Is there any benefit to being in the Europa League?

Okay, so lets get all theoretical and a dreamy and imagine that come the end of the season we qualify for the Europa League somehow.

What would it actually mean for the club? Is it worth the extra games given the well documented detrimental effect it can have on a season? Is it financially viable given that you need a bigger squad with more quality throughout the avoid the previous scenario?

Well here I’m going to try and investigate what the competition actually involves in it’s current Europa League format. Of course we remember it as the UEFA Cup the last time we were in it, and it’s fair to say that there have been a fair few changes since we last competed in the competition.

How to enter

I wasn’t going to do this, but given that a lot of people are wondering just what league position is required to capture a European place and the various permutations regarding qualification I thought I’d cover it. There are a number of ways that we could sneak into the Europa League.

– By finishing in 5th place in the Premier League.

– By finishing 6th in the Premier League, providing Liverpool finish 5th – I’m led to believe that they have already qualified for Europe regardless of the League Cup result. Cast your minds back to the FA Cup final between Portsmouth and Cardiff. It was decided that because Cardiff come under Welsh FA jurisdiction they wouldn’t be allowed to take a place representing the English FA in Europe and would need to apply for a “wildcard” entry instead. The rules haven’t changed since.

– By finishing 7th in the league providing Liverpool finish 5th or 6th and the FA Cup final is competed between two teams from what ends up being the top four in the Premier League.

– Via the Fair Play league, assuming the English league finishes as one of the top three ranked Fair Play leagues in Europe, whatever that means and however it is done.

So there are the the permutations of what it takes to qualify for the competition, but what do we actually gain out of it? I mean it is fun for us fans to visit different parts of Europe, but what does it mean for the club?

Financial gains

While not being as lucrative as the Champions League, the Europa League does still have financial benefits. In terms of prize money you’re guaranteed £500,000 for reaching the group stage of the competition plus more providing you progress. You get £100,000 for a group stage win and £50,000 for a draw. If you get to the final and win you would be looking at picking up £25m for you troubles. Get to the final and lose and you’ll pick up significantly less – somewhere in the region of £13m in prize money.

Each team also receives a “market share” of broadcasting money based on how lucrative the TV rights of a particular country are. The Premier League TV deal is pretty lucrative compared to the rest of Europe so an English club would get somewhere in the region £8m.

Then there are the associated gains to consider. Obviously there are two guaranteed home games in the group stage so you would get gate money, merchandising and all the other trimmings you associate with a home game, although you then have all the associated costs such as policing and stewarding to consider also. Progress further and it’s more of the same. The further you go the more you get. Simples!

Other benefits

There are other financial benefits to be had that have a less immediate effect. Obviously the Europa League gives us as a club more exposure to potential new sponsors who might like what they see and decide to set up some form of link. Regular competition would also give us a bit more leverage when talking to current sponsors.

Not only that, but it opens us up to a new level of player who will be swayed by wanting to join a team involved in European competition and will also go some way to tempering any thoughts of our players leaving. If we’re in Europe the urge to leave may subside for some.

The downfalls

To compete in more competitions you need a bigger squad with more quality available. There are many examples of teams who have suffered a dip in league form thanks to participation in the Europa League. Think Stoke or Fulham for example. Generally speaking, teams in the Champions League have the depth in the squad to fight at the top of their league whereas those in the Europa tend to be a bit lower down the chain.

A deeper squad costs money and unless you get far in the competition you won’t have the means to pay for it. It’s odd to see a team really strengthen based on Europa League qualification although it shouldn’t step in the way of the general strengthening process.

The you have to look at it from the perspective of trying to win it, which is difficult when you have teams dropping out of the Champions League and straight into the knockout part of the Europa League which makes it hard to progress.

Conclusion

Obviously as I said right at the start, this is all theoretical although given that we are 5th in the league with 14 games to go you have to start at least half thinking about it.Is it worth it though? It may be viewed as a second rate European competition, but I think it is, from many perspectives.

What do you think though?

About toonsy

A lifelong Newcastle fan and current webmaster of this very 'blog who has the sole aim of creating a place by Newcastle United fans, for Newcastle United fans.

112 thoughts on “Is there any benefit to being in the Europa League?

  1. More money, More players , more games what more could you ask for as a fan. Everything about Europe is an advantage imo. We also get a lot more T.V coverage which is great for us and could even increase our fanbase.

