Fulham benefit from the $300 million goal

Fulham secured a return to the Premier League after four years away and a windfall of at least $300 million by beating Aston Villa 1-0 in the promotion playoff final at Wembley yesterday.

Tom Cairney netted probably the most lucrative goal he’ll ever score by calmly sidefooting home a finish in the 23rd minute, ensuring Fulham joined Wolverhampton Wanderers and Cardiff in getting promoted from the League Championship.

Villa, seeking to get back in the top flight after a two-year absence, dominated the second half – and Fulham’s players bid to defend their lead was made even harder when defender Denis Odoi was sent off in the 70th minute for a second yellow card.

They succeeded, and will play in the Premier League for the first time since relegation in 2014 ended 13 straight seasons in the world’s wealthiest division.

By winning the sport’s richest single game, Fulham guaranteed future additional revenue of at least £160m ($308 million) from prizemoney and broadcast deals, according to accountancy firm Deloitte.

That figure could rise to in excess of £280m ($538 million) if the club from southwest London survives its first season back in the Premier League.

Ryan Sessegnon set up the goal for Cairney with a pinpoint through-ball, continuing his influential role for Fulham this season and especially in the playoffs. The 19-year-old left-sided player is regarded as one of the most talented youngsters in the English game and he will be able to test himself on the country’s highest stage next season.