Aberdeen face further £1m in losses as season ends

Aberdeen are facing “the daunting prospect” of a further £1m in losses after the Scottish Premiership season was brought to an end.

The SPFL confirmed the campaign’s conclusion earlier, with a points-per-game basis used to determine the final league positions.

It means the Dons finish in fourth, securing a Europa League spot, but chairman Dave Cormack has conceded part refunds for season tickets, advertising, hospitality and sponsorship could create another shortfall.

Cormack, who said games in front of fans were not looking likely until early 2021, asked those in the Red Army who are in a position to do so to leave the refund with the Pittodrie club.

“Like every other club, we face a major, and ever-growing cashflow challenge as a result of the continued suspension of football,” Cormack said in a statement.

He continued: “The cancellation of our remaining fixtures from last season now leaves us with the daunting prospect of a further £1m of potential losses through part refunds across season tickets, advertising, hospitality and sponsorship.

“Where possible, our appeal to supporters, who are in a position to do so, is to leave the partial refund with the club to help address our funding shortfall and continue to support our community outreach work as part of the #StillStandingFree campaign.”

Two months ago, Cormack said the club were facing £5m in outgoings with no expected income as he discussed the stark financial picture for Premiership clubs.

Since then, however, Aberdeen have taken steps to address the financial consequences of cancelled games, through a deferral of salaries and some furloughing, as well as securing an additional £2m from investors.

Cormack also credited supporters who had stepped up to buy season tickets, with around 5000 being sold for next season.

He also confirmed the club will continue to invest in 20 full-time staff who form part of their community outreach call centre during the coronavirus pandemic.

He added: “We could have furloughed this group of staff but feel we are doing the right thing continuing these wellbeing calls and food deliveries to the vulnerable.”