Hearts-Hibs Scottish Cup semi-final postponed with no alternative date - but SFA vow to play it in front of fans

SFA still plan to play the game in front of fans at later date

Hearts and Hibs will not be meeting at Hampden next month.

The Scottish Football Association today confirmed that the Scottish Cup semi-final between Hearts and Hibs is postponed indefinitely.

The Coronavirus forced the suspension of all football matches in Scotland last week, but UEFA have agreed with all European leagues to try to complete the season by June 30 – providing the virus allows it.

Cup ties will be rescheduled and the all-Edinburgh semi-final scheduled for April 11 is now put back until a date yet to be determined. The intention is that it will be staged in front of a crowd when it does take place.

Euro 2020 will now take place in summer 2021, with Scotland’s play-off against Israel planned for June along with the Champions League and Europa League finals.

Ian Maxwell, chief exectuve of the SFA, held a conference call with UEFA chiefs this morning before releasing a statement.

He said: “As well as the agreement to postpone EURO 2020 until next year, we also received indications that our UEFA Nations League Play-Off semi-final against Israel at Hampden Park, due to be played on 26 March, is now scheduled to take place in early June, with no date as yet confirmed.

“While we await more specific information from UEFA in relation to the fixture, there is a limit to how we prepare for a June match in the context of the coronavirus pandemic and the most recent government and UK Chief Medical Officers advice.

“I would like to reassure all Scotland fans who have purchased either tickets or hospitality packages for the match against Israel that those tickets will still be valid for the rescheduled fixture, when the date is confirmed. If supporters are unable to attend the rescheduled fixture then the face value of their tickets and packages will be refunded. Further information on tickets will be communicated to existing buyers in early course.

“At this juncture it is also important to confirm that the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final ties between Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian, and Celtic and Aberdeen, will not be played on the original dates – 11 and 12 April – nor will the final be played on 9 May. Given the fast-moving nature of this unprecedented situation, and the imperative to safeguard public health, we will consider future dates for the cup ties when the situation becomes clearer. We are, however, committed to completing the competition at the appropriate time, in front of spectators, and will base any decision on government and UK Medical Officers advice, and the readiness of the participants to complete the ties.

“We also await further information from the UEFA Working Group on the next steps for all other club and international fixtures which have been suspended until further notice, including Scotland Women’s National Team and national youth teams.”