The Daily Record reports that at least two clubs are pushing for a major shake-up to the Scottish Premiership, which would affect Rangers.
It’s alleged that Inverness Caley Thistle CEO, Scott Gardiner, is leading a charge for a 14-team top-flight from next season, as Scottish football attempts to coordinate a response to the global health pandemic.
On Thursday afternoon, SPFL chief, Neil Doncaster, held discussions with all clubs which prompted the latest in a series of Joint Response Group updates [Scottishfa.co.uk].
All matches have been suspended until at least 30th April, but the content of the release hinted it’s unlikely that the campaign will restart.
In the event that the season won’t be completed, it seems Inverness are pushing for a double promotion from the Championship and no relegation from the Premiership.
The report claims that, for now, discussions are just between clubs, with the proposal not yet formally tabled. Unsurprisingly, Hearts are said to be in favour, while Hamilton, Dundee United and Ross County have also all been sounded out.
Verdict
This is an interesting proposal which is similar to the changes suggested by former Rangers captain, Barry Ferguson, last weekend [Daily Record].
He stressed that awarding Celtic the title and relegating Hearts without the season being completed would be unfair, but that there was a chance to reward Championship clubs and breathe new life into the Premiership.
Any change would clearly have an impact on Rangers in terms of increasing the number of opposition sides as well as changing the layout of fixtures.
There’s also the potential that TV deals and sponsorship pots would need to be split 14 ways instead of 12, ensuring less funding would make its way to Ibrox.
However, any move which promotes the idea of there being no champions or relegated sides in the case of an incomplete season could well receive support from the Gers.
