Thursday 25 August 2016 06:11, UK
Celtic's progress to the Champions League group stages earned each of their Scottish Premiership rivals a windfall of over £100,000.
Celtic themselves could scoop up to £30m after they saw off Hapoel Be'er Sheva 5-4 on aggregate to set up at a minimum of six games against some of Europe's elite.
Their 11 top-flight rivals are in line to share a UEFA solidarity payment pot of more than £2m, paid by the governing body to compensate for the rescheduling of domestic matches.
The Scottish champions are already guaranteed £2.6m for progressing beyond the Champions League play-offs and will bank £10.3m for group stage participation - even if they do not win a single point; teams will also be awarded £1.3m for a group stage win and £430,000 for a draw.
They could also benefit from broadcast payments of up to £10m and £6.5m in gate receipts from the three group games at Parkhead.
Motherwell general manager Alan Burrows acknowledged the importance of Celtic's qualification and said the subsequent cash payments could have huge significance.
He told the Daily Record: "I'm a great believer in all Scottish clubs supporting each other in Europe and this season that included Hearts, Hibs and Aberdeen as well as Celtic.
"We want to see our clubs represented at the group stages of the Champions League and the Europa League because it's good for the reputation and credibility of the SPFL.
"It also triggers those solidarity payments, which clubs can then invest in youth development, a new player or even the employment of extra staff behind the scenes.
"It's no exaggeration to say this payment, which we can now factor into next season's financial projections, could be the difference between some clubs keeping their heads above water or struggling. It could safeguard the jobs of employees at several clubs."
Brendan Rodgers thanked major shareholder Dermot Desmond and chief executive Peter Lawwell for their backing as he achieved his primary goal after just three months in the job.
He said: "I am so proud for the football club, firstly for Dermot, Peter and the board. It is great for them.
"They stuck their neck out in the summer and the club has a real positive feel to it at the moment and this was always, hopefully, going to keep that momentum going so it is a huge step for us.
"I am absolutely delighted for the players, the work they have put in, the mentality and honesty they show and they have got their rewards."
Celtic will be in pot four for the draw on Thursday August 25 at 5.00pm
