Chelsea will play Swiss side Servette in the UEFA Conference League play-off round.

However, Chelsea had originally sealed an Europa League place at the end of the Premier League season last term.

Manchester United’s FA Cup final victory over Manchester City eventually cost Chelsea a place in the Europa League.

Chelsea have lost much needed revenue in the process. The Europa League is a superior competition to the Conference League, and it pays more to play there, too.

According to reports, Chelsea will earn just £5.3m as a guaranteed prize for entering the UEFA Conference League. If they had qualified for the Europa League, they would’ve earned £12.8m, which is at least £7m more.

The difference will also increase with every stage. In the Europa League, Chelsea could’ve earned a maximum of £34.1m — but it will be just £17.3m even if Chelsea win all the games in the Conference League.