Sidelined clubs wait for a return to action date

Football outwith the men’s Scottish Premiership and Championship will remain off for the foreseeable future.

Action was paused in January amid a rising number of coronavirus cases and the Scottish FA noted a further update would be provided.

That update arrived this week, confirming there continues to be no return date in the immediate pipeline.

East of Scotland League clubs Jeanfield Swifts, Kinnoull and Luncarty are all currently sidelined, as is the junior and amateur game.

Scottish Women’s Premier League 2 side St Johnstone WFC are also not playing at the moment.

The Scottish FA update read:“In recent weeks, the Scottish FA has engaged extensively with clubs and leagues affected by the suspension of professional football across the men’s and women’s game to discuss tailored return to playing plans for implementation when it is considered safe and appropriate to resume.

“We have also remained in regular dialogue with Scottish Government to ensure their input into and ultimately approval of those proposed plans.

“Regrettably, the government has today confirmed that - in cognisance of the current restrictions in place across the country - they cannot currently commit to return dates for those affected leagues in the coming weeks.

“We will continue to speak with all parties in the meantime and will provide a further update by March 1. This date should not be seen as a proposed restart date, however it should help provide some clarity to affected clubs to aid their planning over the short term.

“Whilst this is disappointing news, Scottish football will continue to play its part in assisting the Scottish Government’s efforts to reduce the prevalence of COVID-19 across the country.”