SPFL plan demotion for administration

The SPFL board are planning changes to their rulebook which could see clubs which enter administration being relegated instead of receiving points deductions. In the last 12 years, Motherwell, Hearts, Livingston (twice), Morton, Dundee (twice) and Dunfermline have all slid into administration while Gretna, Clydebank, Airdrieonians and Rangers have descended into liquidation. And speaking to Sportsmail in August, Dave King expressed fears that the Ibrox club could slump into administration once again. Financial analysts have claimed Rangers may need another cash injection after announcing losses of over £14m. Hearts have no idea when — or if — they may be able to exit administration while Kilmarnock are £9.8m in debt. Now that the SPL and SFL have merged, the SPFL board are updating the rules for the new organisation. ‘That’s where the prospect of relegation comes in,’ said a well-placed Hampden source. ‘In the past, the SPL’s hands were tied when it came to punishing clubs which had suffered an insolvency event because they had authority over just the 12 members. ‘Consequently, they couldn’t impose a relegated club on the SFL. Now, though, there is the opportunity to provide a 42-club solution and relegation is a punishment which has been discussed.’