The Scottish Football Association Suspends Competitions Due to the Pandemic
The Scottish Football Association has temporarily suspended football competitions in the region from Monday until January 31st, except for the top two divisions, due to the pandemic.
The authorities have based this decision on the imperative to "act in the best interests of public health while ensuring the survival of professional clubs," as explained in a statement.
The SPFL Premiership will be exempt from the suspension "as long as it continues to adhere to strict testing protocols."
The board of the Scottish federation met last night with government representatives to analyze the escalation of COVID-19 cases in the region and its impact on all levels of the competition.
While the Government allows professional sports activities to continue, the Scottish FA has taken into account "the interests of public health and the Government's desire to reduce travel and contact with others, while safeguarding the commercial broadcast contracts that support professional sports," as revealed today.
The ban on tournaments in the lower leagues below the SPFL Premiership and Championship will last for three weeks until January 31st, and the decision will be reviewed between the federation and the government, as indicated today by the federation.
The Scottish Cup will also be suspended, and the matches scheduled before February 1st will be postponed to undetermined dates.