Validsign’s John Lagemen pulls out of Ado Den Haag acquisition
March 21 – Dutch club Ado Den Haag have confirmed that the proposed acquisition by businessman John Lageman has been called off.
Finance
Landmark UK Football Governance Bill passes House of Lords reading
March 20 – The UK’s landmark Football Governance Bill has moved a step closer to becoming law after clearing its final hurdle in the House of Lords — but efforts to force a sweeping ban on gambling sponsorship in football have been soundly defeated.
Canadian investor Alex Haditaghi saves Pogon Szczecin from bankruptcy at last minute
March 17 – Iranian-Canadian businessman Alex Haditaghi has acquired Polish side Pogon Szczecin in a move that will “save the club”.
Brighton’s Bloom blossoms down under with Melbourne Victory stake
March 14 – Brighton owner Tony Bloom has acquired a minority stake in Australian A-League club Melbourne Victory, the league confirmed.
Bundesliga clubs hit record €5.87bn as total match attendance hits 20m+
March 12 – The German FA (DFL) has released its Economic Report for the 2023-24 season, and once again, German football’s financial strength is on full display, showing impressive growth and setting new records for revenue, employment, and financial sustainability.
Man United squad “not good enough” insists Ratcliffe in tell-all interview
March 11 – Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has delivered a scathing assessment of the club’s current squad, branding several high-profile players as “not good enough” and “overpaid”.
Premier League leaves Big 5 league rivals far behind in revenue race
March 10 – The rich get richer and then there is the English Premier League! According to newly released figures from UEFA, the Premier League’s combined revenues are almost double that of Germany and Spain.
European club revenues hit €26.8bn in 2023 but costs are rising, finds UEFA report
March 7 – European football is raking in more cash than ever, but UEFA’s latest Club Licensing Benchmarking Report warns that clubs are walking a financial tightrope. While revenue hit a record €26.8 billion in 2023—up nearly €3 billion from the previous year—so did costs, squeezing operating margins across the board.
Manchester City confirm hotel plans with Radisson at Etihad Campus
March 6 – Manchester City have announced a partnership with Radisson Hotel Group to develop a new 401-room hotel at the Etihad Campus, set to open in late 2026.
Liverpool post £57m losses as revenue hits £614m
March 3 – Liverpool has announced a pre-tax loss of £57 million for the financial year ending 31 May 2024, a sharp increase from the £9 million deficit recorded in the previous year. However, the club’s overall revenue rose by £20 million to £614 million, driven by record-breaking commercial income and a strong on-field showing in Jürgen Klopp’s final season in charge.
Tebas likens Man City to Enron saying they hide losses in businesses outside CFG
February 28 – La Liga president Javier Tebas has accused Manchester City of financial deception akin to that of Enron, claiming that the Premier League champions hide losses in different companies to improve the club’s finances.
Brazil’s Vasco da Gama take steps to protect itself from bankruptcy
February 26 – With mounting debts, Brazilian club Vasco da Gama has taken steps to protect itself from bankruptcy.
Textor fires both barrels at PSG’s ‘illegal’ state finance model, saying rules are not being applied evenly
February 24 – Lyon co-owner John Textor has publicly criticised PSG’s ownership structure, labeling it as ‘illegal’.
Man Utd’s malaise makes Europa League win a balance sheet priority
February 21 – Manchester United’s latest financial results paint a worrying picture, with revenues dropping to £198.7 million for the final three months of 2024 – down 12% from the same period last year.
Arsenal post record revenues of £616m but still show losses of £17m
February 21 – Arsenal have posted record revenues of £616.6 million for the year to 31 May 2024 with reduced losses of £17.7 million from £52.1 million in the year to May 2023.