Belgium/Covid-19: loss of revenue for Pro League clubs estimated at €275m in 2020 (-50%)

"A comparison of the VAT returns of Pro League clubs from March to September 2019 compared to the same period in 2020 shows a decrease in revenue of almost 50%, or an overall loss of €275m. This decrease is due to the almost complete loss of income linked to matchdays (in particular ticketing, hospitality and catering), and also in the drop in income linked to sponsorship and to the paralysis observed in the outgoing transfer market," indicated the Belgian League on 19/11/2020.

The figures released by the Pro League take into account the income of 26 Belgian professional clubs (18 in Jupiler Pro League and 8 in 1B Pro League). During the 2018-19 season - the last for which data is available - Belgian professional clubs had accumulated a total of €378.5m in revenue (see below).

"Given that 80% of the drop in revenue is between July and September 2020, the overall loss for Pro League clubs in the 2020-21 season is likely to be very heavy," the Pro League added.

"It seems very likely that these figures will then have an impact on the wider ecosystem: suppliers, families..." (P…