Manchester United overtakes Chelsea in total wage bill

Manchester United’s wage bill total is now more than Chelsea

Manchester United have overtaken Chelsea in wage bill total first time in 10 years.

Since Roman Abramovich’s acquisition of Chelsea in 2004, The Blues were regarded as the highest payers in world football. But 10 years since then, Manchester United have taken the lead in the race of paying more wages to players. However, both of them are still way behind Manchester City, who are the highest payers in the Premier league.

Chelsea’s wage bill in 2012/13 was £176 million compared to £182 million for Manchester United in the same season, while Manchester City’s was £233 million. Chelsea’s salary bill also includes an extra £4 million which was paid as compensation to the then outgoing manager Roberto Di Matteo.

Chelsea benefited from the signings of Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and Oscar who were roped in before they became stars. As a result they did not demand high wage rates.

Chelsea’s approach towards reducing wage bill started in order to comply with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules.

According to The Independent, Chelsea Football Club Ltd’s accounts stated: “The introduction of UEFA’s financial fair play regulations from the 2011/12 season provides a significant challenge.

“The football club needs to continue to balance success on the field together with the financial imperatives of this new regime.”

In 2003/04 season after Abramovich took over the ownership, the club’s wage bills amounted to £115 million, which was the highest in the whole world.