The SPFL will not delay Celtic and Rangers clashes in order to allow for the return of fans.
League secretary Iain Blair insists the Glasgow rivals will meet in the first round of Premiership fixtures even if stadiums remain empty.
Parkhead boss Neil Lennon sparked hope the derby matches could be delayed until coronavirus restrictions on mass gatherings had been sufficiently eased.
The idea was backed by midfielder Callum McGregor, who floated the notion of several meetings in just a few weeks towards the season's end.
But Blair has asserted the SPFL have deemed the reshuffle unfeasible.
He told BBC Sportsound : "It wouldn't have been possible for us to do it.
"The first one has to be somewhere between round one and round 11 and when you look at international and European dates there are only around four dates you can put it in.
"You wouldn't want to open the season with it due to Celtic being presented with the flag. I don't think that is the best time to have an intense derby.
"It will be somewhere between games two and 11, the second one will be on the second of January and I have no idea when the third one will be but it will be before fixture 33."
