Footballfirst Posted March 1, 2021 Share Posted March 1, 2021 Today's SFA update on the suspension of football. There is no update. https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/news/suspension-of-football-update-1-march/?rid=13929 Monday 1 March 2021 As outlined at the weekend by the National Clinical Director for Scotland, Professor Jason Leitch, the Scottish FA has been in regular dialogue with the Scottish Government since the temporary suspension of football was implemented on January 12. This suspension was approved by the Board of the Scottish FA against a backdrop of increased positive cases for COVID-19 nationwide caused by new strains of the virus. Following a meeting with the Minister for Public Health Sport and Wellbeing, Mairi Gougeon, a temporary suspension of all football was agreed, encompassing all predominantly part-time tiers of Scottish professional football: SPFL League One, SPFL League Two, Scottish Women’s Football Premier Leagues 1 & 2, Highland League, Lowland League, East, West & South of Scotland Leagues, Scottish Junior FA Leagues and the North Caledonian League. Since then, a series of discussions have taken place via video conference with all leagues affected by the suspension, to establish the measures and protocols under which each might resume their competitions. This information has been shared with the Scottish Government and, while it has been positively received, we await a final decision from Ministers. Rod Petrie, Scottish FA President: “We are grateful to all leagues, clubs and participants affected by the temporary suspension for their patience and understanding during this period of uncertainty. They have played their part in keeping the nation safe and restricting the potential spread of the virus. “I would also like to thank the representatives from those leagues and clubs, who have been proactive and collaborative in giving their input into safe and sustainable plans for a to return to competition. “These plans have already been discussed with government officials. We look forward to hearing when and in what circumstances those leagues which have been suspended can return to training and, ultimately, to playing.” Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
third lanark Posted March 1, 2021 Share Posted March 1, 2021 Absolute farce - a statement to say there is no news- Partick Thistle and others continue to be shafted by these characters Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Kilpatrick Posted March 1, 2021 Share Posted March 1, 2021 46 minutes ago, third lanark said: Absolute farce - a statement to say there is no news- Partick Thistle and others continue to be shafted by these characters The way Partick have been treated is abominable. No doubt Mulraney will also get relegation stopped too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamboinglasgow Posted March 1, 2021 Share Posted March 1, 2021 Its been the same since the first day of this pandemic, those in charge of Scottish football are refusing to show any leadership and leaving their members high and dry. They are passing the buck to the government, who will pass it back to the league/sfa and it will continue while youth football misses out, womens football misses out and all bar two leagues face a financial nightmare. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manaliveits105 Posted March 1, 2021 Share Posted March 1, 2021 Trying to blame the government nothing to do with us routine aye right Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey1874 Posted March 1, 2021 Share Posted March 1, 2021 1 hour ago, third lanark said: Absolute farce - a statement to say there is no news- Partick Thistle and others continue to be shafted by these characters Buying time. No one has explained this properly. What's pre season going to be? 3 weeks? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Voice of reason Posted March 1, 2021 Share Posted March 1, 2021 Apparently the SFA keep cancelling and pushing back the meeting with the lower league clubs and SWPL. Interesting that two of the SFA board are the chairmen of Alloa and Brechin, who both benefit from the lower two leagues being null and voided as they’d avoid the drop. The SFA don’t appear in any rush to get these leagues going again for some reason. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ToqueJambo Posted March 1, 2021 Share Posted March 1, 2021 59 minutes ago, manaliveits105 said: Trying to blame the government nothing to do with us routine aye right The last few months have seen them blaming the government for everything while pleading with them to allow crowds in. Geniuses they are. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ToqueJambo Posted March 1, 2021 Share Posted March 1, 2021 3 minutes ago, Voice of reason said: Apparently the SFA keep cancelling and pushing back the meeting with the lower league clubs and SWPL. Interesting that two of the SFA board are the chairmen of Alloa and Brechin, who both benefit from the lower two leagues being null and voided as they’d avoid the drop. The SFA don’t appear in any rush to get these leagues going again for some reason. If only everyone was stuck at home with nothing to do 24/7 and there was an instant and free video conferencing system literally everyone with a computer knows how to use that could enable such a meeting to happen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newton51 Posted March 1, 2021 Share Posted March 1, 2021 (edited) https://twitter.com/record_sport/status/1366516095415320576?s=21 Blaming the government now Edited March 1, 2021 by Newton51 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ToqueJambo Posted March 1, 2021 Share Posted March 1, 2021 Reconstructing on a one-off basis with all the FT clubs - ie clubs confident of completing the season, testing etc - in one or two leagues and all the part-timers in their own one or two leagues (that can be stopped without ruining livelihoods) was always the way to go to prevent the kind of damage they are inflicting on FT clubs like PT. No promotion or relegation but award titles and European spots. At the end of the pandemic they could have shifted to the reconstructed leagues proposed last year, then if people didn't like those, within a couple of years revert back to the way it was. