Rangers will earn less from UEFA this season than both Hibernian and Motherwell following their early European elimination. The Glasgow club's failure to reach any league phase has left them counting the cost, while Celtic and Hearts can boost their finances with results this week.
Financial Fallout from European Exit
Andrew Cavenagh and the American owners at Ibrox are facing the consequences of missing out on league phase football. A penalty shoot-out defeat to Jablonec in the Conference League playoff ended their continental campaign, following a shock Europa League exit to Jagiellonia Bialystok. Both losses dealt an early blow to Derek McInnes' momentum after he took the Ibrox job.
This is the first time since 2017 that Rangers have gone without European football, when Pedro Caixinha infamously argued with fans in a bush in Luxembourg after a defeat to Progres Niederkorn.
Comparison with Premiership Rivals
According to calculations by Football Meets Data, Rangers will bank less from European football's governing body than Hibs and Motherwell, who also failed to reach the league phase. The Edinburgh side won Conference League qualifying ties against Malisheva and Shkendija before losing to Gent in the playoff round. Motherwell overcame HB and HJK Helsinki before falling to Bundesliga side Freiburg.
Both Scottish clubs secured a guaranteed £1.1m from their early European exploits, while Rangers have only sealed a £923k payday.
Celtic and Hearts Set for Bigger Payouts
Celtic and Hearts still have the chance to extend their lead with guaranteed prize money already secured. The Scottish champions are guaranteed £11.16m in the Europa League, while Hearts will bank £4.28m in their Conference League campaign. Both clubs can increase their pot with results and progression, while a value pillar rewarding strong coefficients and large broadcast markets will be decided by UEFA at the conclusion of the competitions.
The model suggests Celtic's total profit will reach £13.34m, with Hearts taking £5.29m. Rangers have already acknowledged the financial hit. Speaking to the club's Fan Advisory Board last month, chief executive Jim Gillespie "was candid about the European performances, that they had fallen short of what the squad was capable of," noting the team has since settled into a more consistent shape. Finance director Sara Bishop confirmed the financial impact is still being worked through and conceded the club has lost income, though this is not expected to alter existing plans.
