16.10.2010 13:30
Faus reveals Barça accounts
Jordi Clos
FC Barcelona economic vice president Javier Faus has revealed that the club lost €79.6 million during the 2009/10 season, but was able to send a message of optimism to the general assembly on Saturday morning.
Addressing delegates at the Palau de Congresos the Blaugrana director outlined the economic picture
over the past 12 months and explained: "Our club is in rude health in regards to income, with a
prestige and known brand that is recognised globally, but there is a serious structural problem
with expenses." The figure of minus €79.6 million was discovered in the audit carried out by
Deloitte.
Seven differences
Alongside director Jordi Moix, Faus explained in detail the differences
between the departure of the previous board without an audit and the one that he has reformulated.
There were seven conditions that explained the difference between the €11.1 million in profit
predicted by the previous board and current audit findings of €79.6 in losses. They were
Mediapro bonus (12), Mediapro reward (3.2), Sogecable (37.8), Thierry Henry's exit (8.2), Baena
(3.9), land at Sant Joan Despi (14.9) and Viladecans (11.6).
Spectacular income
Despite the negative results Faus was still optimistic. "Income (415.4) has been the highest
in history, spectacular," he said. "In an worldwide economic crisis the club still managed eight
per cent more than the 2008/09 season and that has been focussed on improvements in areas such
television. The distribution of income is very healthy, although in the games at the stadium and
marketing the income have slowed. Good contracts have been signed with Turkish Airlines and
Etisalat and sales have increased at the FCBotiga. The current board will continue to make every
effort to increase income even further."
Expenses increase
Faus then explained that expenses had risen. "The most important area,
of course, is the one of sporting expenses," he explained. "They rose to €306.25 million,
which is an increase of 21 per cent. The other management outgoings have also risen considerably to
around ten per cent more. The club funds are again in the red."
Conclusions were then given with Faus revealing the board's plans. "Our priority is to start
earning money in a recurring way and to reduce the debt so that investment in the sporting side can
continue as well as in our installations and in giving a better service to members. We are
absolutely convinced that we will do that."