Celtic set to decide on Livingston postponement option | OneFootball

Celtic might take advantage of a new SPFL rule to strengthen their chances ahead of the Champions League play-off qualifier this month…

Brendan Rodgers’ side will meet the winner of the Slovan Bratislava or Kairat Almaty for a spot at Europe’s top table for a fourth consecutive season.

Celtic’s two possible opponents will face off against each other tomorrow afternoon in Kazakhstan before the return leg takes place in Bratislava next Tuesday.

Last night UEFA confirmed that the opening match of the play-off at Celtic Park on Wednesday 20 August , with the second leg set for Tuesday 26 August.

Players of FC Kairat pose for a team photo prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 first qualifying round first leg match between Olimpija and Kairat Almaty at Stadion Stozice on July 08, 2025 in Ljubljana, Slovenia. (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images)

Courtesy of a rule change implemented by the SPFL earlier this year, Celtic have the option to request a postponement of their league match scheduled between the two play-off games.

Announcing the rule change in April, the SPFL stated: “The SPFL Board has approved a new policy which will allow William Hill Premiership clubs to postpone one specific league match next season to enhance preparations for UEFA Play-Off round qualifiers.”

“The move allows clubs to postpone their William Hill Premiership fixture in matchday three, which is scheduled to take place on the weekend of 23/24 August, between the first and second legs of the UEFA Play-Off round fixtures in the 2025/26 season.”

St Mirren players form a guard of honour as Celtic captain Callum McGregor walks on to the pitch carrying the Scottish Premiership trophy. Celtic v St Mirren, Scottish Premiership, , Celtic Park, 3 August 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace, IMAGO / Shutterstock (The Celtic Star)

The rule allows Celtic to postpone their home clash with Scottish Premiership newcomers Livingston, originally set for Saturday, 23 August, at Celtic Park. It is still unclear if the club will choose to exercise the option to rearrange the fixture.

Considering the possibility of a 7000-mile round journey should Kairat Almaty overcome Slovan Bratislava — and with a visit to Ibrox looming shortly after the second leg — Celtic may well opt to take advantage of the postponement.

On the other hand, getting points on the board this early in the campaign is vital. Postponing a game for another point in an already congested season may not be the most sensible tactic for Celtic to deploy.

Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers Celtic v St Mirren, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 3 August 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace, IMAGO / Shutterstock (The Celtic Star)

Celtic might be more inclined to take advantage of this rule change IF it looks like they’ll be facing a 7000 mile round trip to face Kairat Almaty. We’ll find out soon enough but supporters should perhaps delay booking any travel for that game against Livingston in case it’s postponed.

Wait until Celtic make their decision.

Conor Spence

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