Hearts offered glimmer of hope as SPFL asks clubs to mull over 14-10-10-10 structure

New plan could ward off threat of legal action

Hearts owner Ann Budge has threatened legal action.

Clubs are being asked to consider a permanent 14-10-10-10 league reconstruction model following an SPFL board meeting yesterday in what is a partial victory for Hearts owner Ann Budge.

An indicative vote has been called to establish whether clubs agree with the SPFL board bringing forward a resolution for a 14-10-10-10 league structure to be implemented in time for the new season.

They are also being asked to vote on an EGM to consider this new resolution, with a deadline of 10am on Monday 15 June.

A formal vote on whether to adopt the new league format will then take place providing there is sufficient support. After receiving feedback from clubs relating to Budge’s plan for a 14-14-14 league structure the SPFL board concluded that there is widespread sympathy for teams such as Hearts and Partick Thistle, who were relegated last season.

It was also deduced that there was little reasonable prospect of clubs approving a temporary reconstruction, hence the permanent model being put forward.

The latest development offers a glimmer of hope for Hearts, who were relegated last month following a vote to curtail the season with rounds of fixtures remaining.

Budge has since threatened legal action and news that relegated Ligue 1 clubs Toulouse and Amiens received a reprieve in the French courts earlier this week has provided further basis for her case.

The last thing the SPFL wants is to be involved in a costly and lengthy legal battle and so the onus is on clubs to agree a plan that would ensure no teams suffer demotion due to the Covid-19 crisis.