflix VP set to be rejected by fan owners

A proposed investment into Motherwell from former Netflix vice president Erik Barmack and his wife Courtney is set to be rejected by the Well Society, the fan ownership group in control of over 70 per cent of the Scottish Premiership club.

In a club statement, Motherwell said they have “entered a period of consultation” with Well Society members and club shareholders and announced that voting on the proposed investment is to begin on 1st July.

However, the Well Society board has voted by a 6-3 majority against the proposal and released a statement of their own outlining six reasons why they do "not believe the negotiated terms are advantageous to the club" and urging members to oppose the offer.

Long-term future

The Well Society statement read: “Fan ownership is the only way we can safeguard the long-term future of the club. These proposals will see the Society’s shareholding reduced from 71% to a maximum of 46%, leaving us with a lesser shareholding than Wild Sheep Sports, who will secure 49%.

“We recognise that, in our consultation earlier this year, a majority of Society members signalled they would be open to considering an offer of investment that sees the Society lose its majority shareholding in the club.

“However, we do not believe the investment of £1,950,000 over six years justifies the significant risk involved in giving up fan ownership.”

Nassef Sawiris, the Egyptian billionaire owner of Aston Villa, has revealed he is contemplating a formal complaint against the Premier League over its Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Sawiris told the Financial Times that he believes the rules are “anti-competitive” and that he is seeking legal advice about whether to mount a challenge.

“Some of the rules have actually resulted in cementing the status quo more than creating upward mobility and fluidity in the sport,” Sawiris said, adding that the sanctions for PSR breaches appeared “opaque and seemingly arbitrary”.

Failed attempt to change rules

At last week’s Premier League AGM, Villa failed in an attempt to increase the maximum losses allowed over three years under PSR from £105 million to £135 million.

The club have previously insisted they are operating within the PSR limit, despite announcing a £119.6 million loss for the 2022/23 financial year and recording the seventh-highest wage bill in the Premier League.

Nottingham Forest seek £20 million in transfer sales to comply with PSR

Nottingham Forest will have to raise around £20 million from player sales before 30th June to ensure they comply with the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), according to a report from The Daily Telegraph.

After being deducted four points last season, Forest are under pressure to make a trading profit before the end of this month to avoid further sanctions, but the amount required is understood to be lower than first estimated.

Forest are believed to be in a similar position to a number of other Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Wolves, where significant offers for their players would have to be assessed.

Sales of fringe players

Morgan Gibbs-White and Murillo are Forest’s two most coveted assets, and it is understood that one sale may be required this summer to guarantee financial stability over future seasons.

However, the club is thought to be aiming to meet the £20 million figure before 30th June with the sales of fringe players and is said to be relaxed about the situation.

Real Madrid have insisted they will honour their commitment to play in FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup next summer despite comments from manager Carlo Ancelotti claiming they would “refuse the invitation”.

In an interview with Italian newspaper Il Giornale, Ancelotti claimed Madrid and other clubs would not participate in the 32-team tournament. “One single Real Madrid game is worth €20 million, and FIFA want to give us that amount for the entire competition. Negative,” he said.

However, the Italian later sought to clarify his position and indicated he was in support of playing, with the club also releasing a statement backing their participation.
Ancelotti said: “In my interview with Il Giornale, my words about the FIFA Club World Cup have not been interpreted in the way I intended.

Nothing could be further from my interest than to reject the possibility of playing in a tournament that I consider to be a great opportunity to continue fighting for major titles with Real Madrid.”

“Utmost enthusiasm”

The club statement read: “Real Madrid C. F. informs that at no time has its participation in the new Club World Cup to be organised by FIFA in the next season 2024/2025 been questioned.

“Therefore, our club will take part, as planned, in this official competition which we face with pride and with the utmost enthusiasm to once again make our millions of fans all over the world dream of a new title.”

Shakhtar Donetsk consider legal action against Tottenham over Manor Solomon move

Shakhtar Donetsk CEO Serhiy Palkin has accused Tottenham Hotspur of taking advantage of the war in Ukraine and acting “like a robber on the road” over Manor Solomon’s move from Shakhtar to North London.

