SFA put ball in government court over lower leagues

THE Scottish Football Association say they are awaiting a “final decision” from government ministers regarding the temporary suspension of the lower leagues.

Talks have been on-going with Scottish Government officials and sports minister Mairi Gougeon over potentially restarting the levels of football which were suspended on January 12.

All but the top two tiers of the men’s game have been in limbo since then, following a response to increased numbers of Covid-19 cases and concerns over new variants. An SFA statement read: “As outlined at the weekend by the national clinical director for Scotland, Professor Jason Leitch, the Scottish FA has been in regular dialogue with the Scottish Government since the temporary suspension of football was implemented on 12 January.

“This suspension was approved by the board of the Scottish FA against a backdrop of increased positive cases for Covid-19 nationwide caused by new strains of the virus

“Following a meeting with the Minister for Public Health Sport and Wellbeing, Mairi Gougeon, a temporary suspension of all football was agreed, encompassing all predominantly part-time tiers of Scottish professional football: SPFL League One, SPFL League Two, Scottish Women’s Football Premier Leagues 1 & 2, Highland League, Lowland League, East, West & South of Scotland Leagues, Scottish Junior FA Leagues and the North Caledonian League.

“Since then, a series of discussions have taken place via video conference with all leagues affected by the suspension, to establish the measures and protocols under which each might resume their competitions. This information has been shared with the Scottish Government and, while it has been positively received, we await a final decision from Ministers.”

SFA president Rod Petrie added: “We are grateful to all leagues, clubs and participants affected by the temporary suspension for their patience.”