Pompey set to pay the price for Cup heroics
Pompey will have to fork out £150,000 in player bonuses at the FA Cup final – even if they lose.
That's the price the club must pay to meet contractual obligations to its Cup heroes.
Should they beat Chelsea, the figure will shoot up to 350,000.
Avram Grant's men have defied the odds to reach Saturday's showpiece occasion. Yet it has come at a price.
Andrew Andronikou revealed the figures at the recent CVA meeting, attended by creditors.
Pompey's administrator credits the exorbitant bonuses paid out in 2008 as a key reason why the club went into meltdown.
The majority of that side have now gone, but there are still massive cash incentives on the table as part of existing squad contracts.
And, in accordance with player contracts protected by the PFA, those deals have to be honoured, regardless of administration.
Fortunately, those startling losses will be offset by the Football Association's FA Cup prize money.
Saturday's runners-up will receive 900,000, with no further money awarded for television rights or gate money.
As for the winners on the day, they will pocket 1.8m.
The prize money is considerably higher than that fought for in the 2008 final between Pompey and Cardiff.
This is due to the renegotiation of television rights, which has seen the windfall rise.
Andronikou has declined to name those players who will pocket the biggest bonuses.
However, it is likely to be those still on long-term contracts penned before the financial crisis hit the club.
Some would argue, though, they deserve every penny if they can bring the FA Cup back to Fratton Park.
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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