Real Madrid tops soccer's rich list

Spanish giants Real Madrid has claimed the top spot in the list of the world's richest soccer clubs for the fourth year in a row. 

According to an annual survey which was issued by global accounting firm Deloitte on Thursday, Real Madrid generated 365.8 million euros (C$585.5 million) in the 12 months to June 30, 2008. 

The study ranked European Cup champion Manchester United in the second place by making 324.8 million euros (C$520.1 million) by last June. 

"Whilst Real Madrid's four per cent revenue growth in 2007-'08 is more modest than recent years, the club has now doubled its revenues since 2002 and enjoys a lead of 41 million euros (C$65.7 million)over Manchester United," said Dan Jones of Deloitte's sports business group. 

"With the club having announced that it is budgeting for revenues of 400 million euros (C$499.2 million) in 2008-09, it will be difficult for rivals to replace Real at the top of the Money League next year," he added. 

Meanwhile, Spanish league leader Barcelona came third with revenue of 308.8 million euros (C$494.5 million). 

Deloitte's world's 20 richest soccer clubs based on revenue is as follows: 

1. Real Madrid, Spain, 365.8 million euros (C$585.5 million on June 30, 2008). 

2. Manchester United, England, 324.8 million euros (C$520.1 million). 

3. Barcelona, Spain, 308.8 million euros (C$494.5 million). 

4. Bayern Munich, Germany, 295.3 million euros (C$472.8 million). 

5. Chelsea, England, 268.9 million euros (C$430 million). 

6. Arsenal, England, 264.4 million euros (C$423.6 million). 

7. Liverpool, England, 210.9 million euros (C$337.9 million). 

8. AC Milan, Italy, 209.5 million euros (C$335.6 million). 

9. AS Roma, Italy, 175.4 million euros (C$281 million). 

10. Inter Milan, Italy, 172.9 million euros (C$277 million). 

11. Juventus, Italy, 167.5 million euros (C$268.3 million). 

12. Lyon, France, 155.7 million euros (C$249.4 million). 

13. Schalke, Germany, 148.4 million euros (C$237.7 million). 

14. Tottenham, England, 145 million euros (C$232.3 million). 

15. Hamburg, Germany, 127.9 million euros (C$204.9 million). 

16. Marseille, France, 126.8 million euros (C$203.1 million). 

17. Newcastle, England, 125.6 million euros (C$201.2 million). 

18. Stuggart, Germany, 111.5 million euros (C$178.6 million). 

19. Fenerbahce, Turkey, 111.3 million euros (C$178.3 million). 

20. Manchester City, England, 104 million euros (C$166.6 million).