The omission of Russian clubs from European competitions has been extended and has a positive knock-on effect for Scottish Football.
According to ESPN journalist Dale Johnson, Europa League Group Stage football is the WORST that can be expected for Rangers in Europe next season.
Of course, all eyes will be on Thursday’s mammoth semi final against RB Leipzig and the Light Blues would love to win the Europa League to not only gain automatic qualification but be top seeds in the Champions League next season.
Even if Rangers don’t win the tournament, they will be seeded in the 3rd Qualifying and Play-Off round which would mean avoiding the likes of Benfica in the qualifiers.
Rangers can now come up against sides like Sturm Graz, FC Midtjylland and PSV – all tough teams but on paper is a much ‘easier’ task than if they were unseeded.
FINANCES
More information has been released regarding the finances for next season’s UEFA competitions.
There has been much talk about the Champions League ‘pot of gold’ at the end of the season which Celtic fans think they will scoop by winning the League.
However, the ‘Swiss Ramble’ Twitter account has released an informative thread that shows just how much Scottish Clubs will make if they are in the Champions League.
If Celtic are confirmed as Champions, then it is expected they would receive around £30m before gate receipts, this is mostly due in part to their higher ‘solidarity payment’ and 10-year co-efficient bonus that Rangers would not receive due to only returning to European Football in 2018.
However, all is not lost for Rangers if they manage to qualify for the Champions League next season, with the club expected to make around £25m before gate receipts.
This does not include prize money for Group Stage points won which include €2.3m for a win and €930k for a draw.
With Rangers recent European record, there is no reason that they can’t outperform their Glasgow rivals and make the same, if not more money.
Can Rangers qualify for the Champions League next season?