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jambomjm74 Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 10 hours ago, Newton51 said: https://twitter.com/record_sport/status/1366516095415320576?s=21 Blaming the government now Surely the decision sits between govt and the football authorities. People may not trust either at this moment in time .... I tend to think it’s not a govt priority and that discussions on the specifics to open are ongoing especially as this covers more than two leagues. The press release seems to be a bit of pressure on the govt. to speed up and release things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Findlay Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 12 hours ago, Voice of reason said: Apparently the SFA keep cancelling and pushing back the meeting with the lower league clubs and SWPL. Interesting that two of the SFA board are the chairmen of Alloa and Brechin, who both benefit from the lower two leagues being null and voided as they’d avoid the drop. The SFA don’t appear in any rush to get these leagues going again for some reason. If this is the case then i expect club CEOs/chairmen to start calling the SPFL/SFA out on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SectionDJambo Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 10 hours ago, ToqueJambo said: Reconstructing on a one-off basis with all the FT clubs - ie clubs confident of completing the season, testing etc - in one or two leagues and all the part-timers in their own one or two leagues (that can be stopped without ruining livelihoods) was always the way to go to prevent the kind of damage they are inflicting on FT clubs like PT. No promotion or relegation but award titles and European spots. At the end of the pandemic they could have shifted to the reconstructed leagues proposed last year, then if people didn't like those, within a couple of years revert back to the way it was. There were plenty of options to protect all of the clubs, big and small, by a temporary reconstruction and potential mothballing of some clubs last summer. Almost all of them thought only about self preservation, hurting rival clubs and dumping the cost of the pandemic onto 3 of their member clubs whilst stifling the threat from ambitious clubs looking to get promoted into the SPFL. They all thought that October would see the pandemic fizzle out. No forward thinking of a solution to help every club should it not. They all knew that the SPFL board couldn't be trusted, seen by the vote against giving Doncaster and Lawwell's cabal the power to call the leagues, without a specific vote on it, in future. We have the JRG talking shop, created as a smokescreen to stop any talk of temporary reconstruction, which has acheived very little other than stop some clubs playing and training. Doncaster earns £400,000+ for we know not what. He seems to be the only thing within the SPFL which hasn't lost money. He's been allowed to get away with it. The SPFL clubs have got what they deserve. Their greed, spite and self interest has got them where they are. If they're looking for fairness or positive innovation from the SPFL, SFA or JRG, they'll be waiting for a while. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TyphoonJambo Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 (edited) Its abundantly clear that the sfa consider the lower leagues nothing more than a minor inconvenience but a handy sacrificial cow, to be thrown to the lions whenever any deflection from their total ineptitude is required. Not fit for purpose and,unless the lower league chairmen actually enjoy taking it double handed and dry, should be taken to task. Collectively they must have the numbers to force them to stand up and justify themselves. What they need is an independent inquiry.🤔 Edited March 2, 2021 by TypoonJambo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nookie Bear Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 12 minutes ago, SectionDJambo said: There were plenty of options to protect all of the clubs, big and small, by a temporary reconstruction and potential mothballing of some clubs last summer. Almost all of them thought only about self preservation, hurting rival clubs and dumping the cost of the pandemic onto 3 of their member clubs whilst stifling the threat from ambitious clubs looking to get promoted into the SPFL. They all thought that October would see the pandemic fizzle out. No forward thinking of a solution to help every club should it not. They all knew that the SPFL board couldn't be trusted, seen by the vote against giving Doncaster and Lawwell's cabal the power to call the leagues, without a specific vote on it, in future. We have the JRG talking shop, created as a smokescreen to stop any talk of temporary reconstruction, which has acheived very little other than stop some clubs playing and training. Doncaster earns £400,000+ for we know not what. He seems to be the only thing within the SPFL which hasn't lost money. He's been allowed to get away with it. The SPFL clubs have got what they deserve. Their greed, spite and self interest has got them where they are. If they're looking for fairness or positive innovation from the SPFL, SFA or JRG, they'll be waiting for a while. Spot on. Nearly every one of those clbs backed this Board over the summer and they can sink along with it. Like Tory voters complaining about the NHS. