The gap between the super elite of European clubs and the next tier is getting wider. Clubs like Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Southampton have enjoyed success through good management and smart player acquisitions, but sustaining that success is difficult.
The gap between the super elite of European clubs and the next tier is getting wider. Clubs like Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Southampton have enjoyed success through good management and smart player acquisitions, but sustaining that success is difficult.
Dortmund are Europe’s 11th richest club, having generated £188m in the 2013-14 season. But then Arsenal, just three places higher in the Deloitte Money League, earned £258m and that gap will widen when the new Premiership television deal kicks in. In Germany Bayern Munich’s income at £350m is almost double that of Dortmund.
In terms of financial resources, Dortmund are almost as close to Galatasary or Newcastle United as they are to Arsenal.
Financial fair play was supposed to create a more level playing field, but has ended up perpetuating the status quo after benefactor clubs like PSG and Manchester City posed a threat to the existing elite.