The Scottish Football Chiefs may consider moving the game to England, if there are no restrictions on 500 supporters.
The SFA and SPFL Joint Response Group have warned the Scottish Government that restrictions on matchday attendances, sparked by a surge in Omicron infections, are costing clubs £1.5million to £2m a week.
And despite the announcement of an additional £5m in emergency funding for sport in Scotland by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, football authorities are still pressing for details on how much money will go to football and when the cash will be paid.
Scottish football leaders are exploring the possibility of staging English games to increase attendance.
Covid has restricted outdoor activities in Scotland to 500 supporters since Boxing Day.
Premiership clubs chose to extend the winter break by one week as they had only 500 supporters allowed for outdoor events beginning on Boxing Day. They hoped that this would allow them to resume the season in full view. Although the JRG promised a review of the January 17 guidelines, cash-strapped clubs have been pursuing the JRG to find answers.
Und SportmailIf the Scottish government fails to provide emergency relief within the next few days, we understand that all options are available, even the possibility of staging games in England.
The First Minister pledged to give cash where it’s needed most.
The money will be distributed to the clubs as soon as possible. There will be some sports that can be reimbursed as the events get rescheduled. However, for other sports it may not be possible to do so. For those who are more complicated, we must make sure the money goes where it is most needed.
Clubs are losing between £1.5million and £2m-a-week due to the restrictions on fans attending
Nicola Sturgeon has announced an additional £5m in emergency funding for sport in Scotland
The Six Nations are almost over and Scottish Rugby is still expecting to play England at Murrayfield, despite talks of shifting the Championship opener south.
In an effort to reduce crowd restrictions, there have not been any discussions at all levels within the SRU about the possibility of moving the Calcutta Cup match to Newcastle’s Saint James’ Park on February 5.
SPFL Premiership will resume on January 17, when Celtic host Hibernian. Rangers travel to Aberdeen just 24 hours later. This is one of five games taken from the card that was moved from December 29.
When asked if fans should purchase tickets to major events like football games and the Six Nations, First Minister declined to answer. He stated that he wished he had a “clear ball” to allow him to look into the future. It’s not facetious of me to say this.
It is difficult to predict the future, especially when you are dealing with a viral wave. It is important to closely monitor the situation.
Scottish Rugby expects to still face England next month at Murrayfield.
“We’ve had excellent discussions throughout the year with the SRU (Scottish Rugby Union), about Murrayfield matches. Their cooperation has been constructive and allowed games to proceed. It is important to have clarity when catering for large sporting events, not just Murrayfield matches.
‘I hope that we will not have to extend the restrictions beyond January 17. Everyone wants to see Scotland win the Six Nations at Murrayfield.
“But it doesn’t make anyone any better if you try to provide certainty prior to our ability to achieve that. As soon as we can, we will use all the available data and evidence to reach our conclusions.
“I sincerely hope and pray that these matches are able to go ahead. I know there will be lots of fans.