The winner of the next Champions League could collect about 200 million euros

The financial stakes for the Champions League are set to soar to unprecedented heights next season, with the champion poised to secure a staggering 200 million euros.

This eye-watering sum is the result of UEFA's revamped revenue distribution scheme, which integrates various sources of income including participation bonuses, performance-based payments, market pool shares, historical ranking contributions, and ticket sales revenue.

The 2024/25 season marks the debut of the Champions League's new format, which expands the competition to include 36 teams, up from the current 32. This overhaul will replace the traditional group stage format previously consisting of eight groups of four—with a single league format where all 36 teams compete in one group.

Under this new system, the top eight teams will automatically qualify for the knockout stages, while the next 16 teams, finishing ninth to twenty-fourth, will enter a playoff round to secure a spot in the round of 16. Teams that do not make the cut will be eliminated from the competition.

According to "La Gazzetta dello Sport," the financial rewards for participating teams will see a significant increase in the new three-year cycle from 2024/25 to 2026/27. The entry prize for each team is expected to rise to approximately 20 million euros, up from the current 15.6 million euros. However, adjustments will be made to the distribution of prize money for match outcomes; the amount awarded for each win will decrease from 2.8 million euros to 2.1 million euros, and for each draw from 900 thousand euros to 700 thousand euros.

Advancement in the competition will also see increased rewards, with qualification for the round of 16 jumping from 9.6 million euros to 11 million euros, and reaching the quarter-finals will now bring in 12.5 million euros, compared to the previous 10.6 million euros.

Over the course of the specified three-year period, the total funds allocated to the market pool (tied to television viewership) and historical club rankings will approximate 850 million euros, marking a decrease of 50 million euros from the current allocation. Conversely, UEFA plans to allocate 670 million euros for participation prizes (an increase of 170 million euros) and 950 million euros for rewarding sporting achievements (up by 350 million euros).

Amidst these financial adjustments within UEFA's premier club competition, the Super League—an embryonic rival tournament—has lodged a demand for compensation from UEFA amounting to 3.5 billion euros. This claim arises from grievances related to UEFA's interventions, which the Super League organizers argue have hindered the development of their proposed competition. This development underscores the ongoing tensions and financial battles within the landscape of European football, as clubs and organizers navigate the complexities of competition formats, revenue distribution, and the broader implications for the sport's future.

Flamengo win the Brazilian title after winning the Libertadores

Flamengo crowned an historic season by clinching the Brazilian league title with a 1-0 win over Ceará, just four days after lifting their fourth Copa Libertadores.

Mbappé goes after reporter after four goal haul in the Champions League

Real Madrid’s forward scored four goals in a win over Olympiacos and, at the end of the game, was asked whether his team depends too much on him. Mbappé did not like the question.

Which players will Kompany be without in Berlin?

After the exhausting match in Paris, Bayern continue against Union Berlin. And Vincent Kompany once again has to find solutions.

French club emerges as the favorite for the loan

Real Madrid are preparing to loan out Endrick in January, with Lyon emerging as the frontrunner. The striker seeks regular minutes to regain form ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Kimmich on a BVB quality that has been added

In the top match between Bayern and Borussia Dortmund, Joshua Kimmich would like to make a statement, but he also highlights a new quality in the opponent.

Athletic find in Adama Boiro a full-back with hunger and patience

Adama Boiro, the young Senegalese full-back who grew up in Pamplona, is steadily making his mark at Athletic Club.

FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the organization “cannot solve geopolitical problems” amid growing calls for Israel to be suspended from international football due to the Gaza conflict. While the UN and several federations demand action, Infantino insists FIFA’s mission is to unite people through football, leaving responsibility to UEFA.

'Mister Bundesliga' Gouweleeuw misses a match again after two years

Jeffrey Gouweleeuw will have to watch from the sidelines at FC Augsburg for the time being. A knee injury forces the Dutch captain of the German club to take a break for now.

The question for Werner: Who will replace Schlager and Nusa?

On Saturday, RB Leipzig will host 1. FC Köln and aim for a third consecutive victory. However, the Saxons will have to replace two key players. Timo Werner is likely to be in the squad.

