Arsenal miss out on €50m following Champions League exit

Arsenal's Champions League exit at the hands of Bayern Munich on Wednesday night means they failed to qualify for the 2025 Club World Cup.

The Gunners entered the second leg of their quarter-final tie optimistic that they could progress into the semi-finals of the competition for the first time since 2009.

The two sides played out a back-and-forth 2-2 draw at the Emirates last Tuesday, and the return leg was on a knife-edge until Joshua Kimmich headed Bayern into the lead just after the hour. From that moment on, it never looked as if Thomas Tuchel's side would relinquish their advantage.

As was the case in the 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa, Arsenal failed to muster any momentum in the second half. They exited the competition with a whimper, and they'll miss out on a useful payday as a result.

Arsenal miss out on €50m following Champions League exit

The Club World Cup is undergoing a major revamp and the inaugural edition of the new competition will take place in the United States next year. 32 teams from across the globe will take part, including 12 from UEFA.

Those competing from Europe are recent Champions League winners and those boasting the highest coefficient based of their performances in UEFA competitions over the previous four years.

There was one spot up for grabs ahead of kick-off on Wednesday, with Bayern already securing their place in the competition. Arsenal needed to win this season's Champions League to qualify given their recent malaise from Europe's premier competition. Bayern's progression into the semi-finals mean the final spot has been taken by FC Salzburg.

While supporters aren't going to lose much sleep over Arsenal's absence in the 2025 Club World Cup, the Gunners could've earned up to €100m (£85.4m) in prize money had they enjoyed a successful competition in the States. Mere entry guarantees €50m (£42m).

Such financial boosts shouldn't be scoffed at, especially given the issues brought about by Financial Fair Play and the Premier League's Profit & Sustainability rules. Arsenal were hamstrung in the January window, and they can ill-afford to be working with such restraints moving forward given what the club needs to reach the so-called 'next level'.

On a brighter note, the Gunners earned an extra €10.6m in cash for their progression into the Champions League quarter-finals, and their progression into the competition next season should earn them at least €15.64m based on this season's figures.

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