SFA to ask SPL to delay league start

February 10, 2009

The SFA is set to ask the SPL to delay the start of the 09-10 season so as to help with preparations of the World Cup qualifier against Norway. The season is set to start just 4 days before the crunch tie with Norway in Oslo on the 12th of August.

“The SPL have indicated that they are willing to have a chat,” said Burley on Monday. “I will be looking for the first game on the 8th to be cancelled.

“Initially we asked for the season to start early and initially the SPL turned it down.

“If the opening game is cancelled, that gives us six days’ preparation for the Norway game which I don’t think is too big an ask because it is very important.

“Otherwise we will only have two or three days.

“We are just being realistic because the first game of the season is played at 100 miles per hour.

“Hopefully we will have an agreement.

“It is a case of getting all parties together but I think the SPL will help us.”

Reacting to criticism from Burley, SPL secretary Iain Blair said on Sunday that the SFA had changed its reasons for wanting to alter the starting date for next season.

“The SFA first wanted the season to begin on 1 August, giving the Scotland-based players two competitive matches ahead of the Norway game,” said Blair.

“They now appear to have changed their minds and want a free weekend.”

Blair then pointed out the SPL has accommodated the national team’s schedule in the past wherever possible.

“Last season, two matches were postponed ahead of the Italy game following the SFA’s request,” he added.

“This season, no Old Firm derbies were scheduled immediately after Scotland’s qualification matches, again in line with the SFA’s wishes.

“They have not approached us on that point [about having a free weekend prior to the international on 12 August]. We need clarity on this.

“We also need to understand what the position is with the players plying their trade outside Scotland.”

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