Irish clubs to benefit from UEFA prize money increase
UEFA has announced the detailed financial distribution system for its club competitions for the 2015-18 cycle in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.
The changes will result in a significant increase in prize money for the UEFA competitions this season, leading to a 56% increase in minimum prize money for Irish participants.
Dundalk, this year's Champions League representatives from the SSE Airtricity League, will receive a minimum €550,000 from participation in the competition, compared to the minimum €375,000 available to St Patrick's Athletic last season.
The UEFA Europa League clubs from the SSE Airtricity League will receive a minimum of €200,000 each compared to €120,000 last season.
Prize money in subsequent rounds has also increased, however the adjustments mean that the SSE Airtricity League's four European qualifiers will receive a combined minimum amount of €1,150,000 compared to last season's minimum of €735,000.
This could increase further, depending on the results of the UEFA Respect Fair Play league, where the Republic of Ireland are leading the table in the interim standings.
Should Ireland remain in the top three, UCD could be given an automatic additional Europa League place, when the awards are made after April 30.
