Champions League update leaves Celtic with huge cash opportunity next season

The winners of next season’s Scottish Premiership title will likely be given an automatic spot in the group stages of the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League.

After results in the Europa League last night, Scotland are confirmed to finish this season in 11th place of the UEFA co-efficient standings ahead of Ukraine.

That means the only barrier to Celtic, Rangers or another 2021/22 Scottish title winner not receiving an automatic group stage spot for the following season’s Champions League is next year’s European Cup winners failing to qualify via their domestic league as well.

Given the strength of any prospective Champions League winner, that’s unlikely to happen.

Dale Johnson from ESPN has been tracking the information all season and delivered the update late on Thursday night.

CONFIRMED!
Scotland finish the season 11th in the UEFA coefficient ranking.
Means 2021-22 Scottish champions are all but certain to qualify direct to the group stage of the 2022-23 Champions League.
Happens as long as the 2021-22 UCL winners also qualify via their league.
— Dale Johnson (@DaleJohnsonBBC) March 18, 2021

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Next year’s title winners will receive an enormous cash boost

Right now, the winners of the Scottish Premiership still face a daunting qualification gauntlet to make the group stages of the competition.

Celtic have been one of the top seeds in the process for years and have failed to cash in on many occasions.

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It’s a difficult process, so winning the top-flight has been no guarantee that a club will have access to the lucrative prize money fund on offer from UEFA.

The Bhoys face an even tougher path this year due to missing out on the title.

Now though, tens of millions of pounds will be on offer to, realistically, either Celtic or Rangers over the next 18 months. It’s the kind of cash that could be key to the balance of power in Glasgow.

This season Champions League group entrants were guaranteed a minimum payment of €15m each. Each win was worth an additional €2.7m and draws €0.9m [City AM]. Additional cash can then be generated from the TV market pool and sell-out crowds.

UEFA / (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)

Just taking part is enough to open up massive opportunities for any Scottish clubs.

If the Bhoys can get back to winning ways in the league next year it will widen the money gap on our rivals. Alternatively, if Rangers follow up their title win with another, it could change everything in terms of revenue, signings and wage bills.

That’s now what is up for grabs in Scotland, beyond the silverware and bragging rights.

Bring it on.