The SFA appear to have discovered their copy of the Rule Book that applies to licencing clubs to play in UEFA competitions.
In 2011 while fully aware of an overdue tax payment for £2.8m they ignored the rules to give Rangers (IL) the chance of a lifeline £30m Champions League boost. After Ally McCoist squandered that opportunity the club went into administration followed by liquidation.
Despite the demise of the club that had been champions the previous year no meaningful Financial Fair Play was introduced to Scottish football- allowing clubs to run up losses equal to 30% of turnover year on year while propped up my ‘mystery investors’.
The SFA have refused to take any action on the rule breaking of 2011 with Andrew Dickson and Rod Petrie still in positions of power inside Hampden.
UEFA licencing covers a number of issues as well as financial. Clubs have to meet criteria on youth development, stadium regulations, qualified staff and a variety of other issues.
The winners of the Scottish Cup will go into the Play Off round of the Europa League, if they lose out they will drop into the group stage of the newly formed Conference.
The Sun reports:
ST MIRREN are sweating over a potential £3million windfall after being refused a licence to play in Europe. The Buddies will bag a Euro spot if boss Jim Goodwin leads them to Scottish Cup glory this month.
But they have not been granted the necessary grading to compete in the Europa League or new-look Conference in the latest awards released by the SFA. They will lodge an appeal on Tuesday.
But the club must satisfy a tribunal they meet strict Uefa governance and financial criteria. SunSport understands Saints chiefs are locked in talks with Hampden beaks in a desperate bid to get the situation resolved.
A financial statement at 31 December 2020 is part of the criteria, demonstrating that a club is financially viable and not over spending to get their hands on UEFA prize money.
On Sunday St Mirren face St Johnstone at Hampden for a place in the final of the Scottish Cup.