ManU has been named "the most influential football club brand in the world, ahead of their arch rivals Liverpool," according to the London INDEPENDENT. ManU was "praised for their huge commercial presence and for being the best at maximising retail partnerships." Judges "casting their eye over sports brands" for the website licensing.biz said that ManU's impact "continued regardless of their success on the football field." One judge said the club, which is currently fifth in the Premier League following, was “the only truly global British football brand.” Another added: “You can't argue with that success and it is genuinely international” (INDEPENDENT, 11/11). In London, Alex Richards reported ManU finished second in the Licensing.biz "Power List," with only the 2012 London Olympic Games "considered as a more influential brand in sport." The website's editor, Samantha Loveday, said, “It is a reflection of the properties which the industry itself believes have made the most impact over the past 12 months." Liverpool was the second biggest football club on the list (fifth overall) with its "history a key reason." Spanish champions Barcelona, the second-richest club in the world in terms of revenue with an annual turnover of $613M, "were the third best football club brand (sixth overall) while both Premier League leaders Arsenal and 2012 Champions League winners Chelsea feature in the overall top ten." Following London 2012 and ManU, England Rugby, Wimbledon and Liverpool rounded out the the top five most influential brands in sport. Barcelona, the NBA, Chelsea, Tour de France and Arsenal rounded out the top 10 (DAILY MIRROR, 11/11).
