When you’re competing at the elite level of European football, moving large sums across borders is part of the business.
AFC Bournemouth are one of those clubs. Having spent eight of the last 10 seasons in the Premier League, developing talent that’s attracted interest across Europe, they have become significant players in the football transfer market.
Activity like that creates real FX exposure, and managing it well is central to cash flow for football clubs.
Transfer fees, international payroll and pre-season logistics all depend on currency exchange. Operating this requires a payments partner that can handle multiple currencies to tight deadlines.
The club has worked with IFX since 2023 to manage that exposure, using a combination of Multi-Currency Accounts, FX, and forward contracts. Adding to that is consistent day-to-day support from a dedicated relationship management team.
We spoke to their Finance Director David Holiday who explains what that means in practice.
Why AFC Bournemouth chose IFX as their payments partner
Before committing, the club did its due diligence. For an organisation moving the sums AFC Bournemouth does, a payments partner has to stand up to scrutiny on track record, security and service. We were happy to be measured against the field.
“Once we knew [IFX] were interested in working with us, we had a look at their track record and professionalism. They measured up excellently to their competitors.”
Managing currency risk on international transfer fees
Transfer fees rarely settle the day a deal is agreed. Rates can move between the handshake and the final payment. On a multi-million-pound transfer fee, that movement matters. We work with the club to manage that exposure and protect their cash flow.
“The club has become very big in trading players, and a lot of those [deals] have been in foreign currencies. IFX helped us mitigate the risks and fluctuations involved.”
The results: slicker and more secure payments
The day-to-day test of a payments partner is the impact on the business. For the club, that’s meant faster, more secure transactions as well as a team that responds when the business needs it.
“Our transactions have become a lot slicker. They’re very secure, and very proactive and reactive to the needs of the business.”
Cross-border payments and FX products that work for football clubs
There are many different types of transaction that a football club deals with. Transfer fees, agent payments, prize money and more. The job of our relationship management team is to match the right products to the right situation.
“On top of the incredible service we’ve received from IFX, their products ensure that everyday cash is taken care of. Liam and Simon have been really proactive in suggesting the right products for us, which fit with the outcomes of the business.”
Better cash flow forecasting
Predictable payments make for predictable forecasts. When a finance team knows what’s leaving the account and when, planning gets easier across the whole operation. For a club balancing transfer activity against day-to-day running costs, that visibility is worth a great deal.
“The speed and security of transactions mean that we can forecast our cash much more effectively. We’re able to predict our cash flows a lot more accurately.”
The value of named accounts
Many businesses need clarity and the certainty of a named business account. A named account means the club’s counterparties can see exactly who they’re transacting with, which removes a layer of doubt from every high-value transfer.
“We get an account in our name, which is really helpful when dealing with foreign entities. Counterparties understand that they are paying us. That security is vital when you’re transferring millions of pounds across the globe.”
Dealing with complex payment requirements in international football
Cross-border payments aren’t as simple as local peer to peer payments. Europe’s biggest clubs often bring their own requirements, shaped by local rules and the way they prefer to do business. We absorb some of that complexity so the club doesn’t have to, getting each transaction over the line whatever the territory throws up.
“We’ve dealt with some of Europe’s biggest clubs. These clubs often require different things depending on which country they’re in. IFX have helped to ensure those transactions get across the line in an orderly and economic manner.”
Competitive rates on every transaction
Price isn’t everything but cheaper rates on sizeable transactions make a big difference to bottom line.
“IFX have always given us really good rates. We’re very pleased with the transactions they’ve helped us with. Everything has been dealt with in a professional and slick manner.”
AFC Bournemouth recommend working with IFX Payments
“I would hugely recommend any firms who have complex FX needs to have a look at working with IFX. They are a great bunch of people, they understand our needs, they offer great rates. They come highly recommended from AFC Bournemouth.”
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