Haaland can’t sleep because of former club

Erling Haaland is deeply unhappy with the current situation at Bryne FK, the first club of the Norwegian striker. On social media, Haaland criticized the present state of his former team, where he spent his entire youth development.

Tottenham Hotspur disgusted by online racism after Tel miss: ‘Anonymous cowards’

Tottenham Hotspur have spoken out, a day after the UEFA Super Cup, against the racist abuse directed at Mathys Tel on social media. The forward, like Micky van de Ven, missed a penalty in the shootout.

Darwin moves to Saudi Arabia for half of what he cost

Darwin Núñez is set to join Al Hilal for €53 million, just three years after Liverpool paid up to €100 million for the striker. The transfer marks a financial loss for the Premier League champions, while Benfica receives €530,000 through FIFA’s solidarity mechanism.

Bozeník finds shelter in the Championship after Boavista's downfall

Róbert Bozeník continues his career in the Championship. The former Feyenoord striker has signed a three-year deal with Stoke City, which is taking the 25-year-old Slovak over from Boavista.

Vázquez says goodbye to Real Madrid: 'A lifelong dream fulfilled'

The Lucas Vázquez era at Real Madrid has come to an end. On Thursday, the player bid an emotional farewell to the club he served for sixteen years, winning 23 trophies along the way.

Arsenal announce Danish midfielder as new signing

Arsenal have signed Danish international Christian Nørgaard from Brentford. The experienced midfielder joins after six Premier League seasons, bringing leadership and tactical intelligence to Arteta’s squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Top Countries

Around the web

Yamal is fouled in 90 percent of cases but wants to keep going

Hansi Flick heaps praise on 18-year-old Lamine Yamal ahead of Barcelona’s trip to Betis, highlighting his defensive work, attacking impact and fearless mentality, with seven goals and eight assists already this season.

Slot responds to Salah’s reserve role and the battle for Gakpo’s place at Liverpool

Mohamed Salah’s role as a substitute at Liverpool is currently a much discussed topic in England. The experienced Egyptian has been dropped from the starting line up for two games in a row, but he still has an influential role at the Reds.

Almeyda, his staunch defence of Alexis and the call from Chile

Matías Almeyda strongly defended Alexis from recent criticism, highlighting his effort, low salary and love for the game, and revealed that he was close to coaching Chile during the pandemic but a high release clause blocked the move, turning it into a family disappointment.

League leaders Arsenal lose at Villa Park after a goal in the very last second

Arsenal have suffered a last-gasp defeat away to Aston Villa. Substitute Emiliano Buendía smashed in the 2-1 in the very last second of the match, after a spectacular goalmouth scramble.

Neymar helps Santos in the relegation battle with his first hat-trick since 2022

Neymar scored his first hat-trick in three years in the night from Wednesday to Thursday. Thanks to the goals of their 33-year-old star player, Santos beat relegation strugglers Juventude and are now virtually certain of staying in Brazil’s top flight.

Kompany announces Davies comeback

In March, Alphonso Davies tore his cruciate ligament while playing for Canada. He is now expected to get his first minutes of action again later this year, but not yet on Saturday in the Bundesliga match against VfB Stuttgart.

Mbappé is on his way to making history, just as Ronaldo did

Xabi Alonso believes Kylian Mbappé is on track to make history at Real Madrid just like Cristiano Ronaldo, praising the French forward’s ambition, numbers and leadership while stressing that both stars are exceptional in their own unique way.

English media harsh on sleepwalking Liverpool

Jamie Carragher has serious concerns about the current state of Liverpool. In his view, Arne Slot’s team took another step backwards against Sunderland. The English media are also critical of the struggling champions, with Virgil van Dijk playing a negative leading role.

The sacrifice of Lamine at Barça

Lamine Yamal is evolving from a pure attacking talent into a complete winger at Barcelona. Under Hansi Flick he has hugely improved his defensive work and pressing, while still leading the league in dribbles, assists and final passes, confirming his status as one of the most decisive young players in world football.

Players must be on international duty on December 15

FIFA has issued a statement to the national federations to prepare the release of the players who will take part in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), between December 21 and January 18.