Scotland to play in 3rd division of Nations League

SCOTTISH FA chief executive Stewart Regan has confirmed that Scotland will play in the third division of the new UEFA Nations League competition.

Scotland duo Steven Naismith (L) and Robert Snodgrass. Picture: Phil Wilkinson

The inaugural edition of the new competition, which offers additional places in qualifying play-offs for Euro 2020, will begin in autumn 2018.

Regan told the Scottish FA website: “The Nations League is a more meaningful use of the friendly dates, as you and I know them, for international teams.

“It will be split into four divisions: A, B, C and D. Scotland will be in the third division, or the C Division. We will have a chance of promotion and relegation into a higher division.

“We will have the chance of direct qualification into the final event of both the European [Championships] and the World Cup. And we will have greater income coming through from broadcasting and sponsorship.”

Nations League guide

Scotland’s division of the new competition will be split into four groups, with the national side facing off against two or three group opponents depending on the outcome of the draw.

If Scotland win their group, they will go into play-offs against the fellow group winners in their division. The side which wins those play-offs will earn a qualification place for Euro 2020.

The winners of the play-offs in Nations League divisions A, B, C and D will each qualify for the European Championship, alongside the teams who qualify by finishing in the top two places in their Euro 2020 qualifying sections.