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avhudtheteeshirt Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 When we first started training the Aberdeen 6 were caught out and we had to stop training as a hand of peace to the SG? Further covid breaches and they again take it out on the lower leagues? How can the SFA/SPFL still be blaming everyone bar themselves? The whole hierarchy of Scottish football needs cleared out and reset!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Footballfirst Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davemclaren Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 3 minutes ago, Footballfirst said: Next stop Brora. 🥴 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sid Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 These clubs are collateral damage to avoid real sanctions against Celtic and Aberdeen who are the ones who have done the real damage to Scottish Football reputation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lone Striker Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 Nicola Sturgeon announcement at Holyrood today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey1874 Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 Nicola says football is back. Notable part of opening comments. Formal announcement by Sports Minister later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heartsfc_fan Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 (edited) I'd be amazed if league 1 and 2 complete 27 games. Some of the teams in league 2 have only played 8 games. They'll be needing to play 2 games a week till the end of April. That's with the best hope weather conditions don't call off matches. And then there's playoffs to squeeze in. Assuming they aren't binned... Edited March 2, 2021 by heartsfc_fan . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lone Striker Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 3 minutes ago, heartsfc_fan said: I'd be amazed if league 1 and 2 complete 27 games. Some of the teams in league 2 have only played 8 games. They'll be needing to play 2 games a week till the end of April. That's with the best hope weather conditions don't call off matches. And then there's playoffs to squeeze in. Assuming they aren't binned... You're probably right. Curtail it even more ? 18 game season ? The SFA/SPFL can't now keep blaming the government, at least. The Brechin guy may be having palpatations though - he was presumably hoping that there'd be no more football for his tinpot league so that his club could survive yet another year through artificial means. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milky_26 Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 1 minute ago, Lone Striker said: You're probably right. Curtail it even more ? 18 game season ? The SFA/SPFL can't now keep blaming the government, at least. The Brechin guy may be having palpatations though - he was presumably hoping that there'd be no more football for his tinpot league so that his club could survive yet another year through artificial means. that idiot will be pushing for reconstruction to try and save his tinpot club Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamboinglasgow Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 Maybe its just me, but I dont see why they cant allow the Highland and Lowland leagues if they follow the same rules as League 1 and 2. But at least some leagues are getting back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey1874 Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 Just now, jamboinglasgow said: Maybe its just me, but I dont see why they cant allow the Highland and Lowland leagues if they follow the same rules as League 1 and 2. But at least some leagues are getting back. Has someone said they are not included? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kila Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 Lower leagues could finish later, but then the Championship playoff will feature a team that hasn't played for weeks. It's probably what'll happen though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamboinglasgow Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 Just now, Mikey1874 said: Has someone said they are not included? As there is only Highland league clubs left in Scottish club (no Lowland league clubs) then Brora Rangers, Buckie Thistle, Huntly, Formantine United and Keith are allowed to train for the only purpose of playing in the Scottish cup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey1874 Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 5 minutes ago, jamboinglasgow said: As there is only Highland league clubs left in Scottish club (no Lowland league clubs) then Brora Rangers, Buckie Thistle, Huntly, Formantine United and Keith are allowed to train for the only purpose of playing in the Scottish cup. We can give them some tips Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NANOJAMBO Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 