English clubs top football earners league

English football is in a stronger financial position than ever, according to the latest annual financial review from Deloitte & Touche.

The review, which assesses the financial performance of professional football across Europe, found that English clubs are still at the top of the tree when it comes to earning money. In total, English football's income grew by 18 per cent to £1.27bn, of which the Premiership brought in £937m.

This figure places the Premiership as the biggest earning financial league in Europe - the Premier division clubs have a 24 per cent share of the top divisions' earnings in the 'Big Five' leagues - England, Italy, Spain, Germany and France.

The Premiership, as well as generating the highest income, is also making the highest operating profit - up 51 per cent to £81m. The German Bundesliga is the only other league in Europe to consistently make an operating profit.

Expenditure on stadia was at a record high, with £195m being invested in facilities, of which £160m was spent by Premiership clubs. The average attendance at Premiership matches also rose by seven per cent, to 32,821 and is the highest in Europe. Details: +44 (0)161 455 6303