The financial rewards of qualifying for the Champions League are substantial. Under the current UEFA distribution model, each participant in the Champions League group stage receives a guaranteed payment of approximately 18.62 million euros. In contrast, the Europa League offers a fixed payment of around 4.29 million euros. A Champions League victory is worth 2.1 million euros, while a draw is worth 700,000 euros. In the Europa League, the respective figures are 450,000 and 150,000 euros.
The debate surrounding the Dutch coefficient is more intriguing. The argument is often made that a Dutch sub-top team can perform better in the Europa League, where the opposition is generally weaker, resulting in more wins and coefficient points. However, NEC already starts with a six-point bonus in the Champions League, with additional points awarded for wins and draws.
Points can also be earned in the play-offs against Bodø/Glimt. In qualifying matches, a win is worth one point, while a draw is worth half a point. These scores are then multiplied by six. NEC can even influence the pot draw, which may have consequences for Dutch TV revenue and the financial ranking within the tournament.
For NEC, qualifying for the Champions League is undoubtedly the top priority. For the Netherlands, it will bring a significant coefficient bonus, followed by eight new opportunities to earn points. The outcome will also have implications for the Dutch coefficient, the Champions League pots, and the financial ranking within the tournament. Given NEC's starting coefficient of 13.585, this achievement is particularly noteworthy.