Celtic and Rangers in the EFL Championship? The Idea That Could Change British Football Forever

The thought of Celtic and Rangers competing in the English Football League Championship is enough to spark debate across British football.

Two of Scotland’s biggest clubs, one of football’s fiercest rivalries and a second division packed with ambitious sides; it is a scenario that would completely reshape the football landscape.

But while the idea captures the imagination, there is a major difference between imagining it and making it happen.

Broadcaster Richard Keys has reportedly revealed details of an earlier attempt to bring the Old Firm into English football, claiming that negotiations came remarkably close to succeeding. The story has reopened questions about whether a move could ever become reality and what it would mean for both countries.

Celtic and Rangers bring enormous support, history and commercial appeal. Their Old Firm rivalry is one of the most recognisable fixtures in world football, and regular meetings with English clubs could create fresh interest in the Championship.

For Celtic and Rangers, the attraction would be the opportunity to compete within the English football pyramid and potentially pursue promotion to the Premier League. The financial rewards associated with English football could also make the prospect appealing, although there would be no guarantee of immediate success.

The Championship is no easy route to the top. It is a demanding competition featuring established clubs, intense schedules and a promotion race in which even heavily backed teams can struggle.

Celtic and Rangers would bring significant resources and experience, but they would still need to earn their place in the Premier League system on the pitch if they were ever permitted to enter it.

Imagine Celtic travelling to Leeds United, Rangers visiting Sheffield United or either Glasgow club facing a former Premier League side in a high-stakes promotion battle.

The atmosphere surrounding those matches could be enormous. Both clubs have passionate fanbases, and their arrival would likely attract significant media attention and commercial interest.

However, the impact on existing Championship clubs would need careful consideration. Would the addition of two globally recognised teams improve the competition, or would it create concerns about financial imbalance and access to promotion?

There would also be questions over fixture scheduling, away allocations, policing and the distribution of broadcasting revenue. The Championship already operates within a tightly contested structure, and introducing two clubs from another national association would require substantial planning.

The idea is not new. In 2009, a proposal to restructure the Premier League into two tiers and include Celtic and Rangers was rejected by Premier League clubs. Sky Sports reported at the time that the proposal was considered neither desirable nor viable.

More recently, the debate has continued, with supporters and football figures revisiting the possibility of closer integration between the Scottish and English leagues. However, discussion and speculation should not be mistaken for an approved plan.

A move into the Championship would require agreement on competition membership, governance, promotion and relegation, broadcasting arrangements and the interests of clubs across both football systems. It would also raise major questions about Scottish football's future.

There is currently no confirmed arrangement establishing Celtic and Rangers as EFL Championship clubs.

Perhaps the most significant issue is not what Celtic and Rangers could gain, but what Scottish football could lose.

The Old Firm have historically been central to the Scottish Premiership's title race, attracting large audiences and generating substantial attention. Their departure could create an opportunity for clubs such as Hearts, Aberdeen and others to compete for the Scottish title more consistently.

That possibility could make the Scottish league more competitive. On the other hand, losing two of its biggest clubs could damage broadcasting interest, commercial income and the wider profile of the competition.

There would also be sporting questions. How would Scottish clubs qualify for European competitions? Would the Scottish league need restructuring? And what would happen to the historic domestic fixtures that have defined the Old Firm rivalry for generations?

These are not minor details. Any proposal would need to address them before it could become a realistic option.

It is tempting to assume Celtic and Rangers would immediately become promotion favourites. Their fanbases, histories and potential commercial appeal would make them major talking points.

But football rarely follows a simple script. Championship clubs with established squads, experienced managers and significant financial backing can be difficult opponents. Adjusting to a different style of competition, a demanding schedule and new financial regulations would also present challenges.

The Championship's squad-cost rules limit spending relative to allowable income, meaning that financial planning would matter alongside recruitment and results. The exact treatment of Celtic and Rangers under any hypothetical entry arrangement would need to be agreed.

Promotion would be a target, not a guarantee.

Celtic and Rangers joining the EFL Championship would undoubtedly create one of the biggest structural debates British football has seen in years. It would bring fresh rivalries, enormous attention and the possibility of a very different route to the Premier League.

Yet the consequences for Scottish football, the existing English leagues and the clubs already competing for promotion would be significant.

For now, the idea remains hypothetical. Before fans start planning trips to Glasgow for Championship away days, there are major sporting, financial and governance questions that would need answers.

Would you welcome Celtic and Rangers into the EFL Championship, or should the Old Firm remain in Scottish football?