Everton chief Keith Wyness calls for financial balance

Jun 27 2008 by Nick Smith, Liverpool Daily Post

EVERTON are calling for help in trying to close the “dangerous” gap between Champions League and UEFA Cup prize money.

Figures released this week showed the Premier League’s top four earned £102million between them in European competition last season – while Everton’s UEFA Cup run to the last 16 yielded just £400,000.

Ukrainians Shakhtar Donetsk were the lowest Champions League earners and finished bottom of their group – but still took 14 times more money than Everton.

Chief executive Keith Wyness said: “The figures released this week are a clear demonstration of why there needs to be a more balanced distribution of the European prize money available each season.

“If the current situation continues then clubs simply will not be able to compete and the gaps in domestic leagues across Europe will become larger and larger.

“That outcome would not only be dangerous but also be a disservice

to supporters who follow their clubs home and abroad. At Everton our aim is to bridge the gap in the Premier League.

“We certainly believe we are moving in the right direction following the progress the team has made over the last few seasons and are now calling on the football authorities in Europe to aid us in our bid.”

The existing structure will remain in place until 2012 and UEFA director of communication William Gaillard said: “We are confident that over the next three years the gap between the Champions League and the UEFA Cup will narrow.

“We are well aware there are some imbalances in the revenue distribution which have a negative effect in national leagues by widening the gap between the rich and not so rich.

“We will talk to the clubs and see how they feel, and try to convince them that in the longer run it is not in their interest if, because of the way money is distributed, national leagues become too imbalanced.”

Champions League winners Manchester United netted £33.9million while beaten finalists Chelsea took £28.7m. Liverpool collected £21.1m while Arsenal pocketed £18.3m.