The UEFA letter causing concern to the SPFL has been published in full by BBC sports reporter Chris McLaughlin.
Following their video conference on Wednesday the decision of the Belgian Pro-League to declare Club Brugge as this season’s champions without completing the fixture card has caught UEFA on the hop.
With this season’s Champions League and Europa League competitions halted in mid-flow UEFA appear determined to provide their broadcast partners with exactly what was listed in their contracts.
Looks like a UEFA ultimatum to clubs thinking about ending season early due to #COVID?19. SFA in dialogue with the governing body and SPFL in talks with European Leagues Association. pic.twitter.com/lAP1izK1Mx
— Chris McLaughlin (@BBCchrismclaug) April 3, 2020
Completing the domestic leagues is essential for the following season’s European competitions even though there has been a move over the last decade to marginalise teams from outwith the richer countries.
Null and Void has effectively been ruled out by the UEFA letter leaving the SPFL and others to hold on to complete their fixture schedule with the Belgian precedent clearly being frowned upon.
The richest clubs in Europe have been pushing in recent seasons for more influence and control over the money being brought in with the knock out stages almost a closed shop for teams from Spain, England, Germany and Italy.
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SPFL Premiership clubs will have a video conference call on Wednesday to update on the current suspension but it’s likely that they will wait to see if any other countries follow the Belgian example before making a decision.
Calling the current standings final would allow the SPFL to pay out their full prize money and let clubs plan for next season with around 20% of SPFL Premiership players out of contract in May and June.