21 hours ago, Footballfirst said: Today's SFA update on the suspension of football. There is no update. https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/news/suspension-of-football-update-1-march/?rid=13929 Monday 1 March 2021 As outlined at the weekend by the National Clinical Director for Scotland, Professor Jason Leitch, the Scottish FA has been in regular dialogue with the Scottish Government since the temporary suspension of football was implemented on January 12. This suspension was approved by the Board of the Scottish FA against a backdrop of increased positive cases for COVID-19 nationwide caused by new strains of the virus. Following a meeting with the Minister for Public Health Sport and Wellbeing, Mairi Gougeon, a temporary suspension of all football was agreed, encompassing all predominantly part-time tiers of Scottish professional football: SPFL League One, SPFL League Two, Scottish Women’s Football Premier Leagues 1 & 2, Highland League, Lowland League, East, West & South of Scotland Leagues, Scottish Junior FA Leagues and the North Caledonian League. Since then, a series of discussions have taken place via video conference with all leagues affected by the suspension, to establish the measures and protocols under which each might resume their competitions. This information has been shared with the Scottish Government and, while it has been positively received, we await a final decision from Ministers. Rod Petrie, Scottish FA President: “We are grateful to all leagues, clubs and participants affected by the temporary suspension for their patience and understanding during this period of uncertainty. They have played their part in keeping the nation safe and restricting the potential spread of the virus. “I would also like to thank the representatives from those leagues and clubs, who have been proactive and collaborative in giving their input into safe and sustainable plans for a to return to competition. “These plans have already been discussed with government officials. We look forward to hearing when and in what circumstances those leagues which have been suspended can return to training and, ultimately, to playing.” Petrie clearly implying they need govt approval to get back to work. Has the SG approved his plans either in part or in principle ? He doesn't say. He doesn't say anything. Clearly implying there is no date set for a further meeting and trying to shift the blame on the SG for any further delay. A big long statement that tells the clubs/the public absolutely nothing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NANOJAMBO Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 9 minutes ago, kila said: Lower leagues could finish later, but then the Championship playoff will feature a team that hasn't played for weeks. It's probably what'll happen though. True - but the SFA & the other clubs thought it was OK for Hearts to play a national cup semi final when all the other clubs had a competitive advantage because they'd been playing for weeks before Hearts even started training . Suck it up lads. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey1874 Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 3 minutes ago, NANOJAMBO said: Petrie clearly implying they need govt approval to get back to work. Has the SG approved his plans either in part or in principle ? He doesn't say. He doesn't say anything. Clearly implying there is no date set for a further meeting and trying to shift the blame on the SG for any further delay. A big long statement that tells the clubs/the public absolutely nothing. Scottish Government statement later today Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NANOJAMBO Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 1 minute ago, Mikey1874 said: Scottish Government statement later today What's the date of Petrie's statement - I can't read the Twitter statement as I closed my account. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Treasurer Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 33 minutes ago, heartsfc_fan said: I'd be amazed if league 1 and 2 complete 27 games. Some of the teams in league 2 have only played 8 games. They'll be needing to play 2 games a week till the end of April. That's with the best hope weather conditions don't call off matches. And then there's playoffs to squeeze in. Assuming they aren't binned... Two games a week.? You mean Saturday and Tuesday /Wednesday Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey1874 Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 1 minute ago, The Treasurer said: Two games a week.? You mean Saturday and Tuesday /Wednesday The English did that to finish their leagues last season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hungry hippo Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 31 minutes ago, Lone Striker said: You're probably right. Curtail it even more ? 18 game season ? The SFA/SPFL can't now keep blaming the government, at least. The Brechin guy may be having palpatations though - he was presumably hoping that there'd be no more football for his tinpot league so that his club could survive yet another year through artificial means. Was suggested (possibly a link earlier in this thread) that they are considering playing everyone twice then teams in same half of league once more ie 22 games. Would seem like a very achievable number of games and still allow time for playoffs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davemclaren Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 18 minutes ago, NANOJAMBO said: True - but the SFA & the other clubs thought it was OK for Hearts to play a national cup semi final when all the other clubs had a competitive advantage because they'd been playing for weeks before Hearts even started training . Suck it up lads. Correct. