According to insiders who spoke with Football Insider, Rangers executives are distraught that the Scottish Premiership will not automatically qualify for the Champions League.
The move is thought to have an impact on the Gers’ ambitions for future transfer windows.
Rangers and Celtic will now wait to make major summer transfer window acquisitions until they know their destiny regarding qualifying.
Scotland’s dismal European results in recent seasons have caused them to fall out of the top 10 coefficient rankings in the Uefa.
Consequently, starting with the 2025–2026 season, the champions of the Scottish Premiership will not automatically qualify for the Champions League league phase.
Horrible Rangers news will change Ibrox transfer plans
Due to their strong performances in Europe lately, Rangers will receive a lifeline if they win the league the next season. This would enable them to advance to the Champions League league phase in the 2025–2026 season.
However, in subsequent seasons, the winners of the league will have to overcome a playoff tie; by 2026–2027, Scotland is expected to fall to 16th place in the coefficient ranking.
Football Insider has learned from a reliable source that the Rangers board directors view the tragic development as a “huge blow.”
Qualification for the Champions League league phase is worth at least £20 million to Scottish clubs.
After losing to PSV Eindhoven in the play-offs this season, Rangers entered the Europa League and were eliminated in the Round of 16.
