Thirty-Two English Football Clubs Face Financial Crisis, New Report Warns

Thirty-Two English Football Clubs at Risk of Bankruptcy, New Findings Reveal

A recent report by football's independent financial regulator has uncovered that 32 English clubs are dangerously close to bankruptcy within the next three months. The report serves as a stark warning about the fragile financial health of many teams in the English football system.

Financial Struggles Across the Leagues

The regulator’s "State of the Game" report highlights that most clubs in England’s top five leagues operated at a loss during the 2025/26 season. Despite the Premier League generating £9 billion in revenue last season, many clubs rely heavily on owner investments to stay afloat. Around two-thirds of these clubs could not survive beyond 90 days without their owners’ support, and roughly one-third would fail within just a month.

Clubs Walking a Financial Tightrope

Many clubs, especially those in the Championship, League One, and League Two, are caught in a cycle of overspending in hopes of climbing the football ladder. This strategy puts them on the brink of financial disaster, similar to the fates of Bury and Macclesfield Town, who folded in 2019 and 2020.

Concerns from the Regulator’s Leadership

"We can’t afford to waste any more time failing to address the levels of financial risk which have become embedded in English football," wrote David Kogan, chair of the independent football regulator, alongside CEO Richard Monks. They stressed that clubs represent important social and cultural assets, affecting local communities beyond just fans and players.

"When a club nears collapse, as seen recently with Sheffield Wednesday, Derby, and Wigan, it impacts the whole community and local economy," they added.

The report aims to raise awareness and initiate long-term changes to make clubs and the entire football pyramid more financially sustainable.

Calls for Urgent Reform

The regulator urged the Premier League and the English Football League (EFL) to finalize a new financial agreement and improve revenue sharing. Though the Premier League has offered to double its solidarity payments over ten years, talks remain ongoing with the EFL to reach a settlement swiftly.

Key Points from the Report

• 32 clubs are at risk of financial collapse within 90 days.
• 94% of teams in England’s top five leagues posted losses last season.
• English football generated £9 billion in revenue last season, mostly from the Premier League.
• Approximately two-thirds of clubs cannot survive without owner funding for more than 90 days.
• Nearly one-third of clubs would last less than a month if owner funds stopped.

Upcoming Developments

The full final report is expected in early 2027 after public consultation. It will likely push for urgent reforms to safeguard the future of football clubs across England.