SPFL delay League Cup scheduling until European playoffs settled

Fixture confirmation for the quarter-final ties involving Celtic and theRangers has been postponed because of their participation in European competitions.

Both Glasgow sides are competing in the Champions League playoff round, with the outcome of next week’s games ultimately determining whether they progress to Europe’s elite club competition league stage or move into the Europa League group phase.

As a result, the SPFL will hold off on scheduling the remaining quarter-final matches until the draws for UEFA’s league phases next Thursday and Friday are completed.

The games are scheduled for the weekend of 19-21 September, with all fixtures set to be broadcast live on Premier Sports or the Premier Player.

As per a statement from the SPFL as posted on their website, it said: “The SPFL has today provided an update on the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals, following the draw for the last eight of the competition on Saturday evening.”

“All four matches will be shown live on Premier Sports or the Premier Player across the weekend of September 19-21, with a place in the semi-finals on the weekend of November 1/2 at stake. The final of the 2025/26 Premier Sports Cup will take place on Sunday December 14.”

“The first of the quarter-finals will see 2012 winners Kilmarnock take on 2013 winners St Mirren at the BBSP Stadium, Rugby Park on Friday September 19, while the meeting of Aberdeen and Motherwell at Pittodrie has been confirmed for Saturday September 20, kick-off 3.00pm.”

“Fixture details for the remaining quarter-finals – Partick Thistle v Celtic and theRangers v Hibernian – will be announced following the UEFA competition league phase draws at the end of August.”

“Broadcast arrangements for all four ties will also be confirmed after the UEFA draws.”

Hopefully Celtic making it into the Champions League and theRangers dropping into the Europa League will make things easier for the good folk over at the SPFL as they decide on their scheduling for the Premier Sports League Cup quarter-finals.

Conor Spence