Why West Ham getting relegated instead of Spurs could cost the UK millions

Premier League relegation can have a big impact on people off the pitch. It's one of the great unspoken human costs of operating at the highest level.

This season, even the British taxpayer could feel the pinch depending on which of London's two rival relegation candidates ends up taking the third spot below the dreaded dotted line.

Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley already know they'll be playing in the Championship next season and they will be joined by one of a pair of struggling capital giants.

Tottenham Hotspur are two points ahead of West Ham United with two matches left to play and seem to finally be making a fist of it under new manager Roberto De Zerbi.

Spurs will play Chelsea and Everton in their last two games of the Premier League season, while West Ham face Newcastle United and then Leeds United as they desperately scrap to avoid the drop.

According to London Mayor Sadiq Khan, the fate of the capital's drifting football duo could have a knock-on effect on City Hall.

"What I'd say to Londoners who don't support Spurs is you should probably be cheering on West Ham," Khan told the Evening Standard.

"The previous Mayor, Boris Johnson, did the worst deal that can be imaginable. As far as West Ham are concerned, as a deal of the century where he basically gave them rent free, this amazing stadium for 100 years.

"Now if West Ham are relegated, we, the taxpayers, we City Hall, could lose up to £2.5 million a year."

According to the Standard, West Ham pay £4.4 million per year in rent to City Hall, which in turn is responsible for all associated stadium costs even on a West Ham matchday.

Why Londoners 'should probably be cheering on West Ham'

Relegation would be a blow to London's coffers because of a projected drop in revenue and a definite leap in operating costs.

Commercial revenue from the stadium would be expected to drop as a result of the Hammers playing in the second tier.

Meanwhile, London would pick up the bill for four additional matches for next season and every subsequent one West Ham spend outside the Premier League for the remainder of the 99-year lease on the former Olympic Stadium.

West Ham will play their penultimate game of the season on Sunday, two days before Spurs travel across the city to take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.