Champions League mystery has Celtic and Rangers stumped in money-spinning pursuit of the perfect 10

UEFA's pimped-up Champions League is inbound with European football's decision-makers mapping out how the revolution will proceed.

But pundits, stakeholders and punters have one key question they want answered – and it directly effects both Celtic and Rangers who are hell-bent on turning heads at the glitzy revamp. Zadok The Priest's iconic anthem will remain, of that we know, but the brand-spanking new format of 36 teams playing two extra games over eight matchdays is a genuine step into the unknown. The European shake-up will be televised, and for big bucks, as UEFA shields itself against waning turbulence in the form of the European Super League which doesn't appear so remarkable now.

The Swiss Model sees each participant play eight fixtures, four home and four away, against eight different the opponents. Aleksander Ceferin is convinced variety will prove the spice of life but the guaranteed two extra matchdays come with a caveat – once you're in it means you're not going anywhere else. The option to drop down to the Europa League and to the Conference League from the Europa are gone.

And that's why the seismic decision over the January 2025 transfer window will have ramifications for every participant. Matchdays seven and eight take place on the weeks of January 21/22 and January 29, 2025. Think about it, the choice whether to allow or stop signings from playing in the last two games could define the seasons of the teams taking part. And representatives in Scotland are on alert with either Celtic or Rangers going straight into the group stage and the other entering at the third qualifying round.

Talented stars such as Reo Hatate, Matt O'Riley, Todd Cantwell and the instantly impressive Mohamed Diomande have proved