Hibs to vote in favour of the SPFL resolution to terminate the 19/20 season

Clubs have been told by the governing body to submit their vote by 5pm today

Hibs will vote in favour of the SPFL resolution, the Evening News has learned.

The 42 clubs from the Ladbrokes Premiership down to League Two have been asked to submit their vote by 5pm today for the proposal of terminating the three leagues below the top-flight.

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If the resolution is given the required backing it would see those three divisions decided on a points per game system.

Hibs will vote in favour of the SPFL resolution. Picture: SNSHibs will vote in favour of the SPFL resolution. Picture: SNS
Hibs will vote in favour of the SPFL resolution. Picture: SNS

In turn, it would set a precedent for the Scottish Premiership to follow in due course.

If the top tier was to be decided by points per game Hibs would drop from sixth to seventh due to St Johnstone’s slightly better average, the Saints having played a game fewer.

It would also mean likely relegation for Hearts unless league reconstruction is considered with the SPFL noting they will consult with clubs regarding that issue if the resolution is passed.

The club’s chief executive Leeann Dempster called for “calm heads and clear thinking” in the aftermath of the resolution being proposed, but she doesn’t expect football to be played again until August.

Terminating the season now would allow for clubs to be given prize money which could prove crucial for survival during the current climate.

The SPFL announced on Wednesday their recommendation that the 2019/2020 season below the Scottish Premiership be terminated.

The organisation’s chief Neil Doncaster said: “They all know there are no easy answers or simple solutions, but the Board’s recommended proposal will give us a far greater degree of certainty, minimise the harm to the game overall, and enable us make end-of-season fee payments now to Ladbrokes Championship, League 1 and League 2 clubs.”

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The top-flight is more complicated due to Uefa but the SPFL are due to meet with the body later this month where they could get the approval to make their own decision on the Premiership, according to reports.

Doncaster said: “The quicker we reach a final position the better, but there is no doubt this is the most complicated and challenging situation our game has faced in living memory.”

For the resolution to pass it will need 75 per cent approval from the Premiership clubs, 75 per cent approval from the Championship sides and 75 per cent approval from League 1 and League 2 teams combined.