Rangers: Ibrox catch-22 appears with millions at stake in the Champions League

Although Philippe Clement acknowledged that he will give it his all in every competition at Ibrox, the league and Champions League automatic qualifying have already been decided.

The football financial specialist acknowledged that, despite a “catch-22” with Scottish football’s coefficient, the money up for grabs in the Champions League is the primary driver of that.

He exclusively told Ibrox News, “The finances of it are absolutely front and center of that.”

“The Champions League group stage participation is the thick end of €15 million [£12.7 million]. All things considered, you can probably make €20 million [£17 million] out of the group stages.”

You can see the economic scope of the Europa League, where participation fees are significantly cheaper at €5 million [£4.2 million] in the group stages. However, given the discussion surrounding the nation coefficient, where that balance exists, there is also a bit of a catch-22.

Does the coefficient remain intact if you have a successful season in the Europa League this year? In fact, given there are more points awarded for a win in that, winning the league, qualifying for the Champions League, and performing well might raise the coefficient.

“It’s a tremendously difficult balance, but you have to see it from the club’s perspective, and I completely understand that the league and the Champions League are the club’s top priorities.

“It’s a delicate balance, but you can see where the cards are going to fall. You have to do what’s best for the club, and winning the league and returning to the Champions League is the priority both financially and athletically.”

Could Rangers be headed to the Champions League?

Plumley has already acknowledged that Scotland’s automatic Champions League qualification is “huge,” and that the pressure is now different because Rangers are leading the league.

With Celtic seeming to be falling apart and Clement leading his team with one trophy already won this year, it is one to keep a close eye on.

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