SFL meet for merger talks

Published on 26/06/2012 01:38

THE Scottish Football League board will meet again today to discuss controversial proposals that could see Rangers play in the First Division next season.

Under revolutionary changes that would involve merging the SPL and SFL, a Rangers newco could gain entry to the second tier so they have the chance to bounce straight back to the top-flight after just one year.

That would soften the financial blow to SPL clubs caused by the demotion of Rangers. As it stands, the fallen Ibrox club will be thrown out of the top division, with Hearts, Hibs, Dundee United, Aberdeen, Inverness and St Johnstone already confirming they will vote against letting them start afresh in the SPL when the 4 July ballot takes place. Under the current rules, that would mean Rangers effectively having to start again from the Third Division, the bottom rung of the Scottish game.

But the SFA, SPL and SFL hope to convince clubs to take Rangers back into the First Division with the promise of key changes. On the back of the key principles for reconstruction outlined in the Henry McLeish report, a promotion/relegation play-off between the leading two leagues would be introduced.

There would also be a new method to distribute broadcast and sponsorship money and there are plans to form a single governing body at the head of a pyramid system, which would see the introduction of relegation and promotion to a fourth tier.