DUNDALK FELL JUST short at the final hurdle to qualify for the group stages of the Champions League last night but their coffers are still going to receive an almighty boost as they look forward to the next chapter of their European adventure.
Their 3-1 aggregate defeat to Legia Warsaw, after Robbie Benson’s screamer made an incredible comeback look possible, would have been hard to stomach for Lilywhites fans but thoughts of Friday’s Europa League group draw should ease the pain.
Had Dundalk pulled off a remarkable aggregate win last night they would have earned €2m for the win and a further €12m for reaching the group stages of the Champions League.
But with the likes of Manchester United, Inter Milan or Schalke looming as potential opponents from Pot 1 in the Europa League draw there are plenty of reasons for excitement. And from a financial perspective, Dundalk’s European exploits will earn them more than €6m.
Stephen Kenny’s side guaranteed themselves €900,000 by qualifying for the third round of Champions League. And by reaching the Champions League playoff round, and consequently the group stages of the Europa League, they have earned themselves a further €5.4m.
With six Europa League games to look forward to, for which there is a win bonus of €360,000, and €120,000 for a draw, Dundalk are set for an unprecedented cash injection for a League of Ireland club.
To put it into perspective, this year’s SSE Airtricity League winners will receive €110,000.
If Dundalk dare to dream beyond the group stages of the Europa League, here’s what they can expect to pick up for their troubles.
Europa League
- Round of 32: €500,000
- Round of 16: €750,000
- Quarter-finals: €1,000,000
- Semi-finals: €1,500,000
- Losing finalist: €3,500,000
- Winners: €6,500,000
The group stages of the Europa League are scheduled to begin on 15 September and conclude on 8 December, with the last-32 round pencilled in for 24 February 2017.
Figures via uefa.com
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