Exeter City have made a formal financial request to their FA Cup opponents Manchester City ahead of this weekend's third-round tie at the Etihad Stadium.
A Special Request from a Supporter-Owned Club
While both clubs are contractually entitled to 45 per cent of the gate receipts from Saturday's match—a sum estimated to be worth between £250,000 and £400,000—the League One side has asked for additional support. The club, which is owned by its supporters' trust, has written to the Premier League champions to ask if they would consider voluntarily transferring a portion of their share of the matchday income.
The request highlights the unique financial model of Exeter City and the challenges it can face. A statement from the trust cited the "financial realities of our supporter-ownership model" as the reason for reaching out to Pep Guardiola's team.
Financial Blow Follows Stadium Fire Damage
This appeal comes after Exeter City suffered a significant financial setback in November. A fire at their home ground, St James Park, is believed to have caused damage totalling around £100,000.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the blaze originated in an electrical unit before spreading to a temporary structure that housed the club's medical and control facilities. Although the fire service ruled out an electrical fault as the cause, the exact origin remains unknown, with investigations pointing to an area used for waste storage.
The club expressed gratitude for community support at the time, and cleanup operations began swiftly. However, the uninsured loss has compounded the financial pressures on the third-tier outfit.
Cup Clash Amid Divergent League Campaigns
The FA Cup third-round match pits two clubs at opposite ends of the English football pyramid against each other. Exeter City, managed by Gary Caldwell, currently sit 14th in League One, having recorded a mixed bag of nine wins, three draws, and twelve defeats this season.
In stark contrast, Manchester City are entrenched in a Premier League title race, sitting second and trailing leaders Arsenal by just five points. Manager Pep Guardiola will be aiming to win his third FA Cup with the club, having previously lifted the trophy in 2019 and 2023, though his side fell to a 1-0 defeat against Crystal Palace in last season's final.
Despite their focus on multiple fronts, including a League Cup semi-final against Newcastle United next Tuesday, City will be heavy favourites when they host the Grecians on Saturday afternoon.
