Gazidis, Arsenal welcome FFP

Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis says the introduction of UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations will yield positive results.

The English Premier League will see the Financial Fair Play regulations come into effect as of next season and with TV revenue set to triple at that time, the president of European football’s governing body, Michel Platini, will be making sure clubs spend the extra cash wisely.

One club already showing eagerness to comply with a prudent approach is Arsenal.

The Gunners have reported a cash balance sheet of over 150 million pounds after their latest financial figures were released.

“There’s a tremendous movement among the Premier League clubs in favour of better financial regulation domestically within England,” he said.

“We’ve already seen the Football League move to a Financial Fair Play system.

“And there are serious discussions at Premier League level among the clubs to find a way that we can create an environment that is more sustainable for all of those clubs and healthier for football and better for fans.”

But more money does not necessarily mean more players according to Gazidis.

“Obviously at over 150 million that is a big cash balance,” he said.

“Not all of that is available to spend on the team. In fact most of it is not. This is the high point of our year in terms of cash position. It is when we have all the season ticket revenue in.

“We use those funds throughout the year to pay our expenses, including player wages.”

Increased wage costs mean Arsenal’s operating profits are 13 million pounds down on the previous year.

But the supporters need not worry about that, as long as the club’s global and commercial targets are met.

“In the next year or two, we’re going to see the club developing its revenue streams very rapidly and really stepping into the elite group of world clubs,” Gazidis said.

“That’s really what the stadium move has all been about. So I think this is a really positive period of time for the club.

“As we look forward over the next five years, I think fans can be really optimistic about the future.”

Arsenal fans will hope a return to the glory days come a little sooner and with the start they have made this season, they are on the right track.

Arsene Wenger’s team are undefeated so far this campaign and are fifth in the Premier League table going into their match at home to Chelsea on Saturday.