Uefa’s financial fair play rules are designed to create more of a level playing field between giant clubs and their competitors. But Sunderland chief executive Steve Walton fears that they may actually make life more difficult for clubs like his. Sunderland are trying to make the step change from being a yo-yo club to qualifying for the Europa League and that involves spending some money. As it spent to
Uefa’s financial fair play rules are designed to create more of a level playing field between giant clubs and their competitors. But Sunderland chief executive Steve Walton fears that they may actually make life more difficult for clubs like his. Sunderland are trying to make the step change from being a yo-yo club to qualifying for the Europa League and that involves spending some money. As it spent to acquire new players, Sunderland made a loss of £26m last year.
Walton also makes the interesting observation that the rules may particularly disadvantage British clubs. With the introduction of a 50 per cent tax rate for high earners, British clubs are having to pay players more to ensure that their take home pay does not diminish to an extent that makes it difficult to attract and retain them.