Scottish Premiership side Celtic contributed £165M to the Scottish economy during the '16-17 season -- more than the 2014 Commonwealth Games, according to Liam Bryce of the Scotland DAILY RECORD. Commissioned by the club, the Fraser of Allander Institute at the University of Strathclyde conducted an independent study to "estimate the Hoops' economic impact in Scotland." The research examined club and supporter spending at all matches during the season, identifying Celtic as the 25th-strongest brand in world football. In comparison, the one-off economic impact of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow was valued at £125M ($160M). The FAI found Celtic's contribution helped to support 2,820 jobs, with much of the impact "being felt in the Glasgow area." Adjusted for the impact of spending "not additional to the Scottish economy," the figure stands at £95M, supporting 1,780 jobs (DAILY RECORD, 11/20). The BBC reported the study "also highlights the particular importance to Glasgow's economy," with more than 1 million people visiting during the season, "mainly from within Scotland." However, 54% of visitors from outside Scotland "stay in paid accommodation." The report noted Celtic's social contribution, saying that "the work of Celtic FC Foundation is quite unlike standard football club foundations in scale and scope with its focus on improving heath, promoting equality, encouraging learning and tackling poverty." It added that Celtic is "the only football club in Scotland with Investor in People accreditation" while "all permanent staff members are paid in excess of the current Living Wage" (BBC, 11/20).
