ian1964

AFC Chairman, Dave Cormack, said: “It is hard to comprehend the extent of the unprecedented circumstances we are facing. In these worrying times, what happens in football needs to be put into context. However, we recognise that many, particularly those who depend on the Club for their livelihoods and our fans, are looking to us for some answers. “Our priority has, and will continue to be, the health and well-being of all our employees, including football management and players, our fans and sponsors as well as our suppliers and contractors. We are acutely aware of the anxiety they will be feeling, which is exacerbated by everyone working from home. “The over-riding aim of the Board is to provide clear and transparent leadership in this unparalleled period of uncertainty. But, as Scottish Clubs await the decisions on what happens next, there are so many moving parts, largely outwith our control, that it’s impossible to provide any degree of clarity or certainty at this time. “What we do know is that we are facing a collapse of income that is going to be almost impossible to sustain for a prolonged period. “Three weeks ago we were in a healthy financial position; free of external debt, with £1.5million in the bank. We had expected income of about £1million from four home league games and the Scottish Cup Semi-Final and, potentially, £5million in season ticket sales, seasonal hospitality and new shirt sales coming in through mid-July. Our monthly running costs are about £1.2million and it’s only prudent to assume that, realistically, there will be no football until July perhaps, at the earliest. “During this period, we are therefore facing £5million in outgoings with no expected income. No matches are planned and we have no idea when a new season starts, never mind the current season ending, and it is highly unlikely there will be any player sales in the summer. “This situation is clearly unsustainable. No club, whatever their size, scale or level of investment, can withstand a total lack of income over a period of anything between three to six months. “We are doing everything we can to mitigate this over the next few months and protect our hardworking, dedicated and loyal workforce and all those who depend on the Club. “Once we have answers to these questions, the Board will recommend a course of action to ensure the Club’s future. This will include asking investors, including myself, to support the plan. We will be facing some tough decisions and we will need everyone to come together and play their part in efforts to make sure the Club get through this period. “We will be issuing regular updates as the situation becomes clearer and the Club has explored all its options. In the meantime, the Club, along with the AFC Community Trust, remains committed to our #StillStandingFree campaign which is providing valuable, practical support to those in need among our fanbase and the wider community.” https://www.afc.co.uk/2020/03/23/afc-update-message-from-the-chairman/

Lifted from FF, John Hartson. "We're in uncharted waters. Nobody saw this coming."This could last another six, eight, nine months - and we'd have to close the season then."If the season doesn't get going then I think Rangers would come away with an awful lot of credit and great sportsmanship with the lead that Celtic have - it is a huge lead."Celtic probably need to lose five of their last eight games to be overtaken. Let's be realistic, that ain't going to happen."If Rangers were to say 'Right ok you have been worthy champions, you've got a massive lead and if the season was to stop Celtic would be handed the title'."I could honestly say I would say exactly the same thing if Rangers had the lead that Celtic have. "There are certain cases, in my opinion, where you go 'Lets have a bit of common sense here'."If Rangers were to do something like that as a football club I really think it would bring football together. "Look at the gratitude they would show. I think they would come out of it with huge respect and gratitude from the other clubs."It would be unbelievable if something like that was to happen."There is no way in anyone's mind that Rangers could catch Celtic."

Break the boredom, this site has some top quality matches

Interesting to see Rangers reaction if this scandalous decision goes ahead!

Celtic title alert as Highland League cancelled and Brora declared champions Sun running this Highland League set Scottish football precedent as Brora Rangers crowned champions Record

RANGERS are the ideal partner for Orange County SC, according to the South Californian Club’s President of Soccer Operations Oliver Wyss. https://rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/rangers-are-the-ideal-partner/

Lifted from FF, looks like a good website for Rangers matches, I've not tried it yet. https://footballia.net/teams/rangers-fc

