Scottish clubs face tougher Europa League route

UEFA is restructuring Europa League qualifying from next season, creating separate paths for champions and non-champions. Scotland's representative will face tougher opposition, no longer able to avoid strong teams like Olympiakos and Sparta Prague. With Celtic and Rangers' five-year coefficient declining, Scottish clubs may be unseeded, facing stronger draws from major leagues.

With Celtic and Rangers' five-year coefficient falling due to poor performance by Scotland's clubs, they may well be unseeded next season, meaning a more difficult draw against one of the teams from a major league.