UEFA Reject Old Firm Premiership Plans

UEFA chief executive Lars-Christer Olsson has revealed that he is against Celtic and Rangers joining the English pyramid.

The Old Firm have made noises in recent years over a move to England but Olsson is not a supporter of their proposals.

Such a move could see a return to the Premiership for Celtic players John Hartson, Neil Lennon and Chris Sutton among others while Alex Rae and Barry Ferguson could also return to England's top flight.

Both clubs would likely benefit from an increase in revenue from a move south, with the Premiership attracting more TV revenue than its Scottish equivalent, however, Olsson - speaking to the Sunday Herald - is convinced that the proposal is a non-starter.

''I am not convinced they are drawing the correct conclusions,'' he said.

''I am not so convinced that the participation of Celtic and Rangers in The Premiership would give them the advantages they expect.

''I am not sure they would make more money for one thing.

''If after six, seven or ten years they had not qualified for European competition they wouldn't be so happy.

''It is easier for them to qualify in Scotland. If you look at the 'rich list' of clubs, Rangers and Celtic are in the top 20 but that doesn't help them in winning the European competitions.

''So it is not only a question of finance.''

The majority of clubs in the Premiership will also likely reject the move by the Scottish teams, with many people in the game wanting a reduction in Premiership teams, not an increase.