West Ham United receive multi-million financial windfall 'without kicking a ball' ahead of Backa Topola clash
West Ham have earned a multi-million financial windfall ahead of the Europa League game against Backa Topola on Thursday (21 September), according to Sean Whetstone.
The 6foot2 editor tweeted on Wednesday (20 September) that the Hammers have already earned more than £3million from UEFA "without kicking a ball" due to the prize money handed out for competing in the group stages.
He added that the Irons are expected to net a further £1.6million from the fixture against the Serbian side due to the 40,000 crowd at the London Stadium, with a victory potentially adding a further £550,000 to the coffers.
"West Ham have earned over £3million from UEFA without kicking a ball," said Whetstone. "The prize money is paid to all teams reaching the group stage of the Europa League.
"A Europa group game win is worth £550,000 while a draw will earn you over £183,000 with a 40,000-crowd expected to net the Hammers a further £1.6million on Thursday night. An expected home win would brighten the total European money to over £5million over just one game."
Welcome bonus
The windfall that has already been received - as well as any future money West Ham will earn in the Europa League - is certainly a welcome bonus.
Whetstone said the Hammers earned about £38million the last time they played in the Europa League in 2022 and a further £30million when they won the Europa Conference League last season.
That meant that more money was available for transfers as the club invested heavily last summer to try and improve the squad, eventually leading to the victory in the final over Fiorentina in June.
The Irons are strong favourites to go and make it through the group stages again as they look to record another successful season in Europe.
It's important we get off to a good start against Backa Topola, with a number of fringe players expected to get the opportunity to impress at the London Stadium.
In other West Ham news, one player could be set to leave the club in January after transfer news has emerged.