As winners of the FA Cup, Chelsea FC have grabbed one of the three places in next seasons UEFA Europa League. In previous seasons (2010/11) Manchester City and Liverpool have both received 6.4 million Euros (approx £5.18 million) for moderate success in the same Europa League.
As it currently stands in the Premier League, 6th place Chelsea are set to earn a merit bonus of around £11.4 million (based on 2010/11 figures). Not a lot less than the £12.4 million merit bonus arch rivals Tottenham Hotspur (Spurs) will receive for a finishing 4th.
Two places higher up the Premier League table, however, gives Spurs a slight advantage. Sitting in a UEFA Champions League qualifying position could be worth around 33 million Euros (approx £26.7 million) (as it was to Spurs in 2010/11).
There are also positive side effects (externalities) for clubs competing in the Champions League over the Europa League: The best playing talent want to play in the best competitions. If Chelsea cannot offer Champions League football to it's players, the club may struggle to attract key talent as they look to replace some of the older squad members (there are a few).
The match in Munich on the 19th May for the Champions League final becomes one of the most important matches in Chelsea's history. Poor domestic league performance puts the club out of Champions League football next season. Loose this match and arch rivals will start to pull away financially over the coming seasons. A win here will secure revenues and confidence (and likely to tip Chelsea as Premier League title contenders once again).
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