Over 20% of the turnover of clubs in the “Big Five” comes from matchday revenue. However, these clubs, received the largest percentage of turnover (46%) from broadcasting contracts and another third from other sources, including sponsorship. For Western European clubs which do not play in the “Big Five”, the important of takings on match days is even greater. In Eastern Europe the lack of modern stadiums reduce the percentage of matchday revenue to 10% and below.
Stadiums of “Big Five” clubs stand apart in relation to the general picture, as they are characterized by a large capacity, and attendance of over 60%. Another group is formed by leagues of smaller Western European countries. The third group is made up of leagues from Central and Eastern Europe, where the capacity of stadiums is much lower, and they are less than half-full. This group also includes Russia, where last season the attendance at stadium was around 50%, with an average capacity of 25,034 people, and the turnover of clubs on match days was 1.2 million Euros.
Projects for new stadiums require thorough elaboration and adaptation to market conditions of the specific regions and the demographic situation in each of them. Furthermore, the success of national clubs will depend on the general economic situation in the country. However, with competent planning, Russia may well join the leading European football powers.
