Fears emerge as Rangers could be omitted from Club World Cup
There are fears that Rangers could be omitted from the new-look version of the FIFA Club World Cup which will begin in 2025.
According to the Scottish Sun [08 June], Gers currently hold the 12th and final qualification place from UEFA but FIFA may still look to alter the qualification category which will see them missing out.
The competition carries a prize pot of £50million and will comprise a number of teams from multiple continents.
Lack of clarity
It’s surprising how uncoordinated FIFA are despite the fact that they are in charge of running the game globally.
If Rangers are in the qualification places when the process is over, they should be handed a spot in the tournament.
FIFA may do its best to get the more marketable teams, especially the big Premier League or Champions League ones over someone like Gers.
However, if UEFA have specified that this is the criteria then it makes no sense to change it at the last minute to accommodate other teams.
It looks like if the current system is in place, Rangers will have to better the performances in Europe of Club Bruges, FC Salzburg, Dinamo Zagreb, Slavia Prague and FC Basel next season.
That could mean making it to the Champions League knockout rounds or perhaps going on another run in the Europa League.
In other Rangers news, work permit issues have now emerged which means that the club may not be able to complete a major signing this summer.