Championship relaxes financial rules – but no reprieve for QPR
FOOTBALL clubs in England’s second tier have become the first high-profile league to vote for a relaxation of financial fair play rules designed to restrict their expenditure.
At least 18 of 24 Championship teams agreed to increase the amount of money they are allowed to lose from its current limit of £8m per year to £39m over three years.
The modifications are designed to make them more compatible with the Premier League’s cost control rules, and include greater leeway for teams relegated from the top flight.
But there is to be no reprieve for clubs that exceeded the strict limits last season, meaning QPR are still expected to be hit with a fine of up to £50m early next year. Rangers have been told they will not be readmitted to the Football League and relegated to the Conference if they refuse to pay. Chairman Tony Fernandes has vowed to fight any fine.
Cost control measures now operate at European level as well as England’s top four divisions. The Championship is the ninth largest league in Europe by revenue.
CHAMP CHANGES
Now
■ Clubs assessed year-by-year
■ Max loss: £8m per season for 2013-14, £6m for 2014-15 and £5m for 2015-16
Future
■ Assessed on three-year basis
■ Max loss: £8m per season for 2013-14, £6m for 2014-15, and £13m thereafter