The European Club Footballing Landscape - The European Impressum C CLUB LICENSING BENCHMARKING REPORT FINANCIAL YEAR 2008 M Production UEFA Y CM Responsible MY Andrea Traverso CY Author CMY Sefton Perry K Acknowledgements and special thanks The club licensing network, in particular the members of the benchmarking working group Enquiries Enquiries and comments to be addressed to Sefton Perry at
[email protected] UEFA Route de Genève 46 The European Club Footballing Landscape CH – 1260 Nyon Switzerland CLUB LICENSING BENCHMARKING REPORT FINANCIAL YEAR 2008 Telephone +41 (0) 848 00 27 27 Telefax +41 (0) 848 01 27 27 CL_84pp_2010_AW_interactive.qxp:Layout 1 10/2/10 11:51 Page 2 BENCHMARKING REPORT FOREWORD 02 HIGHLIGHTS INDEX CL_84pp_2010_AW_interactive.qxp:Layout 1 10/2/10 11:51 Page 3 Foreword The concept of financial fair play that recently received the Club licensing, which covers an unprecedented 1300 top backing of the UEFA Executive Committee is at the top of and lower division clubs across Europe is the perfect tool UEFA priorities. This club licensing benchmarking report to drive this major reform into practice. In this context the illustrates the reasons why the major football stakeholders promotion of benchmarking and transparency has become have agreed there is a need for action, by highlighting that of key importance. This report aims at providing the widest amid the record broadcast deals and revenues there are and most accurate information available on club football some increasingly clear warning signs. from both a financial as well as a sporting perspective and we hope you will find it informative and useful.