Scottish Premiership Football Will Return From 1 August
The Scottish Government have given the go-ahead for football to resume behind closed doors from 1 August 2020.
It means the Scottish Premiership 2020/21 season can now begin as scheduled and pre-season friendlies can take place provided players are subject to weekly testing from 13 July 2020.
This will means bounce games can be played at club training grounds and friendly matches inside stadia can happen “with immediate effect.”
SPFL Chief Executive, Neil Doncaster said: “Today’s approvals are a significant step forward for Scottish Premiership clubs and provide the necessary clarity to prepare for the new season.
“The ability for clubs to arrange and participate in friendly matches is important on and off the field as momentum builds towards what will be a welcome and exciting return to Scottish football starting 1 August.”
Mike Mulraney, Interim Scottish FA President: “Scottish football, and the millions of fans for whom the national game is a fabric of their daily lives, are now starting to see light at the end of the tunnel.
“We welcome the Scottish Government’s approval of the August 1 start date for the Scottish Premiership and the ability for Premiership clubs to prepare for that kick-off immediately.
“The First Minister’s updated guidance also gives great encouragement for boys and girls across the country that grassroots football for under-18s will soon return.
“The Joint Response Group (JRG) has been in daily liaison with government advisers to get us to this point. I would urge everyone to continue to adhere to the public health messages to ensure no complacency as the return to football becomes tantalisingly close.
“We will continue to plan for the return of the game at all levels and communicate milestones at the appropriate time. I would like to pay tribute to the work of the JRG, its sub groups and everyone involved in the game for the efforts that have gotten us to this point.”
The Scottish Premiership is the only league in Scotland due to return in August, after the Championship, League One and Two clubs voting to resume their respective leagues in October 2020.
