Uefa funding, haves and have nots

Uefa’s new funding distribution model, announced yesterday, is a bit of a mixed bag for Celtic.  Payments for performance in the Champions League increase, which is a nod to clubs from the big leagues, who always perform better.  This will be partly paid for by a reduction in distribution from the TV Pot, currently a significant source of our Champions League money.

On the plus side, income from qualification for the competition proper, which the Scottish Champions are guaranteed next season, will increase from £16.3m to £28.9m, offsetting loss of TV Pot money by a factor of eight.

Solidarity payments to clubs which do not participate in European competitions increase from 4% of the pot to 7%.  In reality, due to the revamped Champions League from next season, this will see payments to the likes of Motherwell and St Mirren more than double.

European football faces an existential problem around its diminishing competitive edge.  Clubs from Romania, Greece, Serbia and Scotland can no longer aspire to reach the Champions’ Final.  Speaking at the European Club Association conference, vice-chairman of the Association and Celtic chairman Peter Lawwell said, “Celtic as the champions in Scotland receive just over £3 million; if you are relegated from the EPL [English Premier League] you get £140 million. The main factor is the domestic competitions.”  The haves and have nots grow ever-farther apart.

The road ahead for Celtic is clear, remain in the Champions League proper and riches await.  Achieving this, requires us to earn coefficient points at a higher rate than we currently achieve, or hoping to benefit from the performance of other Scottish clubs.  If not, we take our chances through qualification.

An enormous leap in European performance is required.