Celtic set for HUGE Champions League boost which could net revenue bonanza

Uefa are planning to make changes to qualifying

Celtic could be set for a clearer route into next season’s Champions League.

Uefa, according to The Times, are planning on streamlining qualifying matches for next season’s European competitions.

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Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the governing body are having to reshape the calendar for the 2020/2021 campaign.

Celtic could be set for a Champions League boost. Picture: SNSCeltic could be set for a Champions League boost. Picture: SNS
Celtic could be set for a Champions League boost. Picture: SNS

The Champions League won’t start until October 20, with the hope the current season’s tournament and Europa League can be completed in August.

That would see Rangers travelling to Germany to face Bayer Leverkusen in the second-leg of their last-16 Europa League tie, trailing 3-1 from thje Ibrox match back in march.

As for next season’s competitions, Uefa are considering different options.

One would see qualifiers for the tournaments be reduced to one-leg, possibly played at a neutral venue.

Another option for the Champions League is for just one qualifying round with just six places available through qualifiers for the continent’s prestigious competition.

It is understood that would see the champions of the 12 highest-ranked countries who do not have a club in the group stage already compete in a play-off round. Celtic are almost certain to have one of those slots.

It would mean Celtic would not have to navigate a number of qualifying rounds and present them with a much shorter path to reach the group stage and earn the financial rewards that presents.

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The Times report it is much more complicated for the Europa League.

Three Scottish teams are set to enter the qualifying for that tournament. Qualifiers are much more important for the competition with more than half entering the group stage that way.

Uefa have set a deadline of 25 May for national league associations to inform the governing body of their plans to complete the season.