No. Under the current rules, the Premier League is limited to clubs playing in England and Wales, so Scottish clubs such as Celtic and Rangers are outside the competition.
The rule sets the boundary
Premier League Rule B.1 in the 2026/27 handbook says the competition consists of teams of football clubs playing in England and Wales, with no more than 20 clubs as League members. That is a rule about which clubs can be in the competition, not about where players come from.
Because of that wording, Scottish clubs, along with clubs from Ireland and Northern Ireland, are not part of the Premier League. Celtic and Rangers fall outside the defined group of eligible clubs.
Welsh clubs have played in the Premier League
Here are the Welsh clubs that have appeared in the Premier League.
| Club | Premier League seasons | Number of seasons |
|---|---|---|
| Swansea City | 2011/12 to 2017/18 | 7 |
| Cardiff City | 2013/14, 2018/19 | 2 |
No Welsh club has won the title, and there is no Welsh club in the 2026/27 Premier League.
How clubs enter and leave the league
Rule C.14 says the bottom three clubs at the end of the season are relegated to the EFL. For 2026/27, the three promoted clubs were Coventry City, Hull City and Ipswich Town, all coming up from the EFL.
Where else Wales appears in the rules
Wales is mentioned in other parts of the handbook too. Time registered with a club under the Football Association of Wales counts toward Home Grown status, and a club with its registered address in Wales may make loans with clubs in the Welsh Premier League.
FAQ
Can Celtic join the Premier League?
Not under the current Premier League rules. The block comes from the competition's club definition, which covers clubs playing in England and Wales.
Can Rangers play in the Premier League?
No, for the same reason. Rangers are a Scottish club, and Scottish clubs are outside the competition as Rule B.1 defines it.
Are there any Welsh teams in the Premier League now?
As of 15 September 2026, no. Two Welsh clubs have played in the league in its history: Swansea City and Cardiff City.
Can players from Scotland, Ireland or Northern Ireland be in the Premier League?
Yes. Club eligibility and player nationality are separate issues. As of 15 September 2026, the listed 2026/27 squads included nine Scottish players, 10 from the Republic of Ireland, seven from Northern Ireland and 14 Welsh players.