The introduction of VAR in the Scottish Premiership may hinge on UEFA solidarity payments from Celtic or Rangers' spot in the Champions League group stages.
The Glasgow clubs are locked in a tight title race at the summit of the top flight with the winner almost guaranteed to bypass troublesome qualifiers and take their seat at Europe's top table.
There are two caveats, the first being a Champions League winner this season from a club who does not qualify automatically through their league may take the prize away.
Quarter-finalists Villarreal and Benfica are currently the only two threats in that regard but if current UEFA sanctions on Russian clubs sides continue into next season that may not matter.
Solidarity payments this season amounted to £250,000 per club in the Premiership.
But a report from The Times suggests next season's figure will rise to around £400,000 each with group stage Champions League participation – and could wind up being "pivotal" to the introduction of VAR next season.
The payments are designed for youth development but could free up club budgets in other areas to foot the bill.
Either Hearts or Hibs will also make it to the group stages of at least the Europa Conference League, boosting revenue further.
And it's claimed that extra money could help in the implementation of VAR by the SFA.
Last month it was reported clubs had cold feet over the price of setting up the technology, said to be over £100,000 per club.