    Plus i dont think you can put Stoke or Fulham’s dip in positions down to the Europa league, other teams just got better.

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  2. Good article apart from the use of the term ‘simples’ which loses you some credibility points my man, and the fact it’s even under discussion suggests this tournament needs yet another big make over. 1 group stage and 3 knockout rounds is enough. It’s a mild distraction for supporters – but away trips to the ukraine and georgia are going to test even our fanatical lot’s willingness to travel and support these days. It’s unlikely to incentivise top players to stay at the club and can only be a detriment to the state of the squad in terms of fitness and picking up even more injuries.

    Nay vote.

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  3. Well balanced article Toonsy, from a supporters point of view of course it can be viewed as worth it——a chance to see and compete with legendary top European sides and trips to potential exotic places (plus some **** places too),
    As you say, once the Champs League rejects enter the Knockout stages it becomes much harder to win the competition and therefore from a monetary point of view probably not worth the hassle. Especially if it affects league form and hinders Champs League qualification which after all is the holy grail and where the big bucks are made and where top players want to compete.
    On balance I think concentrating on trying on Champs League qualification has to be our aspiration.

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  4. I’d take the money and play a team of kids with a few older players, but I can’t see that happening. Our league form would suffer without doubt unless the squad is significantly strengthened.

    Having said that, I do kind of miss it.

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  5. The fact is that even if we don’t make Europa next season we will still need to strengthen our squad because by failing to reach fifth (that Europa spot) who suggest that our current squad is clearly not strong enough anyway … if that makes sense 😕

    After the financial postings yesterday, Europa footy can only strengthen our position in that sense right?!

    I know Stoke and Fulham have been mentioned but Birmingham also had a Euro campaign this season with a small squad and they haven’t done terribly.

    I have made negative comment towards it in the past, however this article makes me think – if not, what the hell are we working towards?

    Toon on channel 5 … why not?!

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  6. Making the Europa league is a positive in that it’s an achievement for the squad for the efforts this season. That said I think the realistic benefits are fairly negligible for the team, as the financial benefits are balanced by the need to add more squad depth.

    On the other hand, I think the best thing that could ever happen to us would be to qualify for the Champions League this season for one single reason alone; I think, at heart, Mike Ashley wants to be a fan as much as the owner of a football business.

    Success is a drug to a fan and even more so to an owner. Europa league is the equivalent of a bit of nicotine, while Champions League is like cocaine.

    I think if we qualified for the CL Mikey would be hooked on football, we’d see progressively more and more investment. The range for new signings increases from 3-5 million to 6-8 million and the wage cap bumps up an extra few thousand bucks to make sure that our owner can get his fix.

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  7. Good read Toonsy lad 😉
    Yeah it has some downfalls but it still has to be worth it, most players want to be playing in Europe ok the CL is the main one but it’s still Europe simples 😉

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  8. Guys Off topic but do any of you know what this film is called. The one where two geordie lads steal alan shearers car?

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  9. I fear if we qualify for europe it be a season too soon for us, I dont think we d have the squad for it or in a position to strenghting the squad enough to compete on all fronts. But it would be a mjor boost for the club if we did qualify. Its also be a pain in the hole playing most Sundays instead of Saturdays

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  10. Some good research in there Toonsy.

    Personally speaking I’d love to see us in Europe again ASAP but first and foremost comes the league every time.

    If Ashley is willing to finance the signings that would let us battle on home and European fronts then I’m all for it. 🙂

    But I don’t think the club has the kind of revenue stream Ashley wants yet to get those kind of players in.

    I very much doubt if we made into to Europa to play in next season then we’d chance being relegated that same season, even if we signed very few players but the extra injuries etc that you would surely pick up with the extra games could have a big impact on our Premier league campaign.

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  11. The sooner we are back into Europe the better. It’s where we belong. If we as fans dont want to see our club strutting their stuff on the Continent then really, what is the point in following a team at all?

    Great write up Toonsy, I’m a lot more comfortable knowing 6th can get us into Europe – although I’d be happier if the proviso was on Arsenal getting 5th! I genuinely think we are better than Liverpool and can pip them in the League, not so sure about the Gunners though…They jusy seem to ooze class despite their dodgy defence. 😕

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  12. Newkie, the last match we pulled back a late goal in a 2-2 draw – when Shola came off the bench in style and scored his only goal of the season! 😮

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  13. Why not treat it like the league cup and send the kids to play? Two or three experienced players to keep them in check, attract great young talent with the prospect of playing in Europe, and if we progress, they get experience against proper teams. We’re not going to win it, especially once the big money Champions League teams join in, so let’s be cynical.