The Israeli left winger was contracted to Shakhtar until the end of 2023, but moved to Spurs on a free transfer last summer after FIFA granted the right to all non-Ukrainian nationals playing in that country to suspend their contracts amid the conflict.

The suspension went beyond the end of the player’s Shakhtar deal. However, as reported by The Daily Telegraph, the Ukrainian club believe they should have been paid a fee or at least given a sizeable sell-on clause in any future move Solomon might make from Tottenham.

Ended all negotiations

Following almost a year of talks with Tottenham director Rebecca Caplehorn, Shakhtar have ended all negotiations and are now considering taking the matter to court.

Shakhtar have already taken legal action against Lyon over Mateus Tete, who moved to France on loan and then joined Leicester City on loan for which Palkin claims Lyon received a fee.

Palkin told The Telegraph: “I am feeling very bad towards Tottenham. I cannot believe this kind of club with a huge history … that they can behave like this. From my point of view, it’s not acceptable behaviour. They have taken advantage of the war.”

The Premier League has failed in an attempt to close a loophole that lets clubs use one-off profits from the sale of hotels, training grounds or other tangible assets in their financial fair play submissions.

As reported by The Athletic, the league made the proposal at its AGM last week, but only 11 of the 20 clubs backed it, significantly short of the two-thirds majority required for a change in the English top-flight’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Chelsea avoided breaching the PSR limit for the latest three-year period by selling the two hotels and car parks at Stamford Bridge to a sister company for £76.5 million. This was enough to turn a £166.4 million loss for the 2022/23 financial year into a £89.9 million deficit for the club.

Artificial windfall profits

The English Football League (EFL) stopped its clubs from using artificial windfall profits on property sales in 2021, after half a dozen clubs had sold their stadiums or training grounds to themselves in order to avoid breaching the PSR limit on permitted losses.

The Premier League considered taking the same action but its clubs did not feel strongly enough about it at the time for the league to put it to a vote. That changed, however, after Chelsea’s sales emerged earlier this year.

Everton takeover: Local businessmen vs MSP Sports Capital in new two-horse race

A new race to buy Everton has emerged between two of the club’s creditors, following the collapse of the proposed takeover by 777 Partners earlier this month, according to a report from The Times.

The local businessmen and Everton supporters Andy Bell and George Downing are understood to be competing against US investment firm MSP Sports Capital, which has previously held talks over investment in the club.

The development comes after 777 failed to come up with the funds to repay a £158 million loan on Everton’s behalf. Bell and Downing and MSP were the main creditors of that loan, which was to fund the club’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.

A-Cap proposal

The Times also reported that a separate proposal has been put forward to Everton owner Farhad Moshiri by insurance company A-Cap, which has offered to refinance all of the club’s existing debt and take a minority equity position.

However, that would mean Moshiri would retain a majority stake, which he is no longer thought to want. In addition, A-Cap’s links to 777 Partners would bring renewed scrutiny over the suitability of such a deal for the club.

EFL Championship clubs to consider ‘multiple options’ over changes to financial rules

English Football League (EFL) Championship clubs have agreed to consider changes to the current financial rules for the division following a meeting of EFL teams last week.

In a statement, the EFL said clubs in England’s second tier have “committed to change and agreed in principle to target the end of the calendar year to determine how future cost controls in the division will work.”

The EFL added: “Clubs will now consider multiple options to enhance or replace the current Profitability and Sustainability Rules (P&S) via a new working party that will represent the views of all 24 clubs before deciding on the most appropriate direction of travel.”

Under the current P&S rules, the amount Championship clubs are permitted to lose over a three-year period is £39 million, and last month it was reported that this was set to rise to £41.5 million next season.

Leagues One and Two to update salary rules

At last week’s meeting clubs from Leagues One and Two also agreed to revise and update their set of Salary Cost Management Protocol (SCMP) rules.

