Coronavirus in Scotland: Could Boris Johnson relegate Hearts? Prime Minister set to make call on football leagues

Johnson could bring official end to football season across UK

Boris Johnson is expected to make a call on football in the UK this week

Scottish football chiefs are braced for Boris Johnson to bring an official end to the game across Britain – handing Celtic a ninth consecutive title and consigning Hearts to relegation to the Scottish Championship.

The Sun reports that SPFL bosses expect the prime minister to call full time on the 2019/20 season which would end the current uncertainty over completion of matches as well as ratifying final positions in all four divisions.

It is understood that doing so would allow the league to dish out prize money early to help clubs survive the indefinite hiatus of football in Scotland.

What would cancelling the season mean?

If authorities effectively cancelled the season, it would have a serious impact on season-ticket cash, sponsorship money and the TV deals. Those with season tickets would be entitled to demand a refund if the season was declared null and void while broadcasters could also demand their money back.

Bringing an official end to the campaign could also let clubs activate crucial protection insurance at a time of financial uncertainty.

Ramifications

However the clubs currently in the four automatic relegation places – Hearts, Partick Thistle, Stranraer and Brechin City – could well argue for an alternative plan, while suggestions for league reconstruction that would see two teams promoted to every league and the creation of a 14-team top flight have been floated by some figures.

SPFL and SFA chiefs are set to hols urgent talks on Monday, with an emergency meeting scheduled.