Milan’s absence from Europe to cost the club up to €80m

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Alessandro Bai | Last updated May 19, 2025 3:51 PM ET

Milan’s failure to qualify for any European competition in the 2025/26 season marks a bitter conclusion to an already underwhelming campaign, but the repercussions will also be felt beyond the pitch.

The Rossoneri’s 3-1 defeat to Roma officially shut the door on any hope of a top-six finish, ruling out even a spot in the Europa Conference League, regardless of the result in their final league game.

The financial impact of Milan’s European absence

The financial fallout is expected to be significant. According to Calcio e Finanza, Milan’s run in the 2024/25 Champions League — which ended in the playoff round against Feyenoord — generated just under €60 million in UEFA revenue.

Added to this were an estimated €19-20m from five home matches, bringing the total close to €80m — income that will be absent next season.

Even a minimal Champions League campaign next year, with an early exit from the League Phase and no wins, would have guaranteed around €40m from UEFA alone, plus approximately €15m in matchday revenue.

The Europa League, while less profitable, would still have provided a base of €13m, with the potential to reach €35m or more in the event of a deep run. Even Conference League qualification could have softened the blow — Chelsea reportedly earned over €20m en route to the 2025 final.

Without European football, Milan are expected to reassess their financial strategy, with player sales on the table. Midfielder Tijjani Reijnders could be among those sacrificed, as the club hopes to spark a bidding war between Manchester City and Real Madrid.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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