Hapoel Be'er Sheva Nears Huge Financial Boost With Champions League Playoff Spot

Hapoel Be'er Sheva is on the verge of a historic achievement, just 90 minutes away from qualifying for the UEFA Champions League playoffs after a 1-0 victory over Red Star Belgrade. Advancing to the next stage would secure the club a substantial financial reward, surpassing any amount previously earned by an Israeli team reaching the Champions League playoffs. According to UEFA's updated three-year cycle of prize money, Be'er Sheva stands to gain a total of 8.6 million euros if they qualify, which includes an additional 5.43 million euros on top of the 3.17 million euros already guaranteed from their current European campaign. This sum comprises a 4.29 million euro participation bonus for the Champions League playoff and 4.31 million euros for Europa League participation if eliminated.

Should Be'er Sheva advance beyond the winner of the Aarhus-Sabah tie, they could earn up to 18.62 million euros, with 17.87 million paid in a single installment. This figure exceeds the amounts previously received by Maccabi Haifa, though Haifa's overall revenues were higher due to hosting matches at Sammy Ofer Stadium. The current squad, valued at approximately 18 million euros excluding injured Dan Biton, is stronger than eight of the fourteen Israeli Premier League teams, highlighting the significance of the potential prize money.

The club's foreign player roster is largely complete, featuring key players such as Jibril Diop, Pedro Amador, Lucas Ventura, João Victor, Igor Zlatanovic, and Javon East. Be'er Sheva plans to add one or two significant foreign signings, likely a defender and an attacking midfielder, to replace Kings Kangwa. The club's recruitment strategy focuses on quality over quantity, often capitalizing on players nearing contract expiration to secure valuable additions at reasonable costs.

With the possibility of earning 12.4 million euros this summer from Champions League qualification and the sale of Kings Kangwa, Be'er Sheva is well-positioned to strengthen its squad further. Even if the team is eliminated by Red Star Belgrade, it remains one of Israel's top football clubs, built on a solid foundation by owner Alona Barkat, CEO Ran Kozuch, and the professional staff. Qualification to the Champions League playoffs would enhance the club's financial and competitive standing, reinforcing its status in Israeli football.