Abstract
The structure of European football (of which England is a key associate) was literally at a breaking point in 2001. Despite the intervention of some of Europe's political leaders the transfer market, synonymous with the professional era, was scheduled to be dissolved and replaced by a compensation scheme. Commenting on significant employment modifications to European football in the mid-1990s, former professional footballer Garry Nelson (1995: 278) warned with prescience that in the future 'the transfer market across the entire European Union could be altered beyond recognition. Indeed, it could become obsolete'. Nelson was right. The deregulation of football's labour market changed the economics of the game. Financial figures for the Premier League and the three divisions of the Football League indicate a growth in overall performance:
Overall, the ninety two clubs generated £1,078 million of income in 1999/2000 - up an impressive £128 million (13%). Premier League clubs generated 15% more income (up £103 million to £772 million). The seventy two Football League clubs generated 9% more income (up £25 million to £306 million).
Overall, the ninety two clubs generated £1,078 million of income in 1999/2000 - up an impressive £128 million (13%). Premier League clubs generated 15% more income (up £103 million to £772 million). The seventy two Football League clubs generated 9% more income (up £25 million to £306 million).
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Power Games |
| Subtitle of host publication | A Critical Sociology of Sport |
| Editors | John Sugden, Alan Tomlinson |
| Place of Publication | Abingdon UK |
| Publisher | Taylor & Francis |
| Chapter | 12 |
| Pages | 216-239 |
| Number of pages | 24 |
| Edition | 1st |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781315012698 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780415251006 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2002 |
| Externally published | Yes |