Celtic could be handed a massive Champions League boost if FIFA boot Benfica out of the tournament and choose not to replace them.
A UEFA spokesman has said it is possible that Celtic, Manchester United and FC Copenhagen could be left to battle for the two qualification spots if FIFA throw the book at the Portuguese FA, after Gil Vicente started civil proceeding in an attempt to avoid relegation – in violation of the world governing body’s rules.
A UEFA spokesman said: ‘If FIFA decide to ban the Portuguese FA and its clubs then that will obviously have an impact on our competition. But it is only at that point we would have a look to see what else UEFA could do.
‘For instance, as one of the options, we would have to decide whether or not to play the group with just three teams.’
FIFA have given the Portuguese FA until September 14 to resolve the issue – after the group stages begin. Benfica will play at Copenhagen the day before but could have the result wiped from the records if FIFA eject them, leaving Celtic with a fantastic chance of making the last-16.