Financial Sustainability of Football Clubs: An Evaluation of Debts of Four Major Clubs in Türkiye

Abstract

The four major football clubs have consistently incurred losses each year because their revenues insufficiently cover their expenses. As these losses have accumulated over time, equity has steadily declined. The abnormal increase in accumulated losses has led to a negative equity position. Instead of financing their assets with equity, the clubs have had to rely on debt to finance not only their assets but also their negative equity. The deterioration of the financial structure of the four major football clubs has resulted in increased borrowing, leading to higher principal and interest payments. Total debt has increased as interest payments have increased. For football clubs to pay high amounts of debt, the structure of their debts must be examined. It seems that debt management is important to ensure the financial sustainability of clubs. This study examines the debts and financial structures of the four major football clubs in Türkiye’s Süper Lig. Using financial statement data from the past 10 years, the study evaluates their total assets, total debts, total equity, and net profit/loss for the period. The financial condition of the clubs was assessed using financial structure ratios. The findings indicate that the clubs have lost their equity, are financing both their assets and equity with external funds, and lack sufficient liquid assets to meet their debt obligations. Excessive debt negatively impacts the sustainability of football clubs. Football clubs must manage their debts through effective financial planning to achieve sustainable financial stability.