What Marseille’s Bruges rout means for the club’s finances | OneFootball

Marseille’s Champions League league phase exit in Bruges, a 0-3 defeat, carries a clear financial cost. According to L'Équipe, had they won and clinched a play-off place, the club could have banked between 6.68 and 8.89 million euros in one night.

President Pablo Longoria watched from the stands, and a final blow from Lisbon after the match sealed the outcome. Roberto De Zerbi had said before kick-off he does not coach with a calculator, a stance that may have looked costly on a night when every goal mattered.

The potential windfall combined 2.1 million euros for victory and 1 million for play-off qualification, plus the league phase ranking bonus, with a further 1 million possible for 16th place. Finishing 25th, the first non-qualifying spot, still brings 3.3 million euros, alongside historical coefficient and TV money. Total European income for 2025-2026 is estimated at 53 million euros.

Domestic revenue remains limited, and an extra round would have swelled income, while last 16 qualification is worth 11 million euros. A play-off at the Vélodrome, against Real or Inter depending on late permutations, would also have lifted gate receipts and merchandising.

Longoria has stepped back recently, and in December he stressed the Champions League’s importance after a summer beyond the means provided by owner Frank McCourt, who has invested over 750 million dollars in a decade. A deficit of about 37 million euros is looming, prompting a 25 million euros sale of Robinio Vaz to Roma and exits for several unwanted players. With five days left in the window, the elimination should accelerate attempts to move Ulisses Garcia, Darryl Bakola and Angel Gomes, and the club may have to shelve Himad Abdelli and delay option-to-buy activations.

Source: L'Équipe