Rangers players miss out on pay rise after European development at Ibrox – Chris Jack
A number of players missed out on a pay rise as a result of Rangers failing to reach the Champions League group stage, according to journalist Chris Jack.
The Gers played out a thrilling 2-2 home draw with PSV in the first leg of their qualifying play-off, only to lose 5-1 in the return leg at Philips Stadion last week.
Rangers will therefore play in the Europa League this season, and that will be reflected in the players’ pay packets.
In an article for Rangers Review [8 September], Jack said: “A number of players within the squad have clauses which increase their salaries as a result of Champions League qualification.
“The failure to reach the group stage means that the wage bill is in the same ballpark as it was last term.”
Precautions
Rangers ensured that players had clauses written into their contracts to minimise to financial blow of failing to qualify for UEFA’s primary club competition.
That makes perfect sense from the club’s point of view, and must also be respected by the players. After all, they were the ones that were beaten heavily by PSV.
The windfall that Champions League football brings is pretty staggering, but at least precautions were taken to avoid any sort of financial disaster.
All focus now in terms of European commitments is on the Europa League, with home and away games against Real Betis, Aris Limassol and Sparta Prague to come over the next few months.
The Europa League may not be as glamorous as the Champions League, but as we saw just last year, it is a competition that the Light Blues can win if they can snap out of their early-season malaise.
In other Rangers news, Michael Beale is said to be entering a “decisive” three-game period that will determine if he stays on as manager.