Deloitte report adds weight to the need for a fairer financial flow in football, says Fair Game

“The Siren Call of the Premier League has turned the Championship into a basket case of financial sustainability. If ever there was a case for a strong independent regulator these figures from Deloitte spell it out in stark detail.”

Niall Couper, Fair Game CEO

RESPONDING to Deloitte’s Annual Review of Football Finance published today (Thursday 15 June), Fair Game have called for a culture change in our National Game and the introduction of a fairer financial flow.

The report revealed that spending by Championship clubs exceeded revenue for a fifth successive season in 2021-22, with average spending compared to revenue standing at 108%.

Figures for the Premier League further underlined the growing divide. Wage spending in the Premier League in 2021-22 grew by £192m compared to the previous season, but this was outpaced by a £586m increase in revenue, meaning the top flight’s wages-to-revenue ratio fell for the second consecutive season from 71 per cent to 67 per cent.

Nottingham Forest, who ultimately succeeded in reaching the top flight at the end of the 2021-22 season via the play-offs, spent almost 200 per cent more on wages than they earned in revenue – £58.6million compared to £29.3m – in their promotion year, according to figures in the Deloitte report.

Niall Couper, CEO Fair Game, said: "The Siren Call of the Premier League has turned the Championship into a basket case of financial sustainability.

"If ever there was a case for a strong independent regulator these figures from Deloitte spell it out in stark detail.

"The Parachute payments are ruining football. They encourage massive over spending from clubs not in receipt of them. We need a more level playing field.

"Football needs an urgent culture change and a fairer financial flow. It is time to reward well-run clubs."

In July, Fair Game will be revealing an analysis of all the clubs in the Premier League and the EFL using over 50 touchpoints.