Boris Johnson is set to declare Celtic as SPFL champions for season 2019/20 this week.
Further drastic measures to combat Coronavirus are due to be announced with the end to professional leagues across the UK putting paid to many debates.
Celtic are currently 13 points clear with eight matches left to play with Neil Lennon’s side having already played the bulk of their most difficult matches away from home. Celtic have already been to Motherwell, Aberdeen and Livingston twice.
Since Friday morning when football was suspended there has been a strong debate over whether the leagues are declared over in their current positions or whether the last 30 matches should be declared null and void.
That latter option was being promoted by various vested interests but the intervention of the UK Government will bring the debate to an end.
The Sun reports:
SunSport understands SPFL chiefs expect the Prime Minister to intervene this week as the coronavirus crisis grows. BoJo is likely to order an immediate end to professional leagues across Britain, killing off the current uncertainty.
The SPFL — in line with their English counterparts — would then decide on ratifying final positions in all four divisions as they stand. Crucially, doing this would enable the SPFL to distribute prize money early to help clubs survive the coming months.
It’s understood the nuclear option of voiding the season could have severe legal and financial ramifications. Season-ticket money, sponsorship cash and multi-million pound TV deals for this term would all come under threat.
Celtic, Dundee United, Raith Rovers and Cove Rangers could all now be declared title winners for the 2019/20 season.
Hearts, Partick Thistle, Stranraer and Brechin would drop down, though it’s unclear who would be promoted to League Two.
The regular play-offs for places in the Premiership, Championship and League One would likely be scrapped for the season.
To soften the financial blow for all relegated clubs, the SPFL could look at the distribution model and hand out extra cash due to the unique circumstances.
There is bound to be pressure not to implement relegation which would lead to an expanded top flight but the play-off position would become a lottery with three Championship clubs involved plus Hamilton Accies.
Declaring that the season is over will allow the SPFL to pay out prize money although this may be done pro-rata with broadcasters and sponsors paying for a full campaign.
Last season Celtic picked up £3,350,000 in prize money for topping the SPFL with relegated Dundee collecting £1,125,000.
No date for the start of next season will be set but with prize money paid out and the make up of the divisions known clubs will be able to sell season tickets for next season.
The major loser will be players out of contract at the end of this season with clubs highly unlikely to be offering new deals with so much uncertainty.
