Estimating the Economic Impact on European Professional Football of the Coronavirus Pandemic

Abstract

The author considers the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Europeanfootball, compares it with the Russian practice and proposes management approaches in the new circumstances.The analysis showed the following results: if the Championship resumes, damages would be limited to match day revenues and optional reduction in sponsorship contracts depending on the economic sector, presented by partners of a club. At the same time, clubs have an opportunity to reduce costs (namely – the wages) and implement new commercial projects (new sponsorship platforms and activations). An important limitation of the study is the uncertainty caused by the inability to predict the exact end of the virus pandemic, as well as the need for an individual approach to each club, considering its revenues & cost structure and commercial potential.