Decision delayed on moving Scotland football matches to Murrayfield

A decision on whether to move Scottish international football matches to Murrayfield from 2020 has been delayed.

The seven-strong Scottish FA board confirmed it had been unable to come to a conclusion after meeting for several hours today.

The organisation is weighing up whether to shift Scotland games to the Edinburgh stadium or keep them at Hampden in Glasgow.

BT Murrayfield is bidding to host football internationals. Picture: Gary Hutchison/SNS/SRU

Proposals were submitted in July by Queen’s Park – the League Two club that owns Glasgow’s Hampden – and by Scottish Rugby, who host games in Edinburgh once the existing lease expires.

Both parties have been asked to provide more information on their bids.

Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell said: “This decision will have a significant bearing on the game in Scotland.

“We have asked both parties for additional information to be submitted within seven days to allow a final decision to be made.”

Hampden Park. Picture: John Devlin

Final tours of the two stadia were carried out by the board yesterday.

A proposal for Celtic and Rangers to share hosting of internationals and domestic cup matches was rejected in January, leaving Hampden and Murrayfield as the two remaining options.

The Scottish FA commissioned a feasibility study around a potential move to Murrayfield.

The governing body has the option to renew their lease on Hampden. The ground has been the national team’s home for more than a century, with matches played there since 1906.