The Three Changes That UEFA Have Announced That Could Impact Celtic’s Champions League Qualification

David Tully

4 years ago

UEFA have officially confirmed that they will be making significant alterations to the qualifying rounds of the 2020/21 Champions League.

Due to the logistical issues caused by the global health crisis, combined with the delay in completing the 2019/20 edition of the tournament, Celtic will be expected to play far fewer games in order to qualify for the group stages.

It won’t necessarily be an easier route to qualification, though, as we shall explain. In fact, it could be a lot harder if the luck of the draw doesn’t go the Hoops’ way.

Press the next page as we lay out the three major changes that Celtic supporters will need to be aware of ahead of the qualifiers later this year.

Moved From Traditional July & August Dates

Due to the Champions League quarter-final, semi-final and final being held in August, it means that qualification for the 2020/21 competition has been delayed by a month.

The preliminary round will be taking place on August 8th and the 11th, and the first-round proper will be played ten days later on August 18th/19th when Celtic will enter the tournament. The Hoops could then play the second round on August 25/26th while the third round will be played in Mid September (15th and 16th).

One-Legged Qualifiers Up Until The Third Round

UEFA have decided that the preliminary, first round, second and third qualifying rounds of the Champions League this year will be one-legged ties.

This means that when the draws are made, the team who comes out first for each tie will have the distinct advantage of playing at home and not having to play a return fixture. If they are unlucky, though, Neil Lennon’s side could be faced with three away games to make it to the playoff round.

The Playoff Round And The Group Stages

After crashing out at the third qualifying round stage over the last two seasons, Celtic fans will be hoping that the Scottish champions will go, at least, one step further this year.

UEFA have confirmed that the playoff round will be the only qualifier where the tie will be decided over two legs. The second legs will be held on September 29th/30th which means that the group stages will likely start in October.