Scots apply the 10-yard rule

Celtic will have to get used to two sets of rules

Scotland will be the first country in the world to officially introduce a rugby-style free-kick rule into a top-flight football competition.

The rule will be introduced into the Scottish League Cup next season with the likes of Celtic and Rangers having to become accustomed with the new procedures.

When a free kick is awarded, as well as the player being cautioned, the referee will be able to move the ball 10 yards towards the goal.

At the moment, the rule will only apply to the cup competition and not the Scottish leagues.

This means all teams will have to get used to two sets of rules.

It's quite straightforward and basically follows the current rules at the moment except that the official has a right to move a free kick forward 10 yards

Scottish FA's George Cumming

Scottish Football Association's development director George Cumming told BBC Sport Online that Scotland will be experimenting with the idea.

"It's quite straightforward and basically follows the current rules at the moment except that the official has a right to move a free kick forward 10 yards," said Cumming.

The new rules have already been tested in Jersey and more recently in the Auto Windscreens Cup competition in England.

Cumming also stated that any such free kick that has been awarded would be directed towards the edge of the six-yard box, but no further, whether it be on the far right or left.

Further tests in England are due to be carried out and the experiment is also set to be introduced in Argentina.