Since the announcement of BT Sport’s mammoth £897m Champions League TV rights deal, financial analysts have been discussing the implications it will have upon supporters and teams.
Due to the new deal, which begins in 2015, the importance of being in the Champions League has gained even greater importance.
Currently, English clubs take home more from UEFA’s “TV pool” than their foreign rivals in the competition due to the £400m ITV and Sky paid for the last set of rights. BT’s deal, of course, is more than double that – meaning English clubs will be generating twice as much from TV revenue.
In a report by BBC Sport, former Chelsea, Everton and Leeds chief executive Trevor Birch explains that he believes the financial gap could become “unbridgeable” if Liverpool fail to qualify for Europe this season. Also, for Spurs too – who have are in a similar position with a smaller stadium than their competitors.
Former Liverpool chief executive Christian Purslow is also quoted, explaining “the difference in revenues will just be too great.”
The importance of Champions League qualification this season is also increased for Liverpool in order to keep Luis Suarez at the club.
A return to Europe’s elite would enable the club to attract higher calibre players and attempt to solidify their place in the top four when the new TV deal begins in 2015.
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