Sport agency Sportfive says the findings of its survey reinforces football’s position at the very top of the popularity tree – and that while some worried there was too much of the sport on TV, the survey revealed people wanted even more.
The Sportfive survey revealed 179m people over the age of 14 follow the fortunes of the top five leagues in Europe (England, Italy, Germany, Spain and France), and that it remained a strong investment opportunity.
Serie A remains the most marketable league in Europe, it claims.
Said Sportfive executive president Thomas Roettgermann: “We believe that the conditions are met for the clubs to eventually get over their financial problems through television and sponsoring rights."
The report also highlighted the new revenue streams set to be available through harnessing the internet and next generation mobile phones.
Unsurprisingly, Real Madrid were the most popular club in Europe, with Manchester United second.
Sportfive recently received European Commission approval for its sale to Advent International. Jean Claude-Darmon has confirmed he will quit as company CEO once the deal is complete.
European soccer should continue to attract major financial investors and sponsors over the coming years, despite some clubs struggling to currently stay afloat, claims a major new report.
