UEFA to Split Europa League Playoff Qualifying Round

UEFA is set to change the format of Europa League qualifying, splitting the final qualifying round, or playoff round, into separate Champions Path and Main Path sections, mirroring the systems already used in Champions League and Conference League qualifying. According to reports, the change will take effect from next season, although one account places the introduction in the 2027-28 season, and UEFA has not yet published documentation confirming the exact timing. Under the current format, the Europa League third qualifying round has two paths, but those condense into a single seeded draw for the final stage. From the new season, the two routes will remain separate through the playoff round. Scottish clubs entering through the non-champions path, such as the Premiership runners-up and the Scottish Cup winners, would no longer be able to face teams dropping down from Champions League qualifying, which this season included Iberia 1999, Kairat Almaty and Ararat. Instead, they could be drawn against league-placed sides from stronger countries, with this season's pool featuring the likes of Anderlecht, Benfica and Viktoria Plzen. The change presents a mixed picture for Scottish clubs.