How Scottish Cup final will impact Rangers' European entry

Danny Rohl's side will enter European qualifying next season - but the Scottish Cup final outcome will have an impact <i>(Image: PA)</i>
Danny Rohl's side will enter European qualifying next season - but the Scottish Cup final outcome will have an impact (Image: PA)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

Rangers' European fate for next season now hinges on the Scottish Cup final.

The Ibrox club will finish third in the Scottish Premiership after their defeat to Celtic left them seven points adrift of their rivals, with two games remaining.

This guarantees them third place, and consequently, two potential scenarios for European competition next season.

The outcomes are dependent on the Scottish Cup final result.

If Celtic clinch the Cup, Rangers will enter the Europa League at the third qualifying round stage.

Success in this round would see them advance to the play-off for a place in the league phase.

However, defeat would drop them into the Conference League play-off round.

Victory in this round would ensure them a spot in the league phase of the third UEFA competition, but defeat would end their European journey.

Conversely, if Dunfermline triumph over Celtic in the Cup final, they will secure the third qualifying spot in Scottish football, pushing the third-placed Premiership side further down the European pecking order.

In this scenario, Rangers would start their European campaign in the Conference League's second qualifying round.

They would need to win all three ties to reach the league phase, with no room for error.

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos