“SFA Luck Shines on Rangers” – SFA Introduces New Rule Ahead of Next Season as a Measure to Relieve Rangers from a Possible Distraction

SPFL Introduces Fixture Postponement Rule for European Play-Off Clubs – Boost for Celtic and Rangers

The SPFL has confirmed a new rule that could hand Celtic, Rangers and other European hopefuls a crucial advantage in the early stages of the new season, as clubs battling through UEFA play-offs will now be allowed to postpone their third Premiership fixture.

The low-key announcement from league chiefs represents a notable shift in policy. For the first time, clubs involved in the play-off rounds of the Champions League, Europa League, or Conference League will be permitted to reschedule their matchday three fixture, originally due on the weekend of 23/24 August.

It’s a move widely interpreted as a response to growing calls from managers and clubs for greater support during demanding European campaigns.

Last season, Kilmarnock were forced to travel to Pittodrie to face Aberdeen just days before the second leg of their Europa Conference League play-off against FC Copenhagen — a decision heavily criticised by boss Derek McInnes.

At the time, McInnes said: “It’s ludicrous to expect us to play such a high-intensity domestic match in between two legs of a European tie. There has to be more understanding.”

While the SPFL resisted change then, it has now bowed to pressure, introducing the rule with immediate effect for the 2025/26 season.

Both Celtic and Rangers are set to feature in European play-off rounds this summer and could be among the first to benefit. Celtic, now under the stewardship of Russell Martin, are due to face Livingston at home on matchday three — a fixture that could be moved should their Champions League journey reach the final qualifying hurdle via the Champions Path.

Rangers, meanwhile, face a more complex route. Depending on results in earlier qualifying rounds, the Ibrox club could find themselves contesting play-offs in either the Champions League, Europa League or, failing that, the Conference League. Their matchday three assignment — an away trip to St Mirren — is also eligible for postponement under the new guidelines.

The rule only applies to clubs involved in UEFA play-off rounds — not earlier qualifying stages — and specifically targets matchday three, a weekend typically crammed between the two legs of European ties.

Aberdeen are already guaranteed a play-off berth in the Europa League and will at minimum enter the Conference League group stage. Hibernian and Dundee United, who enter earlier rounds, could also qualify for the same postponement privilege if they progress far enough.

So far, no club has confirmed whether it will request a reschedule, but the option now exists — and its introduction marks a more pragmatic and supportive stance from the league.

While SPFL sources have been tight-lipped publicly, it’s understood the decision was made following internal consultations and concerns raised by multiple clubs about the impact of fixture congestion on European performance.

With UEFA prize money and co-efficient points on the line, and Scotland’s clubs striving for deeper continental runs, the move could be significant. For Celtic, Rangers, and others chasing group-stage football, the breathing space might just make the difference.