Sport

It’s all about the money, money, money: Manchester City top table of Premier League clubs splashing the cash

By Paddy von Behr

If you’re wondering how to approach the boss about a pay rise, take a leaf out a Premier League footballer’s book.

As wages soar by 9% across the division, Manchester teams sit top and bottom of the money tables.

Manchester City are the undisputed kings of splashing the cash, boasting the league’s highest wage bill of £202million.

Meanwhile, Manchester United top the revenue table by taking £320million in the 2011/12 season, as Wigan Athletic prop up the rest, attracting just £53million.

Wages are expected to continue to rise, as Premier League clubs absorb an extra £600million of television money next season.

And this revenue will help the division retain its status as the world’s wealthiest domestic competition.

Dan Jones, partner in accountancy firm Deloitte’s sports business group, said: “Despite operating in a challenging economic environment, English club football’s profile, exposure and increasingly global interest have continued to drive revenue growth for the top clubs.”

Alan Switzer, director in the sports business group at Deloitte, believes broadcast revenues can provide sustainability for clubs, despite the hike in wages.

“The Premier League clubs have agreed to a system of enhanced financial regulations, designed to improve the sustainability of its clubs,” he said.

“The successful implementation of these rules, coupled with the imminent boost to broadcast revenues, could provide huge benefits to the long-term development, growth and stability of the game and its clubs.”

The firm’s annual review of football finance expects the 20 Premier League clubs to earn more than £3billion of revenues for the 2013/14 campaign.

This would represent a 25% increase on the £2.5billion of this season, which was itself just a 5% growth on 2011/12.

The report said: “If historic trends are repeated, increasing revenues will absorb about 80% (£480 million) of the extra revenue.”

Image courtesy MCFC via YouTube, with thanks.

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