The UEFA Champions League is set for a format change starting next season, introducing a significant alteration to the traditional scheduling of matches.
Under the new arrangement, games will now be spread across Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights, expanding beyond the customary Tuesday and Wednesday fixtures. [UEFA]
Matches will also roll over into January.
This change poses specific scheduling challenges for teams like Celtic, which could see their European matches pushed to Thursdays. Such scheduling would necessitate Celtic playing their domestic league games on Sundays, a shift that has previously been met with displeasure.
Sunday 3 pm kick-offs at Celtic Park have historically been unpopular. The timing can be inconvenient for fans who travel significant distances to support their team, affecting attendance and sometimes the atmosphere. The potential for more frequent Sunday games due to Thursday Champions League fixtures could exacerbate this issue, prompting concerns from the fanbase about the impact on their matchday experience.
