Kieran Maguire shares ‘critical’ Newcastle United claim after game-changing development

Champions League qualification will become even more ‘critical’ for Newcastle United when the competition changes format next season.

That is the view of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who explained exclusively to Football Insider that the new Champions League format will reward even more broadcast and commercial money than before.

The prestigious European tournament is set to change format to the ‘Swiss model’ from 2024/25 onwards, which will see teams compete in a wider league table before entering the knockout stages.

Newcastle are close to making their Champions League return this season after achieving qualification in 2022/23, with their group consisting of PSG, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund.

However, Maguire believes qualification in future seasons will be even more important to the club’s long-term ambitions with Uefa confident the new system will provide additional prize money.

“Moving forward, the importance of Champions League qualification is going to expand for Newcastle,” Maguire told Football Insider’s Sean Fisher.

“The reason for that is because from 2024/25 onwards we are moving to the Swiss model, meaning you’ll have a minimum of four home games in the Champions League.

“The way that it operates is the first eight teams qualify automatically for the knockout phase and teams in positions nine to 24 then have a a separate preliminary knockout, so you could easily have five games taking place before you reach the formal knockout.

“Uefa are very confident that the new system will be appealing to broadcast audiences.

“Therefore that would mean more money coming in from the TV companies, which would also then increase commercial deals.

“So regular qualification for the Champions League is absolutely critical as part of Newcastle’s broader plans.“

In other news, Kieran Maguire expects Newcastle United exodus to begin after £130m reveal

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