League One and Two clubs asked to vote on 22-game season

Scottish League One and League Two clubs are set to approve plans for a 22-match season, but a deadline has been set which could further cut the length of the campaign.

The 20 clubs have been asked to vote as soon as possible on plans for both divisions to split into two after teams have played each other twice.

Failure to secure eight votes of approval in each division would mean the season remains a 27-game campaign.

Both divisions are scheduled to resume on Saturday after all football below the top two men’s tiers was suspended on January 12 following a rise in coronavirus cases.

A statement from the Scottish Professional Football League declared that a steering group of club representatives had reported that all 20 clubs had agreed to a 22-match season with a split after 18 matches.

The SPFL board had advised an 18-game campaign would be a more “practical and realistic” option.

The resolutions allow a fallback option that the season will automatically become an 18-game campaign in respective divisions if any club has not played 18 matches by April 23. If any club cannot fulfil 18 fixtures by May 6, final standings will be calculated on a points-per-game basis.

Play-offs are due to start on May 8, three days later than originally planned.

SPFL secretary Calum Beattie said: “Although the recommendation from the SPFL board was that an 18-match season was the most practicable option, we fully recognise and respect the desire from clubs in Leagues One and Two to aim for 22 games.

“I am pleased we have now reached an agreement that I hope will be approved by the clubs in the coming days.”