Chelsea's Conference League Victory Rewards: Breakdown of Prize Money and European Permutations as Blues Pursue Glory
Chelsea will be poised to claim a European trophy and a substantial financial boost as they take on Real Betis in the Conference League final this week. Set to face their Spanish counterparts in Poland, the Blues have dominated UEFA's third-tier competition this season. Enzo Maresca's side has achieved an unbeaten run, taking down Copenhagen, Legia Warsaw, and Djurgarden to secure their place in the final.
Meanwhile, Real Betis have struggled in the league phase but managed to progress through the knockout rounds, requiring extra time to eliminate Fiorentina. The stage is set for an exhilarating encounter, but only one team can ultimately lift a trophy and claim the maximum payout.
In the event of a Chelsea victory, they stand to receive a total of £5.9 million. This sum matches the amount received by Manchester United as runners-up in the Europa League this season. However, it is only a quarter of the £21.07 million Champions League winners typically receive. The losing side in Wroclaw will take home £3.37 million, slightly more than the potential £2.11 million earnings should they have been knocked out in the semi-finals.
If Chelsea clinch the Conference League, they will qualify for the Europa League in the following campaign. Although they have already secured a spot in the Champions League due to their fourth-place finish in the Premier League, winning the Conference League would officially guarantee this spot. Chelsea will have the freedom to choose between the two competitions for next season, with Aston Villa and Crystal Palace the only other Premier League teams qualifying. For Real Betis, they are already qualified for the Europa League thanks to their sixth-place finish in La Liga, sealing this reward for them as well.
TalkSPORT will provide live coverage of the final, with commentary from Sam Matterface and former Chelsea defender Scott Minton. The stream will be available on the talkSPORT website, the talkSPORT app, DAB digital radio, smart speakers, and 1089 or 1053 AM.
In addition to the financial rewards and increased profile, winning the Conference League carries other benefits for a team. These include additional experience and development opportunities for players, potential improvements in the team's reputation and morale, and increased global appeal, which can lead to more lucrative sponsorship deals.
- Chelsea's triumph in the Conference League would secure a spot in the Europa League next season, providing them with the flexibility to choose between the two European leagues.
- Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are the only other Premier League teams that will be partaking in European leagues next season, should Chelsea win the Conference League.
- Real Betis' European adventure does not end with the Conference League, as they have already secured a place in the Europa League due to their sixth-place finish in La Liga.
- Several benefits come with winning the Conference League, such as increased experience, improved reputation, boosted morale, and potential for more lucrative sponsorship deals.
