Massive increases in CL prize money

Website reports in Italy yesterday indicated that the changes to the Champions League will see clubs massively increase their earnings, including some benefiting from ‘historical results.’

One report quoted La Gazzetta dello Sport as outlining the transformation of the financial landscape.

Merely qualifying for the groups will be worth €15m to a club from the top four UEFA ranking leagues, the report said. Several variables will decide how much money the teams receive.

They are split into four categories: the market pool is worth 15 per cent, participation credit is 25 per cent, seasonal results contribute to 30 per cent and the big change is the introduction of 30 per cent for historical results.

This means clubs – for example Inter or AC Milan – with a strong history in the tournament would earn more money simply for participating than a side like Napoli or Roma.

It would eat into the sum previously assigned via the market pool share.

Clubs who participate in the group stage would get €2.7m, another to €9.5m in the Round of 16, €10.5m in the quarter-final, €12m in the semi-finals and taking part in the Final would be worth €15m.

Winning the Champions League would be worth €19m in prize money, so a total of €82m, not including the other various bonuses.

If, for example, Real Madrid were to win the trophy and add in their historical results status, the prize money – not including market pool share – would be €114m.