Neil Doncaster has confirmed that UEFA are expecting a decision to be made on the Premiership season by 25 May, as quoted by the Scottish Sun.
The SPFL chief executive took part in a lengthy Q+A following an appearance on BBC Radio Sportsound on Sunday afternoon.
The governing body’s feud with Rangers and several other clubs over the ending of Championship, League One and League Two seasons was unsurprisingly the focus, but an update was also given on the top-flight.
“That’s exactly the date that UEFA have asked for leagues to let them know if they are going to try and play their remaining games of season 2019-20 or whether they cannot,” said Doncaster, as quoted by the Scottish Sun, when asked if UEFA had set 25 May as the deadline for a decision.
“They need to plan for their own competitions as their prime interest, and they need to know which clubs are going to be in the European places.”
“I’m not going to predict when a decision might be made. That’s ultimately something the Board has said it will consult the Premiership clubs over. So let’s see what detailed notes emerge from their meeting last Friday.”
Verdict
Following this confirmation, it’s clear that a call is expected on the Premiership season within the next two weeks.
Clubs will be consulted, but the governing body’s attitude has been clear from the start and Doncaster has already publicly spoken of a desire to decide outcome of the campaign on a points-per-game basis [Edinburgh Evening News].
Rangers have consistently argued that every effort should be made to play the season to a conclusion to protect sporting integrity.
That looks a realistic proposition in several countries, particularly in Germany, with the Bundesliga poised to restart next weekend.
Yet, with Scotland set to be in lockdown for the remainder of the month, it’s hard to see a plan being formulated regarding the restart of the top-flight campaign before UEFA demand a decision.
