View: Rangers learn from Barcelona if mid-Euro campaign Ibrox switch possible

Rangers will play their home matches at Hampden Park at the start of the new season as Ibrox undergoes renovations – a temporary move that has implications for the Gers’ European campaign.

If UEFA agrees in advance, Rangers could play their Champions League or Europa League qualifiers at Hampden in August and then switch to Ibrox for the group/league phase in September.

The Champions League group/league phase starts on September 17, while the Europa League begins on September 25. However, regulations prohibit switching between Hampden and Ibrox during the league/group phase.

Rangers must, therefore, decide early whether to play qualifiers at Hampden and guarantee Ibrox is ready by mid-September for the rest of the tournament.

The regulations, which Barcelona are also struggling with right now, state clubs cannot change stadiums mid-group stage.

This could mean that Rangers, if they progress, will play league matches at Ibrox and European games at Hampden until they are knocked out.

Rangers could learn from Barcelona if mid-season Ibrox switch is possible

Barcelona are facing a similar challenge. The Spanish club plans to move back to the Spotify Camp Nou in December after renovations are finally complete.

However, UEFA rules stipulate that they must finish the Champions League league/group stage at the Olympic Stadium, regardless of Camp Nou’s readiness. Mundo Deportivo reported [11 July] that UEFA regulations do not allow stadium changes until after the league/group stage, which ends in January.

Barcelona have communicated its plans to UEFA and expect to play at the Camp Nou for the knockout rounds if they qualify.

The Spanish club’s struggle shows the complexity of UEFA’s regulations, something that Rangers will have to deal with as well.

Rangers Chairman John Bennett acknowledged the uncertainty this situation causes. He told his club’s official website [11 July]: “First, I’d like to apologise for the uncertainty that this delayed project has caused to our season ticket holders, hospitality clients, partners, and supporters.”

He promised a clearer update by the end of July, but it is looking increasingly likely that Hampden will now play host to the Gers’ European fixtures until at least early 2025 – should the still be in either competition.

In other Rangers news, a sell-on clause has emerged at Ibrox as Robby McCrorie closes in on the Ibrox exit door this summer

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 View: Rangers learn from Barcelona if mid-Euro campaign Ibrox switch possible appeared first on Ibrox News.