London (AFP)
Chelsea Football Club announced on Thursday an annual loss of 145.6 million pounds (173.5 million euros) for the year ending June 30, 2021, despite winning the Champions League.
The London club won the Champions League last May, beating compatriot Manchester City 1-0 in Porto.
But while its turnover rose from £387.8m to £416.8m thanks to an increase in TV revenue, Chelsea said it was still incurring losses due to playing matches behind closed doors due to Covid-19, as well as the impact on its budget of lower profits on player sales.
Chelsea continues to receive financial support from Fordstam Limited, a company controlled by the club’s billionaire owner Roman Abramovich, whose accounts say, “The company relies on Fordstam Limited for its continued financial support.”
Chelsea have signed three players for 109.7 million pounds, Belgian international striker Romelu Lukaku, goalkeeper Marcos Pettinelli and Spanish midfielder Saul, on loan from Atletico Madrid since June 30.
Chelsea added that in the same period he sold 13 players for 103.7 million pounds, and that he could receive an additional 16.4 million pounds if all terms related to previous transfers are met.
Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003 and oversaw the most successful era in the club’s history, during which he won five Premier League titles and two Champions League titles, as the Blues completed the League and FA Cup double in the 2009-2010 season.
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