Uefa has implemented changes to the Europa League qualifying rounds, which are set to make it more difficult for Scotland's representative to qualify for the league phase from next season. The final qualifying round will now be divided into separate paths for champions and non-champions, a system already in place for the Champions League and Conference League.
This alteration means Scotland's representative will no longer face teams like Iberia 1999, Kairat Almaty, or Ararat, which previously dropped down from the Champions League qualifying champions path. The non-champions path is considered stronger, featuring teams from countries such as Belgium, Turkey, Czech Republic, and Greece, alongside non-champions dropping from the Champions League.
The Scottish Cup winners, or the Premiership runners-up if the cup winners also secure the league title, will enter the Europa League in the first qualifying round next season. Additionally, due to Scotland's position in the coefficient table, the Scottish title winners will enter the Champions League in the second qualifying round next season, needing to win three ties to reach the Champions League.