Exclusive: Liverpool land £26m+ windfall
Liverpool have already earned more than £26million in prize money from the Champions League this season, sources have told Football Insider.
The Merseyside giants booked their place in European football’s premier club competition after finishing third in the Premier League last season.
The Times reported on 27 August top Champions League clubs could be in line to make an extra £23million from the competition following Uefa’s format change this season.
The number of clubs taking part has risen from 32 to 36, with the teams all competing in one single league competition and each side playing eight different opponents – four at home and four away.
Liverpool have enjoyed an incredible start to the revamped league phase, having won all six of their matches.
Mohamed Salah’s second-half penalty on Tuesday secured a 1-0 victory over Girona and opened up a five-point gap at the top of the table.
Arne Slot’s side now have just two games left to play against Lille and PSV once the Champions League returns after Christmas.
Liverpool to boost prize money after knockout qualification secured
As per official Uefa documents released in March, each team will earn a guaranteed £16million for playing in the Champions League this season.
They are also in line for extra cash payments under the governing body’s new value pillar system, which is split into European and non-European segments based on their coefficient ranking and the market pool.
Clubs are awarded £1.8million for each win and £583,000 for a draw in the league phase, meaning Liverpool have banked £10.8million from their fixtures.
Sources have told Football Insider that takes the Merseysiders’ total prize money so far to £26.8million before the payments from the value pillar system are factored in.
Liverpool will receive an extra £9.2million once their automatic qualification for the last 16 is secured.
In a further incentive to finish as high up the table as possible, each team will also be paid an amount based on their individual ranking after the eight group stage games.
The bottom side will earn £229,000, while holding onto top spot would land Liverpool a further £8.2million.
Slot’s side are also performing expertly in the Premier League, having built up a four-point lead at the top of the table in the Dutchman’s first season at Anfield.
In other news, Liverpool to make Van Dijk announcement soon.
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