FA Cup gives boost to hard up clubs

The FA has released a new report, undertaken by Deloitte, which highlighted the financial impact of the FA Cup to participating clubs.


The findings show that a total of almost £650m was generated in prize money, TV payments and gate receipts for participating clubs in the 10 years between 2001/02 and 2010/11.  FA  Secretary Alex Horne was keen to point out the cash windfall that the Cup provides has an impact for teams at all levels.

The FA has released a new report, undertaken by Deloitte, which highlighted the financial impact of the FA Cup to participating clubs.


The findings show that a total of almost £650m was generated in prize money, TV payments and gate receipts for participating clubs in the 10 years between 2001/02 and 2010/11.  FA  Secretary Alex Horne was keen to point out the cash windfall that the Cup provides has an impact for teams at all levels.


‘What this report reveals is the huge financial incentives for teams participating in the FA Cup. You only have to look at Crawley Town last season, who earned £1m from a single game against Manchester United, a truly phenomenal amount of money for a then non-league football club.’


A successful cup run can also prove a lifeline to many struggling lower league clubs given that prize money for the 10-year period totalled £230m with £24.5m paid out last season alone.


‘They’re big numbers and they’re not budgeted by clubs as they don’t expect to progress in the competition. It’s a windfall,’ said Horne.


The FA is currently in negotiations with the Premier League to avoid a clash between the FA Cup and Premier League games.   Because of all the constraints, it is likely that the final will move from the traditional time of 3 p.m. on Saturday.