Peter Lawwell Confirms ‘Elite’ European Celtic Status for New Season

Celtic will NOT have to self isolate if they are drawn away in Europe to clubs in countries currently not on the list of approved nations by the Scottish Government.

Strict procedures are in place for self-isolation should anyone come into the country from specific destinations but Peter Lawwell has told supporters the Celtic players will be part of an elite athlete exemption.

Speaking to SunSport, the Celtic chief executive explained:

“It was agreed that there would be an elite athlete exemption.

“It means we can travel for the qualifiers, subject to their control measures.

“It’s also been agreed that teams coming here from those countries shouldn’t have to quarantine on their return.

“It would have been a crazy situation otherwise, but we’re now in decent shape for the draw.

“Other nations might not have that comfort as they don’t have the right protocols or controls.

“For example, if we had to go back to Gibraltar their ground would need to pass a few tests and it’s quite a small stadium.

“If it didn’t pass muster then our opponents would need to play the game here instead.

“It wouldn’t take place at a neutral venue.

“The same will apply to Aberdeen and Motherwell in their first-round draws, but Pittodrie and Fir Park will be fine.”

There is a more high intense nature to qualifiers this time around with the club playing straight one game knock out football for the first three rounds. Only if the club gets to the play-offs will the ties revert back to two legs.

If Celtic are drawn away then they must head out and have no seeding advantage. The government exemptions mean clubs playing in Europe can get to games without fear of having to isolate and missing SPFL fixtures.