Uefa changes Europa League qualifying structure for Scottish clubs

Uefa will implement new qualifying procedures for the Europa League starting next season, complicating the path for Scottish representatives to reach the league phase. The final qualifying round will transition to a split system featuring separate paths for champions and non-champions, mirroring formats currently used in the Champions League and Conference League. This change removes the possibility of Scottish clubs facing teams dropping down from the Champions League champions path in the final stage. The non-champions route remains highly competitive, incorporating teams from leagues in Belgium, Turkey, Greece, and the Czech Republic. Additionally, declining UEFA coefficient rankings for Scottish clubs mean teams may face unseeded status, potentially leading to tougher draws against clubs from top-tier nations. Scottish champions will also face a more demanding route to the Champions League, entering in the second qualifying round and needing to win three ties.

• 7:36 PMYahoo Sports — Scottish clubs face tougher Europa League route
• 7:30 PMBBC Sport — Scottish clubs face tougher Europa League route