Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Fri 29 May 2026 17:15, UK

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Crystal Palace have far more to be excited by after winning millions in prize money from their Europa Conference League title.

That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider that the Eagles’ £17million in prize money is just the start of a huge journey at Selhurst Park.

Despite finishing 15th in the Premier League, Palace are set to play Europa League football in 2026-27 after lifting another major title this season, and that should be seen as the real prize.

Of course, supporters will be expecting Palace to splash the cash this summer, especially if they are to put up a proper fight in the Europa League next term, and the prize money will certainly help with that.

Crystal Palace earn £17million from European success

It is believed that £17million is much closer to the prize money earned from the Eagles’ European adventure, though the exact figure is disputed.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “The bigger thing, almost, that they get is the prize of Europa League football. There’ll be something like £17million in prize money. We don’t know what bonuses they’ve got to pay out of that.

“Costs are not insignificant when you’ve got so many Conference games, and you have to take your full squad. But it’s not just about the money. It’s great for them to win it, great for them to get into the Europa League next season.

“I think it’s going to be a real burden on them, though. It’s not surprising that Nottingham Forest finished where they finished. Aston Villa did an amazing thing to combine the two, but they do have that bigger squad, even if it’s not quite as big as the rest of the top five.

“Palace’s squad is as good as Forest’s, and look where Forest almost ended up. They’re going to find it difficult, I think, playing Europa.

“It’s still a great achievement to win it and to qualify for Europe for another year. And to add it to the trophies that they’ve pulled in and to bank that £17m, that isn’t nothing.”

Which manager could lead Crystal Palace into the 2026-27 season?

Steve Parish has a huge task on his hands to find a new manager, with Oliver Glasner letting the club know well in advance that he would not be extending his reign at Selhurst Park.

Robbie Keane is one of the names most associated with replacing the Austrian, though it is understood that the Eagles are trying their best to persuade Andoni Iraola to come to South London.

Keith Wyness told Football Insider that Iraola is open to joining Liverpool, however, and that would come as a huge blow, especially if Arne Slot is to be sacked ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Palace have huge incentives for any big-name manager to join after securing Europa League football, but the position is yet to be solved. That needs to be addressed as soon as possible.