We all started the week believing it to be mere Internet furphy.
But, no. Celtic and Rangers are actually heading Down Under to take on each other in front of an expected 80,000 crowd of Sydneysiders.
The idea of heading abroad for sunnier climes and some revenue boosting friendlies is one few fans of either side could have picked a bone with during the five-week lay-off presented over November and December by Qatar 2022.
But few expected the clubs to face each other and already it has sparked fury from the stands and keyboards.
A lot can happen in eight months in terms of players coming in and out but one thing is for sure that the Aussie crowd won't see either side at their strongest.
A spate of absences are expected with clubs forced to release players to their respective national teams by November 14 – two days BEFORE the first fixture of the Sydney Super Cup, which also involves A-Leaguers Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers.
The Glasgow giants meet on November 20, just hours before the first match of the Qatar finals.
While it's a tight squeeze, pre-World Cup friendlies – or even bounce games between nations not competing at Qatar 2022 – could be arranged during that time which would also take yet more players out of the equation during an official FIFA window.
Croatia, for example, have already indicated they will have a warm-up game while Gareth Southgate says his England players will be going in cold.
It's all a bit of a headache but thankfully we've broken down who's likely to miss the Sydney Super Cup from both Glasgow participants.
Rangers
Let's start at home and the outcome we all want – Scotland making it to a first World Cup since 1998.
Off the bat that looks like Jon McLaughlin and Ryan Jack would miss out with both key members of the current national set-up.
Sticking with UEFA nations and Sweden may take Filip Helander along for the ride should they make it past Czech Republic and then Poland in their play-off.
Croatia's ticket is already punched as group winners and Borna Barisic is likely to be on their list.
Nigeria's participation in AFCON led to Joe Aribo's absence in January – he'll be Qatar-bound, potentially alongside Calvin Bassey and Leon Balogun, if they make it past Ghana in a two-legged play-off next month.
Over to the Americas. Alfredo Morelos and Colombia need a miracle to clinch a qualification spot in the final two matches but it's still possible.
The picture is looking prettier in Concacaf qualifying for Team USA. James Sands is in the picture under Gregg Berhalter having featured in their winning Gold Cup campaign but he needs games.
The likes of Glen Kamara (Finland), Kemar Roofe (Jamaica) and Fashion Sakala (Zambia) are missing out on Qatar 2022 but friendlies can't be ruled out.
Canada are on the brink of qualification but Scott Arfield announced his international retirement earlier this year.
Others who would almost certainly be available, providing they are still at the club and fit, are Allan McGregor, captain James Tavernier, Connor Goldson, John Lundstram, Ianis Hagi, Steven Davis, Ryan Kent, Cedric Itten and Scott Wright.
Celtic
Again, we'll begin with the Scottish contingent. Greg Taylor, Anthony Ralston, David Turnbull and Callum McGregor and are all highly likely to be in a hypothetical Steve Clarke squad. James Forrest would love to be too but it would be a shock going on current form.
Carl Starfelt has picked up a handful of Sweden caps in friendlies but not in the qualifiers that have taken place since his move to Celtic.
Right-back Josip Juranovic was in Croatia's Euros squad last year and you'd imagine would be an easy pick again given his form.
And there's even a chance Matt O'Riley could be given the nod by Denmark if he continues his current trajectory.
Looking to Asia and one of Australia or Japan will secure an automatic qualification berth.
Currently it's Japan, who include Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda. Yosuke Ideguchi, at present, is some way out of the international picture.
Tom Rogic and the Socceroos will try to overtake them from third in the final two games or they'll face a play-off.
Finally, Celtic also have an American defender in the frame as Cameron Carter-Vickers remains a shout for the US.
Scotland's late show ensured Israel, including Liel Abada and Nir Bitton, couldn't qualify. Giorgos Giakoumakis was in the Greece picture before fitness trouble earlier this season – those nations may be keen on a friendly.
Other players who should be available for Celtic, providing they are still at the club and fit, include Joe Hart, Scott Bain, Christopher Jullien, Liam Scales, Stephen Welsh, James McCarthy, Jota, Mikey Johnston, Ben Doak, Karamoko Dembele, Albian Ajeti and Johnny Kenny.
