Wembley's debt might face years of potentially uncovered payments

England's national football stadium, Wembley, recently refinanced its debt, which totals GBP 342 million, extending their repayment schedule until 2023. The problem is that their current corporate license deals will expire in 2017, leaving six years of payments potentially uncovered, as reported by the Guardian.

Alex Horne, FA's chief operating officer, was able to arrange the repayment schedule so that the stadium will yield a surplus on an annual basis. Corporate seating licenses, a major revenue source for Wembley, would ensure the club's ability to repay until 2017. The fear is that if the demand for seats is no longer as desirable in another eight years, Wembley could suffer a six-year loss.

The highest quality corporate seating deal guarantees boxes for a 'seat license' fee just over GBP 19,000 plus the annual season ticket cost of GBP 6,645. With the club improving, there is a good chance that current license holders will continue to attend events, however, there is no guarantee that the club will attract more ten-year deals in the future.

It is also understood that the FA has reduced ticket prices for matches at Wembley by 25 percent for the rest of the season, in order to keep seating affordable for fans during the economic downturn.

Tickets now cost near GBP 30 for adults and GBP 15 for children. The englandfans, members of the official supporters club, will be offered discounts of GBP 5 per adult and GBP 2.50 per child for purchasing tickets between 23 January and 26 January, just before Slovakia match tickets are available to the general public 27 January.

Tickets for the Ukraine World Cup qualifier, hosted by England, in April start at GBP 29 and go up to BGP 58.50. Englandfans will again be offered a discount starting 6 February, before tickets are available to everyone on 10 February.