Rangers could be hours from ‘significant’ financial blow that’s Russell Martin’s doing
Rangers face Club Brugge in the Champions League in a match that will have seismic financial permutations for the Glasgow club.
Russell Martin’s side were toppled 3-1 at Ibrox in the first leg and have it all to do in Belgium on Wednesday.
Rangers are overwhelming underdogs to advance in the Champions League in a match that carries immense financial reward.
Indeed, if the Gers fail to overcome the Belgian side, then they will feel effectively miss out an an jaw-dropping figure.
This story includes exclusive comment from football finance expert Dr Daniel Plumley.
Rangers to miss out on £129m for Champions League failure
Martin is already under immense pressure at Rangers and things are likely to get worse before they get better. Indeed, last week’s 3-1 loss was of his own doing.
Now, football finance expert Dan Plumley – speaking exclusively to Ibrox News – has provided insight on what a Champions League exit could mean for the Glasgow club.
“It is a big difference; you definitely want to be in the Champions League, that’s for sure,” he said.
“If you look at the participation fees, the difference alone in that is about £12million, so you’re guaranteed £15.5m for being in the group stage of the Champions League, it’s around four and a bit for the Europa League.
“Then you’ve got added matchday stuff and your quality of opposition and win bonuses in that league, etc, so whichever way you cut it, it’s a minimum £129m difference just in starting fees alone.
- Rangers last reached the Champions League group stage in 2022
- They reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League last term
- Celtic have already been knocked out of the Champions League qualifiers
“So that is going to be the difference for Rangers versus being in the Champions League and being in the Europa League, and as I say, then you’ve got all your other intangible stuff around the exposure of the Champions League versus Europa League.
“It’s a significant financial hit if they do end up in the Europa League.
“Still good money if you can go deep into that competition, but you want to be in the Champions League, and they’ll be disappointed if they don’t get there, having come so far in the qualifiers.”
Reas more: How to watch today’s Club Brugge vs Rangers game: TV channel, live stream, kick-off time
How can Russell Martin overcome Club Brugge in the Champions League?
It is going to be incredibly difficult for the Gers to secure a positive result in Belgium, given the strength of opposition.
Club Brugge are a seasoned European side and boast an admirable recent record in the Champions League.
If Martin’s men are to be successful, then they will need to eradicate the defensive blunders that have been commonplace in his team.
Of course, there is always the magic ingredient of luck, but that alone will not guide the Ibrox outfit through choppy waters.
While Rangers are expected to lose, a win would do wonders for one of the most under-pressure managers in football.
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