Arsenal are facing up to a significant cash shortfall next season.
Around one-third of their executive season tickets are up for renewal, with many of their VIP fans understandably reluctant to re-sign given the uncertainty about when and how often they will be permitted to attend matches at the Emirates Stadium.
The club have succeeded in limiting their short-term losses caused by lockdown by banking season-ticket payments in return for providing credits for future seasons, but such a model does not work for fans not planning to renew, as they will be entitled to refunds.
Arsenal’s executive ticket sales are a hugely significant revenue stream, providing 40 per cent of their match-day income from just 15 per cent of the stadium’s seats, with the club projecting losses of about £100million due to lost gate receipts by the end of the season.
Daniel Levy didn't break Covid-19 protocols
Daniel Levy appeared to break Covid-19 protocols during Tottenham’s FA Cup fourth-round win over Wycombe on Monday due to his fondness for a pre-match cuppa.
The Tottenham chairman was photographed without a face mask in an executive box while speaking to Wycombe directors before the game, whereas his hosts’ faces were fully covered.
However, despite the negative ‘optics’, there was no breach of the regulations because Levy was eating a sandwich and drinking tea at the time!
'Slow' reforms irk the Big Six
The Premier League remain committed to delivering the recommendations of their strategic review on the crucial issues of competition’s structure, the future calendar and broadcast strategy by March amidst grumbling from certain clubs about a perceived lack of progress.
The clubs received an update at last week’s shareholders meeting about the review, which was launched in the aftermath of the Project Big Picture proposals produced by Liverpool and Manchester United last October.
An overhaul of the top-flight’s voting structure, which currently requires a two-thirds majority for any significant changes to be introduced, is understood to be one of the first issues under consideration.
The so-called Big Six are frustrated at having their proposals blocked by less established clubs, most recently their repeated attempts to introduce five substitutes this season, and would like to alter the governance rules to give them greater influence.
EFL board choose not to introduce concussion substitutes this season
The EFL board have opted not to follow the Premier League and FA in introducing concussion substitutes this season, as they have already altered their rules to permit managers to make five changes during this campaign.
They believe this provides ample scope to act in the event of head injuries. The EFL are planning to join the trial next season.
Rivals riled by Owls and Rams
The EFL are facing calls to introduce sanctions for clubs who file their annual accounts late. Sheffield Wednesday and Derby are yet to publish their accounts for the 2018-19 season, which were due last July, to the irritation of clubs who comply with the regulations.
The Owls and the Rams have been charged with breaching spending rules over the last few years and rivals are convinced the tardiness of their book-keeping is unlikely to be a coincidence.
Sean Dyche not rushing into talks over new Burnley deal
Sean Dyche is in no rush to open talks over a new contract following Burnley’s takeover by ALK Capital.
The 49-year-old’s deal expires at the end of next season, but Dyche will wait to discover ALK’s plans for the club and level of investment in the squad.
Dyche’s contract contains a £3.5million release clause. As a result, he may opt to run down his deal to give him more options should long-term interest from Crystal Palace and Newcastle develop into a firm offer.
