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Changes to Match Postponement Rules for Scottish Clubs in European Competitions
Starting next season, Scottish football clubs will have the ability to postpone league matches in order to adequately prepare for play-off rounds in European competitions.
Under the revised regulations, a team engaged in European play-offs can now unilaterally request a delay to a match, a departure from the previous requirement for mutual consent from both clubs involved. This new rule marks a significant shift in how scheduling conflicts are handled, offering participating teams greater flexibility.
It is important to note that this rule change specifically pertains to matches scheduled for the weekend of 23 and 24 August 2025. These dates coincide with the period between the first and second legs of play-off contests in the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League.
Looking ahead to next season, it is anticipated that the Scottish Premiership champions, likely to be Celtic, will enter the Champions League during the play-off phase. Meanwhile, the runners-up, expected to be Rangers this season, will begin their European journey in the second qualifying round. Additionally, this season’s winners of the Scottish Cup, or the third-place team if Celtic secures the cup, will participate in the Europa League at the play-off stage.
This significant adjustment to rules was sanctioned by the SPFL board following the recommendations of a dedicated working group, signaling a proactive approach to enhance the competitive landscape for Scottish clubs participating in European events.
Source
www.bbc.com