Celtic accounts expose true eye-watering cost of Champions League failure

Celtic’s financial accounts for the 2025/26 season revealed a significant financial hit after failing to reach the UEFA Champions League. Total revenue fell from £143.6m to £111m, driven largely by a £24.6m drop in media rights income following a qualifying defeat to Kairat Almaty. The club recorded an overall loss of £4.8m, down from a £33.9m profit the prior year.

Chairman Brian Wilson confirmed that the revenue decrease was primarily caused by dropping into the Europa League. The report highlights ongoing financial concerns as Martin O'Neill's Celtic side was recently eliminated from Champions League qualifying by LASK, consigning the club to another season in the Europa League.