Kieran Maguire: Man City in ‘real danger’ as £4bn missing
There is “real danger” that Man City could soon be taking part in a “bloated” Champions League that has lost its attractiveness to broadcasters.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the value of the rights to air Uefa’s premium club competition.
As relayed by the Daily Mail on 23 December, the sale value of the post-2024 rights has declined in several key markets across Europe.
That is despite the fact that the Champions League will expand from 32 to 34 teams under a new Swiss model format after that juncture, with the total number of matches almost doubling.
Uefa believed that the new-look competition would lead to a 40 per cent upswing in TV revenue to more than £4billion per year, but that predicted cash is still missing.
Maguire explained why broadcasters have not warmed to the expanded Champions League and what the implications might be for the likes of City.
“I don’t think it’s been a great surprise that there has been caution from broadcasters in relation to the expanded competition,” he told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.
“The real danger is that the competition will become bloated with more teams. The format is unproven in terms of its attractiveness to supporters and broadcasters.
“Therefore, the value of the rights at this stage is unlikely to increase, and that is what we have seen.
“You have to factor in global economic challenges. The probable lack of rights being sold to Russia is also an issue.
“We aren’t likely to see a significant rise in the rights if the competition isn’t successful.
“For a club like City, it will be a disappointment. It’s the same for any team looking to increase their revenues on a personal or corporate level.“
In other news, expert claims Erling Haaland should get extended ban as “disgraceful” Man City footage emerges .