Top financial services firm Delloite has declared that Premier League clubs face a £1bn revenue decline in 2019-20 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The 20 English top-flight clubs had a combined revenue of more than £5bn for the first time in 2018-19.
And Deloitte’s Dan Jones expects “significant revenue reduction and operating losses” in European football.
Deloitte says £500m of the reduction for Premier League clubs – in rebates to broadcasters and a loss of matchday revenue – will be “permanently lost”, with the remainder “deferred” until 2020-21 if this season and next are completed.
Manchester United said last month that the pandemic had already cost them £28m – but they expect the final figure to be far higher.
West Ham losses are predicted to reach up to £80m this season with a £40m loss before the global pandemic started.