Celtic is set to receive a nice bonus from UEFA’s Club Benefits Programme this summer due to the participation of their players in the EURO 2024 tournament. Players like Callum McGregor, James Forrest, Anthony Ralston, and Greg Taylor have been named in Scotland’s squad for the tournament in Germany.
UEFA has allocated a pool of €140m for payouts to clubs with players participating, which is a 7.7% increase from a similar scheme in 2020. This means that Celtic will receive a bit of money for every day their four Scottish players are training and playing at the tournament.
While the amounts may not be huge, it is still a welcome bonus for the club, especially considering the relatively low prize money in Scottish football. Each player at the tournament is expected to earn around €9,400 for each day they are involved, from ten days before their country’s first match until the day after they are eliminated or win the competition.
In the scenario where Scotland only reaches the group stage, each Celtic representative will earn €188,000 over 20 days in Germany. With four players from Celtic participating, the total amount paid to the club would be around €752,000, equivalent to £634,000 at the current exchange rate. If Scotland progresses beyond the group stage, the total sum received by Celtic will increase.
This bonus from UEFA provides an extra reason for Celtic fans to support McGregor and the other players representing their country. It is an opportunity for these players to showcase their skills at the highest level and gain valuable experience in high-stakes matches. This experience will be beneficial for them as they aim to improve and progress as players at Celtic, especially with the prospect of Champions League football on the horizon next season.