Brighton and Hove Albion have reported a loss of UK£67.2 million (US$92.3 million) for the 2019/20 season, which chairman Tony Bloom described as "one of the most challenging in the club's history", reports, www.sportspromedia.com/.

The figure compares to a loss of UK£21.2 million (US$29.1 million) during the previous campaign, while turnover was down to UK£132.9 million (US$182.5 million) from UK£148 million (US$203.2 million).

In a statement, the Premier League club said the coronavirus pandemic had affected every aspect of their financial operations.

It said: 'The club had budgeted for an increase in losses, due to additional investments in recruitment, with increases in player wages and (transfer fees).

'The budgeted losses were significantly increased by the unexpected drop in turnover, due to the coronavirus pandemic.'