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Treasurer Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 8 minutes ago, Mikey1874 said: The English did that to finish their leagues last season. Its not that hard a schedule even for part time players Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Footballfirst Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 (edited) If only certain HL clubs can resume training with a view to competing in the Scottish Cup, then I would support them should they wish to withdraw from the competition. If it is deemed safe for them to play cup ties, then why not league games and play offs. It sounds awfully like the non SPFL leagues have again been sacrificed to save Brechin, Albion Rovers etc. Edited March 2, 2021 by Footballfirst Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lone Striker Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 (edited) 5 minutes ago, Footballfirst said: If only certain HL clubs can resume training with a view to competing in the Scottish Cup, then I would support them should they wish to withdraw from the competition. If it is deemed safe for them to play cup ties, then why not league games and play offs. It sounds awfully like the non SPFL leagues have again been sacrificed to save Brechin, Albion Rovers etc. .... which would suggest that the SG have accepted a proposal from Petrie to that effect. It would be rather contentious for the SG to come up with that on their own, n'est pas ? Edited March 2, 2021 by Lone Striker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey1874 Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 7 minutes ago, Footballfirst said: If only certain HL clubs can resume training with a view to competing in the Scottish Cup, then I would support them should they wish to withdraw from the competition. If it is deemed safe for them to play cup ties, then why not league games and play offs. It sounds awfully like the non SPFL leagues have again been sacrificed to save Brechin, Albion Rovers etc. With a Reconstruction proposal to add the Rangers and Celtic Colts. Possibly last years Highland and Lowland League winners. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jambomjm74 Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 4 minutes ago, Mikey1874 said: Has someone said they are not included? 10 minutes ago, Footballfirst said: If only certain HL clubs can resume training with a view to competing in the Scottish Cup, then I would support them should they wish to withdraw from the competition. If it is deemed safe for them to play cup ties, then why not league games and play offs. It sounds awfully like the non SPFL leagues have again been sacrificed to save Brechin, Albion Rovers etc. Who asked for the sacrifice, the govt and advisors or the football authorities? I’d expect both and a joint decision Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Footballfirst Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 Just now, jambomjm74 said: Who asked for the sacrifice, the govt and advisors or the football authorities? I’d expect both and a joint decision I'd suggest that the SFA through the JRG has made a recommendation for the resumption of the semi professional leagues (perhaps with a testing caveat). I can't see the SG intervening at that particular level to say some leagues can play but others can't on the basis of being full-time or part-time . However, I'd expect the SG to give some guidance on the resumption of organised sport for youngsters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SectionDJambo Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 So the plan to save Brechin City, this time, is to prevent any non league club winning the right to a play off? But it’s ok for a non league club, still in this season’s Scottish Cup, to play any cup ties it is drawn to play in? Can’t see many non leagues clubs bothering with that arrangement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hungry hippo Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 13 minutes ago, SectionDJambo said: So the plan to save Brechin City, this time, is to prevent any non league club winning the right to a play off? But it’s ok for a non league club, still in this season’s Scottish Cup, to play any cup ties it is drawn to play in? Can’t see many non leagues clubs bothering with that arrangement. And this season's guilt trip of fairness will be that 2 tier 5 teams can be saved from the unfairness of not being promoted by agreeing to reconstruction including Old Firm colts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NANOJAMBO Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 52 minutes ago, jambomjm74 said: Who asked for the sacrifice, the govt and advisors or the football authorities? I’d expect both and a joint decision Can anyone clarify ? I can't make any sense of the Petrie/SG statement : who proposed that the lower leagues cannot restart ? Petrie says proposals were put to SG (but no details on the content) and it's impossible to tell from the SG statement why the lower leagues aren't restarting. Did the govt refuse to allow it or did the SPFL not ask for it ? And why would womens football get the go ahead over the long established lower league clubs (I'm not being sexist, I just