The long-running dispute between Celtic and Rangers over away ticket allocation is now moving towards a final resolution, with SPFL officials set to meet on Thursday to deliver a decisive ruling on the matter.
According to a report from The Scottish Sun, league bosses will sit down tomorrow to formally review the situation, with a conclusion expected to follow shortly afterwards.
While the timeline has shifted more than once in recent days, it now appears a decision is finally within reach after a prolonged period of uncertainty between both clubs.
The situation has already escalated beyond direct club negotiations. Rangers took the matter to the SPFL after Celtic refused to release the standard away allocation without conditions attached. With neither side able to reach common ground, the issue was referred to an SPFL sub-committee for further assessment.
That process is still active, but attention is now firmly locked on Thursday’s meeting. Once discussions conclude, the expectation is that a ruling will be issued promptly, giving both clubs enough time to prepare for the upcoming May 10 clash at Celtic Park.
The timing is critical. Ticket distribution, supporter travel arrangements, policing plans, and overall matchday logistics all depend on clarity from the governing body. Any further delay would begin to create complications in how the fixture is organised, particularly given the size and profile of the game.
Beyond the logistics, there is also a wider impact to consider. This is not simply about ticket numbers — it directly influences the atmosphere inside the stadium. A full away allocation brings intensity, noise, and pressure from both ends. A reduced allocation changes the balance of the occasion, especially in a fixture where momentum and fine margins often play a decisive role.
Celtic’s stance has been linked to concerns over ticket management following incidents at Ibrox earlier in the season. Rangers, meanwhile, have maintained that the original agreed allocation should stand without any additional conditions being imposed.
With both clubs holding firm, the responsibility now sits entirely with the SPFL. Under rule I27, the league has the authority to intervene when an agreement cannot be reached, and this is exactly the situation currently being dealt with.
By Thursday evening, a final decision is expected. Whatever the outcome, it will not only settle this season’s derby arrangements but could also influence how future Old Firm ticket disputes are handled going forward, potentially setting a precedent for years to come.