WHEN the balls go into the bag for the FA Cup draw, every football club says all it can hope for is a home draw.

But the cash counters at Arsenal had even more reason to hope the team’s name came out first for the competition’s quarter-finals, with up to £2.3million at stake this week.

The balls did not fall their way, Arsenal were drawn away to Sheffield United. As this means the club will no longer be able to play another home fixture, it faces refunding season ticket holders who are pledged a minimum of seven home cup ties when they sign up.

Due to their early exit in the Europa League last week to Greek side Olympiakos and previous away draws, Arsenal have only played six at home this term. If 45,000 season ticket holders secure a rebate on average of £50 per ticket, the final refund could be in the region of £2.3m.

While new manager Mikel Arteta has been credited with more positive performances, the club recorded downtick on its financial charts last week. Accounts revealed a £27m loss.