Rangers are poised to receive a substantial windfall of over £12 million if they can advance to the knockout rounds of the Europa League this season, according to official documents. The Glasgow club’s hopes of participating in the Champions League group stage were dashed when they were defeated by Dynamo Kyiv in the qualifying rounds last month, a setback that could have potentially cost them around £40 million in additional revenue, as reported by Football Insider.
The journey for Rangers in the Europa League begins with a challenging fixture against Swedish champions Malmo. This match marks the start of an arduous campaign that includes facing formidable opponents such as Manchester United, Tottenham, Lyon, Olympiakos, Union Saint-Gilloise, FCSB, and Nice in the newly expanded 36-team league phase of the competition.
Financially, Rangers are set to earn a guaranteed £3.61 million for their participation in the Europa League this season, as outlined in official UEFA documents released in March. Additionally, the club stands to benefit from extra cash payments through the governing body’s new value pillar system, which takes into account coefficient ranking and market pool distribution. Sources have indicated that Rangers are expected to receive approximately £5.74 million due to their high ranking in UEFA’s coefficient table.
The potential for revenue generation increases with each match played in the group stage, with £377,000 awarded for a win and £126,000 for a draw. Teams that qualify automatically for the last 16 will receive £1.46 million, while those in the knockout round play-offs will earn £251,000. Therefore, if Rangers advance to the last 16, they could accumulate just over £12 million, excluding ticket sales.
While this figure falls short of the £17.3 million Rangers earned from reaching the Europa League final in 2022, it still represents a significant financial boost for the club. However, the financial disparity between Rangers and their rivals Celtic is evident, as finance expert Stefan Borson predicts that Brendan Rodgers’s side could potentially earn around £30 million from their Champions League campaign.
The financial implications of European competition extend beyond the direct revenue earned by each club. Rangers’ failure to secure a spot in the Champions League group stage could also impact their financial standing, as Celtic stands to benefit from their absence. This highlights the importance of success in continental competitions for Scottish clubs in maximizing their financial potential.
In light of these developments, the upcoming Europa League campaign holds significant importance for Rangers, not only in terms of sporting success but also in financial terms. The potential windfall from a successful run in the competition could provide the club with the resources needed to strengthen its squad, invest in infrastructure, and continue to compete at the highest level both domestically and in Europe.
As Rangers embark on their Europa League journey, the focus will be on navigating through a challenging group stage and securing a place in the knockout rounds. The financial rewards that come with progression in the competition serve as a motivating factor for the players, coaching staff, and the club as a whole.
In conclusion, the financial implications of Rangers’ participation in the Europa League this season are significant, with the potential for a substantial windfall of over £12 million if they can advance to the knockout rounds. This revenue boost could have a transformative impact on the club’s operations and competitiveness, underscoring the importance of success in European competitions for Scottish clubs.