Celtic will have to navigate the third qualifying round to reach next season’s Champions League, assuming they clinch the Scottish Premiership title once again.
For the past three seasons, the reigning Scottish champions have benefited from direct entry into the group stages of UEFA’s top club competition. But with changes to the competition format and a drop in Scotland’s UEFA coefficient ranking, Celtic will no longer enjoy automatic qualification.
This shift has frustrated former Celtic striker Andy Walker, especially in light of UEFA’s recent decision to grant the English Premier League a fifth Champions League spot.
Walker slams UEFA over Champions League access for Scottish champions
Celtic had a strong showing in this year’s revamped Champions League, progressing from the league stage with notable wins over RB Leipzig and a draw against Europa League holders Atalanta.
However, all that could be at risk if they don’t make it through the qualifiers next season. The decision to give England an additional place in the competition has sparked criticism from Walker, who voiced his concerns on The Go Radio Football Show.
“I just wish UEFA would show more respect to the Scottish champions and give them direct entry into the Champions League,” said Walker. “I love English football, but come on—that’s five spots now. Germany, Spain, Italy, and France all get four.
“Scottish champions bring something special to the tournament. The atmosphere, the passion, the iconic European nights in Glasgow—it’s amazing.
“I think the Champions League would be better if there was always a place for the Scottish champions, regardless of the coefficient.”
Why Celtic must go through qualifiers while the EPL gets five spots
Scotland’s current UEFA ranking sits at 14th, well below the top ten required for automatic qualification to the group stages. With 35.5 coefficient points, they trail tenth-placed Turkey, who have 43.9.
In contrast, England secured a fifth Champions League berth after Arsenal’s convincing 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the quarter-final first leg, coupled with strong overall showings by Premier League clubs across UEFA competitions. These performances locked in a top-two finish for England in UEFA’s coefficient rankings, awarding them an extra ‘European Performance Spot’ alongside Spain.
The system heavily favors Europe’s elite leagues, leaving smaller nations like Scotland—and their champions—forced to fight through qualifiers despite consistent domestic success. For Walker and many others, it’s a frustrating imbalance that continues to undermine the achievements of clubs like Celtic.
