The same AS Roma projected in an increasingly remunerative future (stadia, new sponsors and Champions League participation) still has to face a bitter present. The club’s financial statements at the 30th of June 2014 have in fact registered a loss of 38.6 million, slightly better than the previous season, when the damage amounted to 40.1 million euros.

Revenues rose to 128.5 million euros, versus the 124.6 of 2013. In detail, match day revenues guaranteed an income of 23.3 million, broadcasting rights brought 68.6 million and the commercial revenues (sponsorships and advertisement) totalized only 15.5 million. Nike approved an advance bonus of 6 million for the 2013/14 season on the sponsorship deal began this year.

In 2014 the transfer market generated 56 million euros of capital gain through player trading, which converted into +30 million in roster operational management once players depreciation and loan expenses were deducted. However operational costs have also risen from the previous season by 19 million, for a total of 157.5 million. The cost of personnel went from 94 to 107.5 million, and another 28 million deriving from amortization must be added.

The total cost of the squad therefore accounts for 135.5 million, way higher than the operational revenues that have not yet gone beyond the 100 million euros wall. There is a sharp aggravation of the negative net financial position, which is now at 132 million, 43.5 M worse than the previous balance sheets, even thought the majority of the debt (83 million) is payable to shareholders and only the remaining figure is towards other financiers.

In this regard, the 11th of August 2014 UniCredit bank sold to AS Roma SPV their entire stake in NEEP Roma Holding’s social capital (AS Roma’s parent company) for a total of 33 million, entirely paid at the closing of the transaction. As a result of the vending, AS Roma SPV has brought its holding in NEEP Roma Holding to 91% whilst Raptor Holdco still holds 9%. NEEP now is in possession of 79% of AS Roma’s shares after an 100 million euros increase of the company’s capital.

Translation by Stefano Garini