Keith Hackett 'delighted' as Rangers won't be impacted by World Cup rule next month
Rangers are now just a month away from beginning their latest European adventure.
The Gers' aim was to be competing in the Champions League, but that will not happen by virtue of finishing third in the Scottish Premier
Celtic have a bye to the playoff round of Champions League qualifying, meaning they have just one two-legged game to win to reach the competition proper.
Hearts, who finished second to Celtic, enter in the second-qualifying round.
As for Rangers, they are in the third-qualifying round of the Europa League, with the first leg to take place against an as yet unknown opponent in early August.
Various new rules will be implemented into European football, as we have now become accustomed to at the World Cup, but others will not be used by UEFA.
UEFA decide against World Cup rule for competitions next season
One such rule that has been implemented at this tournament is that players who cover their mouth in confrontations with an opponent are shown a straight red card.
Miguel Almiron of Paraguay and Ecuador's Piero Hincapie are the two players to have been punished by that rule so far.
Despite its use in FIFA's showpiece competition, UEFA announced on Thursday they will not be following suit.
Instead, referees will rule on each incident on a case-by-case basis.
Former FIFA referee Hackett is in total agreement with this decision.
"I'm delighted to learn that in UEFA competitions, referees will not be issuing a red card when players cover their mouths with their hands," he exclusively told Ibrox News.
"It's a decision that I fully support."
Rangers do not have long at all to go now before they embark on this latest European adventure.
When do Rangers get Europa League campaign under way?
The first leg of Rangers' third-qualifying round tie is schedule to take place on August 6.
The return fixture is then slated for a week later, while the playoff round - the last one before the competition proper - is to be played on 20 and 27 August.
Rangers will learn of their opponents on 20 July after the next round of qualifiers are played.
Before the European campaign begins, Derek McInnes first has as clash with Dundee United to contend with to begin the Scottish Premiership season on 31 July.