Celtic’s Champions League knockout playoff qualification is certainly a positive for the rest of Scottish football with regards to Scotland’s coefficient.
The Hoops have been criticised by others for not contributing enough points to the coefficient, despite the fact that they consistently play at a higher European level compared to any other team in the Scottish Premiership. This season, however, they have shown why they currently hold all three domestic trophies in Scotland.
With Celtic winning three and drawing three of their eight Champions League games so far this season, let’s see how the Hoops have affected the Scottish coefficient.
https://t.co/bD34NEGBMp pic.twitter.com/H9e2xbmWxL
— Scotland’s Coefficient (@scotlandscoeff1) January 30, 2025
With a total of 3.2 points added this season, Celtic have contributed the most, including 1.2 bonus points for knockout playoff qualification and an extra 0.2 points for securing 21st place ahead of Manchester City, Sporting Lisbon, and Club Brugge.
Despite Celtic’s great Champions League campaign in the league phase, Scotland currently sit 14th in UEFA’s coefficient rankings with 33.500 points.
Austria are ahead in 13th on 34.700, with Norway 12th on 35.250 and Greece 11th on 36.000.
Türkiye ultimately hold 10th spot with 41.900 points, 8.400 ahead of Scotland—a considerable tally for Celtic and others to make up over the next couple of years.
Poor performances from other Scottish teams in Europe have led to the Hoops having to play two Champions League qualifying rounds at the start of next season—something they haven’t had to do since 2021, when Ange Postecoglou had only just taken over.
