Time is running out for this season’s Scottish Cup with the lower leagues still suspended and in discussions with the Scottish Government.
Half of the Second Round ties have still to be decided with Celtic due to meet the winners of the match between Arbroath and Falkirk.
League One leaders Falkirk haven’t played since January 2 with just 11 of their 27 SPFL fixtures played.
With most players out of contract at the end of May time is running out to get all of the matches played although there is a Plan B of just 18 league fixtures followed by Play Offs.
There are no Premiership of Championship fixtures planned for the weekend of March 14/15 but as it stands it looks like clubs will have a free weekend before the final round of post-split fixtures.
Updating the current suspension, this afternoon the SFA announced:
Since then, a series of discussions have taken place via video conference with all leagues affected by the suspension, to establish the measures and protocols under which each might resume their competitions. This information has been shared with the Scottish Government and, while it has been positively received, we await a final decision from Ministers.
Rod Petrie, Scottish FA President: “We are grateful to all leagues, clubs and participants affected by the temporary suspension for their patience and understanding during this period of uncertainty. They have played their part in keeping the nation safe and restricting the potential spread of the virus.
“I would also like to thank the representatives from those leagues and clubs, who have been proactive and collaborative in giving their input into safe and sustainable plans for a to return to competition.
“These plans have already been discussed with government officials. We look forward to hearing when and in what circumstances those leagues which have been suspended can return to training and, ultimately, to playing.”
The SFA had hoped to play the final of the competition at Hampden on the second weekend in May but packing the bulk of the competition in in less than two months looks like a tall order.
In December Celtic won the 2020 competition by beating Hearts in a penalty shoot-out after a 3-3 draw but it looks like they will be unable to defend the trophy this season.
