Coronavirus restrictions saw Premier League clubs report a fall in revenue for the first time, according to new figures from finance company Deloitte for the 2019-20 season. A cumulative pre-tax loss of almost £1bn was also the largest in Premier League history and almost five times the previous season’s £200m figure as the true financial cost of the pandemic becomes clear. “The absence of fans, postponement of matches and rebates to broadcasters had a significant impact on the revenue clubs have been able to generate. “Matchday operations are a cornerstone of a club’s business model and fans’ absence will be more fully reflected in the financial results of the 2020-21 financial year. That was a consequence of the fall in income, as wages increased just three per cent in raw terms.

Source: Express June 14, 2021 22:52 UTC