The past year has been something of a landmark for the Premier League, with unprecedented cases in regards to their financial rules. In early 2023, the division announced there had been a five-year investigation into Manchester City, with the seven-time champions accused of breaching 115 separate charges.
It was a historic moment, with the decision for an independent panel to oversee such allegations and whether there would be any punishment for proof of breaches. With such a complex case, one that City deny, it will likely take a while until there is clarity regarding an outcome.
In the mean time, there has been another case in that of Everton, who were also referred to an independent commission this year for alleged breaches of FFP rules. That hearing took place in October, with the decision being made in mid-November that the Toffees would receive a sporting sanction worth 10 points.
Those docked points are subject to an appeal, with Everton claiming in a club statement that they are “shocked” with the outcome. Rumbling in the background is also some historic allegations made against Chelsea regarding the Roman Abramovich era and some leaked documents.
Recent reports have claimed that payments were made to former employees through other means than the club accounts, which would circumvent FFP. It remains to be seen whether there will be any concern regarding those allegations within the club, though it could spark its own worries.
With so much talk surrounding FFP and sustainability within football, many Arsenal fans may be questioning how their club are looking to avoid such concerns. Fortunately for the future, it appears as though pre-emptive measures have been taken to assure that they aren’t over extending themselves.
The first point to mention is the slow increase of money coming into the team, with this year likely to be the biggest boost in a return to the Champions League. For example, an estimate from Swiss Ramble has stated that Man City were predicted to make over £105million from the competition for the 2022/23 season – which includes the side making it deep into the knockout rounds.
Arsenal, who were in the Europa League, were predicted to make just over £22million from their Europa League campaign, less than a quarter of their rivals’ windfall. Given that huge increase in revenue, the side can naturally start to pay more in wages and transfer fees to keep themselves competitive, especially if they can repeatedly stay in the top four.
There’s then the contract strategy, which has seen key stars regularly tied down to new deals that has kept them earning well but at a gradual pace. Not only does it help the side keep pace with those around the top, but it allows them to make smart decisions with keeping players as well as the fact that a longer deal can mean more security in terms of a potential sale in the future.
Then there’s the transfer moves themselves to try and keep the team competitive with player recruitment without pushing it too far. David Raya was signed from Brentford on a loan deal in the summer, but with an option to buy rather than an obligation to sign him next summer.
It may seem a bizarre decision, especially given the fact that it seemed the Gunners have every intention of keeping the Spaniard when the time comes. However, it was a blatant one used to circumvent FFP restrictions as an obligation to buy would count against their FFP expenditure for this season, while a loan with an option means that once they trigger that clause next summer, it will only count against that year – thus giving them more wiggle room following a big expenditure on the likes of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz this summer.
There’s also general restraint to be had in the size of the squad as sales will likely be needed before others can come in during the January window. While there is something to be said about throwing everything towards the grand prize, the ability to run the club at a sustainable level will keep them clear of any concerns.
Source: Arsenal – Football.London
