Rangers may be prevented from playing in Europe because of Ashley

[Bluedell 5,624]

Newcastle and Rangers will not be able to play in Europe together next season because Uefa have confirmed Newcastle United and Rangers will not be allowed to play in Europe together, even if they qualify for different competitions, because of Mike Ashley’s involvement in the running of both clubs.

 

Ashley’s seizure of power at Ibrox means Newcastle may never play in Europe again while he remains the club’s owner, a depressing prospect for supporters who believe the team should be challenging for European qualification every year.

 

Although Ashley responded to a story by Telegraph Sport back in September, that revealed he wanted to take control of Rangers, with a statement denying he intended to sell Newcastle, the billionaire has got himself into a tricky situation by expanding his football interests north of the border.

 

Ashley insisted he will not sell Newcastle for “any price” until the end of next season, which is also, unless they win the Scottish Cup this season, the earliest Rangers can qualify for Europe again. Given Ashley has repeatedly failed to find a buyer for Newcastle, though, it is far from certain he will be able to sever ties at St James’ Park.

 

It is understood Ashley misjudged Uefa’s strict rules ensuring the integrity of their competitions. Although he only holds around nine per cent of Rangers shares, he has appointed his own people, including former Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias, to the Rangers board in return for financial assistance.

 

Uefa have told Telegraph Sport that means Ashley has enough power in the Rangers boardroom to ensure they cannot be allowed to play in Europe at the same time as Newcastle.

 

Should one team qualify for the Champions League, the other would be prevented from playing in the Europa League as they could meet in the knockout phase of the competition.

 

If both teams qualify for the same competition, the one with the higher Uefa co-efficient ranking would be allowed to enter at the expense of the other. As things stand, Newcastle are ranked 65 and Rangers are down at 101.

 

In the short term, it is Rangers who will suffer as they have the lower ranking. In the long term, Rangers have a far greater chance of playing in the Champions League than Newcastle, which would mean the Magpies would not be allowed to compete in the Europa League, even if they won a domestic cup competition or finished fifth or sixth in the Premier League.

 

Newcastle are currently fifth in the Premier League following six successive victories by Alan Pardew’s side and a top-six finish would secure them a place in the Europa League for next season. It could be the last time they play in Europe until Ashley finds a buyer.

 

Given Ashley’s interest in Rangers was largely sparked by the possibility he could, with a relatively small investment, gain access to the Champions League and increase the European exposure for his Sports Direct Retail chain, it means Newcastle face an uncertain future.

 

The billionaire has already been widely accused of paralysing Newcastle with his lack of ambition. Most supporters believe he is only interested in keeping the club in the Premier League in order to access the television money it brings, rather than challenge for silverware.

 

The idea that Newcastle will also be denied access to European competitions once Rangers have regained their former status in Scotland will incense many on Tyneside.

 

Both Rangers and Newcastle responded with a “no comment” when asked by Telegraph Sport for a reaction to Uefa’s stance.

 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/foo...ke-Ashley.html

[Tannochsidebear 2,405]

Hopefully the Geordies continue to ply the pressure on Ashley.

 

Their fans seem fairly united towards a common goal, whilst ours of course can be accused of nothing of the sort.

[JTP 0]

Yet another punishment awaits for our club who have been bent over left right and centre.

 

Open season continues ................

[Zappa 0]

I don't think we'll need to worry about playing in Europe for a while yet.

[Frankie 8,562]

I can only assume this news will affect how the SFA address the issue.

[Ser Barristan Selmy 222]

We could be given a lifetime ban from Europe and some of our support would still be saying we need to give him time.

[Zappa 0]

I can only assume this news will affect how the SFA address the issue.

 

Aye, if UEFA won't allow the two clubs to play in Europe due to Ashley's current involvement in Rangers, then the SFA might as well allow him to take even more involvement because it won't make any difference!

[RANGERRAB 3,653]

Us back playing in Europe ? LOL

Europe should be a million miles from the thoughts of a team that's twice failed to Alloa this season not to mention being 9 points adrift of top spot in the second tier.

Can anyone seriously see this team and its manager in Europe anytime soon?

[the gunslinger 3,366]

Us back playing in Europe ? LOL

Europe should be a million miles from the thoughts of a team that's twice failed to Alloa this season not to mention being 9 points adrift of top spot in the second tier.

Can anyone seriously see this team and its manager in Europe anytime soon?

 

hardly the point. the fact ashley is running us so badly we don't make it is suspicious at best.

[RANGERRAB 3,653]

hardly the point. the fact ashley is running us so badly we don't make it is suspicious at best.

 

i think the point is we should not be concerning ourselves with Europe at present.We'll be lucky to be in the top division next season as things stand