This will make a massive difference to Dundalk’s ledger.
Football glory comes first. Prize-money is a nice bonus. Dundalk will gladly take both.
Stephen Kenny’s men are two games away from the Champions League group stages. To do what no Irish side has done before, they must first get by the likes of Olympiacos, Viktoria Plzen, Salzburg or APOEL.
While Dundalk’s players will be buoyed by their historic 3-0 win over BATE Borisov, the result means at least eight more European games. Even if Dundalk were to get knocked out in the next qualifying stage, they will be guaranteed qualification for the Europa League group stage.
Millions on the line https://t.co/KD0wWNtFEh
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) July 21, 2016
Allied with prize-money, gate receipts and extra Uefa payments, Dundalk are set to benefit to the tune of €5.4 million from the win over BATE.
To put that payday into perspective, Dundalk would win €110,000 for retaining their Airtricity League title. The entire pay-out for the 12 league sides would be €475,000.
If the Lilywhites go all the way and win the next qualifying round, they would receive €2 million for the victory plus an additional €12 million as group stage participants. They would also bank €1.5 million for each group stage win while a draw would earn them €500,000.
Worst case scenario, they’re guaranteed six Europa League group games which carry €360,000 and €120,000 for a win or draw.
The winner of the Champions League, next May, would be in line for a Uefa prizemoney of more than €30m.
Dream big.
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