Lack of Champions League Football Hits Tottenham’s Finances

Tottenham need a new stadium asap to improve the club’s financial position.

Tottenham’s failure to play Champions League football in season 2011-12 has had a detrimental effect on the club’s finances. In an announcement from the club, it reports a loss of £4.3 million for the year ending 30th June, 2012. The previous year when Spurs played in the Champions League, the club made a profit of £700,000. The figures are a stark reminder of why those clubs who have been competing regularly in the Champions League are determined to retain their position and why those clubs, like Tottenham, who are on the edges of the top four are so anxious to make that step up to the top table of European football.

The club’s total revenue fell by 12% from the previous year to £144 million with their “profit from operations” falling from £38 million to £23. The lack of Champions League football was also seen as one reason for a 4% drop in revenue from merchandising although the club experienced a continuing rise in commercial activities.

Tottenham expect to comply with the Fair Play rules to be imposed by UEFA and have been busy on a number of fronts with the opening of their new training facilities and the continuing progress towards the construction of a new stadium.

Chairman, Daniel Levy, in a statement confirmed Tottenham’s plans for the development of a world-class stadium as final design and development issues are resolved,

"“We are ever ambitious for the club, driving all areas of the business and our focus continues to be the delivery of an increased capacity stadium.”"

The figures contained in this report underline the necessity for Andre Villas-Boas’ Spurs team to secure a top four finish this year as finances will probably be effected by the club’s failure to secure the Champions League place last May even though Tottenham finished fourth.

Deloitte Football Money League

The report from the 16th edition of the Deloitte Football Money League, has Tottenham in 13th position of the world’s richest clubs. Spurs have dropped two places as their finances saw a decrease of  £19.3 million (12%) to £144.2 million. The finances cover three areas – Matchday, Broadcasting and Commercial and in each of these areas Tottenham brought in £41.4 million, £61.6 million and £41.5 million respectively.

Broadcasting

• The report looked at finances to the end of last season and highlighted Tottenham’s non-participation in the Champions League as a major factor in the decline in their overall financial position. Last season they received £2.4 million from UEFA as their share after being knocked out at the Group Stages of the Europa League. The previous season when they reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League they had received £31.1 million. Tottenham’s regular appearances on televised matches in the Premier League saw their domestic revenue increase by £4.3 million to £57.7 million due to finishing fourth and having six extra live matches broadcast.

Matchday

• The Matchday revenue saw a slight drop due to having played one fewer home match but it identified the size of White Hart Lane as a problem for the club making it impossible for Tottenham to compete with Manchester United and Arsenal who brought in £98.7 million and £95.2 million respectively. The report noted that Spurs have received planning permission for the new stadium but that it will be some time before the club will be able to compete in matchday revenues with Arsenal and other clubs in larger stadiums.

Commercial

• Commercially, Tottenham increased their revenue by £4.4 million, to £41.5m continuing with their dual shirt sponsorship deal with Aurasma and Investec. In comparison with the other English clubs on the list, however, Tottenham’s revenue falls dramatically short – Manchester United £117.6m, Chelsea £70.5m, Arsenal £52.5m, Manchester City £1122.1m and Liverpool £80.2m.

Tottenham are the sixth English club on the Money List with Manchester United (3rd), Chelsea (5th), Arsenal (6th), Manchester City (7th) and Liverpool (9th). The top two clubs are Real Madrid and Barcelona. Newcastle United entered the list for the first time in 20th position.

What Do These Figures Tell Us?

Quite simply, the financial position of the club will only improve dramatically if Champions League football becomes a regular feature at White Hart Lane and after the new stadium has been completed.

In reality, Tottenham are punching above their weight with last season’s fourth place. They are the sixth English club on the money list but have managed two fourth place finishes in the last three seasons. They will have to maintain a similar position in coming seasons as they wait for the completion of the new ground which would at least provide increased matchday revenue.

As we enter the final days of January, these figures should act as an incentive for Daniel Levy to strengthen the team to give Tottenham every opportunity to finish with a guaranteed Champions League place. Failure to make that competition for another season will only see Tottenham fall further behind on the Money League and struggle to attract top class players to White Hart Lane.

Over To You.

Can Tottenham continue to battle against the financial odds to gain a Champions League place on a regular basis?