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  14. Think we should def go for Europa , champions league is prob beyond us this year but if we aim for that and end up in Europa I’ll be well chuffed

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  15. And we could poss win it, clubs that drop out of champions league rarely take it seriously and usually play less used players

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  16. It’s got to be worth going for – a step on the way to CL and also better prospect of attracting/keeping talented players. European nights for fans were something really special and I think Ashley would loosen the purse strings if he felt there was a real chance of progressing and eventually pushing for a CL place.

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  17. Shamrock says:
    February 10, 2012 at 18:28
    The sooner we are back into Europe the better. It’s where we belong. If we as fans dont want to see our club strutting their stuff on the Continent then really, what is the point in following a team at all?

    I do agree with you , I dont see the point in supoort a team if your ultimate hopes and dream is to win the champions league ( Im not saying we are anywhere close to that level ) but I would worry about squad depth to compete in the europa league and / or our ability to get a squad together for next season to compete in. I think if we missed out next season it gives us a little bit of extra time to develop our squad. I honestly think we are close to having a squad to compete for champions league qualifaction and win a cup next season, I would fear a europa league campagin would disrupt that

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  18. Europa League ,Why not, MIKE wants the team to be self supporting financially.
    Well this is the most obvious way to create more wealth, attract better players,as with the wage cap .
    Remember last time we were in Europe, TV viewing figures were as usual with Toon, record for every channel, albeit some obscure ones .
    Plus i really miss Euro nites @SJP, and this as some have already commented should be a step back up toward possible regular CL spot
    Bring it on for me i would Deffo Go and watch Shamroc rover @SJP 😛

    Great Article again Toonsy

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  19. It might not have the mega bucks of CL but it’s still worthwhile being in it . Like stevep@20 says the big boys don’t take it seriously ,surely we have as much chance as anyone to win it ,otherwise what’s the point in even bothering.

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  20. Hah – I suggested an article along these lines yesterday! Clearly I was reading your mind and this was almost in the bag Toonsy, as there is no way you knocked this up in a few hours!

    I reckon take Europa for a few seasons, get us used to the rhythm of league, cup, euro, league games as a club. 3 more years around there, then by the time we build a CL Ready team we’ll know the European routine and will be a bit more ready for a Europe Tueaday, Cup Thursday, League Sunday gruelling slog.

    Also, beat the gloating mackems to Europe. Have you ever seen a mackem in Milan? 🙂

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  21. No doubt about it. The pro’s outweigh the cons.

    It would be a great boost to the club and another kick in the teeth for the Mackems and southern press.

    When the big clubs get knocked out the CL and drop into the Europa, it sets up some great possibilities to play against some famous names again.

    Bring it on! 😎

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  22. great analysis. Answered a lot fo questions that have been bandied about on here the past few weeks.

    To me, the number one reason I want to qualify is for our current players. Players like Tiote, Ba, Cabaye, Santon, etc could get their heads turned in a few years if they don’t get to play in europe.

    Obviosuly the biggest downside is squad depth. But that is where certain youngsters- Gosling, Abeid, Vuckic, Taverner, Fergie, etc. will need to step up and earn their stripes. I’m sure they are chomping at the bit to do it.

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  23. a bit off topic but has any one noticed the boiler on mature dating on the right when you come on this blog site?(the one with the galsses….in all respect the others are nice but bloody hell….)

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  24. **** it I agree with you Troy.
    The Pro’s out weigh the Cons.
    Dont expect to go on and win it straight off, but would be great experience for the club as a whole.
    Couldn’t give a fig about the financial side of it, but from a fan perspective BRING IT ON.
    HTL

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  25. Just out of interest, please correct me if I’m wrong but finishing 4th would only entitle us to enter the qualifying stages of the Champs Lge.
    Failure to qualify, means no europa football.
    I’m not sure we are ready for that just yet, so finishing 5th sounds better all round.
    😕

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  26. Toonsy great article. One thing though. Surely if we come 7th the fa cup finalists only need to be top 6 not top4? If top 4 was the case and the extra EL place didn’t go to the league then England would lose it? That can’t be right.

