April 23 – The negotiations between the Scottish FA (SFA) and the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) over who controls the direction of the game in Scotland found part resolution after a meeting of the two boards.
It is proposed the SPFL will now have greater representation on the board of the SFA with a resolution going forward to the general meeting of the SFA in June that the Professional Game Board will be able to appoint two, rather than just one, members to the SFA board.
It is also proposed that presidents and vice-presidents will only need to have served one year within a recognised football body, rather than the current ruling of four.
But while the Professional Game Board will now have a greater input into the budget-setting and policy-setting processes for Scottish football, the Scottish FA Board will retain overall responsibility for the financial budget relating to performance and football development, said a joint statement following the meeting.
Although not available for interview the following statements were issued:
Stewart Regan (pictured), SFA Chief Executive said: “I am glad that after consultation Board-to-Board at Hampden Park today we have reached a positive outcome for all parties. The Scottish FA is committed to the objectives outlined as part of the McLeish Review on Scottish Football, especially since we are beginning to see green shoots throughout our National Youth Teams and in via our Performance Strategy.
“It is important that we continue to work together with the SPFL, as with all other football bodies, to ensure that we take the national game forward both at senior professional level and in grassroots.”
Neil Doncaster, Scottish Professional Football League Chief Executive: “Today’s discussions were very productive and have given us a platform on which to continue the progress made since last year’s league reconstruction. The SPFL aims to work in partnership with the Scottish FA to ensure the senior professional game in Scotland is as vibrant as possible.
“The agreements reached at Board level today demonstrate that relationship and will give the professional game the increased influence it has been seeking.”
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