Rangers Seek Postponement of St Mirren Clash Under New UEFA Play-Off Rule
Rangers have officially submitted a request for the postponement of their upcoming Scottish Premiership match against St Mirren, citing the implementation of a new UEFA regulation concerning European play-off ties.
The Ibrox club, currently preparing for a vital European play-off round that could determine their participation in a major continental competition, is looking to benefit from a recently introduced SPFL guideline. The rule allows clubs involved in a UEFA play-off fixture to request a rescheduling of domestic games if they fall within the same midweek as the European tie.
With Rangers set to play the first leg of their crucial play-off encounter in the week beginning August 20, their league fixture against St Mirrenโoriginally scheduled for Saturday, August 24โnow falls within that high-pressure period. As a result, the club believes a postponement will aid their preparation and enhance their chances of securing European group stage football, which is seen as vital both financially and competitively.
Under the new SPFL agreement introduced earlier this year, teams involved in such important European ties can apply to have their domestic fixtures postponed, provided that both clubs and the league authorities agree to the change. Rangers are now awaiting approval from both St Mirren and the SPFL for their request to be granted.
St Mirren, who have started the season in strong form, are yet to publicly comment on the proposal. However, any rescheduling would require coordination to ensure minimal disruption to both clubs’ fixture lists later in the season.
This move highlights the increasing pressure faced by Scottish clubs balancing domestic and European commitments, particularly in the early stages of the season when qualification rounds are in full swing. For Rangers, who are aiming to secure their place in the group stages of a European competition for the fifth consecutive season, managing player workload and preparation time is a top priority.
The outcome of this request could set a precedent for future instances, as more clubs navigate congested calendars and European ambitions. Fans of both sides now await confirmation of whether the St Mirren clash will go ahead as planned or be moved to a later date.
As Rangers continue to push for continental success, ensuring optimal conditions for their squad remains paramount in their broader strategy this season.