Every club across Europe – including Rangers – is sure to feel the financial pinch caused by the domestic league shutdown brought on by the coronavirus outbreak.
Teams from Scotland to Germany and everywhere in between are experiencing the adverse effects of a lack of matchday and television revenue.
The likes of Hearts and Leeds United are no different from Barcelona or Bayern Munich, with wage cuts and the reorganisation of business resources a must to ensure long-term survival.
But as of yet, Rangers haven’t commented on their own financial situation and it remains unclear what position the club will take in the coming weeks.
This is not to say the club isn’t already taking measures or that initiatives are not in place – it’s just they’ve been pretty coy about it up to this point.
Whilst the likes of Aberdeen and Hearts have been very public about the financial consequences of the league shutdown, Rangers or even Celtic haven’t said too much in this regard.
The Ibrox club has seen its fair share of financial issues over the last decade – to put it mildly – and one can’t help but feel it’s a PR blunder to divulge the secrets of our inner workings at this time.
After all, the last few years has seen an actual economy spring up around the art of Sevcoism and the deeply misguided/exaggerated analysing of Rangers’ finances.
There’s also a case for optimism here, with over £27m reportedly set to be pumped in the club.
Steven Gerrard and his team deserve every credit for securing £7m+ in prize money from a stunning Europa League run. As it stands it’s almost April and Rangers are still in Europe.
There was also a story this week concerning Rangers’ season ticket holders not receiving a refund should the season fail to be completed.
It’s hard to see too many Gers fans screaming for refunds anyway, with those who are able potentially willing to renew should their financial circumstances allow it.
The fact the Ibrox side can call on those fans who can renew to renew is a genuine financial asset here.
Hibs have appealed to their supporters to dig deep and renew for next season already.
Then there’s the talk of Hong Kong-based bluenose businessman Stuart Gibson, with reports less than two weeks ago suggesting the Ibrox club are set for a £20m investment [Daily Record].
Whilst there are concerns over the financial implications of the coronavirus on Rangers, Scottish football and the global game, there are certainly clubs in a worse position.
That’s not to be complacent, but isn’t there room for a little optimism in these testing times for football?
