Liverpool – and other successful European sides – are set for increased winnings from UEFA based on past glories in Europe.
Opposition fans often ridicule Liverpool fans for celebrating being the most decorated English side in the history of European competition, with the Merseyside outfit winning five titles on the continent.
While the most recent victory stretches to 2005 (and before that 1984, 1981, 1978 and 1984), UEFA are rewarding their cup winners with bonus points in their new coefficient ranking system. That sees Liverpool compensated for their European hiatus before Klopp arrived.
The new ranking system sees an increased prize pool available, with €1.9bn available to sides in the Champions League. €585million of this total is to reward sides based on how successful they have been in the past, according to the Liverpool Echo.
Istanbul, Turkey: Liverpool’s captain Steven Gerrard holds the throphy surrounded by teammates at the end of the UEFA Champions league football final AC Milan vs Liverpool, 25 May 2005 at the Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul. Liverpool won 3-2 on penalties. AFP PHOTO FILIPPO MONTEFORTE (Photo credit should read FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP/Getty Images)
The new coefficient ranking system rewards teams based on their performances over the last 10 years in UEFA competitions, as well as for past glories; with Real Madrid the most decorated side with 13 previous title wins in Europe.
As the Echo reports: “Bonus points are distributed for winning the UEFA Champions League/European Champion Clubs’ Cup, the UEFA Europa League/UEFA Cup and the Cup Winners’ Cup.”
For the likes of AC Milan and Liverpool, great European sides that have perhaps not performed as well over the last 10 years as others, the new coefficient ranking system is fantastic news; it means passive income that can be guaranteed if Champions League qualification can be secured.