Newcastle’s long-term FFP/PSR advantage for finishing above Manchester United revealed

Newcastle United will immediately bank £3.7million more for earning a Europa League spot this season.

As it stands, the Magpies are seventh - enough to bank a Conference League place for 2024-25. UEFA’s third-tier competition was introduced in 2021 to offer clubs and nations the chance to compete in Europe outside of the familiar European heavyweights.

Some seasoned Toon fans who remember the halcyon days of the Champions League under Sir Bobby Robson and various UEFA Cup campaigns relish the thought, with potential destinations nobody would take their family to on holiday offering intrigue. However, for Newcastle’s bank balance, the Europa League is the priority.

To do that, they must finish sixth and hope Manchester City beat Manchester United in the FA Cup final. Newcastle are one point behind the Red Devils and travel to Old Trafford for a mammoth winner-takes-all showdown on May 15.

As per last season’s figure, placing sixth will grant the Magpies £46.7million in prize money - £3.1million more than seventh. The difference between reaching the Europa League and the Conference League is minimal - just £500,000 - but the disparity grows the deeper into the competition a club goes.

Each group stage win is worth £540,000 in the Europa League - pocketing £114,000 more than its counterpart. Winning the group also generates £939,000, compared to just £555,000.

Should Newcastle delve deeper into either tournament, their rewards become greater. One Conference League benefit is how the Magpies will have a plausible chance of winning silverware - just ask West Ham United fans.

Reaching the semi-final nabs each club £1.7million, with the runner-up earning £.2.6million and the winner £4.3million. By contrast, a Europa League semi-finalist nets £.2.3million, the runner-up £.3.9million and the winner £7.3million.

The small perk of qualifying for the Champions League also greatly enhances the competition’s worth. Any European football would boost Newcastle’s coffers in an FFP/PSR-dominated world and, while the lure of bizarre countries and easier silverware may appeal to supporters, the St James’ Park hierarchy will be looking at the bigger picture.