UEFA talks shape future for Scottish teams in Europe
Celtic, having secured the top European qualification spot after sealing the Scottish Premiership title last weekend, will enter Champions League qualifying play-off round next season with the guarantee of league-phase football in the Europa League should they fail to win a two-legged tie.
A second-place finish in the Scottish Premiership this season will see Rangers enter the second qualifying round of the Champions League. The Ibrox side have wrapped up second with their 2-2 draw against St Mirren, and with it, the second-highest European qualification position in Scottish football.
However, due to shifting coefficients, there is a possibility Rangers could have no league phase football in Europe if they lose three qualifying ties. Rangers need to win three Champions League qualifiers to make the league phase next season. Should they drop out, they would fall into the Europa League or Conference League qualifiers.
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This season, Celtic automatically qualified for the league phase, but Scotland's coefficient drop means they have to navigate one qualifying round next season. The draw for the Champions League play-off round will take place on August 4, 2025, with the matches to be played on August 19/20 and August 26/27. While a win would see Celtic advance to the league phase of the Champions League, a loss would not mean a complete exit from European football. If Celtic lose in the play-off round, they will drop into the league phase of the Europa League next season.
A potential drop for Rangers could see them move into the Europa League or the Conference League, with the final spots in European competition determined by league performance and cup results. Whoever finishes third in the Premiership will enter the Europa League play-off, while fifth place and the Scottish Cup winner or runner-up (depending on Celtic's success) will vie for Conference League football.
With the stakes high, Scottish clubs are keenly watching how changes discussed at the UEFA meeting could affect their European aspirations.
Another key issue raised was the growing physical and mental strain on players due to the expanding football calendar. UEFA's recognition of the need for player welfare, particularly with regards to rest and recovery, could have a significant impact on Scottish teams.
A well-rested and properly managed squad can make all the difference in a European campaign, and UEFA's emphasis on ensuring players have enough time to recover between seasons is a positive step forward. For clubs like Aberdeen, Hibernian, and Dundee United, the ability to rotate and rest key players could help them perform at their best on the European stage, allowing them to challenge for places in the league phase of the Europa League or Europa Conference League.
The UEFA Football Board also lauded the success of the "captain-only" rule that has already been implemented in European competitions. This initiative, designed to reduce dissent and improve the relationship between players and referees, could be a game-changer for Scottish football in the future.
With refereeing decisions often under scrutiny in the Scottish Premiership, this rule could help foster a more respectful atmosphere on the pitch. By ensuring that only team captains are allowed to speak to referees, the rule could reduce the chances of heated confrontations and help players focus on the game rather than surrounding officials.
Other things discussed by UEFA delegates were the handball rule, "double-touch" penalties and the new eight-second law for goalkeepers holding onto the ball.
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