Scottish clubs involved in Europe postpone their matches
By OnzeActu · · 5 min read
The five Scottish teams playing in European competitions this season have decided to postpone their championship matches from August 22. This measure is necessary in order to best manage the round-trip matches of the European play-offs which are being contested around this weekend.
According to Bbc.
Context
Scottish Premiership holders Celtic are focusing on their European goals after a disappointing exit last year. Celtic's performances in European competitions are under particular scrutiny as the club aims to return to the Champions League, a goal which could boost their stature in Scottish football and beyond.
Why it matters
The postponement of Scottish Premiership matches is crucial for clubs involved in Europe, notably Celtic and Rangers, who are looking to maximize their chances of success in international competitions. The move allows teams to focus on the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League play-offs, decisive stages for their European future. The new unilateral postponement rule, introduced in April 2025, also makes it easier to manage clubs' busy schedules.
Key points
- Scottish clubs involved in Europe postpone their matches.
- The five Scottish teams playing in European competitions this season have decided to postpone their championship matches from August 22.
- Scottish sides in Europe opt to postpone Premiership matches - BBC Sport.
As the qualifying phases of the European Cups approach, all Scottish clubs involved in international competitions have chosen to postpone their Premiership matches initially scheduled for Saturday August 22. This decision concerns the five Scottish teams seeking a ticket to the Champions League, the Europa League and the Europa Conference League.
The qualifying play-offs will take place in two-way matches, thus framing the weekend affected by these postponements. Celtic and Rangers, who certainly have their place at least at this European stage, are seeking to prepare for these deadlines as best they can. If Celtic knows its objective, that of returning to the Champions League, Rangers are still waiting to know in which competition it will be entered.
Since April 2025, a new rule allows a team playing in European competition to request a postponement of a championship match unilaterally, whereas until this date, this postponement had to be agreed to by the two clubs involved. This measure aims to make it easier to manage the tight schedules of European clubs.
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Celtic, national title holders, do not yet know their opponent for the Champions League play-offs this season, a stage where they were eliminated last season by the Kazakh club Kairat Almaty. For Hearts, the situation is more delicate: after a 4-0 defeat in the two second qualifying round matches against Sturm Graz, it is likely that the team will enter the third qualifying round of the Europa League, where Rangers will already face the Polish club Jagiellonia Bialystok.
Hearts will only be able to escape the play-off in a particular scenario: if they turn the tables against Sturm Graz and then lose in the third qualifying round of the Champions League, they could directly qualify for the group stage of the Europa League.
Motherwell and Hibernian are engaged in the second qualifying round of the Europa Conference League. These two teams will postpone their championship matches only if they make it through the next round. Motherwell lead 2-0 in their clash against Faroese club HB, while Hibernian lost the first match 2-0 against Malisheva's Kosovar side.
Finally, the postponed matches will be rescheduled for midweek, September 8-9 or 15-16, in order to best accommodate the calendars of each Scottish club involved in these European competitions. This organization demonstrates the importance given to the success of Scottish clubs on the continental scene while guaranteeing the good performance of the national championship.
The rest
Celtic are waiting to know their opponent for the Champions League play-offs, a crucial moment after their elimination the previous season. For their part, Rangers have yet to determine in which European competition they will participate, while Hearts, after a defeat against Sturm Graz, could find themselves in the Europa League. Clubs will now have to prepare intensively for these decisive matches, hoping to obtain favorable results.
Frequently asked questions
Why are Scottish clubs postponing their Premiership matches?
Scottish clubs involved in Europe have chosen to postpone their Premiership matches to prepare for the qualifying phases of the European Cups.
Which Scottish clubs are affected by this postponement?
The clubs affected by this postponement are Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Motherwell and Hibernian.
Who confirmed the postponement of the matches?
The decision to postpone matches was taken by all Scottish clubs involved in international competitions.
What co
European competitions are involved?
The European competitions involved are the Champions League, the Europa League and the Europa Conference League.
What are the new rules regarding match postponements?
Since April 2025, a team playing in European competition can request a postponement of a championship match unilaterally.
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