Pro League Committee revenues rise by 21%

Dubai: The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Pro League Committee (PLC) has announced a jump of 21 per cent in revenues for the current season.

Suhail Arifi, who took over from Colin Smith last month, told media after a meeting of the PLC Board that the allocation of profits to the clubs will be carried out at a later date.

Revenues of the PLC rose from Dh90 million last year to Dh125 million this season. Arifi said the increase in revenue was due to a finer marketing strategy coupled with several cost-cutting measures that have been put in place. “This is a new phase of professionalism in UAE football and we hope to get even better,” Arifi promised.

The PLC Board also discussed the number of spots to be allocated to UAE clubs in the AFC Champions League next season. “The criteria has been laid and we have several committees in place who are studying various measures to ensure the UAE gets a high ranking and benefit from a maximum number of clubs participating in the league,” Arifi said.

As per AFC regulations the UAE got three confirmed spots along with a play-off place during the ongoing AFC Champions League due to its highest ranking of the UAE Football Association. Mid-range FAs get two confirmed slots and a play-off place while there is just one spot reserved for FAs falling in the Tier Three range.

“A final decision will be out only in November after the conclusion of the present AFC Champions League,” Arifi said.