Search icon

Football

06th Jan 2022

Scottish football chiefs to discuss playing games in England

Callum Boyle

The decision would be made to help more fans attend matches due to Scotland’s current restrictions

Scottish football chiefs are in talks considering moving games in England should restrictions in Scotland continue to limit the number of fans in games to 500.

Both the Scottish Football Association and SPFL joint response group have issued a warning to the government that clubs are losing in excess of £1.5-2 million a week from the limit on match-day attendances.

Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, recently pledged an extra £5 million in emergency funding for sport, however footballing authorities are demanding to know how much money will go to football and when they will receive the money.

In her statement on Wednesday, Sturgeon explained that funds will be provided to those who need it most first.

“We are working with Sportscotland and as quickly as possible with, for example, ice hockey and basketball clubs, as well as football, rugby and horse racing to determine fully the financial impact the current measures are having,” she said.

“Following that, we will then get the money to clubs as quickly as possible. For some sports, there will be the ability to recoup these losses as events start to be rescheduled, hopefully in the not-too-distant future, but for others that will be more difficult so we need to make sure we get the money where it is needed most.”

Restrictions in Scotland mean a maximum of 500 supporters are permitted at outdoor events, with Scottish Premiership clubs opting to bring forward their winter break to allow for a greater possibility of full attendances once football resumed.

As reported by the MailOnline, the idea of playing games south of the border will be considered should the Scottish government fail to provide the promised funds in the coming days.

The SPFL is set to resume again on 17 January with Celtic facing Hibernian at Celtic Park whilst champions Rangers make the trip to Aberdeen the following day.

Related links: