Rangers could ‘fall behind’ after £185m Uefa deal struck

Rangers are in “real danger of falling behind” their European rivals because of an imminent uplift in Champions League TV rights.

So says finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the impact of the new deal with Relevant starting in 2024.

The firm has secured a £185million deal to sell the rights in the United States on behalf of Uefa, per the New York Times last Friday (4 February).

The new deal coincides with the expansion of the Champions League from 32 to 36 teams in a move that will almost double the total number of games.

Rangers, who exited in the preliminary stages this term, have not qualified for the Champions League group stages since the 2010-11 campaign.

And Maguire explains that the rising financial tide has made qualification for Europe’s top club competition all the more significant.

“This year alone, we have seen Uefa increase the value of participation,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.

“You are now getting €2.8m for every match you win. All this means that the gap between qualifying and not qualifying is widening.

“So if you don’t qualify, especially from 2024, you’re in real danger of falling behind.

“There are more opportunities for growth in the Champions League than there is in leagues such as the Scottish Premiership.”

Rangers face Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League play-off stage.

The first leg takes place in Germany next Thursday (17 February).

In other news, Alan Hutton tips Rangers to sell Joe Aribo for £11.7million profit after “superb work”.