Chelsea are now just two matches away from becoming the first side to win all three major European trophies, as they set their sights on Europa Conference League glory.
Enzo Maresca’s side face Swedish opponents Djurgårdens IF in the semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge, leading 4-1 on aggregate.
With a foot in the final, the Blues will look to overcome either Real Betis or Fiorentina in Wroclaw, Poland on 28 May – should they successfully hold on in the semi-final.
It would put Chelsea in an unrivalled position. Should they win the trophy, they would become the first side to win the Champions League (2012 and 2021), the Europa League (2013 and 2019) and the Conference League.
It would also earn them a hefty sum of cash.
Chelsea could make serious money if they reach Wroclaw
Should Chelsea reach the Europa Conference League Final in Wroclaw, they will be guaranteed an extra £3.37m, as that is what the runners-up receive from UEFA.
Maresca will have his sights on holding the trophy though and, according to tournament TV hosts TNT Sports, should the Blues win the competition – they will earn £5.9m.
Chelsea have already earned £5.9m for reaching the semi-finals courtesy of their six victories in the group stages and reaching the Round of 16 directly.
Now they could double that to £11.8m should they lift the trophy, before any sponsor-related bonuses may come in.
The cash is all-important for Chelsea as they once again look to comply with Premier League spending regulations before they no doubt dig deep into their pockets again this summer.
Why winning the Conference League is so important for Chelsea
Aside from the obvious financial advantages, the Conference League is an important competition for Chelsea this season.
For many players, it will be their first taste of major trophy success and Player of the Season Moises Caicedo spoke of how important the Conference League is.
At the start of the season, Chelsea’s goal was to return to the Champions League, something they are doing with three matches to spare. But now – they also will be desperate to win the Conference League.
Winning trophies has always been a part of Chelsea’s DNA, and on this occasion, it would be a first for not just many players but also a first major trophy for Enzo Maresca and the Chelsea owners.
It has also been a competition that has helped the likes of Tyrique George to break into the Chelsea team and to cap that off with a trophy would be momentous.
It would of course also guarantee Europa League football at Stamford Bridge next season, though that appears to be already secure through Chelsea’s league position.
There are clearly major financial benefits to winning the Conference League but for this young Chelsea team – it is about much more than that.
The post Chelsea set for huge cash injection if they advance to Europa Conference League final which sees them earn millions appeared first on HITC.
