Borussia Dortmund’s struggles in the Bundesliga continue, putting their hopes of securing a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League in serious jeopardy. The club’s disappointing form under new coach Niko Kovac has seen them fall further behind in the race for a top-four finish, and missing out on Europe’s elite competition could have major financial consequences—not just for the club, but also for the players.
Dortmund’s Downward Spiral in the Bundesliga
Dortmund’s recent poor performances have seen them drop crucial points, pushing them further down the Bundesliga table. After 26 league matches, they find themselves 10 points away from the top four, making Champions League qualification increasingly unlikely.
Despite their impressive run in the current Champions League campaign, where they have reached the quarterfinals, their chances of progressing past a strong Barcelona side seem slim. This uncertainty has placed immense pressure on the club, as missing out on the Champions League for the first time in a decade would be a significant financial setback.
Salary Reductions for Players If Champions League Spot is Missed
One of the most immediate consequences of failing to qualify for the Champions League is the financial impact on Borussia Dortmund’s wage structure. Under sporting director Sebastian Kehl, the club has gradually shifted toward a performance-based salary model, ensuring that player wages are directly tied to results.
Currently, Borussia’s wage bill stands at approximately €180 million per year, a significant reduction from the €268 million recorded in previous seasons. However, this figure is set to drop even further if the club does not secure a place in Europe’s top club competition.
According to reports from German media, players will face an automatic 20% salary cut if Dortmund fails to qualify for the Champions League. In the event that they secure a place in the Europa League, salaries will still be reduced, but only by 10%.
Furthermore, there will be no performance bonuses next season if Dortmund misses out on the Champions League. Players will receive no financial rewards for participation in the Europa League or the UEFA Conference League, further highlighting the importance of Champions League qualification.
Financial Blow of Missing the Champions League
Failure to qualify for the Champions League would deal a huge financial blow to the club. UEFA prize money plays a crucial role in Dortmund’s annual budget, and missing out on the tournament would mean a significant revenue loss.
For context, Borussia’s players shared a €2 million bonus just for advancing past Lille in the Champions League knockout rounds. Without such earnings, the club would need to find alternative ways to balance their finances.
To mitigate these losses, Borussia Dortmund will retain an estimated €30 million in savings from reduced player wages. However, this will not fully compensate for the loss of lucrative UEFA prize money, sponsorships, and broadcasting rights that come with Champions League participation.
Impact on Dortmund’s Transfer Plans and Squad Stability
Missing out on the Champions League could also have long-term implications for Borussia Dortmund’s squad planning. The club has historically relied on high-profile player sales to balance its books, and failure to qualify for Europe’s biggest tournament might force them to sell key players to generate funds.
Players who expect to compete at the highest level may also reconsider their futures at Dortmund. The likes of Guirassy, Julian Brandt, and Gregor Kobel could become targets for top European clubs if Dortmund fails to qualify for the Champions League.
What’s Next for Dortmund?
With only eight Bundesliga matches remaining, Dortmund must find a way to turn their season around. Securing a Europa League spot now seems like the most realistic goal, but even that requires them to close a seven-point gap in the standings.
Bundesliga table after MD 26 pic.twitter.com/Dqdd2owIKd
— Bayern News world (@BayernNewsw) March 17, 2025
For Niko Kovac, the pressure is immense. If results do not improve, the club may be forced to reassess his position at the end of the season. The upcoming matches will determine whether Borussia can salvage their season or if they will face the harsh reality of playing outside the Champions League next year.
Dortmund’s Road Ahead: Key Fixtures
- Borussia Dortmund vs Eintracht Frankfurt – A crucial match to close the gap on the top four.
- Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Dortmund – A tough test against the league leaders.
- Borussia Dortmund vs Freiburg – A must-win home fixture.
- RB Leipzig vs Borussia Dortmund – Another difficult away game that could define their season.
READ NEXT:
