Possible European Play-Off fixtures for Rangers and Hibernian could push domestic match schedules back
Scottish Premiership Matches Postponed Due to European Competition
Several Scottish Premiership matches in round three have been postponed or are eligible for postponement due to clubs' involvement in European competition play-offs. A new SPFL policy introduced in April 2025 allows teams involved in UEFA play-off rounds to delay one league fixture scheduled between their two UEFA play-off legs to better prepare for European matches.
Aberdeen's match against Dundee United on August 23 has already been postponed after Aberdeen requested it due to their participation in the UEFA Europa League play-offs. Hibernian’s fixture against Falkirk on August 23 will be postponed if Hibs advance past FK Partizan to the Conference League play-off round; this match was initially selected for live TV but is subject to postponement requests.
Rangers’ away game at St Mirren on August 24 was rescheduled for the same day but with adjusted timing, following a request linked to their Champions League play-off involvement. Interestingly, Celtic chose not to postpone their home match versus Livingston on August 23, even though they had the option to do so under the new SPFL rule. Celtic’s reasoning was to maintain their schedule despite their Champions League play-off commitments around the same time.
The outcomes of these European ties could affect the scheduling of Rangers and Hibernian's Scottish Premiership fixtures. If Rangers win their European encounter, their league game against St Mirren will be suspended. Hibernian's league game against Falkirk will be postponed if they advance in their European competition.
Dundee United's match against Aberdeen has already been postponed to allow Dundee United to prepare for their Europa League play-off. New dates for postponed matches will be announced after UEFA publishes the full league phase fixtures at the end of August.
Changes to the football schedule are expected to continue developing in the coming days as clubs navigate their commitments in both domestic and European competitions. The SPFL allows postponements for Premiership teams involved in UEFA play-off matches for one league game (round three fixtures scheduled for August 23-24), with Aberdeen, Hibernian, and Rangers having acted on or requested postponements, while Celtic has opted to keep their fixture unchanged.
Football schedules in the Scottish Premiership may continue to change as clubs participate in European competitions. Aberdeen's match against Dundee United has already been postponed due to both teams' involvement in the UEFA Europa League play-offs, and Hibernian's fixture against Falkirk could also be postponed if Hibs advance in their UEFA conference league play-off round.
