Celtic eyes on Champions League clash as one outcome in AEK Athens v Dinamo Zagreb would bring coefficient cash boost

The Hoops are looking to increase their take but need things to go their way.

Celtic will have their eyes on AEK Athens tonight as Greek progression in the Champions League would see more cash in the Parkhead coffers.

Earlier this month, the Premiership champions were watching Slavia Prague and FC Copenhagen's third round qualifier with intent. UEFA distributes some of its prize money based on a club's coefficient ranking over the last 10 years. Celtic sit 50th in those rankings, which means their 10-year payment will come in at €10,233,000 or £9m approximately.

FC Copenhagen came into the qualification section on the Champions Path to the group stage and have a higher one-year coefficient ranking than the Parkhead outfit. The Danes are ranked at 42nd and elimination would have seen Celtic move up the rankings, earning them an extra £900,000. Copenhagen eventually got through against Sparta Prague on penalties but it showed the cash that can be up for grabs, and a similar situation is rolling around in the rearranged match between AEK Athens and Dinamo Zagreb, whose third round qualifier stands at 2-1 in favour of tonight's Greek hosts, according to Turnover SPFL.

Their progression is worth an additional £972k if AEK progress, as they play Antwerp in the play-off round. Both sides have a worse 10-year coefficient tally than the Scottish champions.

There's additional bonuses if Rangers, Panathinaikos or Rakow get to the group phase. Celtic bank £1.137m for each one that makes it but they will count an immediate cost should their city rivals join them.

Rangers coming with them to the top table sees the Hoops lose 45% of their TV money and the coefficient payment is all but cancelled out. Celtic are already guaranteed £7.7m from the coefficient payment pot as part of their Champions League revenues.