Tottenham discover harsh reality of UEFA rule change after Europa League triumph
Tottenham Hotspur’s 2024/25 season concluded with a triumphant Europa League victory, marking their first major trophy in 17 years. Brennan Johnson’s decisive first-half goal secured a 1-0 win over Manchester United in Bilbao, granting Spurs not only silverware but also a coveted spot in the next season’s UEFA Champions League.
This success came amidst domestic challenges, with Tottenham finishing 17th in the Premier League. Manager Ange Postecoglou, who had confidently stated he “always wins in his second year,” fulfilled his promise, leading the team to European glory.
Despite league struggles, the Europa League triumph provided a significant morale boost and financial windfall.(The Sun)
The victory earned the club approximately £10.95 million in prize money. Additionally, players are set to receive a £3 million bonus pool, while Postecoglou is awarded a £2 million bonus for his leadership .
Qualifying for the Champions League opens the door to further revenue, with potential earnings up to £100 million through prize money, television rights, and sponsorships .(The Sun, The Scottish Sun)
However, Tottenham faces a new challenge due to UEFA’s revised Champions League format starting in the 2024/25 season.
The traditional group stage has been replaced by a ‘Swiss model’ league phase, where all 36 teams are placed in a single table, each playing eight matches against different opponents .
In this format, the Europa League winners, previously placed in pot one, are now assigned to pot two, potentially facing tougher opponents in the initial phase.
Moreover, teams eliminated in the league phase no longer drop into the Europa League, increasing the stakes of each match.
Despite these challenges, the financial rewards are substantial. Each team qualifying for the Champions League receives a starting fee of £15.5 million .
Additional earnings include £1.7 million for each league phase match won and £580,000 for a draw.
Progressing through the knockout stages offers further financial incentives, with quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals yielding increasing rewards .(The Scottish Sun, Football365, CBSSports.com)
Postecoglou’s future at the club remains a topic of discussion. While his European success is undeniable, the team’s domestic performance has raised questions.
Regardless, his contract includes provisions for significant compensation should the club decide to part ways .(Malay Mail, The Sun)
As Tottenham prepares for the upcoming season, the club aims to build on their European success, address domestic challenges, and navigate the complexities of the new Champions League format.
The Europa League victory has reignited hope among fans and set the stage for a potentially transformative period in the club’s history.(The Sun)