England: Chelsea lost 173.5 million euros in 2020-2021

The sum may seem impressive. European champion Chelsea ended the 2020-2021 fiscal year with losses of 173.5 million euros ($ 196.7 million), despite the 113 million (127 million USD) won in the Champions League, the club announced on Thursday. If its turnover increased from 462.4 million (523.4 million USD) to 496.9 million euros (562.6 million USD) over the year thanks to the increase in television rights in the Premier League and to the final victory in C1 in May (1-0 against Manchester City), the London club remains in deficit, the Covid-19 having lowered ticket revenues and slowed down sales of players.

The Blues have spent 130.9 million euros (148.3 million USD) in the transfer window since June 30, notably in the transfer of Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku. At the same time, only 123.7 million euros (140.1 million USD) in sales have returned to the coffers, even if the European champion could receive 19.6 million euros (22.2 million USD ) bonuses linked to exceptional clauses from previous transfers.

In the “problematic scenario” of a new closure of matches to the public due to the Omicron wave, Chelsea will have to rely on additional funds from the company of its owner Roman Abramovich, the club said. Since the arrival of the Russian in 2003, CFC has had its best period, with five English league titles, two Champions Leagues and an FA Cup.