Conference League draw set for Monaco as Hearts lead British charge into league phase

The UEFA Conference League league-phase draw is scheduled for Friday, August 22 at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, following immediately after the Europa League draw, which gets under way at 12pm local time.

How the draw works

Teams are divided into six seeded pots, and an automated system randomly assigns six unique opponents to each participating club. The system simultaneously determines which three of those fixtures are played at home and which three away, while ensuring no side is drawn against a club from their own nation.

The competition format

This season’s Conference League opens with a 36-team league phase. The top eight sides after six matchdays advance directly to the round of 16. Teams finishing between ninth and 24th enter a knockout play-off round, while those below 24th are eliminated.

English clubs

Brighton are the sole English side still in contention, facing Norwegian outfit Tromso in a play-off tie. The Seagulls drew 0-0 in the first leg in Norway and host the return fixture on Thursday. Should they progress, they will be the only Premier League representative in the draw.

Scottish clubs

Scotland could have as many as four clubs in the draw. Hearts are already confirmed in the league phase after eliminating Rapid Wien on penalties — the tie ended 4-4 on aggregate. Rangers hold a 1-0 lead heading to Jablonec, Hibernian are level with Gent ahead of their second leg at Easter Road, and Motherwell face a significant challenge after losing 3-1 to Freiburg at home in the first leg.