Bill Sweeney’s £1.1m salary and bonuses spark outrage as rugby football union faces heavy losses and staff cuts.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is facing a storm of criticism after the release of its latest financial accounts, which reveal a staggering operating loss of nearly £40 million. The controversy has intensified following reports that Bill Sweeney, the RFU’s chief executive, received a total of £1.1 million in compensation, including a bonus of £358,000, at a time when the organisation is grappling with significant financial challenges.

The outcry comes after it was revealed that Sweeney was one of six top executives who shared a £1.3 million bonus pool, despite the RFU’s ongoing struggles. The bonuses were handed out at a time when the union has been forced to make over 40 staff redundancies, leaving many within the organisation furious at the apparent disconnect between executive pay and the financial hardship faced by its workers.

“Rank-and-file” staff at the RFU have expressed their dismay, with one employee telling the BBC that the mood within Twickenham is “beyond livid.” The sense of injustice has been compounded by the fact that many feel the leadership’s lavish pay packages are out of touch with the realities of the union’s current financial situation. Former RFU bosses have joined the chorus of criticism, with some calling for Sweeney to resign over the controversy.

The RFU’s financial loss is the result of a combination of factors, including reduced revenue from matchday income, broadcast rights, and sponsorship deals, alongside the broader challenges facing rugby union in the UK. The decline in ticket sales, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, and reduced financial backing from sponsors have contributed to the RFU’s troubled balance sheet.

However, the decision to hand out substantial bonuses to the union’s top brass has raised eyebrows, especially given the scale of the losses and the impact on lower-ranking staff. Sweeney’s remuneration package, which dwarfs the salaries of many of those affected by the redundancies, has led to widespread anger, with many questioning the union’s priorities.

Despite the criticism, Sweeney remains in his position, defending his compensation and the financial strategy that led to the losses. He argued that the bonuses were part of a long-term plan to stabilise the RFU’s finances, but the public reaction suggests that many are unconvinced by his explanation.

As the RFU continues to navigate its financial troubles, the fallout from the latest accounts is unlikely to subside anytime soon. The controversy highlights a growing divide within the organisation, with tensions between the leadership and ordinary employees now at an all-time high.