Can Liverpool Afford to Miss Out on the Champions League?
The financial implications of being excluded from the Champions League are significant, with prize money and commercial opportunities being lower in other European competitions. UEFA's financial report highlights that Arne Slot's side earned a substantial 98.1 million euros (£85.3 million) in distribution payments for reaching the last 16 of the Champions League in the 2024-25 season. In contrast, when Liverpool were in the Europa League in 2023-24, they received only 26.8 million euros (£23.3 million) for reaching the quarter-finals.
Winning the tournament would help bridge the funding gap, but the loss of money from UEFA is just one part of the story. Maguire emphasizes that it also impacts matchday receipts and broadcasting money, leading to lower commercial revenues due to embedded bonuses in contracts with senior sponsors. At the high end, Maguire estimates that being out of the Champions League could cost Liverpool around £120 million.
Despite the significant spending last summer, including signing players like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, Liverpool's financial management is considered extremely well-run. One season outside the Champions League might not have a substantial effect, according to Maguire. The club's recent record revenues of £703 million for the financial year ending May 2025, with a profit of £8 million, further demonstrate their financial stability.
However, the question remains whether Liverpool will have any problems complying with financial rules. Maguire reassures that the club is very forensic in its financial analysis, and being out of the Champions League could still affect the players they might attract to Anfield. For players like Van Dijk, being in the top competition remains vital, regardless of the financial implications.
