The semi-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain is a huge blow for FC Bayern in sporting terms, but the financial results of the Champions League season are extremely positive. The German record champions have earned more than €127 million thanks to their strong run in the top flight – making them one of the top earners in Europe
It is no longer a secret that the Champions League is hugely important for top clubs like FC Bayern in economic terms. UEFA pays out huge sums to the participants year after year – and Munich benefited particularly strongly this season
According to the UEFA report, FC Bayern received an entry bonus of €18.62 million for participation in the top flight alone, as well as numerous other bonus payments for results, placings and sporting performance
The strong league phase in particular paid off for the Munich club, as FC Bayern finished second in the table and collected additional income for this. Around €14.7 million was paid for the points achieved, with a further €10.54 million coming for the position
By reaching the semi-finals, the total income finally amounted to an impressive 127.3 million euros
This puts the German record champions in third place in Europe among the biggest Champions League earners this season – only Paris Saint-Germain and FC Arsenal took in more money
Arsenal in particular benefited from an exceptionally strong European Cup season. Mikel Arteta’s team remained unbeaten for a long time and collected the most points of all teams in the league phase. The Gunners are said to have earned a total of around 143.24 million euros so far
CL millions strengthen Bayern’s transfer plans
The high income comes at an important time for FC Bayern, who, despite their sporting ambitions, continue to keep a close eye on the club’s financial balance
Uli Hoeneß in particular has recently emphasized several times that the Munich club is prepared to invest in top players, but at the same time does not want to incur uncontrolled expenditure
The income from the Champions League now gives FC Bayern additional financial leeway for the summer, and the millions from the premier class are an important factor, particularly with regard to potential transfers such as Anthony Gordon or further reinforcements for the defense
Nevertheless, the semi-final exit against PSG remains bitter in sporting terms. After two intense matches, Munich narrowly lost 5:6 to the defending champions
Nevertheless, FC Bayern can look back on a strong Champions League season overall. Vincent Kompany’s team was one of the most consistent and offensively strongest teams in Europe for long stretches – even if the dream of reaching the final in Budapest was shattered in the end.