SPFL decide that Scottish Premiership matches for Motherwell FC and other 11 clubs remain postponed

The SPFL has today asked Motherwell FC and the other 41 member clubs to vote to immediately terminate the coronavirus-hit 2019/20 campaign for the Ladbrokes Championship, League 1 and League 2, without remaining fixtures being played.
Before the season was put on coronavirus lockdown, third placed Motherwell were a point ahead of fourth placed Aberdeen after 30 Scottish Premiership games (Pic by Ian McFadyen)Before the season was put on coronavirus lockdown, third placed Motherwell were a point ahead of fourth placed Aberdeen after 30 Scottish Premiership games (Pic by Ian McFadyen)
Before the season was put on coronavirus lockdown, third placed Motherwell were a point ahead of fourth placed Aberdeen after 30 Scottish Premiership games (Pic by Ian McFadyen)

This week's poll will recommend ending the lower leagues campaign now and keeping Ladbrokes Premiership matches postponed for the time being, to give the best possible opportunity for the remaining 2019/20 fixtures to be played.

However, if the SPFL Board determines that the remaining Premiership matches cannot be played, the Ladbrokes Premiership would also be terminated, with final season placings determined on the same basis.

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If this was the case, third placed Motherwell would qualify for the first qualifying round of the Europa League, their first competitive foray into continental action since the 2014-2015 season when they were defeated 5-4 on aggregate (after extra time) by Icelandic outfit Stjarnan.

The Cabinet Secretary for Health announced on March 17 that NHS Scotland had been put on an emergency footing for at least 12 weeks until 10 June. In addition, the Scottish Government also publicly advised that expectations are that restrictions could remain in place for at least 13 weeks.

That means the remaining fixtures in Ladbrokes League Season 2019/20 and the related play-off competitions cannot be scheduled without significantly damaging the SPFL’s ability to start and complete, on time, League Season 2020/21 and next Season’s Betfred Cup.

The SPFL are also recommending that final season placings in the Championship, League 1 and League 2 are determined by the number of points per game earned by each club in the matches they have played, with play-off competitions cancelled.