North Rd 2,860 Posted November 27, 2014 Share Posted November 27, 2014 Exclusive: Mike Ashley’s seizure of power at Ibrox means Newcastle may never play in Europe again while he remains club ownerTricky situation: Mike Ashley's involvement at both Newcastle and Rangers has thrown up big dilemma Photo: PABy Luke Edwards12:23PM GMT 27 Nov 2014Follow @LukeEdwardsTele on Twitter10 CommentsUefa have confirmed Newcastle United and Rangers will not be allowed to play in Europe together, even if they qualify for different competitions, because of Mike Ashley’s involvement in the running of both clubs.Ashley’s seizure of power at Ibrox means Newcastle may never play in Europe again while he remains the club’s owner, a depressing prospect for supporters who believe the team should be challenging for European qualification every year.Although Ashley responded to a story by Telegraph Sport back in September, that revealed he wanted to take control of Rangers, with a statement denying he intended to sell Newcastle, the billionaire has got himself into a tricky situation by expanding his football interests north of the border.Ashley insisted he will not sell Newcastle for “any price” until the end of next season, which is also, unless they win the Scottish Cup this season, the earliest Rangers can qualify for Europe again. Given Ashley has repeatedly failed to find a buyer for Newcastle, though, it is far from certain he will be able to sever ties at St James’ Park.It is understood Ashley misjudged Uefa’s strict rules ensuring the integrity of their competitions. Although he only holds around nine per cent of Rangers shares, he has appointed his own people, including former Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias, to the Rangers board in return for financial assistance. Related ArticlesNewcastle dreaming of Champions League spot 23 Nov 2014Former Rangers owner Whyte arrested 27 Nov 2014Sissoko hands Newcastle sixth straight win 22 Nov 2014SFA to go after Whyte for unpaid fines 26 Nov 2014Uefa have told Telegraph Sport that means Ashley has enough power in the Rangers boardroom to ensure they cannot be allowed to play in Europe at the same time as Newcastle.Should one team qualify for the Champions League, the other would be prevented from playing in the Europa League as they could meet in the knockout phase of the competition.If both teams qualify for the same competition, the one with the higher Uefa co-efficient ranking would be allowed to enter at the expense of the other. As things stand, Newcastle are ranked 65 and Rangers are down at 101.In the short term, it is Rangers who will suffer as they have the lower ranking. In the long term, Rangers have a far greater chance of playing in the Champions League than Newcastle, which would mean the Magpies would not be allowed to compete in the Europa League, even if they won a domestic cup competition or finished fifth or sixth in the Premier League.Newcastle are currently fifth in the Premier League following six successive victories by Alan Pardew’s side and a top-six finish would secure them a place in the Europa League for next season. It could be the last time they play in Europe until Ashley finds a buyer.Given Ashley’s interest in Rangers was largely sparked by the possibility he could, with a relatively small investment, gain access to the Champions League and increase the European exposure for his Sports Direct Retail chain, it means Newcastle face an uncertain future.The billionaire has already been widely accused of paralysing Newcastle with his lack of ambition. Most supporters believe he is only interested in keeping the club in the Premier League in order to access the television money it brings, rather than challenge for silverware.The idea that Newcastle will also be denied access to European competitions once Rangers have regained their former status in Scotland will incense many on Tyneside.Both Rangers and Newcastle responded with a “no comment” when asked by Telegraph Sport for a reaction to Uefa’s stance. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smile 26,600 Posted November 27, 2014 Share Posted November 27, 2014 Already a post on this. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
North Rd 2,860 Posted November 27, 2014 Author Share Posted November 27, 2014 ADMIN Please Delete........another thread Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bombaybadboy08 15,660 Posted November 27, 2014 Share Posted November 27, 2014 Chin up, Newcastle, you know it's for the best. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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