Rangers fans, like fans of clubs across the country, were expecting an update from the Scottish FA this afternoon on the future of the Scottish Cup and the resumption of the SWPL. SFPL Leagues One & Two as well as the leagues below the top four tiers – but the national governing body have again kicked the can down the road by continuing the suspension and pointing the finger at the Scottish Government.
Clubs outwith the top two tiers have been left waiting since mid-January to restart with Rangers women’s team unable to play while the Gers men’s side have seen their Scottish Cup hopes put on hold.
The Light Blues have already had a Scottish Cup clash with Cove Rangers – scheduled for January – postponed and with time running down before the season needs to be completed the lack of clarity is embarrassing from the body in charge of governing the game in Scotland.
In a brief statement posted on their website, the Scottish FA’s president Rod Petrie abdicated any responsbility for the viability of clubs as a result of the continues suspension.
Petrie expressed his gratitude toward clubs as he said a lot without actually saying anything of substance, with the Scottish FA awaiting “a final decision from Ministers.”
“We are grateful to all leagues, clubs and participants affected by the temporary suspension for their patience and understanding during this period of uncertainty. They have played their part in keeping the nation safe and restricting the potential spread of the virus,” Petrie said.
“I would also like to thank the representatives from those leagues and clubs, who have been proactive and collaborative in giving their input into safe and sustainable plans for a to return to competition.
“These plans have already been discussed with government officials. We look forward to hearing when and in what circumstances those leagues which have been suspended can return to training and, ultimately, to playing.”
Rangers, like every other club will be left waiting again to find out how the Scottish FA and Scottish government can conclude the season as originally planned without any further financial impact to clubs.
The potential of cancelled competitions leaves clubs at the risk of footing the bill for the second season running and there’s simply no reason for leagues outside the top two tiers to get back playing.
If Rangers can travel to Aberdeen to take on Derek McInnes’ Dons and the Pittodrie side can make the reverse trip, it makes no sense that Cove Rangers (who play a few miles from Pittodrie) can’t.
After a year of sheer ineptitude from the Scottish FA in their Covid response, this latest announcement feels like they are trying to do their best to outdo their own embarrassing lows.
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