SPFL READY FOR AXE TO FALL NOW...

THE SPFL are ready to call UEFA’S bluff by sticking to their guns and declaring Celtic as Premiership champs.

League bosses have reacted with “anger and bemusement” to threats from Nyon to complete the domestic season – or else.

Confusion reigns after UEFA warned the smaller nations their clubs’ participation in the Champions and Europa Leagues next season is in jeopardy if they call their titles prematurely on the back of the

Covid-19 crisis.

A war of words erupted yesterday between the Belgians and European football’s governing body that ended with UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin repeating the threat on German TV, even going as far as saying matches could be played behind closed doors.

However, that is not a stance the SPFL are willing to adopt as they forge on with plans to call the season as soon as their legal advice allows, handing Celtic the title and relegating Hearts.

One source said: “UEFA are in panic mode and they’re probably the only organisation in Europe that believes this coronavirus pandemic will be over in a month and they can start planning for the weeks beyond it.

“They’ve been spooked by the Belgians because they know the financial implications from broadcasters for the big five countries if their league seasons aren’t played to a conclusion.

“UEFA’S threat to prevent clubs from smaller nations competing in their tournaments next season is farcical.

“There will be a queue of national associations taking action at the Court of Arbitration of Sport if UEFA ever follow through. They don’t know if they are coming or going.”

The SPFL wants to call the domestic leagues as soon as possible and distribute the prize money on which many clubs will rely to see them through the summer.

However, they are also anxious to avoid extending the current domestic campaign towards the autumn as it would impact on their new five-year sponsorship agreement with Sky.

They have been spooked by the call made by the Belgians as they know the implications