FA Reveals Broadcast Income Decrease for Last Season

The Football Association (FA) has revealed in their annual report a large reduction in income from broadcast rights last season.

The report showed broadcast income was down £34million from the previous season, an after effect from the collapsed Setanta deal back in 2009.

The FA was forced to agree a short-term two-year deal with ITV for England matches and the FA Cup ending in July this year, which contributed to the shortfall.

Overall income fell from £327m in 2011/12 to £299m in the 2012/13 period, but the FA still managed to report an operating profit of £28m while increasing the amount it puts back into football by £11m to £108m.

England not being involved in a major tournament last year also led to a £10m drop in revenue.

But this was offset by extra income from the new national football centre at St George’s Park (£15m) and an added £7m from Wembley Stadium events including the 2013 Champions League final and the London 2012 Olympics.

The FA’s annual report insisted that broadcasting income will increase in future seasons.

It read: “This reduction is partly offset by the additional international broadcasting revenues generated by the rights granted to nine broadcasters over the six-year period to July 2018.

“The domestic broadcasting rights for the four seasons from August 2014 to July 2018 were acquired by ITV for England friendly matches and by BBC and BT Sport for the FA Cup coverage.

“All of the Group’s broadcasting rights are sold to July 2018 and domestic broadcasting revenues will increase from the 2014/15 season.”