Celtic have delivered a huge statement of intent just hours before their Champions League play-off second leg against LASK unveiling a historic fan ownership scheme that hands power back to the Parkhead faithful as the club builds on a remarkable start to the 2026/27 season under Martin O’Neill.
The announcement comes just 48 hours after Celtic’s stunning 3-0 victory over LASK in the first leg at Celtic Park, with the Hoops now 90 minutes away from securing their place in the Champions League league phase.
The club announced “The Paradise Share” a groundbreaking initiative granting supporters binding voting rights on key club decisions, effective immediately.
The move makes Celtic the first club in Scotland to voluntarily cede decision-making power to its fanbase a bold statement of ambition as the Hoops chase a sixth consecutive Scottish Premiership title.
WHAT THE SCHEME MEANS FOR SUPPORTERS
Under the new initiative, which takes immediate effect:
· A Fan Advisory Board of three elected supporters will attend quarterly board meetings and hold binding votes on non-football operational matters, including ticket pricing, kit designs, and community investment.
· A £2 million ring-fenced fund, drawn from Champions League revenue, will be placed under fan-led management for community projects across Glasgow.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PROMISES TO FANS
As part of “The Paradise Share,” Celtic have made specific pledges:
· European Away Ticket Price Cap A guaranteed price freeze on all Champions League away tickets for 2026/27.
· Fan Representation at European Fixtures Two elected fans will travel with the squad to all Champions League away matches.
· Champions League Bonus Fund 5% of all prize money will be ring-fenced for fan-led initiatives, including subsidized travel.
· European Kit Design Input Supporters will have a binding vote on any Champions League-specific kit or merchandise.
· Post-Match Fan Forums Open forums at Celtic Park after every Champions League home match.
“This is about ensuring our fans are part of every step of our European journey,” a club spokesperson said.
MARTIN O’NEILL: ‘A NEW DAWN
Martin O’Neill, speaking ahead of the crucial second leg, described the announcement as the perfect way to build momentum.
“This is a new dawn for Celtic,” O’Neill said.
“We’ve had a fantastic start four games, thirteen goals, and a 3-0 lead to take to Austria. Our fans are the heartbeat of this club, and giving them a genuine voice is exactly what this great club deserves.”
O’Neill, appointed permanently in June after guiding Celtic to a domestic double as interim manager, has been fully behind the proposal.
“This isn’t just about one season. This is about building something that will last. And having the fans alongside us, with a real seat at the table, makes that vision even stronger.”
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDER DERMOT DESMOND: ‘FANS AT THE HEART OF OUR FUTURE’
Principal shareholder Dermot Desmond framed the decision as a defining moment.
“This is a historic day for Celtic,” Desmond said.
“We have always believed that our fans make this club special. Now, we give them a formal role in shaping our future not as spectators, but as partners.”
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER AT CELTIC PARK
Celtic’s 3-0 victory over LASK was a statement performance.
Benjamin Nygren opened the scoring before Camilo Duran added two spectacular volleys to put the Hoops firmly in control .
“He was exceptional,” O’Neill said of Duran. “Whatever we paid for Durán, I think he has paid his ticket by now.”
The result puts Celtic in pole position ahead of Tuesday’s second leg in Austria.
RECORD-BREAKING SIGNINGS PAY OFF
Celtic have had a significant summer, bringing in four quality signings.
Camilo Duran joined from Qarabag for £4.5 million and has scored six goals in his last six Champions League matches .
Kasper Høgh arrived from Bodo/Glimt for a club-record £11 million.
Haissem Hassan joined from Real Oviedo for an initial £6 million .
Mika Baur arrived from Paderborn for around £6.8m, becoming Celtic’s fourth summer signing .
THE PERFECT START TO THE SEASON
Celtic have made a blistering start, scoring 13 goals in four games .
Benjamin Nygren has found the net in every match so far .
The Hoops secured a 56th Scottish title on the final day of last season with a 3-1 victory over Hearts .
FAN REACTION: ‘THIS IS OUR CLUB’
Within minutes, the hashtag #ParadiseShare exploded across Glasgow.
Jimmy McGhee, 64, a lifelong fan, said:
“Wednesday was special 3-0 with goals that will be talked about for years. And now this? The club saying: ‘We belong to you.’ And those Champions League promises? Incredible. What a time to be a Celt!”
Aileen O’Donnell, 32, added:
“The atmosphere on Wednesday was incredible. And now the fans have a real say. The Champions League promises are the icing on the cake.”
Former captain Neil Lennon posted:
“A brilliant move and what a week to announce it! Wednesday’s performance was world-class, and now the fans have a voice. Exciting times ahead.”
The Celtic Trust called the move “a landmark moment,” with chair Jeanette Findlay adding:
“The Paradise Share is a genuine step forward and a sign that the club truly values its supporters.”
A spokesperson for the Football Supporters Association Scotland added:
“Celtic have set a marker here. A positive step for fan engagement.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE SEASON AHEAD
With a 3-0 lead to defend in Austria and the Premiership title defence underway, excitement is building at Parkhead.
“We’re ready,” O’Neill said.
“The energy around this club is incredible. A great squad, a clear vision, Champions League football to look forward to, and now the fans are right there with us not just in the stands, but in the decision-making too.”
One fan, Sean Kelly, 46, summed up the mood:
“A 3-0 win, four quality signings, and now the fans have a real say all in the same week. This is going to be a season to remember.”
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
A full governance document will be published within 14 days.
All eyes turn to the second leg in Austria on Tuesday where Celtic will look to secure their place in the Champions League league phase, with a legendary manager at the helm and a fanbase empowered like never before.
