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.

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.

AS Monaco unveil Fati and Pogba: no revenge, but big dreams ahead

AS Monaco unveiled two remarkable signings on Thursday: Ansu Fati and Paul Pogba. Two players with scars, who now hope to shine once again in the principality as they once did.

Modric to leave Real Madrid after Club World Cup: 'I leave with a full heart'

Luka Modric confirms his departure from Real Madrid after 13 legendary seasons. The 39-year-old midfield icon will bid farewell at the Bernabéu before finishing his career with the Club World Cup. A tribute to one of the game's all-time greats.

Arteta doesn’t have Dembélé he doesn’t even have Gabriel Jesus

The English newspapers watched as Paris Saint-Germain knocked Arsenal, the last remaining English team, out of the Champions League. It has led to critical scrutiny of Arsenal and coach Mikel Arteta. The two-legged tie against the French side ultimately turned out to be one final disappointment.

Conceição on Milan's resounding derby win: 'Above all, my wife is happy'

AC Milan have actually achieved very little in Serie A this season. Yet, the Rossoneri could still end the season with two major trophies. On Wednesday, the team led by the upbeat coach Sérgio Conceição demolished city rivals Internazionale.

Kenyan Football Federation opens investigation over suspected match-fixing

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has decided to open an investigation into suspected match-fixing involving its national team, specifically in the match against Cameroon during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Al Hilal makes an offer for Virgil van Dijk

Virgil van Dijk, 33-year-old Dutch center-back, is nearing the end of his contract with Liverpool and has received a €20 million net salary offer from Al Hilal.

European champion Álvaro Negredo retires at the age of 39

The striker, who was playing for Valladolid, had not featured since last season. Throughout his career, he played for clubs such as Manchester City and Besiktas.

José Mourinho suspended for four games after controversy with Galatasaray

José Mourinho has been handed a four-match suspension following a controversy after the Istanbul derby, where he was accused of racism by Galatasaray.

Top Countries

Around the web

Two squad surprises at Juve – Will Openda annoy Dortmund again?

A Juventus duo has surprisingly made it into the squad for today’s home game against Dortmund. Meanwhile, new signing Lois Openda is eyeing a debut.

Chelsea take advantage of UEFA’s new rule and make a change to their Champions League squad

Chelsea register Facundo Buonanotte for the Champions League, taking advantage of UEFA’s new injury-replacement rule after Dário Essugo’s thigh surgery. The Argentine talent joins the squad ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Bayern Munich.

Maresca rages over Tah: 'They need to see blood first'

Should Jonathan Tah have been sent off against Chelsea? For the furious Enzo Maresca, the matter was clear – but the response from Munich came quickly.

The Bayern-Chelsea duel that was supposed to become a classic

The story of the “Finale Dahoam” in 2012 has been told many times ahead of Wednesday evening’s reunion between Bayern Munich and Chelsea. Another duel between the teams deserves to be remembered and recognized as a classic.

Brentford and Crystal Palace smile in penalty shootouts in the English League Cup

Guardiola looks forward to De Bruyne's return and praises 'leader' Haaland

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will welcome Kevin De Bruyne with open arms at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday evening. De Bruyne left Man City last summer after ten years for an adventure with Napoli and now returns to familiar ground for the Champions League.

Mourinho had never been so proud: 'I am going to live for Benfica'

José Mourinho is extremely proud to be the new coach of Benfica. The manager already has several top clubs on his résumé, but none of them has ever meant as much to him as Benfica, where, 25 years after a brief spell as coach, he is now finally getting a real chance.

Gravenberch 'unsung hero' at Liverpool: 'A Rolls-Royce-like performance'

Ryan Gravenberch received high praise in the British media for his performance against Atlético Madrid. The Liverpool midfielder shone in the background. 'He is even more impressive.'

FIFA sets aside 300 million euros for clubs of World Cup players

FIFA will allocate 300 million euros to clubs supplying players for the 2026 World Cup, including those involved in qualifiers. The expanded Club Benefits Programme nearly doubles the payout from Qatar 2022 and aims to strengthen ties with clubs globally.

Alexander-Arnold ruled out at Real Madrid for six to eight weeks

Real Madrid suffer a major blow as Trent Alexander-Arnold picks up a thigh injury against Marseille. The English right-back could miss six to eight weeks, leaving Xabi Alonso without both him and suspended Dani Carvajal.