Real Madrid Feel Financial Void Left by Beckham

 D avid Beckham's departure from Real Madrid has reportedly helped plunge the world's richest club into financial difficulties. Real, despite only in February of this year being announced as the world's richest club, have now reportedly been forced to ask one of Spain's biggest banks for an emergency loan of £23 million to cover running costs, according to El Mundo, the Spanish newspaper. Despite average attendances of 70,000 at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Real took £55 million in gate receipts which is said to be only 60 per cent of Manchester United's takings at the turnstiles. The clubs high wage bill and a hefty payoff to England manager Fabio Capello, who earned £4 million a year as a coach, mean that their margins are under pressure and they have reportedly run into cash-flow problems. The absence of David Beckham was also greatly felt - more keenly on the club's balance sheet than on the pitch. His departure has cost the club between £24 million and ... [link]