Brighton And Hove Albion Accounts: Losses Reported Despite Increased Turnover

Brighton and Hove Albion has filed accounts for the 2020/21 season, reporting heavy losses for the second year running.

The 2020/21 campaign was the club's fourth in the Premier League and one played almost entirely behind closed doors due to the global pandemic.

The accounts show a reduction in the losses against the previous season, despite the figures once again being severely affected by the pandemic which meant only three competitive home fixtures were played with extremely limited numbers of supporters in the stadium.

Turnover for the period was up by 13.4% to £151.6m, against £132.9m in 2019/20.

Losses were reduced to £53.4m from £67.2m, and figures do not include the transfer of Ben White to Arsenal (reported £50m fee received), which was concluded after June 30 — the end date for these accounts.

Deputy chairman and chief executive, Paul Barber, said:

"While we are once again reporting a loss, which is never ideal, we have seen an increase in turnover and reduction in losses, despite the pandemic impacting the entire season.

"Our matchday, commercial and event turnover was all but wiped out for the entire season, and we incurred various additional costs for providing a Covid-secure environment for players, officials, staff and fans.

"I want place on record our thanks and appreciation to (chairman) Tony Bloom for his incredible and ongoing financial commitment to the club."

Despite the tough landscape, the accounts show that the club fully complied with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability (Financial Fair Play) regulations for the period.

The club has once again taken the step of making the annual accounts – including an annual statement from Mr Bloom – publicly available to all supporters.