Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Andy McGilvray

Conference League fifth tier to be voted in, as SFA member clubs are in favour

SFA member clubs are ready to vote in a controversial Conference League fifth tier in Scottish football, according to a report.

The new division would slot in between League Two and the Lowland and Highland Leagues, and would be a vehicle for Premiership 'B' teams.

Three teams each from the Lowland and Highland Leagues would feature, alongside 'Colts' teams from Celtic, Rangers, Aberdeen and Hibs.

All SPFL clubs are aware of the proposals and will vote on it, at the forthcoming Scottish FA AGM.

However, having initially faced resistance, because many saw it as essentially relegating several teams at that level and below - such as the West of Scotland League - it now has broad support from member clubs, and according to the Scottish Daily Mail, it's set to be passed, needing only a 51 per cent vote.

Put together by the Pyramid Working Group, the Conference League would be brought in from the start of the 2024-25 season.

A separate entity from the SPFL, the Conference League will be funded by the Premiership clubs each paying £100,000 to be involved, and it therefore has its own commercial rights.

Celtic and Rangers have had teams in the Lowland League for the last two seasons, with Hearts coming in this term. That will continue next season ahead of the Conference League's start.

'Colt' teams can't be promoted, or relegated, from the Lowland League.

Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport on Twitter via @LanLiveSport, like us on Facebook or find us on Instagram for the latest sports news, pictures and video.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.