UEFA pay out funds to SPFL Scottish football given a share of £206m support

SCOTTISH football has been handed a financial boost from UEFA after they released £206.2million in funding to all 55 of its member associations.

The governing body for European football distributed the cash as clubs continue to struggle through the coronavirus pandemic. The finances – provided by UEFA’s HatTrick programme – is usually distributed to help clubs with running costs.

The funding also can be used, in normal circumstances, to help associations develop targeted areas of football in their specific countries. Rather than restrict clubs, however, Uefa have made the decision to allow bosses of their member associations to use the money as they see fit in a bid to combat the negative impact coronavirus has had at all levels.

Each association will receive a payment of around £3.7m.

Announcing the funding, Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin said: “Our sport is facing an unprecedented challenge brought about by the COVID-19 crisis. Uefa wants to help its members to respond in ways that are appropriate to their specific circumstances.

“As a result, we have agreed that up to €4.3m per association (£3.7m), paid for the remainder of this season and next, as well as part of the investment funding, can be used as our members see fit to rebuild the football community.

“I believe this is a responsible decision to help as much as we can; and I am proud of the unity that football is showing throughout this crisis. Without doubt, football will be at the heart of life returning to normal. When that time comes, football must be ready to answer that call.”