The role of the Premier League and club activity in boosting the UK economy during the COVID-19 pandemic has been highlighted by a recent study released in conjunction with EY.
The study shows that in Season 2019/20, which was the first of a new three-year broadcast cycle and was heavily disrupted by the pandemic, Premier League football contributed £7.6bn in economic activity to the UK (GVA), which has risen from £3.4bn in 2013/14.
Read more: Premier League 2020/21 Season Review
The League and our clubs made a total tax contribution of £3.6bn in 2019/20, providing an additional £300m to the Exchequer compared to the previous EY study three years ago.
Players accounted for a sizeable direct contribution to the Exchequer, paying an estimated £1.4bn in income tax, national insurance and VAT.
The Premier League supported 94,000 jobs in the UK, with 12,000 of those directly employed by League and clubs.
Clubs also invested £399m in capital projects including infrastructure and facilities over Season 2019/20.
Supporting the football community
The Premier League funding distribution model means the League and its clubs provide world-leading levels of financial support to the football community through solidarity, youth development and wider community and good causes contributions.
As a result of COVID-19, clubs across the pyramid have continued to face significant financial challenges
In December, the Premier League announced a relief package to support EFL clubs and ensure no club need go out of business due to the pandemic.
See: League and EFL agree rescue package
A fund of £50m in the form of a grant and monitored grant payments was agreed for League One and Two clubs as well as the Premier League committing to assist the EFL in securing a £200m loan facility for Championship clubs to utilise interest free.
Additional support
This season has included additional support for lower league clubs to prepare for the resumption of football and get grounds ready for the return of supporters.
More than 1,000 football clubs across 65 leagues in England and Wales, including women and girls' football, received more than £5m from the Premier League through the Matchday Support Fund, awarded through the Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF).
See: League's Matchday Support Fund boosts over 1,000 clubs
This investment followed the provision of the Pitch and Club Preparation funds last season, which saw £8.7m awarded in grants from the Premier League, The FA and Government via the Football Foundation.
The Pitch Preparation Fund helped improve more than 9,500 football pitches with 33,153 football teams benefitting.
Club Preparation grants were provided to more than 3,000 clubs to improve and modify their club facilities to help them complete their seasons.
