Football Finance expert Kieran Maguire has said that missing out on Champions League qualification will serve as a huge blow for Tottenham Hotspur, particularly given the increased fortunes that the clubs can earn due to the changing format of the competition next season.
Following the latest round of results in Europe, it is now clear that a fifth-place finish will not be enough to get into the Champions League.
Aston Villa now look like massive favourites to secure fourth place ahead of Tottenham, with the Villans currently sitting six points clear of the Lilywhites.
Although Spurs have two games in hand over the Midlands side, they face a difficult end to the season and their recent form has been quite poor.
Ange Postecoglou has seemed relatively unfazed about the prospect of missing out on Champions League football, with the Australian adamant that securing entry into the competition is no guarantee of progress for next season (Optus Sport).
New Swiss model will mean more Champions League money
However, Maguire pointed out that due to the Swiss-style model of the competition next season, teams will stand to earn even more revenue than usual, which is why it will be a huge blow to miss out.
MORE SPURS STORIES
He told Football Insider: “Of course, it would be a huge blow for Spurs or Villa if they drop out. [of the top four]. The new Swiss model format will be more lucrative and it is also very flexible.
“At the moment, clubs are guaranteed four home games but I suspect within two or three years the big clubs will want half a dozen.
“Being in the Champions League is already worth three times as much money as the Europa League. Plus you get bigger bonuses from sponsors and on a broader level it will also help the UEFA coefficient.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Postecoglou would certainly not be under any illusions of the importance of getting into the Champions League as the club’s hierarchy would have made it clear to him it is a financial necessity, particularly given the losses Spurs have posted over the last three years.
The Australian’s efforts to downplay his side’s quest to finish fourth was likely an attempt to change the culture at the club as for too long, the players and the fans have looked at a top-four finish as being a successful season.
Keep up to date with all the latest Tottenham news and opinion by following SpursWeb’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.
