Revealed: The ‘football fortune’ Sunderland AFC have pocketed this season

Cup money – often referred to as ‘football fortune’ – can provide a welcome windfall to clubs, particularly in the lower leagues of the EFL.

But how much have Sunderland made from their cup fixtures this season? We take a look:

Sunderland exited this competition at the first round stage after losing on penalties to Hull City.

But even if they had advanced, the Black Cats were highly unlikely to have earned any kind of money from the Carabao Cup given that prize money isn’t introduced until the semi-final stage.

In the past, that was counteracted by the fact you could land a glamour tie against a top flight side and reap the rewards in terms of gate receipts, but the absence of supporters means the Carabao Cup will be a loss-making exercise for many clubs this term.

The Black Cats also saw crashed out the FA Cup at the earliest stage after defeat to Mansfield Town.

But due to a reshuffle in the prize money allocation, Sunderland still earned a small amount – taking home £5,657 despite losing their first round tie.

FA Cup prize money has been slashed this term, but there were still some attractive five-figure sums on offer for the winners of the early rounds.

While many called for this competition to be cancelled this season, the attractive prize money meant there were other clubs keen to see it continue.

Sunderland and the rest of the EFL sides in the Papa John’s Trophy are given £20,000 just for taking part.

An additional £10,000 is on offer for each group stage win, with £5,000 awarded to clubs if a game is drawn.

The Black Cats, therefore, already have £40,000 pocketed from the competition so far this term and could see that total rise as they head into the knockout stage.

If they can win their Round of 32 tie, Sunderland will net an extra £20,000 – with the ultimate winners of the Papa John’s Trophy handed a cheque for £100,000.