UEFA have confirmed the SPL runners-up will not drop out of Europe next season if they lose their opening Champions League qualifier. However, from next season the beaten club will drop into the new Europa League, which is replacing the UEFA Cup.

UEFA have confirmed Scotland in 10th place in their co-efficient rankings, meaning whoever wins the league title will continue to enjoy safe passage to the group phase.

Sides finishing third and fourth in the SPL will have the chance to reach the Europa League.

Should the SPL runners-up fail to reach the Champions League, they will also enter at the third qualifying round stage.

The Homecoming Scottish Cup winners - or possibly runners-up - will begin their European campaign in the final qualifying round.