Manchester United have been fined €300,000 for a minor violation of UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations. The club has invested significant sums in the transfer market in recent seasons but has struggled to generate substantial income through player sales.
United has faced financial challenges as several players, including high-profile figures like Paul Pogba, have left the club on free transfers, impacting their finances.
The club has now been fined €300,000 for a minor breach of UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules. According to The Athletic, United was found guilty of “minor break-even deficits” between 2019 and 2022, with their losses in each financial year falling below UEFA’s requirements.
In response to the fine, United released a statement, the details of which were not provided.
“While disappointed by the outcome, Manchester United accepts this fine for what UEFA acknowledges to be a minor technical breach of its previous Financial Fair Play rules.”
“This reflected a change in the way that UEFA adjusted for COVID-19 losses during the 2022 reporting period, which allowed us to recognise only €15m of the €281m of revenues lost due to the pandemic within the FFP calculation.”
“Post-pandemic, the clubs’ revenues have recovered strongly and are forecast to reach a record level in the current financial year. The club continues to support the enforcement of rules to promote financial fair play and sustainability across domestic and European football.”
Despite a minor breach of UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules, United’s transfer activity is not expected to be affected during the summer.
The fines imposed on the club were related to the period between 2019 and 2022, and since then, United have managed to generate profits.
Furthermore, the club anticipates record revenues in the 2023/24 season, alleviating concerns about future breaches.
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However, United cannot make significant expenditures without offloading players. Their current summer budget is approximately £120 million (€140 million), and additional spending hinges on player sales.
While there is demand for players like Fred, Anthony Elanga, and Dean Henderson, the club would require more departures to acquire their desired targets.
United are currently engaged in advanced negotiations to secure goalkeeper Andre Onana from Inter, which would bring their spending to £98 million (€114 million). They still have a need for a high-profile striker and possibly another midfielder.
