Celtic will go directly into the Champions League group stage if they clinch the Premiership title, UEFA have confirmed.
European football's governing body have announced that Russian teams will not be allowed to participate in next season's competition over the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Villarreal's deep run into this season's tournament had raised some concern that the Scottish champions would miss out on an automatic place, given Unai Emery's side will not qualify for 2022/23 through their La Liga placings.
But it was noted that Russian sides were likely to get the boot and render the nightmare Villarreal scenario moot.
And now UEFA have announced that no teams from the Russian Premier League will be allowed into the next edition of their flagship tournament.
That ensures Celtic, who require four points to be confirmed as champions, smooth sailing towards the continent's top table and the promise of a £40million jackpot.
The move also means Hearts, confirmed as third place in the Premiership, are also guaranteed group stage football.
Even if the Jambos fail to make the Europa League groups, they would then drop into the Conference League.
More to follow
