The FA suffered a £34M hit in income from broadcast rights last season, according to the PA's Martyn Ziegler. The FA saw its income drop from £327M in '11-12 to £299M in '12-13. The biggest fall in revenues was from broadcast income, "a result of the hangover from the collapsed Setanta deal back in 2009." The FA "was forced to agree a short-term two-year deal with ITV for England matches and the FA Cup ending in July," which led to a £34M reduction in income. The fact England was not involved in a major tournament last year "also contributed" a £10M cut in revenue (PA, 4/23). SKY SPORTS reported the FA's annual report insisted that broadcasting income "will increase in future seasons." It said, "The domestic broadcasting rights for the four seasons from August 2014 to July 2018 were acquired by ITV for England friendly matches and by BBC and BT Sport for the FA Cup coverage. All of the Group's broadcasting rights are sold to July 2018 and domestic broadcasting revenues will increase from the 2014/15 season." FA Chair Greg Dyke's England commission looking at ways to improve the chances for young English players "is due to be published in May and he warned that 'possible radical solutions' may be required." Dyke said, "Young English players are clearly important. The question is not only can we develop them but also whether we can make sure they get opportunities to play their club football at the highest level" (SKY SPORTS, 4/23). The FA has recorded a £20M profit for a seven-month period ending July
31 with a turnover of £209M. It marks the fourth straight year it has
reinvested more than £100M ($168M) back into the game. An identical
figure is projected over the '13-14 season (FA).
