A grim twist in Europe for Scottish football is about to unfold, with serious consequences for Celtic – especially if Hibernian exit early in the Conference League.
The coefficient reality has become increasingly stark. FC Midtjylland knocked Hibs out of the Europa League in dramatic fashion – the 119th-minute winner turning this season’s narrative into a worrying one for Scotland’s European representation.
If the domestic standings remain as they were last season, with Aberdeen winning the Scottish Cup and Celtic taking the title, UEFA’s projected entry points for 2027/28 look bleak.
Celtic would begin in the Champions League second qualifying round. But with no guaranteed league-stage spot, their European campaign could end before the league stages. Rangers would enter at Conference League second qualifying round, also without assured advancement. Aberdeen, as Scottish Cup winners, would enter the Europa League first qualifying round, while Hibs would be pushed into the Conference League second qualifying round. Dundee United would miss out entirely.
Totally understand the glee of rival fans enjoying Hibs losing out to a 119th minute goal last night.
But just a reminder of what lies in wait.
If Hibs are eliminated from Europe then the below entry points are pretty much nailed on ⤵️ https://t.co/XrLrRxl7j8 pic.twitter.com/WEKEoOPjDm
— Scotland’s Coefficient (@scotlandscoeff1) August 1, 2025
That leaves a grim picture. Celtic, along with all other Scottish teams, really need to try and make an impact this season.
The cup winners gaining access to Europa qualifiers is decided under UEFA jurisdiction, not the SFA.
This is Celtic’s first season in a few years that they’ve had to play a qualifier to get into the Champions League.
