Standard Liege’s financial situation remains to be a concern. As reported by LDH, the clubs financial numbers were published recently and they do not make pretty reading. They recorded a loss of €20m, the same as last season. More concerning however is that the overall debt of the club has increased from €23m to €34m. The club have spent the last year under the control of their new owners 777, yet, as LDH report, the American owners blame the debt increase on the club’s former President Bruno Venanzi.
Furthermore, the payroll at the club has also increased from €29m to €31m. The largest concern is that this seasons budget was made with the idea that the club would finish in the top six and have a chance at European football, the absence of which has been a major reason for the clubs poor financial situation. This explains the recent sacking of Carl Hoefkins, as the club can ill afford to miss out again.
These revelations also bring it to question how active the side can be in the January transfer window. Many have hinted that the club will likely have to sell in order to buy, which means that they could lose key assets that would help in their chances of finishing in the top six.
Moreover, for Standard fans, it will raise questions as to how their owners can be in conversations to acquire Premier League club Everton when their financial situation is so dire.
GBeNeFNÂ |Â Ben Jackson
