Serie A

Milan’s absence from Europe to cost the club up to €80m

May 20, 2025

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Milan’s absence from Europe to cost the club up to €80m

UDINE, ITALY – APRIL 11: Rafael Leao of AC Milan celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between Udinese and AC Milan at Stadio Friuli on April 11, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Milan’s failure to qualify for any European competition in the 2025/26 season marks a bitter conclusion to an already underwhelming campaign, but the repercussions will also be felt beyond the pitch.

The Rossoneri’s 3-1 defeat to Roma officially shut the door on any hope of a top-six finish, ruling out even a spot in the Europa Conference League, regardless of the result in their final league game.

ROME, ITALY - MAY 18: Gianluca Mancini of AS Roma scores his team's first goal past Mike Maignan of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AS Roma and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on May 18, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images) — ROME, ITALY – MAY 18: Gianluca Mancini of AS Roma scores his team’s first goal past Mike Maignan of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AS Roma and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on May 18, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

The financial impact of Milan’s European absence

The financial fallout is expected to be significant. According to Calcio e Finanza, Milan’s run in the 2024/25 Champions League — which ended in the playoff round against Feyenoord — generated just under €60 million in UEFA revenue.

Added to this were an estimated €19-20m from five home matches, bringing the total close to €80m — income that will be absent next season.

Even a minimal Champions League campaign next year, with an early exit from the League Phase and no wins, would have guaranteed around €40m from UEFA alone, plus approximately €15m in matchday revenue.

FEBRUARY 18: Rafael Leao reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between AC Milan and Feyenoord at San Siro Stadium on February 18, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The Europa League, while less profitable, would still have provided a base of €13m, with the potential to reach €35m or more in the event of a deep run. Even Conference League qualification could have softened the blow — Chelsea reportedly earned over €20m en route to the 2025 final.

Without European football, Milan are expected to reassess their financial strategy, with player sales on the table. Midfielder Tijjani Reijnders could be among those sacrificed, as the club hopes to spark a bidding war between Manchester City and Real Madrid.