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Man Utd, Chelsea thrive in economic downturn - experts
07.10.09 | tribalfootball.com

The likes of Manchester United and Chelsea have successfully survived the global economic downturn.

The Deloitte Sports Business Group presented research that suggests top-flight football has been less badly affected by the downturn than most other industries.

Their report indicates that the average attendances for the first two rounds of the Champions League are up 5% year-on-year, Premier League grounds are on course to remain at 90% capacity for a 17th consecutive season and both TV rights packages and shirt sponsorship deals are thriving.

Dan Jones, a partner in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte, said: "When the economic downturn hit, we expressed cautious optimism for football clubs that the strong and loyal supporter base and the security of long-term broadcast and commercial deals would provide some degree of buffer against the worst effects of recession.

"Leading football clubs and leagues outpaced the rest of the economy in the good times and now seem to be faring better than most in a challenging economic environment.

"Although conditions are likely to remain difficult in the short term, the fundamentals of football remain strong. Football is deeply integrated into many people's lives, and attending and watching live sport is habitual for fans who will sacrifice other luxury items before they will give up their sport 'fix'."