Celtic Reports Major Financial Losses After Champions League Exit

Celtic Football Club has announced significant financial losses for the 2026 fiscal year, reporting a deficit of £4.8 million, a stark contrast to the £33.9 million profit recorded in 2025. The club's cash reserves have also dwindled, falling from £77.3 million to £66.4 million.

A primary driver of this downturn is a substantial drop in revenue, from £143.6 million to £111 million. This decline is largely attributed to the team's elimination from the Champions League playoffs by Maccabi Tel Aviv, a team featuring Israeli players Dan Glazer and Ofri Arad.

Further impacting the club's financial health, Celtic spent £31.6 million on player acquisitions and has struggled to generate income from player sales in recent years. The club's president acknowledged a difficult season, despite winning the league title, and noted that participation in the Europa League instead of the Champions League contributed to reduced profits.

"The club's cash reserves have also decreased, partly due to investment in players and the absence of Champions League revenues," the statement read. Despite these financial challenges, Celtic currently leads the Scottish League with 18 points, holding a narrow two-point advantage over rivals Rangers following a recent loss.