Lawwell said: "I know you will be very aware of the continuing developments in respect of the COVID-19 crisis. Clearly for some time now, the club has been monitoring the situation closely and, of course, its potential impact on our supporters, our colleagues and our organisation. "We continue to do this, and through daily executive management briefings we are doing all we can to play our part in tackling the spread of this virus. "This is a worrying time for us all. In such a difficult situation for everyone concerned, above all, the health and well-being of people is of paramount importance. I would like to thank all our staff for their ongoing commitment and professionalism in very challenging circumstances, and I thank our fans for their understanding and tremendous ongoing support and engagement. "We all continue to navigate our way through these unprecedented times with continued teamwork and support for each other. We urge all our colleagues and supporters to do all they can to stay safe at this time. "With regard to the present domestic Premiership League situation, our strong preference is, of course, to complete all remaining matches. To date, we have had a magnificent campaign, undefeated in this calendar year, completing 30 league matches already to create a commanding lead and we are now on the cusp of winning our ninth successive title. "As many have already said, the season cannot be voided as the consequences of that are so severe. In the event that the matches cannot be completed, then the responsibility to find a fair and reasonable solution for the finalisation of all domestic leagues will be with the Scottish football governing bodies. READ MORECoronavirus Grips Scottish Football RECAP as football reacts to COVID-19 Budge explains brutal cuts McGinn deal could save St Mirren SFA give funding boost "We hope that the governing bodies are able to provide some clarity to clubs and supporters as soon as possible on the way forward, although we appreciate that this is a hugely demanding time. "During such a difficult period, we also extend our thoughts to all other football clubs who are affected by these events and facing such uncertainty. We realise the hugely damaging effect these circumstances will have on clubs of all sizes across Scotland, Europe and beyond."The health of everyone in football and society is always the priority, but we hope clubs find a way through these testing times and ensure that the game we all love can thrive again as soon as possible."Lawwell also addressed the Celtic support directly, confirming the club were setting aside resources to help those affected by the pandemic.Supporters should wait for an official, detailed announcement from the club in due course, with Lawwell committing to "as much as we possibly can".He added: "Everyone at Celtic Football Club and Celtic FC Foundation is aware of how Coronavirus is impacting on our communities. We are pleased to announce today that we are putting resources in place with the aim of helping the most vulnerable in our society during this period and we will make an announcement shortly with regards to these plans. Our aim is to do as much as we possibly can to help those in need. "We know Celtic supporters are famous for their spirit of solidarity and togetherness. We understand that this is a hugely difficult situation for everyone across the globe, but by working together we know we can overcome these challenges. Click to find out more about a new promotionDon't miss this content from our sponsor"While this is a situation which is developing constantly, we will continue to keep our supporters updated as much as we possibly can. We thank you for your continued support, we wish you and your families well and we look forward to you being back with us as soon as possible. "With sincere best wishes from everyone at Celtic Football Club."

