Over eight million. That’s what Slovan is playing for

Champions League. Slovan takes the first step toward lucrative bonuses. They defeated Bulgarian side Razgrad 2–1.

Over eight million – that’s what Slovan is playing for
Can you imagine earning more than eight million euros in less than two months during the summer? That’s exactly the amount at stake for our football champion, Slovan Bratislava. The team has entered the fight for lucrative bonuses in the most prestigious European club competition, the Champions League. The “Belasí” took the first step toward these rewards when, after a dramatic match, they beat Ludogorets Razgrad 2–1 in the opening leg of the second qualifying round. If the club, owned by Ivan Kmotrík, managed to reach the group stage of Europe’s number one tournament, it would earn the mentioned sum. Simply progressing past the Bulgarians would bring coach Samuel Slovák’s team almost €150,000. “Not only the result itself, but also the bonuses for advancement are important for us. And if we reach the group stage, that’s already a huge sum,” vice-president of Slovan Petr Kašpar told the Economic Daily.

They could cover their budget
For comparison: according to the latest available data from the SIMS agency, Slovan’s revenues in 2011 were €6.3 million. If our most successful Slovak club advanced to the Champions League group stage, they would earn more than €2 million extra in less than two months (exactly €8.6 million). Or, if you prefer, they would have their budget covered for the next two seasons (Slovan operates with an annual budget of over €4 million). This is why it is crucial for a Slovak club to play in European competitions for as long as possible. “Our clubs rarely finish the season in profit. But if Slovan managed to advance now, they would be in the black. That’s why the Champions League is such an important part of a club’s financial prosperity,” said Dušan Tittel, head of our top league and vice-president of the Slovak Football Association, for the Economic Daily. Other income sources for our clubs are minimal compared to European competitions. Aside from sponsorship, gate receipts are low, and the most important income source is player sales. “Success snowballs. Apart from the bonuses from UEFA, you have a chance at a bigger sum from sponsors and, of course, from ticket sales,” Kašpar added.

Player sales in play
Slovan can still earn even if they don’t make it to the group stage. If the “Belasí” beat the Bulgarians and then succeed in the third qualifying round, €2.1 million would be added to their account. “Every step forward brings bonuses. That’s important for a Slovak club,” Tittel said. Our richest club is also playing for potential player sales. Players who reach the group stage have a much greater chance of moving to better European teams, from which the club could profit. In this transfer window, the most valuable deal for our champion is the transfer of defender Lukáš Pauschek to Sparta Prague, for which the Czechs paid around €500,000. “Advancing is very important for showcasing a player. The club can make more money from it,” football agent Jozef Tokos told the Economic Daily. According to him, simply participating in the Champions League group stage increases a player’s value.