THE Scottish Professional Football League recorded a 10 per cent rise in turnover in its most recent financial year.
Much of the increase, from £22.2m to £24.4m in the 12 months to May 31 this year, was attributed to the additional revenue generated as a consequence of the governing body having taken control of the League Cup and the Ramsdens Cup. There was also a rise in live broadcasting revenue and licensing agreements. There were, though, also reductions in revenue from sponsorship as well as the exploitation of fixture and match data.
The company said its costs increased by 57 per cent as a result of the professional fees relating to the creation of the SPFL, higher staff costs as a result of the transfer of former Scottish Football League staff and greater marketing spending.
Accounts filed at Companies House show administrative expenses going from £1.6m to £2.58m. The pre-tax loss was recorded as £70,000, compared to £65,000 in the prior financial year.
Average staff numbers came in at 16 with the aggregate payroll costs said to be £849,000. Directors' remuneration was £235,000.
Writing in the accounts the directors said: "It is anticipated that the challenging economic climate within which the company has operated looks likely to continue for some time. However, the company does look forward with optimism based upon its long-term domestic and international broadcast contracts and improved opportunities in the commercialisation of intellectual property rights which are exploited jointly with the English Premier League and English Football League.
"The fact that all 42 senior professional clubs in Scotland are now shareholders of the company presents greater opportunity to work together for the overall benefit of the game in Scotland."
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