Newcastle United handed £28m FFP boost - but it could have been more

Newcastle United earned just over £28million from competing in the Champions League last season.

Supporters were in dreamland a year ago when Eddie Howe guided the Magpies to a historic top-four finish. The Magpies had endured a 20-year exile from UEFA’s elite competition and Toon fans began gearing up for the adventure of a lifetime.

As it turned out, Newcastle were plunged into the “Group of Death” given their low UEFA coefficient. This made qualification for the knockout rounds difficult but ensured tasty European trips for a club battling relegation just two years prior.

A draw away to AC Milan and that unforgettable 4-1 rout over Paris Saint-Germain got Newcastle off to a flyer - and progression was within sight. However, the Magpies failed to win another game, with their exit marred in controversy.

That 98th-minute penalty for handball to deny a famous win in Paris still haunts Toon fans. The result also dented the club’s bank balance as each group stage win generated £2.4million.

Three points at PSG would have put one foot in the knockout rounds, with last 16 qualification fetching a further £8.3million. Instead, Newcastle were forced to accept the standard £13.5million for reaching the group stage.

They also received £800,000 for the two draws against PSG and Milan. That takes the overall prize money earned to £17million but TV revenue and UEFA coefficient enhanced the coffers by a combined £10.7million - taking the total figure to £28.7million.

FFP/PSR restrictions have created a tight balance sheet on Tyneside and these numbers will be accounted for once the three-year cycle advances in July. However, the Magpies must also consider the fact they will not be in European competition next season.