Celtic given reprieve over 'Slovan' slip-up
Rodgers' side will face Maribor after UEFA confirm Celtic's win over Slovan Bratislava stands despite ineligible player being fielded
Celtic have been given a reprieve by UEFA after they confirmed the Scottish champions' 3-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League second qualifying round will stand.
Celtic had been facing the prospect of being thrown out of the competition after fielding ineligible Boli Bolingoli in the first leg.
The left-back, who has since joined Russian club Ufa, played the full 90 minutes and scored in the 3-1 victory.
He should have been suspended after picking up three yellow cards for Turkish club Istanbul Basaksehir in last season's Europa League, but the Scottish champions argued they were not informed of the ban by UEFA.
UEFA regulations state that clubs are responsible for ensuring their players are eligible to play, but sources north of the border suggested that Celtic did not receive the paperwork from UEFA in time.
The Hoops were given until Tuesday evening to provide their response to UEFA and they submitted a strongly worded defence.
And their arguments have been accepted by UEFA, who have decided against punishing Celtic.
A statement from European football's governing body read: "The Celtic FC case has been decided following receipt of all necessary documentation on the player's eligibility from the Scottish Football Association (SFA).
"Having examined and considered all the evidence, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body has decided to close the disciplinary proceedings initiated against Celtic FC.
"Consequently, the result of the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round match between Celtic FC and FC Slovan Bratislava, played on 18 August 2020, is confirmed as 3-1 in favour of Celtic FC."
The decision is a major boost for Celtic, who will now face Slovenian champions Maribor in the third qualifying round.
The first leg will be played at Celtic Park on 25 August, with the return leg in Slovenia a week later.
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