The financial disparity between Celtic and Rangers has become increasingly pronounced, particularly in European competition, and the gulf continues to widen as Celtic secures a position among the elite clubs in the Champions League, while Rangers toil in the Europa League. As of this season, Celtic have secured a third consecutive qualification for the Champions League group stages, a feat made possible by their domestic success and Rangers’ strong performances in European competition in previous years, which earned the Parkhead club automatic entry into the lucrative tournament. The result? Celtic are sitting comfortably at the top of the European financial pyramid, while Rangers are left grappling with a significant financial gap that could have long-term repercussions for the club.
Celtic’s financial advantage stems from their continued participation in the Champions League, where they have made significant strides this season. With a remarkable €38m (£31.5m) in earnings already secured from their Champions League campaign, Celtic have demonstrated the enormous financial windfall that comes from consistent involvement in Europe’s premier club competition. This amount dwarfs the figures earned by Rangers, who, despite making progress in the Europa League and reaching the last 16, have accumulated only €14.5m (£12m). While Rangers’ journey in the Europa League has been impressive, with the club playing against some of the top teams in Europe and still managing to make it to the knockout stages, it is clear that the financial rewards from the Europa League are far less substantial than those offered by the Champions League.
The €23.5m (£19.5m) difference in earnings between Celtic’s Champions League run and Rangers’ Europa League campaign serves as a stark reminder of the financial disparity between the two clubs. This gap is not just a one-season issue—it represents a long-term trend that has been exacerbated by Rangers’ struggles in the Champions League qualifiers in recent years. Rangers’ failure to secure a place in the Champions League group stages has allowed Celtic to build a significant financial advantage, one that Rangers will find increasingly difficult to overcome unless they are able to qualify for the Champions League in the near future.
The importance of Champions League qualification for Rangers cannot be overstated. As it stands, the winner of this season’s Scottish Premiership will earn a place in the Champions League playoff round, while the runner-up will have to navigate through three qualifying rounds to reach the group stages. For Rangers, securing a place in the Champions League is no longer just about achieving sporting success—it is about maintaining financial competitiveness with Celtic. With Celtic’s repeated qualification for the Champions League, the Parkhead club’s financial position is becoming more entrenched, and Rangers will struggle to close the gap unless they can secure a spot in next season’s Champions League.
While Rangers’ continued success in the Europa League is commendable, and reaching the final stages of the competition could provide an important boost to the club, it is unlikely to be enough to offset the financial benefits of Champions League participation. The Europa League is undoubtedly prestigious, and winning the trophy would be a significant achievement for any club, but the reality is that the financial rewards simply do not compare to those offered by the Champions League. Rangers’ progress in the Europa League, despite playing against tough opposition, only highlights the disparity between the two tournaments. The club’s financial situation is currently in a period of downsizing, with significant cuts being made in an attempt to balance the books and adjust to a more sustainable model.
Meanwhile, Celtic have continued to build on their success, not only securing Champions League qualification but also engaging in a more long-term strategy of player trading, where they buy and sell players for significant profits. This strategy has allowed Celtic to generate a steady stream of income and build a solid foundation for continued success. Their ability to repeatedly qualify for the Champions League, combined with their skill in player development and sales, has put them in a completely different financial stratosphere compared to Rangers. In contrast, Rangers have been criticized for squandering the financial windfalls earned from previous European successes, and their lack of a consistent long-term strategy has left them vulnerable to the increasing financial dominance of their Glasgow rivals.
The Rangers board are now well aware of the challenge they face in trying to overcome Celtic on a long-term basis. To do so, they must first address their financial shortcomings and ensure that they are able to qualify for the Champions League on a regular basis. Failing to do so will only continue to widen the financial gap between the two clubs and make it even more difficult for Rangers to compete with Celtic both domestically and internationally.
For Rangers, the path forward is clear: they must become a Champions League club once again. While the Europa League is a valuable competition, and Rangers could certainly make a serious push for the trophy, it is not the long-term solution to the club’s financial woes. The real prize lies in the Champions League, where the financial rewards far exceed those of the Europa League. If Rangers are serious about challenging Celtic for domestic and European honors, they must focus on securing a spot in the Champions League next season. Whether that means winning the Premiership or navigating the tricky qualifying rounds, Rangers must find a way to earn their place at Europe’s top table.
The financial implications of Champions League qualification are undeniable. Celtic’s current dominance in European competition has allowed them to secure a level of financial stability that Rangers can only dream of. To close the gap, Rangers must focus on securing a spot in the Champions League, whether through winning the league or advancing through the qualifying rounds. If they fail to do so, they will continue to trail Celtic both financially and in terms of sporting success.
Ultimately, the future of Rangers’ financial competitiveness depends on their ability to qualify for the Champions League. Without that, they will struggle to keep up with Celtic’s growing financial might. The reality is that unless Rangers win the Europa League this season and earn automatic Champions League qualification, they will need to make serious strides in the coming years to ensure that they are not left behind in the ever-expanding financial gap between themselves and Celtic.