Hearts have banked an automatic £2.5million windfall after dropping into the Europa Conference League group stages following an agonising loss to FC Zurich.

To put that into context how significant that is for the Gorgie side, their turnover in their most recent financial results was £7.7 million - a figure affected by Covid.

Performance related bonuses are also up for grabs once the first of six group fixtures gets underway on September 8.

Teams will be awarded £422,000 for each victory and £140,000 for a draw.

The group winners will also collect £930,000, with the runners-up netting £464,000.

All 32 teams will also earn a share of the £20 million coefficient based pot and £20 television market pool.

And all the prize money available is even before Hearts start selling tickets and hospitality for three home games at their 20,000 capacity stadium.