The SPFL has announced that the 2020/21 Premiership will consist of 12 clubs after plans for a new look 14-10-10-10 set up were rejected in an indicative vote.
The new set-up was supported by the board of the SPFL but was never likely to get the level of support needed to come into play on August 1.
After being relegated based on average points per game Hearts have looked at various reconstruction options but now seem certain to start next season in the second tier of Scottish football.
A top 14 would have brought in Hearts and Inverness Caley Thistle to the top tier which would split after 26 matches with the top six playing 10 further matches home and away.
BREAKING: SPFL confirms league structure will stay at 12-10-10-10 for next season after a consultation for reconstriction failed to gather enough support.
Championship clubs have also agreed to a reduced 27-game season. pic.twitter.com/xpf6RlGOgR
— Superscoreboard (@ClydeSSB) June 15, 2020
Hearts are now faced with going down the legal route which would be against the other member clubs.
There has been some sympathy for the Edinburgh side but the tone of statements coming out of Tynecastle hasn’t been helpful as Scottish football deals with unprecedented times.
Celtic will start their campaign on August 1 with a home match as they chase a Scottish record of 10 consecutive titles.
