BT's acquisition of the Broadcasting Rights for Champions League and Europa League football has significant implications for the English game. On the face of it, paying an increased sum for exclusive TV rights seems to be just an extension of current trends. However, when we look at the huge sums involved and calculate the financial impact on the clubs involved, it becomes clear that this deal will have far-reaching consequences.

To put this new deal in perspective, in 2011/12, UEFA received £906m in total for the TV rights for the Champions League (£735m) and Europa League (£171m). Of this, £144m (16%) came from England (£133m for CL and £11m for EL). Under the new deal, BT will pay UEFA £299m each year for both competitions.