Everton’s financial struggles have been thrust into the spotlight following the release of their 2022-23 accounts, which reveal a concerning economic state for the club. Despite efforts to release the information discreetly, the accounts have garnered significant attention, with football finance expert Kieran Maguire’s analysis receiving over a million views.
The accounts show a 5% drop in Everton’s revenue to £172 million, the lowest since the 2016-17 season, which was Farhad Moshiri’s first full season as owner. This decline is partly due to the club’s underperformance and the suspension of a lucrative deal with Alisher Usmanov’s USM Holdings for the naming rights of Everton’s training ground.
Commercial revenue has also hit a low point since 2017, reflecting the impact of off-pitch chaos and poor on-field results on sponsorships and fan spending. The wage budget remains a significant concern, with £92 out of every £100 generated going towards wages, leaving little for other expenses.
Everton’s pre-tax loss of £89 million is among the highest in Premier League history, contributing to a total loss of £550 million since Moshiri’s takeover. This financial situation has led to a six-point deduction this season, and with the club just above the relegation zone, further deductions could spell disaster.
A second points deduction now seems “inevitable,” according to Maguire, due to the club’s breach of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR). The adjusted figures for PSR will consider “healthy” expenditures, but the trend does not bode well for Everton, who are expected to exceed the loss limit again.
Relegation would have a severe impact on Everton’s finances, with a significant drop in TV revenue and potential job losses. The club’s charity work and role as a major employer in the local community could also be affected.
The proposed takeover by 777 Partners is expected to be confirmed soon, which could provide some stability. However, if the deal falls through, Everton could face administration, making the takeover a crucial factor in the club’s immediate future.
Citations:
[1] https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/5413945/bd61a05d-0d04-4017-9272-ad86cd8f2ae5/paste.txt