The EFL said: “There was a unanimous acknowledgment amongst clubs that there is an immediate and acute need for reform in order to stem the rising losses facing both divisions, currently averaging £5m per club in League One and £1.5m in League Two.

“Clubs are committed to implementing change and will consider the issue over the course of the close season.”

Norwich City co-owner Mark Attanasio in talks over 25 per cent stake in Benfica

Norwich City joint owner Mark Attanasio, together with fellow American businessman Jean-Marc Chapus, are reported to be in discussions to acquire around 25 per cent of Benfica.

A source familiar with the talks told Sportico that the pair, who are managing partners at the Los Angeles-based investment firm Crescent Capital, are in negotiations to buy the stake from a private shareholder.

The source added they would be investing personally, not via Crescent Capital, and that the deal is for the football club only, and not the other Benfica teams that compete in sports such as basketball, volleyball and handball.

Norwich investment

Attanasio, who owns the MLB team Milwaukee Brewers, first invested in Norwich in 2022, and in April this year became a joint majority shareholder of the EFL Championship club.

The Norfolk FB Holdings group led by the American increased the size of their stake in the team from 21.5 per cent to 40.4 per cent, giving Attanasio parity with longtime owners Delia Smith and Michael Wynn Jones.

Manchester City’s legal dispute with the Premier League over its Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules has put the £900 million financial redistribution deal for the English Football League (EFL) at risk, according to The Times.

The newspaper revealed the action being taken by City against the league earlier this week, and it has now reported that senior Premier League club sources are citing City’s legal claim as one factor in their failure to agree on a deal with the EFL.

The sources told The Times they are reluctant to commit extra funds to the EFL if the APT rules, which are designed to prevent clubs from inflating commercial deals with companies linked to their owners, are deemed unlawful.

“If we have to spend more to even try to keep pace with clubs like City, we might need to hold on to that money,” one prominent Premier League source said.

£1 billion compensation claims

The Times also reported that some clubs may pursue compensation claims totalling more than £1 billion against City if they are found guilty of any or all of 115 alleged breaches of Premier League rules, which the club deny.

It is understood the clubs have sought legal advice and could pursue what they call “placing claims”, meaning compensation for not finishing above City in the league.

FC Barcelona set to agree new €1.28 billion kit sponsorship deal with Nike

FC Barcelona are on the verge of agreeing a new ten-year kit sponsorship deal with Nike worth at least €1.28 billion, the Catalan newspaper Sport has reported.

The American apparel giant has been Barca’s kit sponsor since 1998, but the club attempted to end the partnership earlier this year, with president Joan Laporta claiming Barcelona were being underpaid and that Nike had breached its contract.

However, in April a judge ruled the club had to see out its current deal with Nike due to expire in 2028, which it is understood may have been a key factor in the decision to strike a new agreement.

Bonus payments

According to Sport, the new contract set to be agreed will be worth between €105 million to €120 million a season depending on bonus payments for positive results on the pitch, with a signing-on fee of €100 million also included.

If the deal is confirmed, it would provide a significant boost to Barcelona as the club looks to balance its books ahead of the 30th June deadline to comply with LaLiga’s spending rules.
 

KV Oostende officially declared bankrupt as club explore options to re-establish team

KV Oostende, the Belgian club previously owned by Pacific Media Group (PMG), have officially been declared bankrupt by the Bruges division of the Commercial Court of Ghent.

The ruling follows the collapse of a proposed takeover of the club last month, which led Werner Van Oosterwyck, the administrator appointed by KVO, to announce that he had no option but to file for the bankruptcy of the club.

KVO’s financial difficulties accelerated over recent months and the court ruled that the club was “no longer able to repay its debts in a normal way and within an acceptable period of time.”

Possible merger

In a statement, KVO said they are exploring options for re-establishing the team within the Belgian pyramid, including the possibility of merging with another club.

“Time is the biggest enemy, but everything is being done to be able to present a new, financially healthy and ambitious project for the coming season,” the club said.