Athletic explain rejection of Liga F investment fund agreement | OneFootball

Athletic have rejected the agreement signed on Monday between Liga F and an investment fund, arguing it endangers the competition’s future. The club said in a letter to members that it would not join the deal.

The arrangement would deliver 40 million euros to clubs over the next four years in exchange for a stake in Liga F’s commercial revenues for 25 years.

Under the terms outlined, the fund would take 49% of gross commercial income during the next 25 years until recouping its outlay, then 35% thereafter. Apart from the first four years, the costs of generating those revenues would fall solely on clubs.

The plan could significantly cut clubs’ future income. Estimates suggest that over 25 years clubs could forgo more than 100 million euros in net revenue, with much of the value created in coming decades tied up to benefit only a few.

The 40 million is concentrated among clubs currently in the league, while the economic burden would run for 25 years and also apply to future entrants, undermining competitive integrity. Although declining to join, Athletic will still be affected because future commercial income will be committed by the contract while the club continues to cover all Liga F expenses.

Source: El Correo