'Big Problem' - Pundit raises FFP issue at Rangers as Saudi investment mooted at Ibrox

Peter Grant has admitted financial fair play could be a “big problem” for Rangers after Middle East investment was mooted at Ibrox.

Dave King had suggested he was keen to find investment from the Middle East, Saudi Arabia and the United States as he put himself forward to replace John Bennett as chairman at Ibrox [Rangers Review, 15 September].

Although Go Radio pundit Grant admits that would help the Gers close the gap to Celtic on paper, he isn’t convinced that the Light Blues would be able to spend that sort of money and comply with FFP.

Speaking on The Go Radio Football Show (16 September, 55:20) Paul Cooney said: “Do you think big money could come in from the likes of America?

“They’re talking about Saudi, maybe Middle East money?”

Grant replied: “Does it really matter? The bottom line is there is going to be financial fair play that Rangers would have to adhere to as well.

“That’s a big problem, people think it’s just somebody investing a hell of a lot of money, but you’re not allowed to go out and spend it. Yes, you can fix your stadium and everything else round about it, but commercially you’ve got to bring everything in and put your accounts across.

“You see the problem that started today with Manchester City. I think that’s a big player as well and we forget that at times here.”

Will Rangers get Middle East investment at Ibrox?

It is becoming harder and harder for teams to bridge the gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership and leagues all around Europe because of the financial fair play rules that are present across the competitions.

Gone are the days of teams forking out tens of millions in one single transfer window to steal a march on their competition. To do that now, clubs have to sell several players to ensure that they break even in their accounts.

As Grant suggests, investment from the US or Saudi would likely have a small immediate impact on the playing squad at Ibrox, even if it allowed to the Light Blues to get their house in order off of the pitch.

Of course, in the long run, such investment would be very beneficial to Philippe Clement’s squad and in time they would be able to spend more and more in the transfer window.

However, it would be naive to assume that backing from the Middle East would immediately solve all the Gers’ problems.

In other Rangers news, the Light Blues have been told to avoid the appointment of Dave King as a “spectacular” verdict emerges

For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

The post 'Big Problem' - Pundit raises FFP issue at Rangers as Saudi investment mooted at Ibrox appeared first on Ibrox News.