SFA may set new precedent over Rangers as they’re told to accept Ibrox request
Rangers could be central to a change in standards with the SFA if a request is given the green light.
The Gers are preparing for the second round in their efforts to land a place in the Champions League proper for this campaign.
A two-legged clash against Viktoria Plzen awaits Russell Martin’s side, with the opening tie coming in Govan on Tuesday (5 August).
The second leg in Czechia will make way for a trip to face St Mirren, and it is that the Ibrox club are taking issue with, should they be successful in their European dream.
This article contains exclusive comments from Keith Hackett for Ibrox News.
SFA could set new precedent with Rangers decison
There is no getting away from the fact that the Light Blues’ schedule has already been hugely busy at this early stage of the season.
One competitive game has already been played in August, with another six already pencilled into the calendar before the end of the month.
| Date | Opponent | Competition |
| 02/08/25 | Motherwell (A) | Scottish Premiership |
| 05/08/25 | Viktoria Plzen (H) | Champions League qualifier |
| 09/08/25 | Dundee (H) | Scottish Premiership |
| 12/08/25 | Viktoria Plzen (A) | Champions League qualifier |
| 16/08/25 | Alloa Athletic (H) | League Cup |
| 23/08/25 | St Mirren (A) | Scottish Premiership |
| 31/08/25 | Celtic (H) | Scottish Premiership |
As a result, it is little surprise to learn that the Gers are hopeful of pushing back their clash at The SMISA Stadium should they be successful against Viktoria Plzen.
Chris Jack has reported (5 August) that a request has been made to the Scottish FA to postpone the fixture against St Mirren if they win in the Champions League qualifier.
This would see a tie against either RB Salzburg or Club Brugge await, top-quality opposition which Martin’s side would need every advantage to secure a positive result against.
Former PGMOL chief Hackett has backed the SFA to help out the Light Blues, but believes it will set a new standard for the rest of the division.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, Hackett said: “There are, of course, commercial ramifications to the decision.
“The impact on television scheduling and, of course, the fixture list going forward, the Scottish FA may also open up the door to other clubs, and if they agree to Rangers’ request, they will have to continue to do this for any other clubs in similar circumstances going forward.
“In other European countries, I have known the Federations accept the clubs’ request, knowing that if the team representing their country succeeds, it impact positively on the competition.
“In the interest of players’ welfare, I would accept Rangers’ request.“
Rangers can be hopeful of St Mirren postponement
It is fair to say that a weekend’s break would be exactly what the Light Blues need ahead of a potential third Champions League qualifier clash.
Although the Gers may be favourites against Panathinaikos and Plzen, that wouldn’t be the case against Brugge or Salzburg.
Having the likes of Hamza Igamane, Dujon Sterling, or Thelo Aasgaard closer to an injury return would be huge, something which could be helped by further rest.
As a result, any sort of advantage to allow the Ibrox club to succeed on the continent could prove to be a boost to Scottish football in general.
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