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Low interest loans for clubs

Financial institutions are keen to get involved in a €7bn pandemic relief fund being set up by Uefa.   The cash will be distributed to clubs that play in competitions such as the Champions League.  The money will be secured against Uefa's broadcasting rights.

It is thought that the finance will be inexpensive, possibly with a 2 per cent interest rate.  With rates rising, that would be very attractive.  These are better terms than clubs could secure on their own.

The package shows how sports leagues and authorities are turning to financial groups to fund their operations.  The growing financialisation of football has been accelerated by the pandemic.

Uefa estimates that European clubs lost around €9bn of revenue during the pandemic.


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