Statement on Finances for Exeter’s Brazil Trip

Financing for Exeter City’s trip to Brazil for the centenary celebrations have always been to the forefront of City’s supporters. Since the revelation of the £100k loan from the PFA then there has been even greater concern.  Many questions have been asked of the Trust that they have this matter in hand, and many users of Exeweb.com have been questioning the finances, as has the editorial board for Exeweb.com.

With this in mind, Trustee and Exeter Exiles leader, Neil Le Milliere has questioned Julian Tagg and Bruce Henderson. This is their response:-

Exeter City is aware that a small number of people have been wishing to once again have it confirmed that the club’s historic return to Brazil after 100 years will be at no cost to the club. With this in mind, the club can re-affirm that the costs are being covered by a combination of commercial sponsorship from budgets that would not normally come to the club and including from the International Departments of Exeter College and Exeter University, plus financial support from the British Consulate in Rio De Janeiro.

In addition the club is grateful for a donation from a commercial source in the UK, which wishes its support to remain private and the financial help received from an individual source in Brazil, who also wishes to remain anonymous. The club is also more than thankful for the help and support of both the Fluminense Club and the University of Juiz Fora.

The club have also had other help such as a donation of the teams insurance from Travel Ace in Brazil and, as yet unbudgeted, are the funds to follow from sales of the post trip DVD and Tour Diary and a share of gates after expenses from matches played
in Brazil.

The club wishes to make clear it has always stated that the tour would only take place if it is at no risk or cost to the club and these criteria have been met.

Lastly, the increased profile and publicity associated with the trip that the club has enjoyed in the build up to the tour has been a major help in maintaining the clubs standing and profile both locally, regionally and nationally and will stand the club in good stead going forward. The club is looking forward to once again making history and is sure that the fans will be proud to see their club once again playing in Laranjeiras stadium after 100 years.

It will be interesting to see if future commercial development can be developed from this trip, and in particular whether any links can be expanded on in terms of sponsorship.

No doubt there will still be concerns by fans. Other than the Club adopting an open book policy, fans will have to be satisfied by the assurances provided by the Club, but fans shouldn’t be reluctant to ask questions.