Sabah Owner Offers Players €30,000 Bonus Ahead of Be'er Sheva Champions League Clash

Ahead of their Champions League qualifying playoff match against Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Azerbaijani club Sabah's owner has promised each player a substantial bonus of €30,000 if the team advances past the Israeli side. This first leg of the two-match playoff takes place on August 19, 2026, with both clubs aiming to make history by reaching the group stage of Europe's premier football competition for the first time.

The financial incentives are significant, as teams securing a spot in the Champions League playoff round are guaranteed at least €8.6 million from participation and entry into the Europa League group stage. Sabah stands to receive these funds in two installments: approximately €4.29 million for the playoff and €4.31 million for the Europa League group stage. Should they succeed in qualifying for the Champions League proper, the club would earn around €18.62 million, including a €17.87 million payment and an additional €750,000.

These earnings translate to roughly 64 million Israeli shekels, underscoring the high stakes of the upcoming matches. Both teams are motivated not only by sporting ambition but also by the lucrative financial rewards tied to European competition success.