SPFL has chosen to wrap up the 2019-20 season right now so that they can start dispersing the prize money immediately. But this decision could have real problems for Rangers FC.
UEFA had made it clear that they were against this sort of decision and if any country followed this path then their respective clubs might be banned from playing in the European tournaments next season.
But now, in a recent statement, the UEFA seemed to have understood the various problems of the smaller leagues and now there is a chance that they could allow them to end the season abruptly.
The official statement read: “UEFA today met its 55 member associations via videoconference and presented an update of the options being looked into by the two working groups that were created mid-March.
“A variety of calendar options were presented covering both national team and club competition matches.
“There was a strong recommendation given to finish domestic top division and cup competitions, although it is understood that there may be some special cases. With this in mind, UEFA is currently developing some guidelines concerning participation in its club competitions, in order to assist its member associations in case of a cancelled league or cup.”
And if UEFA is fine with this move then it could be a great problem for Rangers FC since they are still playing in the Europa League this season.
As per a report by Sky Sports:
One issue they face at this stage is that Rangers are still in the Europa League, with a second-leg last-16 tie with Bayer Leverkusen to be completed.
To complete this tie Rangers need their current Europa League squad, which was registered all the way back in January. If the Scottish Premiership ends early, player registrations and contracts will expire on June 30 – they would not be covered under the FIFA contract extension rule – and the transfer window would be expected to operate as normal.
Rangers would face losing key players including, Ianis Hagi, Sheyi Ojo, Florian Kamberi, Andy Halliday and Wes Foderingham. With this scenario, to play the second leg of their Europa League tie in Germany, it would require Rangers to concurrently operate in two separate seasons – something UEFA are very unlikely to support.
Rangers FC might be struggling in the Premiership but they have been a beacon of hope for Scottish football in the Europa League so far. But it seems like they might miss out on a lot of glories if SPFL are not careful and sensible with their decision making.
