SPFL and SFA Provide Coronavirus Update

The SPFL and SFA have provided a further update as part of their Joint Response Group this afternoon (Monday 16 March 2020).

The statement reads in full:

The Joint Response Group continues to meet daily. This update follows the decision of the Scottish FA Board on 13 March to suspend all football under its jurisdiction until further notice and the advice from the Scottish Government (issued on 15 March) in relation to mass events.

On Friday 13 March, implementing the Scottish FA’s suspension of the game in Scotland for an indefinite period, the SPFL Board postponed all League Matches due to take place over the weekend of 14/15 March and this mid-week.

The SPFL Board has today postponed the playing of Ladbrokes League fixtures pending any Government order and/or further direction from the Scottish FA.  The Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Cup final, scheduled for 28 March, is also postponed on the same basis.

A UEFA conference call (involving all 55 associations, the European Clubs Association, the European Leagues and FIFPro, the world players’ union) will take place tomorrow, Tuesday 17 March.  A decision on the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-finals and UEFA Nations League play-off against Israel will be made by the Scottish FA Board after that conference call.

Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA Chief Executive, said: “The focus of the Scottish FA remains the public health, the emergency services and the health and safety of players, match officials, and staff across the game.

“Many thousands of fans are looking forward to the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-finals and the UEFA Nations League play-off against Israel.  We understand that they, and all fans of Scottish football, will want urgent clarity about those games.  We expect to be in a position after tomorrow’s UEFA conference call, to make a further announcement.”

Neil Doncaster, SPFL chief executive, said: “The significant challenges being faced by people all over the country have put sport firmly in perspective.  However, we have a responsibility to deal with the many difficult issues caused by this outbreak and are working hard with the Scottish FA, with our clubs, and with Government departments to arrive at the best possible outcome for our game.

“We are very conscious of the desire of all 42 Ladbrokes SPFL clubs and their fans to know, as soon as possible, of our plans for the league, but everyone recognises we are facing what is arguably the most challenging time in our sport’s history.

“There are undoubtedly going to be further challenges ahead, but everyone involved is pulling together as one and we will continue to make decisions in the very best interests of the game as a whole.”

Following requests for information from members and clubs, the following FAQs to inform key stakeholders of developments.

We’ve updated our FAQs with the latest information from the SPFL and SFA.