Pundit delivers Rangers and Celtic financial admission amid development this week
Alan Rough has issued his verdict on Rangers and Celtic’s financial situation as talks of the Super League re-emerged this week.
He believes that the two Old Firm sides will have checked their balance sheet to see how much they were netting through European competitions.
However, he thinks the main reason it was shot down was players having to play too many games.
He told PLZ Soccer (22 December, 12:48): “Every club will be weighing up ‘If we put our name to this you know against what we are getting in the Champions League or the Europa. Are we going to benefit?’
“It’s just financial and it’s alarming that the two people that are driving at Barcelona and Real Madrid who are both skinned and really in debt to do whatever they’ll want.
“What we’re interested in is what does our big two want to do and what are their thoughts.
“You posted the figures last week of what Rangers got out of the Europa and what Celtic of the Champions League so they’ll have to balance that up (and see) is money we’re going to get every year or what are we going to get if we jump into this but for me, it’s the fixture side you know everybody’s talking about players are playing too much just now so that’s just going to make it worse.”
Good
The financial situations of key drivers Barcelona and Real Madrid, both burdened with debt, suggest a self-serving agenda that might prioritise their interests over the collective good of football.
Rough’s emphasis on the fixture side underscores the widely voiced concern about player fatigue and an already congested schedule.
With players already stretched, a Super League would exacerbate these issues, potentially compromising player welfare and the quality of competition.
Moreover, the rejection of the Super League preserves the integrity of the game.
The pursuit of financial gains by a select few, at the expense of fair competition and sporting merit, threatens the fundamental principles of football.
By resisting the Super League, the sport maintains a more equitable and competitive landscape, safeguarding its essence and appeal to fans worldwide.
Rangers and Celtic also do not have the sway as the top Premier League clubs do and they’re more likely to align with what they do rather than stick out like sore thumbs.
In other Rangers news, the club may now look to sign an international striker in January amid a £2.3m development this week.