The possible dates Aberdeen v Rangers, Celtic v Livingston and other postponed fixtures could be played

The Scottish FA and SPFL confirmed all professional football fixtures in Scotland would be postponed this weekend due to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

President of the SFA, Rod Petrie, revealed that following discussions between the governing body, SPFL, SWPL, Lowland and Highland League that a cancellation “was the appropriate step to take following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II”.

According to some reports, the funeral could take place on Monday, September 19 following a period of mourning.

Neil Doncaster, SPFL chief executive, said: “We will update clubs and supporters when we have clarity over official arrangements for Her Majesty’s funeral.”

As of yet there has been no suggestion as to when the rescheduled fixture card will take place.

In normal seasons the game calendar is awkward regarding fitting in postponements and cancellations. The addition of a mid-season World Cup makes it all the more difficult.

Between now and the final round of Premiership fixtures on the weekend of November 12 ahead of the World Cup there is little to no space. Another round of European fixtures takes place next midweek before domestic commitments at the weekend before there is an international break.

During that break Scotland play three times in the Nations League, against Ireland at Hampden Park in between home and away fixtures with Ukraine.

Football in Scotland's top leagues has been cancelled for the weekend. (Photo by Sammy Turner / SNS Group)

There is no space in October with three European dates, plus a midweek date for the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals. That midweek could be an option for games out with the Premiership to take place.

In November there is a European fixture card and a midweek fixture card in the Premiership before the break for the World Cup.

The Premiership is to return on December 17, the same day as the third/fourth play-off. Bringing teams back a week early or those games taking place the previous midweek could be a serious option. It would mean they would clash with the quarter-finals or semi-finals respectively.

Beyond that there are a few midweek options at the start of 2023. The only dates being used prior to European football returning on February 14 are January 14 and 15 for the Premier Sports Cup semi-final ties.