Many Scottish clubs may be impacted by UEFA’s introduction of a redesigned league phase, which will replace the customary group stage in their elite club tournaments beginning with the 2024–2025 season.
Under this new system, which has been nicknamed “the future of European football,” 36 clubs—including Celtic and Rangers—will play in a more exciting and dynamic structure.
Plus, it will give four more teams the opportunity to play in the Champions League. However, the massive reorganization includes not just Europe’s top tournament but also the Conference League and Europa League.
Heart of Midlothian will be able to continue hoarding points in the Europa League until at least January 2025 if they only have to contend with a play-off doubleheader. Additionally, should they lose in the play-offs, they have the safety net of automatic Conference League participation.
Kilmarnock and St Mirren, meanwhile, are comfortably positioned in their rematch round two qualifying matches. While St. Mirren is fighting for a spot in the Conference League, Killie is trying to qualify for the Europa League.
Here we look at the differences from the traditional process…
Key Changes to the Champions League Format.
In the new league phase, each team will play eight matches against eight different opponents, moving away from the previous format where teams faced three opponents twice.
UEFA claim this change aims to enhance the competitiveness and balance of matches throughout the league phase, offering fans a more thrilling experience.
The Draw Process
The revamped Champions League draw introduces a complete new concept to accommodate the league phase format. Instead of using nearly 1000 balls and 36 bowls, all 36 teams will be drawn manually with physical balls. For each team, automated software will randomly select eight opponents from four pots, ensuring total randomness while adhering to regulations like country protection.
To determine their opponents, teams will be seeded into four pots based on their individual club coefficients at the start of the season. Notably, the Champions League titleholder will always be the top seed in Pot 1. The draw starts with Pot 1 and continues sequentially until all teams have their opponents. During the draw, each team will be matched with two opponents from each pot – one for a home game and one for an away game.
Fixture dates will be announced on August 31 once organisers have taken into consideration any calendar clashes of fixtures taking place in the same cities.
The first round of league phase matches kick-off during the week commencing September 23.
AE Live developed the draw software, ensuring accuracy through extensive testing since their partnership began last year.
Impact on Celtic and Rangers
Both Celtic and Rangers have regularly featured in UEFA competitions over the past few years, so their supporters should take note how they will be directly affected by these changes.
As they will definitely compete in either the Champions League or Europa League this season, they will need to navigate this new draw system, which allows them to face a wider range of opponents.
However, they will not be able to draw teams from their own country, and they can face a maximum of two teams from the same nation.
This means that while they may encounter familiar foes, the opportunity to face diverse clubs from across Europe will increase, enriching their competitive experience.
Celtic have automatically qualified for the new league stage after winning the Scottish Premiership last time out. Rangers, on the other hand, must triumph through a play-off to cement their spot among Europe’s elite.
Other UEFA Competitions
The same draw principles will apply to the Europa League, ensuring some level of consistency across competitions.
However, in the Conference League, teams will face six opponents, one from each of the six pots.
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