Chelsea to earn biggest-ever TV cash payout from Champions League

London, Apr 26(ANI): Chelsea is guaranteed the maximum television cash payment from the Champions League following their semi-final triumph over Barcelona on Tuesday, which has taken them to the final of Europe's biggest competition.

The Blues could now recover the 50 million pounds they paid to bring in Spanish striker Fernando Torres to Stamford Bridge, as they will receive a minimum of 45 million pounds and an extra 2.8 million pounds if they win the trophy.

Ironically, Torres scored the decisive goal against Barcelona in the injury time, which saw them clinch a final berth against Bayern Munich.

This money is UEFA's TV cash alone with Chelsea set to top that through ticket sales, The Sun reports.

Manchester United held the record payout of Champions League TV cash at 43.5 million pounds last season. But United earned only 28 million pounds this year after crashing out in the group stage.

Chelsea's 45 million pounds is 9 million pounds more than they got last season when they only reached the quarterfinals.

If Chelsea do win the final but do not finish in the Premier League top four, they will take the place of the fourth-placed team, which is currently Newcastle in next season's Champions League, costing whoever misses out at least 20 million pounds. (ANI)