West Ham record UK£28.8 million loss for 2018/19

Liam Watson
English Premier League side West Ham United have posted a pre-tax loss of UK£28.2 million (AU$54.5 million) for the year ending 31st May 2019.

The Hammers’ turnover climbed from UK£175 million (AU$338.3 million) to UK£190.7 million (AU$368.3 million) last season – of that amount, UK£127 million (AU$245.3 million) came from broadcasting and a further UK£27 million (AU$52.1 million) from match days.

However, this was offset by the wage bill rising by almost UK£30 million (AU$57.9 million) to UK£135.8 million (AU$262.3 million). This took the Hammers’ wages-to-turnover ratio to 71 per cent, a year-on-year jump of ten per cent.

The club also invested heavily in the playing squad, spending UK£107.9 million (AU$208.4 million) on signings. UK£4 million (AU$7.7 million) was also spent on improving their Rush Green training ground and a further UK£600,000 (AU$1.2 million) on their women’s team, which now competes in the top-flight Women’s Super League (WSL).

Vice Chairman Karren Brady’s salary rose by nearly UK£250,000 (AU$482,825) to UK£1.14 million (AU$2.2 million), while co-owners, David Sullivan and David Gold, were paid a combined UK£1.9 million (AU$3.7 million) as interest on their loans to the club of UK£45 million (AU$86.9 million). A total of UK£1 million (AU$1.9 million) was also paid to them in partial repayment of their loans.

West Ham made UK£26.9 million (AU$52 million) in 2015/16, their final season at the Boleyn Ground before moving to their current home of Olympic Stadium which seats 60,000 people. That increased to UK£28.6 million (AU$55.2 million) in 2016/17 but fell to UK£24.5 million (AU$47.3 million) for 2017/18.

Despite the substantial outlay on wages and signings, the club have slipped to 18th in the Premier League, joining Watford and Norwich City in the relegation zone.

‘Retention of our status in 2019/20 season is an absolute necessity for the future wellbeing of the club,’ said West Ham in their accounts, adding there will be ‘serious financial consequences’ should they be relegated into the Championship.

A 3-3 draw with Brighton means the Hammers are still without a league win since thumping Bournemouth 4-0 a month ago, but West Ham are only two wins away from 14th-placed Crystal Palace.

With 25 rounds played, there’s still time for West Ham to turn around their form.

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Football NSW calls on clubs to Make It Red for Heart Health Round

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Football NSW is calling on clubs and associations across the state to register for the 2026 Make It Red campaign, joining a national awareness movement aimed at reducing heart-related deaths on sporting grounds ahead of Heart Health Round on the weekend of June 5 to 7.

The campaign, developed by the Heartbeat of Football Foundation, asks sporting clubs to wear red, raise funds and build awareness around heart disease and sudden cardiac arrest, which is the leading single cause of disease burden and death in Australia for both men and women, and one that health authorities say is largely preventable through modifiable risk factors.

The call to action comes as the Foundation continues its work to map and register Automated External Defibrillators across NSW sporting facilities, a project that has already engaged twelve football associations and fed data into both the NSW Ambulance GoodSAM registry and NSW Health’s public AED map. The availability of a functioning, registered AED on site is among the most significant determinants of survival following sudden cardiac arrest, with survival rates declining sharply for every minute without defibrillation.

Football NSW is encouraging clubs to engage with the campaign across three areas. Clubs can register for the Make It Red campaign to help fund research, education and prevention programs. Participants, particularly those aged over 35, are encouraged to seek a free heart health screening test from their local GP or enquire about hosting a Heartbeat of Football testing day. Clubs are also urged to ensure their grounds have active, accessible AEDs in place, with guidance available through Football NSW’s Rescue Ready Guide.

The Make It Red campaign runs from June 5 to July 12, with Heart Health Round taking place across the opening weekend. Clubs can register and access participation resources at makeitred.org.

Community Spirit Shines on AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026

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Image credit: Football Australia

This week, Football Australia (FA) celebrated AFC Grassroots Football Day 2026, championing the people and communities who continue to hold up a safe, inclusive and supportive environment in the football landscape.

‘For all, for life’

In collaboration with Football NSW, Canterbury Football Association and community club, Balmain & District Football Club, the day reflected the very best of what football provides.

The event brought in participants of all ages – from 4-74 years-old – and reached a total of 400 people. Girls-only programs, all-abilities sessions and over-age football ensured all were catered for.

Such a diverse range of participants builds on a wider drive during FIFA World Football Week, which seeks to promote the sport not just as the dazzling lights of 100,000-seater stadiums, but as a way to foster community spirit and social development.

Furthermore, FA support through its Club Changer program was a welcome addition to the action, emphasising the organisation’s commitment to nurture a real love for the game across communities in Australia.

“Through Club Changer we support our clubs to provide a safe, fun and enjoyable environment where everyone is welcome; whether that be as a player, volunteer, referee or supporter,” explained National Program Manager Club Development at FA, Grace Lambourne.

“Everyone should feel they belong and are welcome to play, stay, and love the game.”

 

A welcome celebration

While the upcoming FIFA World Cup will no doubt inspire millions of future Socceroos and Matildas, events like the AFC Grassroots Football Day represent something beyond just inspiration.

It is a platform. An opportunity to express a love for football and to connect with others while doing so.

And connections between the professional and grassroots game is more important than ever if Australia is to nurture the next generation of talent.

This is particularly clear in the rise of women’s football across the nation. Since the FIFA Women’s World Cup, female participation rose by 32%, and registrations for the MiniTillies Program skyrocketed from 264 in 2023, to 1223 in 2024.

The professionals spark passion. But communities turn that passion into playing time.

That is why celebrating grassroots football – and the volunteers and families who sustain it – is a vital part of Australia’s football future. Together, FA and the AFC are creating strong foundations built on positivity, engagement, and inclusivity for all with a love for the beautiful game.

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