The huge financial gulf between Europa League and Champions League participation has been laid bare once again.
Rangers were drawn in Europe's second tournament today alongside Manchester United, Spurs, Lyon, Olympiacos, USG, Malmo, Romanian side FCSB and Nice.
It's a tough draw and arguably even more difficult than what Celtic will face in the Champions League going up against RB Leipzig, Dortmund, Atalanta, Club Brugge, Young Boys, GNK Dynamo, Slovan Bratislava and Aston Villa.
Celtic will fancy their chances of qualifying for the next stage and pocketing another major cash influx along the way as each win in the top European competition is worth UEFA prize money of €2.1m.
In contrast, Rangers will only receive €450k each time they pick up three points. And Rangers Review journalist Derek Clark took to social media platform X to show how easily such feats could be eclipsed by their neighbours across the Clyde.
The financial difference between the #UEL and #UCL: If Rangers beat Tottenham they’ll earn €450k If Celtic beat Slovan Bratislava they’ll earn €2.1m
— Derek Clark (@derekclarksport) August 30, 2024
It means that if the men from Govan beat Spurs or Manchester United, an almost herculean task given the budget disparity between the sides, then they would pocked more than FOUR TIMES less than their bitter rivals chalk up for beating Bratislava or Young Boys at home.
Without even registering a point, Brendan Rodgers' side are likely to bring in a £40m windfall for participation, ticket sales and bonuses, a vastly increase on the £10m in the secondary competition.
