Maxwell won’t cancel league SFA chief says group aren’t ‘Clubs must stop training’ considering ‘null and void’

IAN MAXWELL, chief executive of the Scottish Football Association, says that cancelling the league season is not being considered as he outlined his desire for the remaining league fixtures to be played.

The SFA chief cited concerns around the fairness of awarding league titles or relegating clubs before the intended number of games had taken place, as well as a potential loss of income if broadcasting contracts are unfulfilled, as the reasons why he believes the season must be played out.

How or when that can be achieved is unclear, with Maxwell himself dismissing UEFA’s aim of a resumption of action by June as unrealistic, but he maintains that completing the season – whenever that can be done – is still his preference.

“I don’t think there is a consideration for cancellation,” Maxwell told BBC 5 Live. “I think it’s the same concerns that the English Premier League have in terms of broadcast contracts and contractual obligations that will apply to every league across the world.

“The income is vital regardless of the headline number and it’s important we get games finished.

“Everyone wants to get the games played, the guys who get the winner’s medals at the end of the season want to know they’ve played every match and no-one can say they didn’t deserve it.

“Clubs who are in relegation spots, if they’re going to go down at the end of the season then it’s because they’ve been given every chance and it’s something we need to try and work through.”

THE SFA and SPFL Joint Response Group have appealed to clubs to stop holding training sessions after learning some were still ignoring medical advice about delaying the spread of coronavirus.

The group issued a strongly-worded statement aimed at their member clubs following discussions with their medical consultant Dr John MacLean over the weekend.

It has emerged that many clubs across the country are still operating as normal despite being issued with detailed guidelines by the SFA and receiving advice from the government and UK Medical Officer.

The statement read: “We take this opportunity to remind members in the strongest possible terms that they desist from conducting training sessions under their auspices.

“Not only is this against the guidance issued throughout the game but it also goes against the government and UK Chief Medical Officers’ advice to delay the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19).”