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Celtic and Rangers have both benefited financially following their qualification for the Europa League group stages, which emphasises the importance of progressing past the qualifiers in Europe for both.
According to the Scotsman, Celtic have taken their earning in Europe this season close to a total of £7million following the victory over AIK in the play-off, while Rangers have also done the same.
So why does this emphasise the importance of qualifying for the group stages of either of Europe’s competitions?

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While qualification for the group stage of either the Champions League or Europa League has a number of benefits for both Celtic and Rangers, one of the biggest is the financial gain.
For progressing through the qualifiers and into the Europa League group stage this season, Celtic have earned a total of £6.9m after receiving £2.6m following the play-off win over AIK.
Ensuring these kind of fees are received by the club season-on-season will clearly enable Celtic to maintain a strong flow of income whilst also having the potential to invest a portion of those funds into strengthening the squad.
And with the money that comes from qualification for Europe, so too does the ability to attract a higher calibre of player.