By David Gold
June 10 – Barcelona, who won the Champions League last month, have announced a pre-tax loss of €21 million (£18 million/$31 million) in the year leading up to June.
The loss is smaller than that announced last year, which was €83 million (£73 million/$121 million), mainly due to the club spending less on player transfers.
The Champions League success also boosted revenues, though bonuses wiped out much of those profits.
Javier Faus, Barcelona’s vice-president, said: “We are delighted with that outcome.
“It is the best possible investment because Barca has never been as recognised in brand terms as it is now.”
It is the first accounting year since Sandro Rosell took over from Joan Laporta as club President, and Faus said that next year will see Barcelona return to making profits.
It was also announced that the club had €45 million (£40 million/$65 million) to spend on player transfers, the bulk of which could be used to lure Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas back to the team which trained him.
Despite the improvement in their financial affairs, Barcelona continue to preside over large debts which amount to approximately €480 million (£426 million/$669 million).
“There has been a very significant effort, which will continue over the next two years, to cut this debt,” Faus added.
“For this Board of Directors, this milestone is unavoidable and cannot be waived.
“FC Barcelona lost €83 million last year and €21 million this year and it cannot allow itself to continue losing money.”
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