The financial effects of Manchester United’s exit from the Champions League at the hands of Wolfsburg are significant, but far from devastating. The blow to their prestige is probably greater.
Revenues for 2014-15 fell by £37.8m largely because of United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League. However, United only budget to reach the quarter finals of the Champions League each year so the cost will be only around £5m on that basis. It will be more than offeset by the new Premier League broadcasting deal.
The financial effects of Manchester United’s exit from the Champions League at the hands of Wolfsburg are significant, but far from devastating. The blow to their prestige is probably greater.
Revenues for 2014-15 fell by £37.8m largely because of United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League. However, United only budget to reach the quarter finals of the Champions League each year so the cost will be only around £5m on that basis. It will be more than offeset by the new Premier League broadcasting deal.
Under Uefa’s new system, clubs receive €5.5 million (around £4m) for reaching the round of 16 and €6 million for getting to the quarter finals, plus around £5m in broadcasting money. Two more home matches would bring in an additional £4 million in gate receipts, making a total of over £17m.
However, participation in the Europa League would offset some of this lost income and there would also be a drop in the players’ bonus pool. The Europa League will mean a punishing schedule of Thursday and Sunday matches which could affect United in the Premier League.