For the first time since the 1996-1997 season – when AIK lost to Barcelona in the then Cup Winners' Cup in football – a Swedish men's team has advanced to the quarterfinals in Europe.
Besides the sporting aspect, it has also become an economic success for Djurgården.
After advancing past Pafos in the round of 16, they can already count on at least 85 million kronor in performance-based money from the European Football Association (Uefa).
"A spur"
It's clear that it creates a sense of security for being able to compete in the top of Allsvenskan in the long term. It also gives a spur to wanting to achieve good sporting results in Europe when you get there, says Djurgården's sports manager Bosse Andersson.
These large sums of money can also increase if they knock out Rapid Wien over two matches. A semifinal spot gives around 27 million, and that's not counting revenue from European TV deals or bonuses for table placement in the group stage.
This is a sign that we've done a good job, says Andersson.
"This is the effect"
Last year, the Stockholm club increased its net sales by 66 percent, from 253.9 million to 421.5 million, according to a report from the auditing firm EY. A turnover that is second largest after Malmö FF.
There are two things that can develop a good economy. Either sporting success or player sales. And sporting success is about having goals to be able to participate in Europe. And this is the effect, with large sums of money coming in these tournaments, if you succeed.
The first quarterfinal match against Rapid Wien is played on Thursday at 21.00, and the return match on April 17.
Starting sum for secured playoffs: 34,870,000 kr (3.17 million euro).
Five won matches: 22,000,000 kr (400,000 euro per win).
One drawn match: 1,463,000 kr (133,000 euro).
Placement 1-8 in group stage: 4,400,000 kr (400,000 euro).
Advancing to round of 16: 8,800,000 kr (800,000 euro).
Advancing to quarterfinal: 14,300,000 kr (1.3 million euro).
Total: 85,833,000 kr (7,803,000 million euro).
But it can become more:
+ Advancing to semifinal: 27.5 million kronor.
+ Bonus for table placement in group stage and revenue from TV deals.
Note: Exchange rate from April 10, where 1 euro corresponds to approximately 11 kronor.
