Celtic and Rangers set for Champions League safety net as Super League agitators return in different guise

A host of the world's top clubs aiming to gatecrash the revamped Champions League will not be allowed to "leapfrog" clubs from their own nation in their bid to reach the group stage.

But there could be good news for Scottish football with one of the four new places set to safeguard the highest ranked league without an automatic qualifier.

Celtic and Rangers would have been in the mix to meet that criteria but are now set to gain direct entry from next season. But a possible safety net has now presented itself if the national coefficient slips.

UEFA have told a working group from European Club Association that a proposed two teams reaching the group stage, based on their historical coefficient record, is still on the table but not at the expense of others.

The Times report that the updated tournament, which will be expanded to 36 teams before the 2024/25 season, will likely include "one or two" sides earning a seat at European football's top table based on historical performance.

A rankings system will likely be used that factors in clubs' record over the previous five years.

The other two spots are likely to see France receive a third automatic qualifier to the group stage, with the fourth being given to the league with the highest coefficient who doesn't have an automatic qualifier.

There remains scepticism across European football over the make-up of the new-look Champions League and if it will favour the biggest teams on the planet.

Former Parkhead chief executive Peter Lawwell and Ajax's Edwin van der Sar have long championed clubs who participate outwith the 'big five' leagues.

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