Celtic fans had a lot more to cheer about in the Champions League last season.
There is no doubt that UEFA’s revamping of its format aided Celtic and their quest to improve in Europe’s elite competition.
That’s why Brendan Rodgers’ side remained unbeaten at home during the league phase, and reached the play-off round, only to be beaten right at the death by Bayern Munich.
But, even though Celtic are the champions of Scotland, there is every chance they could be playing in the Europa League in 2025/26, instead of the main competition, and that hasn’t gone down well with Peter Grant.
Celtic in the Champions League
Celtic’s qualifiers for the Champions League start at the end of August, and if they don’t see that through, then it’s Europa League football for next season.
That has annoyed and angered Grant because he thinks it’s ‘ridiculous’ that five teams in England can automatically qualify, but not Celtic, even though they are the champions of their country.
Grant laid it plain and simple, as he told Go Radio how UEFA should go about things, ‘no matter the size of the country.’
“The champions of every country that is involved should be automatically through,” said Grant.
“I have always said that. That’s why you work hard, and that’s why you work hard to get there. Be the champions, it’s called the Champions League for a reason.
“Now, you are getting fifth and sixth place in England, getting into it. That is ridiculous. The champions in first, and if they want to put other teams in to make it bigger, fine.
“But the champions are champions for a reason. Every one of the champions, no matter the size of the country, everyone of them should be in it.”
It’s about ‘money and power’ in the Champions League
But, of course, everybody knows nothing will change, and in truth, it wouldn’t be a surprise if extra teams across the so-called Big Five leagues are handed more seats in the Champions League.
As Grant pointed out, it’s all about ‘money and power’, and the so-called lesser teams are getting ‘smaller and smaller’ because of the calls UEFA are making.
“We (Scotland) never have had (the muscle to do something about it),” added Grant. “You don’t want to fall out with people, and then push you to the side.
“Unfortunately (it’s about money and power). In football, people pay a lot of money, no matter if you are in Luxembourg or Scotland. It doesn’t matter. They are paying their money to watch their team be successful.
“If you are one of the small nations, and you draw Bayern Munich, Celtic, Rangers, whoever wins leagues, coming to your country to your club, that could set them up to make them bigger clubs.
“The finance, and they can build on it. Whereas, as this moment in time, they get smaller, smaller and smaller.”
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