Shamrock Rovers could soon be rolling in the green after being seeded in the draw for the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League.
The Hoops will be drawn against one of 17 unseeded European sides when the names come out of the hat on June 20 and the rewards will be substantial should they progress beyond their first encounter.
Victory in the second round would guarantee Shamrock Rovers a minimum of four extra European matches including a play-off for a place in the group stages of the Europa League, if required.
Financially, it would also mean a minimum payment of a whopping €550,000 from UEFA – €330,000 of which is already guaranteed – and the club would also recoup €130,000 should they qualify for the next round.
The Tallaght-based outfit would also reel in a further €90,000 should they fail to qualify for the Champions League group stages and move into the Europa League.
Clubs across the water may be falling over themselves in an attempt to avoid qualifying for the Europa League, but there was also a boost for Irish clubs in search of a similar fate in what could potentially be the best ever season for our domestic teams in European competition.
Thanks to Porto winning the Europa League in Dublin earlier this month, FAI Ford Cup winners Sligo Rovers will compete in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League for next season.
The Portuguese side had already qualified for the Champions League and didn’t need to avail of the title-holder’s spot in the Europa League next season, with Sligo profiting in their absence.
Joining the Bit O’Red in the Europa League qualifying stages will be St Pat’s, who are seeded in the draws for both the first and second qualifying rounds of the UEFA Europa League, while Bohemians will be seeded for the second qualifying round.
Commenting on the news, Airtricity League director Fran Gavin said: “Our clubs have made significant progress in Europe over the past few seasons and this year’s representatives are benefiting from those previous good results.
“The inclusion of Sligo Rovers in the Europa League third qualifying round is another milestone for the Airtricity League and puts the group stages well in sight of an Airtricity League club.
“However, we should not underestimate how difficult this season’s European campaigns will be for our clubs, who are now working with reduced squads and young players, some of whom will be facing European opposition for the first time.”
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