ian1964 10,761 Posted September 26, 2020 Share Posted September 26, 2020 SPFL and SFA tell lower league clubs they face punishment if they start new season but can’t fulfil fixtures SCOTLAND'S lower league clubs have been warned they face disciplinary proceedings if they kick off the new season and fail to fulfil their fixtures, according to reports. The Joint Response Group have been conducting emergency divisional meetings with all of Scotland's pyramid system - with some part-time sides WEEKS away from running out of cash if no further support is forthcoming. Lower-league seasons are scheduled to kick off on October 17 with no fans in grounds after the latest lockdown restrictions - possibly all season long. But the Daily Mail reports that league chiefs warned of possible points deductions for teams who start the new campaign then find themselves unable to continue. They claim that the Championship and League One are set to begin as scheduled, but the Highland and Lowland Leagues could be paused due to financial concerns. League Two sides have also expressed doubt as to whether they will be able to complete the season without gate income. Stenhousemuir chairman Iain McMenemy admits there are financial concerns. "There are a number of clubs, ourselves included, that are really concerned about the finances. "It's going to be difficult for us all to get through this season without any matchday income from fans. "However, it was also quite clear that, if there are only a couple of clubs who felt they couldn't play, then they could be open to potential fines or disciplinary action. "So clubs are all going into the competition seeking to avoid that. "It certainly looks like the season will be starting with the Betfred Cup, as per the scheduled fixtures. "The teams below the Premiership will all be starting in October. But, without doubt, there is concern within clubs over the financial impact it is going to have. Whilst some will get through it, some will not. "Even for those that do, the financial state they may be in next season remains to be seen." Current government rules insist that lower division clubs don't need to test for coronavirus. While lower division sides must stump up for tests ahead of Betfred matches between lower division sides and Premiership teams - McMenemy reckons it would be ruinous if they were forced to stump up for £3,000 testing costs throughout the season. "If testing for lower-league clubs becomes compulsory, that could push us over the edge. "Premiership clubs have a different model and that is absolutely their prerogative. "But we are going completely in line with Scottish Government advice that we can play competitive sport without the need to test. "I'm pretty confident that's the way we will be starting for all the leagues below the Premiership. I think the league accept that." https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/sport/football/6089481/spfl-sfa-lower-league-clubs-punishment-fixtures/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1601108767 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MacK1950 2,398 Posted September 26, 2020 Share Posted September 26, 2020 The SFA/SPFL don't give a fcuk about the lower clubs, players and staff, they are quite happy to take their outrages salaries and sit in their ivory towers. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian1964 10,761 Posted September 26, 2020 Author Share Posted September 26, 2020 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MacK1950 2,398 Posted September 26, 2020 Share Posted September 26, 2020 The poor Mick ha ha . 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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