UEFA Increases Champions League Payout, Which Now Tops $1.2B

UEFA will distribute a total of €910.3M ($1.2B) to all 32 teams participating in the '12-13 Champions League season, which starts on Tuesday, according to the SID. The fund is €156.2M ($205M) larger than last season's total of €754.1M. Bonuses of €500.7M ($656.8M) will be available to the teams, while the remaining €409.6M ($537.3M) will enter the market pool. The three German clubs in the Champions League, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Schalke 04 have already received €8.6M ($11.3M) in appearance fee. During the group stage, a win continues to bring in €1M ($1.3M), while a draw earns the team €500,000 ($656,000). Advancing to the knockout stage pays €3.5M ($4.6M). Reaching the quarterfinal and semifinal is rewarded with €3.9M ($5.1M) and €4.9M ($6.4M), respectively. The losing team of the Champions League Final at Wembley Stadium on May 25 will receive €6.5M ($8.5M), while the winner gets €10.5M ($13.7M) (SID, 9/16).