KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) have so far earned RM4.38 million from their impressive campaign in the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE), a financial boost that could further inspire Hector Bidoglio's squad as they eye progression to the next stage.
The Southern Tigers recorded their second victory in the tournament by dominating K-League champions Ulsan Hyundai 3-0 at home on Tuesday.
Their previous results include a 3-0 win over China's Shanghai Shenhua, a 2-2 draw with Shanghai Port and a 3-1 loss to South Korea's Gwangju.
Under the reward scheme set by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), JDT earned US$200,000 (RM880,000) for their two wins.
Additionally, clubs in the ACLE group stage receive a participation fee of US$800,000 (RM3.5 million), bringing JDT's total earnings to RM4.38 million after four matches.
JDT are fourth in the East Asia Zone Group standings with seven points and have four matches remaining — against Shandong Taishan (Nov 26), Buriram United (Dec 3), Central Coast Mariners (Feb 11) and Pohang Steelers (Feb 18).
Each further group stage victory would bring additional earnings for JDT, while reaching the last 16 would net an additional RM880,000.
Quarter-finalists receive RM1.77 million, and semi-finalists earn RM2.65 million.
The ultimate reward lies in the final, with the champions taking home RM44 million and the runners-up RM17.7 million.