FC Augsburg has been crowned the most efficient club in German football's Bundesliga last season. This is according to the annual F.A.S. Efficiency table, an analysis published by the league and based on an idea by economic historian Christian Kleinschmidt from Marburg. The report by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung reveals that Augsburg spent approximately 3 million euros per point earned, achieving the best cost-benefit ratio in the top flight. With total costs of around 125 million euros for personnel, depreciation, and operating expenses, the team secured 43 points and finished ninth in the table.
This performance is particularly notable as the club ranked only 15th in the league's financial resources ranking. FC Augsburg operated far more efficiently than wealthier rivals. Eintracht Frankfurt spent nearly three times as much per point, while VfL Wolfsburg and record champions Bayern Munich recorded even higher expenditures per point. Although Bayern secured the domestic double, the financial outlay was enormous. The Munich side had the highest spending per point in each of the last two seasons.
How did other clubs perform?
The efficiency table reveals significant disparities within the league. While Augsburg shines, Hamburger SV suffered relegation after a severe deterioration in their euros-per-point ratio. Clubs like Mainz 05, SC Freiburg, and FC St. Pauli also saw their ratios worsen significantly. Positive developments were recorded at RB Leipzig and TSG Hoffenheim, which improved their financial efficiency compared to the season before last. In the 2. Bundesliga, SV Elversberg and SC Paderborn stood out, each spending less than one million euros per point. FC Schalke 04, in contrast, operated with first-division level spending.
What does efficiency mean for sporting success?
The figures prove that a large budget does not automatically translate to sporting success. VfL Wolfsburg, for instance, was relegated with a budget of around 250 million euros. Eintracht Frankfurt missed out on European qualification despite high investments. FC Augsburg demonstrates the opposite with its strategic approach. The club is supported in this by Global Football Holdings, an American firm that holds a 45% stake in the professional department and also has shares in clubs in Denmark, Belgium, and Portugal.
How has Augsburg started the new season?
The current season has begun promisingly for FCA. After the first matchday, the club sits in third place with three points. The team under coach Manuel Baum, who took over after a poor start last season, won its opening game and has a positive goal difference of 3:0. However, the squad is currently without the injured players Anton Kade and Calvin Brackelmann. The next challenge awaits on September 6th with an away game against Eintracht Frankfurt, who are currently ninth. You can check the full schedule on our fixtures page.
The current league standings are always available in the standings section. For details on the injury-related squad shortage, the injuries overview provides information. FC Augsburg, once linked to the historically wealthy Fugger family, is now writing its own success story through smart financial management.
