The Political Economy of Football V2

The National League posted the following statement this afternoon (Wednesday) in regard to the Ebbsfleet United’s position and extended suspension. “The National League’s Compliance and Licensing Committee convened this morning to further consider Ebbsfleet United FC’s compliance with National League rules and regulations, and particularly the Club’s ongoing suspension.   The position remained significantly as previously.   The Committee considered the response provided by the Club and noted that its outstanding PAYE arrears to HMRC remain unpaid and that the winding-up order remains in place. The Committee also considered information relating to the recent change in ownership of the Club and its current financial position, including whether, under its new ownership, the Club has the financial capacity to meet its obligations for the 2026/27 season, as required under National League rules and regulations. Following careful consideration of all the information available t...

Ebbsfleet United have been suspended by the National League over financial concerns:  https://www.footballtradedirectory.com/ebbsfleet-united-suspended-by-national-league-over?cat=3077 Football finance guru Kieran Maguire commented: 'When it was suggested that perhaps something was not right at Ebbsfleet a few months ago the club and some (a minority TBF) fans started getting stroppy. Red flags are red flags. Winding up orders and non publication of accounts can be dismissed with airy comments on the club website, but can also be indicative of bigger issues.' Ebbsfleet United were originally known as Gravesend and Northfleet.

Now in the National League,    Ebbsfleet United lost £33k a week in 21/22.  Ebbsfleet paid £314 in wages for every £100 of income in 21/22, the highest metric seen. Ebbsfleet have loans exceeding £5m, a large chunk of which is due to owners based in Kuwait. Some of us remember them as Gravesend & Northfleet.   The international station at Ebbsfleet has now closed.

Just how much it can cost to run a National League club is revealed by the 2017/18 accounts of Ebbsfleet United who, having been promoted from the National League South, reached the semi-finals of the play offs. Ultimate owner Dr Abdulla Al-Humaidi had to pump in £2.86m to keep the club afloat during the year. The cumulative loss was £9.69m. Promotion from the National League South saw an increase of £75k in central income to £119k: this is made up of seasonal payments from the National League and a one off solidarity payment from the Premier League. However, matchday income accounted for 51 per cent of turnover at £468k, up from £259k. Commercial activities accounted for 32 per cent of turnover at £290k. Overall turnover was £909k, up by over £350k. Player and staff costs amounted to £2.137m or 2.35 times turnover, the highest ratio I can recall in any division. Players and player management staff amounted to 38, only marginally up from 34. Management and administration staff...