SFA explains why transfer window is closing tonight

The Scottish Football Association has clarified why the transfer window will close earlier in Scotland compared to some other countries.

The deadline north of the border is tonight at 11pm, while clubs in England, for example, have until 11pm on Monday to negotiate deals on transfers. An SFA spokesman explained: “The window closes tomorrow because Saturday is a working day for our registration department.

“Uefa sent round a circular on 21 June saying that the deadline can be moved to the first working day after 31 August. Saturday is a working day for us and there are something like ten other associations who are all closing on the 31st as well.”

Rangers are currently under a transfer embargo until 31 August, after which date they can register the eight free agents who have committed to join the club. Had the window been open until Monday, they would theoretically have been able to purchase new players in a 48-hour period instead of waiting until January.

Manager Ally McCoist said: “It’s just something we have to accept. The SFA has made the decision and you would have to ask the SFA why they have made that decision.

“We just have to abide by the rules that the SFA put forward, which we will do. It probably stopped us by a couple of days possibly being able to purchase a player or two, I believe.”