Starting from the upcoming 2024/25 season, UEFA are introducing a revamped league phase for their elite club competitions, replacing the traditional group stage - and it will have an impact on several Scottish clubs.
This new format will see 36 clubs, including Celtic and Rangers, compete in a more dynamic and engaging structure dubbed “the future of European football”.
It will also provide four additional teams the chance to participate in the Champions League.
But it's not just Europe’s premier competition that's experiencing an overhaul, both the Europa League and Conference League are part of the huge shake-up.
Heart of Midlothian only have to face a play-off double-header to ensure they are piling their trade in the Europa League until at least January 2025. Plus, they have the fallback of automatic Conference League participation should they fail in the play-off.
Meanwhile, Kilmarnock and St Mirren sit finely poised in their retrospective round two qualification ties. Killie are vying to reach the Europa League, whilst St Mirren are competing for a place in the Conference League.
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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.
