Cupchaosonthe horizonwithhfl clubssettoact
The Scottish Cup is proving a problem
The Highland League will this week consult with their members – as a “matter of urgency” – over the possibility of entry for the 2020-21 Scottish Cup being cut from 112 teams to just 52.
With the semi-finals and Final of the 2019-20 competition still to be completed, the SFA are keen to streamline the following campaign to avoid fixture congestion.
It is likely to begin on Boxing Day
– less than a week after the 2020 Final – miss out a round and have all ties played to a finish
Another option under discussion would see just 10 clubs from the Highland and Lowland Leagues, East, South and West of Scotland leagues joining the 42 SPFL members in the tournament.
“We appreciate the SFA consulting with us, and will speak to our own members this week as a matter of urgency,” said Rod Houston, Secretary of the Highland League.
“We understand the circumstances and appreciate that they are stuck between a rock and a hard place because, whichever way you look at it, the whole thing is squeezed.
“There is just no way at all they can have a full competition in the time available.
“At the same time, there are some obvious concerns for ourselves and, I would imagine, for the other leagues affected. We will speak with their representatives too.
“Specifically, what is the mechanism going to be to select the non-league clubs who take part?
“Will we have to decide that, or will it be the SFA’S call?
“Starting the competition on Boxing Day is another potential issue. It is a time of year which is usually not the easiest for us to get games on.
“How many non-league clubs are going to be prepared to take the risk of travelling then?
“Yes, let’s make the effort to get things going. But are you just risking stacking up more fixtures, due to a load of postponements?
“Those are the just the issues that spring to mind.
“As I say, we will consult with our members, use the office bearers as a clearing house, and then present our position to the SFA.”