Why West Ham's relegation from the Premier League 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 year, even the British taxpayer could feel the pinch following West Ham United's relegation on the final day of the Premier League campaign.

The Hammers' 14-year spell in the English top-flight has come to an end after Spurs' 1-0 win over Everton. West Ham did their bit with a 3-0 victory against Leeds United, although the result in North London didn't go their way.

While it'll likely result in huge upheaval in the West Ham squad, a previously unmentioned consequence involves the club's glamorous London Stadium.

According to London Mayor Sadiq Khan, West Ham's top-flight exit could have a knock-on effect on City Hall. Commercial revenue from the stadium would be expected to drop as a result of West Ham playing in the second tier.

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

Khan told everyone who they should've been supporting

"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."

Per 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.