Projected UEFA figures show that an average amount of €582m will be available each season for distribution from the marketing revenue from the UEFA Champions League over the next three seasons.
Income growth
UEFA’s Executive Committee was told at its meeting in Bratislava, Slovakia that following the successful completion of the sales process for the period from 2003 to 2006, marketing income from European club football’s top competition was higher than originally expected in the coming three seasons. Television will generate some 80 per cent of the income, with sponsors and new media deals providing the remainder.
Japan potential
Although marketing revenue from the competition is down from the most recent contracts as a result of changed market circumstances, UEFA has achieved an excellent result for European football. Moreover, the European body has seen a growth in various markets outside of Europe, and especially Japan.
Very satisfied
‘We are very satisfied with these results,’ said UEFA Chief Executive Gerhard Aigner. ‘It shows that the UEFA Champions League is of great interest to football fans all over the world. Despite changes in the market, we have achieved a very good level of income for European football.’
TV revenue
The committee also heard that total TV revenue per Champions League match would actually increase by 12 per cent between 2003 and 2006, and that projected income in one of the key markets, the United Kingdom, would show a considerable increase. This was also the case in secondary markets such as Scandinavia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Turkey and Greece.
Provisional figure
As far as 2003/04 is concerned, European football’s governing body recently told its 52 member associations that although exact amounts cannot be confirmed at the moment, the provisional marketing revenue figure used as a basis for UEFA’s calculations amounts to €560m.
Starting basis
The associations have been informed that this amount, available in the Champions League pool as a starting basis for the 2003/04 season, will comprise €556m from TV and commercial contracts, and €3.8m from new media contracts.
European football share
On the basis of those amounts, €400m (starting bonuses, performance bonuses, match bonuses and market pool) will go to the 32 clubs taking part in the group stage, another €21m will go to the professional leagues of the participating associations, and €138m will be set aside for UEFA for European football.
Development aim
Solidarity payments to European associations, leagues and clubs are expected to amount to €75m, and between €6.4m and €11.5m will be distributed among the European football leagues not represented in the Champions League. Each UEFA member association will receive €193,000.
Club payments
Each club taking part in the 2003/04 Champions League or UEFA Cup will receive €51,500 per round if they have not qualified for the Champions League group match stage, or are eliminated in the second round or earlier of the UEFA Cup. Each domestic champion which has failed to reach the Champions League group stage is also set to receive a €96,500 bonus.
For more details contact:
Mike Lee, Director of Communications and Public Affairs: ++41-79 250 53 71
UEFA Media Services: ++41-22 99 44 55 9