Figures have shown the extent of the financial boost received by Rangers as a result of their qualification for the UEFA Europa League.
The Gers defeated Galatasaray 2-1 at Ibrox on Thursday night to secure their spot in the group stages, following wins over Lincoln Red Imps and Willem II in the second and third qualifying rounds.
It was a deserved victory celebrated by the players, coaching staff and fans, as the club continues to rebuild its reputation in European football.
Progression in this competition is about more than just pride, though, and although it’s unlikely that there will be fans at the group stage contests this season, the club will still receive a substantial chunk of money from UEFA.
UEFA figures show that Rangers pocketed €260,000 from their second-round qualifier and €280,000 from their third-round qualifier.
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However, the win over Galatasaray is to bring a much bigger windfall. Qualifying for the competition proper has secured the Gers a cool €2.92m.
That could be just the start of it, too, with UEFA set to hand out €570,000 for each group stage victory and €190,000 per draw.
Rangers also benefit from a ten-year coefficient payment from UEFA based on previous performances, which this year amounts to €1,357,170 [footballcoefficient.eu].
Therefore, as things stand, the Gers have already earned €4,817,170 (approximately £4,366,766) from their 2020/21 Europa League campaign, with another €3,420,000 up for grabs in the group stages alone.
With those sorts of numbers involved, it’s little wonder Steven Gerrard hinted that Rangers were waiting until after the Galatasaray clash to finalise their plans for the closing stages of the transfer window [Belfast Telegraph].
Now that qualification has been secured, perhaps some of the prize money will be reinvested into the squad.