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First half decline in profits at Celtic

Celtic PLC on Friday reported a decline in profit for a first half that saw a "great deal of change and disruption", with the football club on its third manager of the season.  Celtic won a fourth Scottish league title in succession in May, but results on the pitch since have not been as emphatic this term. It believes there is "all to play for", however.

In the six months to December 31, Celtic's pretax profit slumped 70% to £13.2 million from £43.9 million a year prior, with revenue sliding 29% to GBP59.4 million from GBP83.5 million.  Profit from player trading fell to £14.1 million from £21.5 million a year prior.

The revenue decline, Celtic said, was due to it participating in the UEFA Europa League, the secondary European competition, instead of the Champions League like a year prior. In the current 2025/2026 season, Celtic exited the Champions League before the league phase began. In the prior season, it made it out of the league phase and into the February play-off, succumbing to German champions Bayern Munich.

Participation in the Champions League carries great financial as well as footballing significance," Chair Wilson added. "The decline in H1 revenue compared to the same period last year is primarily due to Europa League participation as opposed to Champions League participation, which we had last season.  This reflects the lower media rights values associated with the competition along with lower ticket pricing."

The club said: "In recent months, the board has acknowledged that mistakes have been made. We are endeavouring to develop, enhance and refresh key areas of governance and strategies.  The immediate priorities are to restore stability, achieve unity and deliver football success. These have provided the foundations for the achievements of the past 20 years - a period of outstanding success within the club's entire history."



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