Celtic’s players facing wage cut as hidden ‘clause’ revealed by top source
Celtic’s stars face a wage reduction if they fail to qualify for the Champions League this season.
This is according to former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider that the Hoops stars likely have a clause in their contracts if they fail to reach Europe’s most prestigious competition.
With the Scottish Premiership title race going down to the wire between Celtic, Rangers and Hearts, whoever finished third would not only lose out on the trophy, but also the potential to play in the Champions League next season.
However, if this reality comes about, Martin O’Neill’s side may already have a way to save money.
Stefan Borson: Celtic players likely have wage reduction in case of Champions League failure
Celtic’s failure to reach the Champions League’s league phase has already cost them millions in revenue as the recent accounts for late 2025 depicted.
The defeat to FC Kairat in the playoffs was a huge financial blow for the club, as well as an embarrassing sporting failure.
However, if they do not finish top of the Scottish Premiership, they could be thrown into the Champions League two qualifying round, which could prove to be a tricky test to navigate to get to the league phase.
Even worse, if they finish third, they could be thrown into the Europa League third qualifying round, or potentially the Europa Conference League second qualifying round, depending on the winner of the Scottish Cup.
However, if the Hoops do return to the Europa League, Borson believes that wage reductions will be in place for this reality.
⚽️✨ The Bhoys continue their European journey against, VfB Stuttgart, in the #UEL knockout play-off round
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) February 16, 2026
Tickets are on general sale now ⤵️🎟️
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “Do they have a Champions League clause versus a Europa League? I would think they do. So net-net, the difference might not actually be that great.
“But of course, where you make your real money in the Europa League is in those latter stages.
“So, prize money-wise, it won’t be that great. You’re not earning the sort of money that you earn from the Champions League, if you can get a couple of wins in the Champions League’s League stages to go with your match-day revenue.
“You know, you just got to get that balance right, really. If you’re Celtic, games to open
the stadium, that’s critical.
“Some form of European competition, that’s critical because the domestic TV deals just not good enough.
“And so those are the two key things that you’ve got to ensure. And obviously, you can get Champions League all the better.”
Motherwell could cause Martin O’Neill further issues
While much of the focus has been on the top three this season, a potential outsider who could cause issues in the latter half of this campaign is Motherwell.
Under Jens Berthel Askou, the Steelmen won again on the weekend and are now just 10 points off top with a game in hand.
11 games unbeaten at home 🏠
— Motherwell FC (@MotherwellFC) February 15, 2026
19 clean sheets this season ⛔️
1 defeat in 17 matches 👏
Our focus now turns to Scottish Cup action. Stand up and sing for Motherwell 🧡 pic.twitter.com/XgfavvAS5c
While it is unlikely that they will win the league, they could make a late push for third place or even win the Scottish Cup.
Motherwell have proven to be a tricky opponent for all of the top three this season, and they scored a late equaliser against Rangers last week.
Therefore, if this form continues, they could ensure one of the top three are sent down into the Europa Conference League next campaign, in what would be a horrendous blow.