Shelbourne and Linfield set for Conference League playoff showdown with €4m at stake

Shelbourne and Linfield could meet in a Uefa Conference League playoff, with the winner guaranteed €4 million in prize money. Shelbourne already knocked Linfield out of the Champions League, while Linfield are expected to see off Vikingur of the Faroe Islands. Shelbourne can reach the Europa League group stage if they overcome Croatian champions Rijeka. If eliminated, they'll face Linfield in the Conference League playoff.

Shelbourne and Linfield are set to meet in a Uefa Conference League playoff, with the winner guaranteed €4 million in prize money for reaching the group stage. This encounter follows Shelbourne's recent victory over Linfield in the Champions League qualifier, where Shelbourne emerged victorious 2-1 on aggregate [1].

Shelbourne, currently in the Europa League qualifying stage, will play Croatian champions Rijeka this week in a bid to secure a spot in the Europa League group stage. If successful, they will face either Greek side PAOK or Wolfsberger AC of Austria in the playoff round. However, if Shelbourne are eliminated, they will drop to the Conference League and could face Linfield in the playoff [1].

Linfield, the Irish Premiership champions, are expected to see off Vikingur of the Faroe Islands in the third qualifying round of the Conference League. The winner of this match will secure a Conference League playoff spot against the loser of the Europa League tie between Shelbourne and Rijeka [2].

The Conference League playoffs are scheduled for August 21st and 28th. Reaching the group stage guarantees each club over €4 million in prize money, with Shelbourne banking €6 million after qualifying for the knock-out stages last season [1].

This playoff matchup is significant for both clubs, not just for the financial reward but also for the prestige of competing in the Uefa Conference League. The winner will secure a place in the group stage, while the loser will have to settle for the Europa League or the Europa Conference League [1].

References:
[1] https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2025/08/04/shelbourne-and-linfield-could-meet-again-in-conference-league-playoff-with-4m-at-stake/
[2] https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cly7z9kqkvdo
[3] https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/linfield-bank-european-financial-bonanza-as-uefa-prize-money-hits-milestone-figure/a1327842265.html