SFL welcomes Final Decision in Arbitration

Press release from SFL

The Scottish Football League today received the outcome from the SFA's arbitration panel. The panel concluded that the proposal presented to the SFL in August 2006 to introduce a new top flight structure of 22 clubs, playing in two divisions, does not breach the Settlement Agreement between the SFL and SPL.

Brown McMaster, SFL President, said  "We are pleased to have closure on the arbitration process.It has taken quite some time to arrive at this conclusion. But the way is now clear for us to review this outcome with our clubs after which we will have discussions with our colleagues in the SPL."

"Our aim through all of this has been to reach a conclusion and then to engage in dialogue with our colleagues in the SPL regarding the future of Scottish League football."

-The proposal tabled in August 2006 outlined a new top flight structure of 22 clubs, playing in two divisions.This had followed a review of a range of options for structural change to enhance and strengthen the senior professional game in Scotland.It was also felt that it could serve as a catalyst for the introduction of a pyramid system.

-The SFL challenged the SPL's proposal at that time on the basis that it breached the Settlement Agreement and called for the SFA to review it through an independent arbitration panel.The panel who arrived at the verdict was the Hon Lord Brodie, David Glen and Jim Clydesdale.

-The Settlement Agreement formalised the relationship between the SPL and the SFL following the establishment of the SPL in 1998.It covers a range of areas including promotion and relegation and support and parachute payments.

The SFL have also confirmed that the Irn Bru First Division match against Dundee that has had to be postponed because of the Pars Quarter Final Homecoming Scotland Scottish Cup tie against Aberdeen on Saturday 7th March has been re-arranged fr Tuesday 31st March at East End Park, kick off 7.45pm.
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