don't see the sense in it) ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hungry hippo Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 8 minutes ago, NANOJAMBO said: Can anyone clarify ? I can't make any sense of the Petrie/SG statement : who proposed that the lower leagues cannot restart ? Petrie says proposals were put to SG (but no details on the content) and it's impossible to tell from the SG statement why the lower leagues aren't restarting. Did the govt refuse to allow it or did the SPFL not ask for it ? And why would womens football get the go ahead over the long established lower league clubs (I'm not being sexist, I just don't see the sense in it) ? Regarding the womens top level football point, Jason Leitch specifically mentioned last week that he was keen to ensure that this was allowed to resume asap. He said he didn't want to discriminate despite this being officially classed as roughly tier 6 or 7 (that's from my memory) equivalent by the SFA and was looking to see how this could be allowed to resume alongside some of the mens teams. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NANOJAMBO Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 4 minutes ago, Hungry hippo said: Regarding the womens top level football point, Jason Leitch specifically mentioned last week that he was keen to ensure that this was allowed to resume asap. He said he didn't want to discriminate despite this being officially classed as roughly tier 6 or 7 (that's from my memory) equivalent by the SFA and was looking to see how this could be allowed to resume alongside some of the mens teams. Sure, I get that. But it sounds like positive discrimination - ie what is it the womens football have to do to satisfy the SG criteria for a restart that the lower league clubs cannot satisfy ? Or is it the case the SPFL simply do not wish to restart the lower leagues and have never submitted (satisfactory) plans to do so ? Maybe we'll get a clue if there's an outcry from the lower clubs after today (I won't hold my breath). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Footballfirst Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 SFA Statement https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/news/first-minister-announces-gradual-lifting-of-suspension/?rid=13929 Tuesday 2 March 2021 The Scottish FA welcomes news from the First Minister that Scottish Women’s Premier League 1 and SPFL League One and Two can return to football activity immediately. The parameters under which that return is allowed follows discussions between the Scottish FA and representatives of each league and based on the current SPFL Premiership and Championship Joint Response Group Protocols, including a requirement to undertake PCR testing once per week. Scottish Women’s Football Premier League 2, Highland League, Lowland League, East, West & South of Scotland Leagues, Scottish Junior FA Leagues and the North Caledonian League all remain under temporary suspension and their return to football activity will be reviewed in line with the Scottish Government’s road map out of the COVID-19 crisis. We will continue to liaise with representatives of those leagues in the coming weeks to establish appropriate return to football protocols. The Scottish Cup has also been given approval to resume, with all clubs in the competition given permission to participate subject to compliance with PCR testing requirements. Revised Scottish Cup fixture dates will be announced as soon as possible. The SPFL and SWF will also update on the respective league fixture schedules in due course. Rod Petrie, Scottish FA President: “We are pleased that the First Minister has again recognised the importance of football in Scotland. The decision to temporarily suspend parts of the professional game played by predominantly part-time teams was not an easy one to take. None the less, given the sharp rise in infection rates caused by new strains of the virus at the start of the year, it was the right thing to do to assist the national effort to reduce its prevalence during lockdown. “The preparatory work undertaken with representatives of affected leagues and their commitment to the inclusion of weekly PCR testing, has given ministers the confidence to permit the return of SWPL 1 and SPFL League One and Two. “While we are pleased to see the return of these leagues, there remain significant numbers unable to return to play, including the remaining levels of the professional pyramid, elite youth football, club youth football and our amateur and grassroots clubs across both the male and female game. “We are acutely aware of the desire within those levels of football to return to playing football and we will continue to work with the Scottish Government to ensure they are able to as soon as it is safe to do so.” Mairi Gougeon, Minister for Public Health and Sport: “We are aware of the importance of football, at all levels, to many people in Scotland and I’m happy that we have been able to work closely with the Scottish FA to allow the resumption of some further football activity – starting with SPFL Leagues 1 and 2, SWPL1 and clubs still in this season’s Scottish Cup. “This could only happen alongside enhanced measures to keep everyone safe, including mandatory weekly COVID PCR tests for all players and staff. “We continue to discuss with the Scottish FA and other stakeholders to ensure football at all levels can resume as soon as it is safe to do so.” Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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