A useful article from the times showing which teams current operating margins would prevent them from entering the Chump's League or Europa League.
From The Times May 28, 2010
How some Premier League clubs may be frozen out of Europe by Uefa’s ‘protect and survive’ policy
Tony Barrett
Uefa has approved plans to force clubs in European competition to spend only what they earn. Michel Platini, the president, is insistent that the rule change is intended to “protect clubs, not punish them”.
With the Barclays Premier League being Europe’s most indebted league, The Times examines how clubs in England’s top flight will fare under the new rules, using the most recent available accounts for each of the 20 teams.
Arsenal £46 million profit. With the highest profit margin of all Premier League clubs Arsenal will be the least concerned by the new fair play rules, the introduction of which will show how well the club are run financially.
Aston Villa £46 million loss. Martin O’Neill would like a greater transfer budget, but if increased spending on players added to the club’s present loss levels it would be pointless as Uefa’s new rules would prevent them from entering European competition anyway.
Birmingham City £20 million loss. Carson Yeung, the owner, has serious ambitions for the club, but his big-spending plans will force a rethink because bringing the club’s losses under control will be the priority.
Blackburn Rovers £3.6 million profit (including £5 million owed in loans). Blackburn run a tight ship, but even they will fall foul of the new Uefa rules unless they can reduce their loan debts.
Blackpool £0.5 million loss. Only slightly in the red in 2008-09 but are now operating in the altogether more rarefied financial atmosphere of the Premier League — promotion cost them £5 million in players bonuses, but will bring massive rewards.
Bolton Wanderers £13 million loss. Bolton are not big spenders but they are still living beyond their means and the next task for Phil Garside, the chairman, will be to reduce the club’s losses while also attempting to ensure that they can stay in the division.
Chelsea £47 million loss. The biggest spenders of the Premier League era have yet to win the European Cup that Roman Abramovich craves. Unless they cut spending his European dream will become ever more distant.
Everton £7 million loss. The concern is that the club made a loss in 2008-09 when they reached the FA Cup Final, with all the lucrative spin-offs. At least David Moyes is a manager who is one of the best at living within his means.
Fulham £8 million loss. Fulham went all the way to the Europa League final this season but if continental excursions are to become a regular feature, they will have to perform the balancing act of reducing losses while maintaining ambition.
Liverpool £55 million loss. Britain’s most successful club in Europe prohibited from entering European competition because of the state of their finances? It just may happen, particularly as their losses continue to mount.
Manchester City £93 million loss. Conspicuous consumption of top-class players has been the order of the day since Sheikh Mansour took over in August 2008. But City face a race against time for their recruitment drive to turn them into a Champions League club while improving their finances.
Manchester United £22 million profit. Do not be fooled by United’s profit, it includes the £80 million from the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo. Without it their transfer losses would have been the second highest in the division and they can ill afford to sell another star to keep their financial picture looking rosy.
Newcastle United £37.6 million loss. Walking before they can run is the order of the day. European football is not high on their list of priorities, which is just as well, because their most recent balance sheet would be in accordance with the new rules.
Stoke City £0.5 million profit. It is testament to the sterling work of Peter Coates, the chairman, that Stoke would not fall foul of the new rules. All they need is a team good enough to qualify for European football.
Sunderland £26 million loss. Niall Quinn wants to bring European football to the Stadium of Light. Only if their substantial losses are brought under control will the chairman’s dream become a reality.
Tottenham Hotspur £33 million profit. As with Arsenal, the new Uefa rules will not place immediate pressure on Spurs, who could boast a healthy balance sheet without the Champions League football that they may benefit from next season.
West Bromwich Albion £6.6 million loss. Jeremy Peace, the chairman, has often been accused of a lack of ambition by the club’s supporters but their return to the Premier League offers the chance of cutting manageable losses and falling into line with Uefa’s rules.
West Ham United £16 million loss. Under new ownership and with their top-flight status intact, West Ham’s next aim is to secure a better financial footing. If David Gold and David Sullivan did not have their work cut out, Platini has ensured that they have.
Wigan Athletic £6 million loss. Dave Whelan has been able to maintain Wigan’s status without putting them at undue financial risk and is sufficiently entrepreneurial to break even in time to meet Uefa’s standards.
Wolverhampton Wanderers £5 million loss. Steve Morgan must thank his stars he bought Wolves and not Liverpool. He runs a tighter financial ship than the owners at Anfield.