Celtic

Celtic: Finance expert discusses financial benefits of increased Champions League places

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Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has been discussing the financial benefits of Scotland getting an extra Champions League qualification spot and mentioned Celtic.

As revealed earlier this month, Scotland will have two places in the Champions League next season (per BBC).

That is due to the fact that the nation has claimed a spot in the top 15 of UEFA’s coefficient rankings, meaning the Scottish Premiership’s top two finishers during the 2020/21 season will qualify.

So, in the latest episode of The Price of Football podcast, Maguire discussed the financial benefits of the extra Champions League place and mentioned Celtic.

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Starting with an easy one - which club did Celtic sign Moussa Dembele from?

He said: “As from next season, for example, Scotland will get two potential places in the Champions League because the SPFL clubs’ record in recent years has put it in the top 15 nations within Europe.

“So, that could be incredibly lucrative for those two clubs.

“Once you get into that situation, because UEFA money makes such a difference – Celtic were making, when they qualified for the group stages of the Champions League, they were making £30m a year simply from that alone – that can sort of create a virtuous circle and become self-fulfilling.”

TIF Thoughts…

As can be seen in what the finance expert had to say, he evidently believes that Scotland getting an extra Champions League qualification place will be “incredibly lucrative” for whoever qualifies.

Will the extra Champions League place make a difference to Celtic?

No, we'll finish first

No, we'll finish first

Yes, I think we'll need it

Yes, I think we'll need it

Should a Scottish side other than Celtic or their Old Firm rivals qualify for the Champions League next season, they may have a lot to thank the two clubs for.

That is due to the fact that Scotland had their second-best season in terms of coefficient points earned during the 2019/20 term due to Celtic and the Gers reaching the knockout stages of the Europa League (per BBC).

Therefore, Celtic could yet be set for plentiful riches if they can extend their period of domestic dominance in Scotland.

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