Aston Villa’s squad is crumbling while Spurs splash out. Are the financial rules fair?

Winning the Europa League and finishing fourth did not inoculate Villa and Spurs were not hampered by a season of woe In theory Aston Villa supporters should have been rubbing their hands together at the prospect of a Champions League season. Equally, Tottenham fans could have been despondent after a relegation battle that went to the wire. A 17th-place finish meant Spurs earned about £35m less in Premier League merit payments, which are based on final league position, than Villa.