UEFA Warns Clubs About Rising Player Salaries
According to the latest financial report from the governing body, while some teams manage salary increases responsibly, overall expenses are escalating at an alarming rate, putting clubs under significant financial strain.
The UEFA has raised concerns about the financial sustainability of European clubs due to the soaring wages of footballers.
Clubs Struggle to Balance Budgets
Aleksander Čeferin, president of UEFA, acknowledged that interest in European football is at an all-time high, with record attendance figures across the continent. However, he stressed that clubs must remain cautious, as there is still much work to do to restore pre-pandemic profitability.
The report highlights that in the 2023-24 season, top-flight clubs spent a staggering €18 billion on player wages—6.5% more than the previous year and exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Several leagues, particularly in Belgium, Turkey, and Greece, allocate over 85% of their revenue to salaries, making their financial situations increasingly precarious.
The Highest-Paying Clubs in Europe
Among the clubs with the highest payrolls, Paris Saint-Germain leads the ranking, spending €658 million on wages. They are followed by Manchester City (€554 million) and Real Madrid (€505 million). Other high-spending teams include FC Barcelona, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Aston Villa.
Despite these massive expenditures, some clubs remain profitable. The report notes that Manchester United, Arsenal, and Real Madrid posted the highest operating profits in 2024, while PSG, Chelsea, Ajax, and Olympique Lyonnais recorded significant losses exceeding €50 million.