    Mds- agree with you about doing it for tiote cabaye ba krul etc to show progress and great for the young fringe players.
    Another benefit for me is attracting the best kids in this summer rebuild. More prestige and more games for them to get their chance

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  27. Kind of on the same topic but just wondered who everyone would bring in if we A) Got into the Euro’s and B) Got into the Champions League ( 😯 ) this year?

    Anything different from the usual suspects that have been bandied about? Who would you get in to see us push on to the next level?

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  28. Good article Toonsy

    whether we gain or not its irrelevant to a fan, to be playing some of the best teams in Europe is what I love about football, yeah Champions league is fantasy stuff atm but European footy gives u memories for years.

    @stevo lol shes a propa sad-sack, I thought it was bill oddie in drag

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  29. Ha Ha if we beat the spurts tomorrow, this europa dream is gonna go mental til the end of the season.
    :mrgreen:

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  30. Here’s a one.
    In the last few games, have Perch and Guthrie not proved that they are adequate cover against the lower based teams in the Prem?

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  31. At BB every time we win from now up until the end of the season we will all go mental for Europe 😀

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  32. In fairness Im not too sure that we would have any great European nights at SJP in the Europa league.

    The Europa league has it’s domestic problems too, we’ll need a bigger squad as it will take it out of the players, playing midweek all the time and if you look at some teams they’ve never won the league game after a Europa league game. The question is would the competion bring in enough money to cover the extra wages we’d add to be able to compete and not let it effect the bread and butter?

    All in all, it would be a good achievement but maybe a double edged sword.

    The Champions league is a different kettle of fish, as that would bring a significant income to the club and we could see those special nights at SJP if we played the giants if Europe.

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  33. Europe every single day for me.

    I understand the reasoning but those days in Europe and especially champions league were just superb love it

    We need to get back on the map!

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  34. ILM yeah Guthrie imo has always been decent just that he has never really got a chance to shine.
    Perch has done well as DM but I still wouldn’t want him as a CB 😯
    Hows the training going, how long have you left ❓

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  35. Stu as Troy said if we could stay in till the big CL teams drop down into the EL there would be a good chance of getting an odd big game 😉

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  36. Any competition is worth going into whether it’s the FA cup, Carling cup, Europa or obviously Champs league.

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  37. The only point in being a professional team is to progress, which is why we are in the prem, and near the top trying to go higher. Its also why we compete in league and fa cups. Therefore Europa/CL is the logical progression, not something to be pondered over. If we are good enough, then we will compete, continue to buy more players of the calibre we have so we have a more robust squad for a bigger season. The team improves, and the club becomes more successful. There’s nothing to think about. If we are talking about s*land though, no they shouldn’t strain themselves.

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  38. @50. Congrats to your biy Dave. He must be beaming tonight….

    Beardsley- thanks for posting. Good lad that Cisse 😉

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  39. Tip top dave lad, chuffed for him and well pleased for you … That could have been a long weekend with him in a stinkin mood 👿 😆

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  40. lets just see where we finish and take it from there 6th and ime more than happy if that gets euro footy bring it on

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  41. Its nothing like the Champions League that much is obvious, the money from it is really not an incentive.

    Still its a competition which we can win, worth being in there for the silverware!

    Hopefully it will convince Ashley to invest in a better squad, and its also an area where the youth can get more games which is a great bonus imo.

    Oh, and exposure for Sports Direct….most importantly obviously.

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  42. BATTY daves about ive talking to him,think maybe hes trying to settle his little lad doon,hes jumping after getting picked for his footy team 😉

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  43. Congrats to the littlun Dave 😀

    Cheered me up after a **** day at work. I swear people have been aiming for me today 👿

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  44. Dave: I’m really pleased that your son has got picked. I’ll never forget the day I got told that I was going to be signed on for my first football team

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  45. aye dog 🙂 i remember when i got picked for my 1st footy team 17 i was played in defence ,buckley hall dc vs werrington dc we won 4 1 🙂

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  46. 1 or 2 need a realty check so some of ya would turn ya nose up at euro football get real 🙄

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  47. Toonsy, let ’em aim, ur bigger 😈
    Congrats Dave. Hope it all works out well for him 😉 great to hear

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