SEVEN clubs in the SPFL will each receive a significant seven-figure payment from Uefa before the end of the season.
Solidarity payments from the governing body are still outstanding from Celtic reaching the Champions League last season.
But cash for the Hoops qualification this season has been brought FORWARD – meaning two payments will fall in March and June, before the official end of the 2024-25 season.
The cash will soften the Euro blow for St Mirren and Kilmarnock who failed to reach the main stage of the Conference League, as well as Aberdeen who endured a miserable Premiership campaign and missed Europe altogether.
Seven teams will rake in £1.6m, with others netting more than a million and two over £650,000.
In total, almost £15m will arrive in the top flight– with relegated Livingston also among the recipients.
However their fellow Championship clubs won’t see any of the cash.
It’s up to league bodies how they distribute the cash pot – and in the SPFL case that means it’s up to the clubs.
There had been hope in the second tier that SPFL teams would allow some cash to trickle down – a system similar to Germany‘s Bundesliga.
But though that idea forms part of a new directive, Premiership sides will vote it DOWN according to a report.
The Daily Mail says any league vote organised by Hampden bosses would be unlikely to see top-flight chairmen give up their Uefa windfalls – especially as the cash is likely to fall next season.
German clubs already give a slice from their Euro income to second division clubs in the Bundesliga 2 and clubs have lobbied for similar here.
However it’s unlikely to be repeated in Scotland.
Hibs, Dundee, Motherwell, St Johnstone, Ross County, Kilmarnock and St Mirren will be paid their outstanding £650,000 from last season this year – as will Hearts and Livingston.
The seven sides will receive expedited cash too bringing their income to £1.6m each.
Aberdeen and Dundee United are also said to be earning close to £1m, according to the report.
As well as revamp the groups into ‘League phase’ sections in each of the three continental competitions, Uefa have also redrawn the cash awards for participating clubs this season.
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