Tuesday 17 March 2020 The Joint Response Group continues to meet daily. Earlier today, a UEFA videoconference call involving all 55 National Associations – including the Scottish FA’s President, Rod Petrie, and Chief Executive, Ian Maxwell – took place, where it was confirmed by UEFA that EURO 2020 will be postponed until next year, from 11 June to 11 July 2021. Read the statement from UEFA here. FAQs Following requests for information from members and clubs, please find below rolling FAQs to inform key stakeholders of developments. FAQs will reflect updated guidance from the football authorities and the information issued by Scottish and UK Government in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. Why was the decision taken to suspend Scottish football matches? The decision was taken in the interest of public health and in the light of both Scottish and UK Government announcements as the country entered the ‘delay’ phase of the global coronavirus pandemic. After extensive follow-up discussions between the football authorities, the Scottish government and football bodies in England and abroad, it was decided by the board of the Scottish FA that suspension until further notice was the only course of action that could protect public health whilst providing clarity for the game in line with UK Medical Officer’s advice. The decision protects not just the general public but specifically supporters, players, club personnel, match officials and everyone involved in putting on match day events. It also reduces the burden on medical staff and the emergency services at a time when they are required to respond to the pandemic. Is there a possibility that this season will be cancelled completely? The preference remains that Season 2019/20 will be played to completion. However, Scottish football has been suspended until further notice and the Joint Response Group will continue to discuss the developments regarding the virus on a daily basis. The Scottish FA will take guidance from governments, the UK Chief Medical Officers, the Scottish FA medical consultant, Dr John MacLean, and information provided by the World Health Organisation. Given the ever-changing landscape of the virus in Scotland – as with countries across the world – the Scottish FA will only lift the suspension when it is deemed safe to do so from the perspective of public health, but also the safety of all stakeholders including supporters, players, match officials and staff. Why couldn’t SPFL matches be played behind closed doors/televised, where practical? This was one of the options considered and an approach that has been adopted in various countries. However, it was the unanimous view of the Scottish FA Board that this approach could compromise the health and safety of other key stakeholders, not least players, match officials and staff, as well as necessitating the attendance of emergency services and medical staff. What are the implications for championships, promotions and relegation? The Joint Response Group is engaged in a contingency planning phase that will assess all possible options for the remaining season and beyond. It would be inappropriate and unhelpful to speculate on any future decisions to be taken by competition organisers. We will, however, commit to updating clubs, supporters and other key stakeholders when appropriate in this fast-moving landscape. Why have grassroots football matches been postponed when fewer than 500 people attend these matches anyway? The Board of the Scottish FA felt it appropriate to provide clear instructions to the non-professional and grassroots games when a decision was made to suspend senior professional football. To reiterate, this decision was taken based on public health, the commitments of emergency and medical services, and also on the safety of those involved in the game, which applies from senior professional football to the lowest grassroots ages. This decision is also designed to protect the volunteer network that supports the grassroots game, in line with UK Chief Medical Officer’s advice. Does your advice include preventing training at professional and grassroots level? Each club, regardless of whether professional or recreational, has the responsibility to make decisions that keep its players, coaches, support staff and other employees safe. PFA Scotland has issued its own guidance to players and we are committed to supporting our members with individual advice. Having taken medical advice, the Scottish FA Board recommends that no training or conditioning in groups should take place for the time being. This recommendation covers all levels of the game. Further updates on this will be given as and when further medical advice is received. What will the Scottish FA/SPFL be doing to support clubs who may experience financial difficulties as a result? The Scottish FA and SPFL are currently reviewing all their commercial contracts to understand the financial implications of the disruption so far. The SPFL advances club fees across the season. The next such payment is due to be made in April. It remains the intention of the SPFL Board to make April’s scheduled payment to clubs. Likewise, the Scottish FA is investigating ways in which support can be established in respect of advanced payment of distribution moneys and other ways in which we can help minimise the burden for members, where practicable. As per an earlier Joint Response Group Update, the SPFL and the Scottish FA strongly advise clubs at all levels to review their insurance policies. What will be the impact of the UEFA Nations League Play-Offs being postponed or cancelled? We await the outcome of the videoconference to be hosted by UEFA’s Executive Committee with representative from 55 countries, the Board of the European Clubs Association and representatives from the European Leagues, the ECA and FIFPro on 17 March. We will update supporters – especially those who have purchased tickets for the match at Hampden Park against Israel – when we have a decision on whether the match will go ahead as scheduled on 26 March. We expect to receive information on UEFA Euro 2020 on this call and will update accordingly afterwards. Will the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-finals and final go ahead as planned? The semi-finals were due to be played on the weekend of 11 and 12 April with the final scheduled for 9 May. These will now be postponed. We will continue to monitor government and UK Chief Medical Officer advice in the coming days and weeks, in liaison with the participants, sponsors and broadcasters. We will ensure any decision regarding new dates is made with public health, the commitments of emergency services and medical staff, and safety at the forefront of our minds. We will also ensure that clubs have ample notice to prepare for the ties and the sale of tickets. What is the latest Government advice? On 16 March, the UK Government updated its position on the efforts required to attempt to delay the spread of the virus and reduce the pandemic’s peak. The updated advice includes that: Anyone with symptoms should stay at home for at least seven days; and Everyone in the UK should now avoid non-essential travel and contact with others, work from home where possible and that mass gatherings would no longer receive the support of the emergency services General advice for employers can be found at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19 This advice will continue to be updated on a regular basis, so please ensure you are reading the most up to date release from government. Will the Scottish FA and SPFL offices at Hampden Park remain open? The offices of the Scottish FA and SPFL at Hampden Park remain open at present, although some staff have already been advised to work from home with immediate effect. This will continue to be reviewed on a daily basis. Subject to them remaining well, all Scottish FA and SPFL staff remain available to serve member clubs and are contactable by email and mobile telephone. Should we close our club premises? The Prime Minister stated on 16 March that he needed people to work from home if they possibly could. It is a matter for individual clubs to determine whether, during this period, they close their club premises. If you do decide to do so, please contact the Scottish FA and SPFL to let us know your club’s contact details during such period, in the event that they are different from the email addresses and mobile numbers already held for you. Should we continue to treat injured players? We understand the need to make sure that all your staff are fit and healthy. Decisions on treating injured players should be risk assessed on a case by case basis in line with Government recommendations on personal contact. What support for employers is available? UK Government has announced that it will support small and medium-sized businesses and employers to cope with the extra costs of paying coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay by refunding eligible SSP costs. Employers with fewer than 250 employees appear to be eligible. The Government will launch a new, temporary Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, delivered by the British Business Bank, to support businesses to access bank lending and overdrafts. The government has indicated that it will provide lenders with a guarantee of 80% on each loan (subject to a per lender cap on claims). To assist businesses in financial distress, HMRC has set up a dedicated coronavirus helpline to help those in need, and they may be able to agree a bespoke Time To Pay arrangement. The Government has already announced that the Business Rates retail discount will be increased to 50% in 2020/21. To support small businesses affected by coronavirus, the Government is increasing it further to 100% for 2020/21. The relief will also be expanded to the leisure and hospitality sectors. https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/news/coronavirus-joint-response-group-update-17-march/?rid=13929

Didn't want to post this earlier as the Record and Sun are banned from Gersnet, was waiting for Rangers to announce it. We can only hope this will be a positive move.

All they need to do now is walk the walk!