Why West Ham Going Down Instead of Spurs Could Cost the UK Millions
Relegation from the Premier League can affect more than just the players and fans—it has real consequences off the field too. This season, even taxpayers in London might feel the impact, depending on which of the city’s struggling clubs ends up going down.
Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley are already set to play in the Championship next season. They’ll be joined by either Tottenham Hotspur or West Ham United, who are both fighting to avoid relegation. Tottenham is just two points ahead of West Ham with two games left and seem to be improving under their new manager, Roberto De Zerbi.
Spurs will face Chelsea and Everton in their final matches, while West Ham take on Newcastle and Leeds, both desperate to stay in the top division.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has even spoken about how this could affect City Hall’s finances. He told the Evening Standard that Londoners who don’t support Spurs might want to root for West Ham. That’s because the previous mayor, Boris Johnson, made a deal giving West Ham nearly free rent at the stadium for 100 years—a deal that now risks costing taxpayers if the club is relegated.
If West Ham go down, City Hall could lose up to £2.5 million a year. The club currently pays £4.4 million in rent, but City Hall covers all stadium costs on matchdays. Dropping to the Championship would likely mean less income from the stadium but more expenses for extra matches each season, for the rest of the lease.
West Ham plays their second-to-last game this Sunday, just two days before Spurs face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in a crucial match. It’s going to be a tense finish for both clubs and for London’s fans and taxpayers alike.