August return for football is achievable, says Maxwell

SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell is optimistic Scottish football will return in August.

There are genuine concerns that Leagues 1 and 2 may be mothballed until January, while the Championship clubs will hold a video conference today to discuss their options.

It is understood that Championship clubs are considering an October start to reduce the period of time when clubs will potentially be playing games behind closed doors.

Maxwell, however, confident the top flight will is be able to restart in August and said the SFA would help clubs with the cost of coronavirus tests.

He said: “We have a meeting with the Scottish Government on Friday. We are looking at a threestage plan, similar to the plan the government announced.

“Our phased return will start with a return to training, move on to matches, and then have supporters allowed back into stadiums at some point.

“We have a four-to-six-week training schedule, which the medical group are working through. Those six weeks can be regardless of whenever the start date of a division is.

“The SPFL have said they would like to start the games in August and we can fit the plans we have for training around that timescale. I think it is likely we will see football in August. We’re seeing it in countries across Europe.

“I think it’s definitely achievable. But we have to make sure we’re giving the government comfort we can do it in a manner that keeps players, staff and everyone in the game safe.”

Maxwell said the SFA would do everything they could to help all 42 SPFL clubs remain in business.

He said: “We have a real desire to make sure that that’s exactly what we have. That is going to be a challenge, there’s no doubt about that.”

Clubs in Scotland could face a weekly bill of £4,500 for coronavirus testing but Maxwell said the SFA would be willing to contribute.

He added: “I think it’s right the SFA have a role in making testing as affordable as possible. I’m in daily contact with Uefa and Fifa about the help they can give.”

SFA chief Ian Maxwell is targeting an August return for top flight.