Chelsea reports major loss after season out of Champions League

Chelsea's financial results for the year ended June 30, 2019, reflect a costly period of signings, sackings and no Champions League action.

Published : Jan 01, 2020 07:49 IST

Chelsea Football Club
Chelsea Football Club
lightbox-info

Chelsea Football Club

Chelsea recorded a loss of £96.6million for the 2018-19 season, the club announced on Tuesday.

The Blues had posted profits in the previous two years, but a club statement reported the loss was due to player signings, a lack of Champions League football and the dismissal of Antonio Conte and his coaching staff in July 2018.

Conte led Chelsea to a fifth-placed finish in 2017-18, meaning it missed out on Europe's elite club competition in the following campaign.

 

However, with the arrival of Maurizio Sarri, along with the signings of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic, Chelsea then finished third and won the Europa League.

Christian Pulisic's arrival was also included in the results.

The club's revenue improved to £446.7m for the year ended June 30, 2019, and, despite the losses, the statement said it "continues to comply with UEFA's break-even criteria under the Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations".

Chairman Bruce Buck said: "Consistent revenue growth and careful financial management over recent seasons has allowed the club to make significant levels of investment in the playing staff while maintaining compliance with Financial Fair Play regulations.

 

"This has contributed to another Europa League victory at the end of the 2018-19 season and a return to the highest level of European competition.

"This solid commercial foundation, allied to a young and exciting team now led by Frank Lampard, means that the club is well-placed to sustain its pursuit of success both on and off the pitch, as well as maintain its financial stability over the coming years."

Chelsea served a transfer ban ahead of the 2019-20 season after FIFA found the club to have breached regulations relating to the international transfer and registration of players aged under 18.

However, the two-window suspension was cut in half in time for Chelsea to make signings in the upcoming January market.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment