Rangers owners hit by ‘disaster’ after devastating Ibrox blow
Rangers failing to qualify for the Champions League is a “disaster” for the club’s new owners.
Rangers were knocked out of the Champions League last week following a 9-1 defeat on aggregate against Club Brugge in the play-off round.
Football Insider revealed on 28 August Rangers have missed out on an extra £15million following their exit from the elite European competition.
Russell Martin’s side will now be playing in the Europa League this season, with the prize money on offer in the second-tier competition significantly lower than the Champions League.
Rangers will face Genk, Sturm Graz, Brann, Roma, Braga, Ferencvaros, Ludogorets and Porto in the league phase of the Europa League.
Rangers and Celtic exit is ‘good news for Scottish game’
This article contains exclusive comment from Stefan Borson, a former financial adviser to Man City.
Celtic were also knocked out of the Champions League in the play-off round.
Brendan Rodgers’s side lost on penalties to FC Kairat last week, having drawn 0-0 on aggregate over the course of the two legs.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “I guess the only consolation on that is that they’re both out, so you don’t have the massive distortion that one of them being there would have.
“It’s really bad, isn’t it? In terms of taking either of the clubs into a more permanent situation, where they’re better and can therefore guarantee themselves each season that position in the Champions League too.
“To both go out is very disappointing and is probably brilliant for teams like Hearts and their new ownership. You are probably looking at it and going ‘Well, this is exactly what we wanted. This is exactly the opportunity we wanted for a more level playing field and more level budget’.
“I think it’s a disaster for the Rangers policy straight away. What you would have hoped under your new ownership was you get off to a brilliant start, get yourselves in the Champions League and you’re away.
“Then you can start to invest and try and trade through the stuff we talked about before, where you’re buying players and you start bedding them in as an incubator within Scotland and then selling them on while having the Champions League revenue to pay the bills and do that.
“Obviously, if you haven’t got that, it’s a big hit. As I say, I think it’s good news for the Scottish game probably that both of them have not qualified this season at the same time.
“The impact of that we’ll have to see more longer term I guess.”
Rangers board make new Russell Martin sack decision
Football Insider revealed on 1 September Rangers aren’t considering sacking Martin immediately following their goalless draw in the Old Firm derby against Celtic.
The new boss has failed to win any of his opening four Scottish Premiership games in charge at Ibrox, with each of those fixtures ending in draws.
Rangers will be back in action against Hearts on 13 September following the upcoming international break.
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