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Futbol

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Futbol

Levy Says Spurs Spending Must Be 'smart And Sustainable'

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy says the club's spending in the transfer market must be "sustainable" and "smart" after their latest financial results showed a fall in revenue. For the year ending June 2024, Spurs' total revenue decreased by 4% from £549.6m in the previous 12 months to £528.2m. Overall, Spurs saw a reduction in their losses after tax for 2024 (£26.2m) in comparison to 2023 (£86.8m) Tottenham fans have protested against Levy and the club's owners Enic over how the club is run, including a perceived lack of investment in the playing squad. Levy acknowledged in notes accompanying the results that he "often read calls for us to spend more" as Spurs are "ranked as the ninth richest club in the world". But he said Tottenham's "spending must be sustainable in the long term". "We cannot spend what we do not have, and we will not compromise the financial stability of this club," Levy said. "Recruitment remains a key focus, and we must ensure that we make smart purchases within our financial means. Our capacity to generate recurring revenues determines our spending power." The club received more in television revenue - £165.9m last year compared to £148.1m in 2023 - but recouped just £1.3m in prize money from Uefa in 2024. That was a sizable decrease in contrast to £56.2m in the previous year following participation in the Champions League. Tottenham's operating expenses, before football trading, decreased by 7% to £453.6m (2023: £487.9m) which was attributed to "fewer football matches and third-party events". Match receipts dropped to £105.8m from £117.6m due to nine fewer games. Tottenham's net debt increased to £772.5m in 2024 compared to £677.4m 12 months ago. However, the club said that because the average maturity of all their borrowings is 18.6 years it will have "limited impact" on the their ability to invest in the playing squad.

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Futbol

Sheff Wed Players Not Paid Due To Chansiri Cashflow Issues

Sheffield Wednesday have failed to pay their players' wages for March due to cashflow problems suffered by owner Dejphon Chansiri. The club said it was a "temporary issue" due to debts owed to the 56-year-old Thai businessman, whose family control the Thai Union Group, the world's largest producer of canned tuna. Wednesday are 12th in the Championship - five points outside the play-off places - and face Hull City at home on Saturday. "Sheffield Wednesday can confirm a temporary issue with the payment of player salaries for the month of March," said a club statement. "This has occurred as a result of significant sums of money owed to the chairman's businesses which has in turn impacted on the club's immediate cashflow. "The chairman is working hard to resolve this situation at the earliest possible opportunity and in the meantime thanks everyone for their patience and understanding." The Professional Footballers' Association are aware of the Owls' issues and are in touch with the club's players. Chansiri headed up a Thai consortium which bought Wednesday from Milan Mandaric in January 2015, but his time in charge of the club has seen a number of financial challenges. In July 2019, Wednesday sold their Hillsborough stadium to Chansiri for about £60m in ensure they did not breach spending rules. Then in October 2023, Chansiri asked fans to raise £2m to help the club pay an outstanding debt to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and cover wages. Last November, the Owls were placed under a registration embargo by the EFL over amounts owed to HMRC. Chansiri's stewardship of the club has been criticised by fans, who have protested at matches this season, while his relationship with manager Danny Rohl has become strained. A growing number of fans are angry and demanding answers after it emerged that, not for the first time during Chansiri's reign as Sheffield Wednesday owner, the Owls players have not been paid on time. Many are asking why the club sells season tickets in an early-bird window before Christmas yet by March, there isn't enough money to even pay wages? A statement claims it's down to "significant sums of money" being owed to Chansiri's other businesses, "impacting immediate cashflow". However, you get the sense patience for a lot of people has run out. The club was placed under a second registration embargo in 12 months by the EFL last November over amounts owed to HM Revenue and Customs. Now this. How financially sustainable is this club? What exactly is the future of Sheffield Wednesday? These are questions that need to be answered with more than just a statement. Fans are worried and some will feel embarrassed. They deserve answers. This latest admittance will lead to growing calls for Chansiri to sell the club. The Owls might be five points off the play-offs but they lack the solid base that typically accompanies teams challenging for the top flight. Fans dream of a Premier League return after 25 years but it's not realistic in this environment. The club is a long way off in terms of infrastructure and finances. It's the latest reason why a talented young manager in Danny Rohl, the club's greatest asset, may leave amid reported interest from elsewhere.

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Futbol

Fit-again Bradley Could Feature Against Everton

Liverpool right-back Conor Bradley could feature in Wednesday's Premier League derby with Everton after returning to training. The 21-year-old has been sidelined after being forced off with a hamstring injury in Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Aston Villa in February. Liverpool manager Arne Slot said Bradley was back in training after missing six matches but he would have to be "smart" about his involvement at Anfield. "We have to make a decision on whether he is playing, and if playing means coming in or starting," Slot said in Tuesday's press conference. "That's something I keep for myself. He's only had a few sessions after being out for quite a long time with a repetitive injury so we have to make a smart decision." With Trent Alexander-Arnold and Bradley injured, Jarell Quansah started at right-back in Liverpool's Carabao Cup final defeat by Newcastle United. Bradley also missed Northern Ireland's friendlies with Switzerland and Sweden in March with the issue. Liverpool hold a 12-point lead at the top of the Premier League with nine matches remaining. Brazil goalkeeper Alisson and Netherlands midfielder Ryan Gravenberch are expected to be available for the derby despite withdrawing from their international squads. "Ryan is OK. We have to train one more time but he is OK," added Slot. "Ali trained with us as well. The last check has to be made this afternoon, after the session, to see if he is available to play."