Edinburgh MP Ian Murray has hit out at the SPFL – branding them a laughing stock over the way they handled their season-ending vote.
The former Foundation of Hearts chairman says "those who are supposed to be the custodians of our national game have let everyone down".
Dundee's decision to vote 'yes' to the controversial proposal yesterday (Wednesday) meant that the Ladbrokes Championship, League One and League Two had now come to an end – with Partick Thistle and Stranraer relegated. The SPFL also now have the power to call time on the top division later this month, a move which could see Hearts relegated.
And Mr Murray says the process brings the issue of "sporting integrity" into sharp focus.
He said: "The SPFL has become a laughing stock, with those in charge presiding over a complete farce.
"Common sense and putting fans first has never been high up on the governing body's agenda, and this shambolic process has proved that.
"I've no idea why the SPFL couldn't pay out the money based on current positions and, if necessary, adjust it at a later date when circumstances are clearer – rather than imposing potentially disastrous relegations on clubs that could send them to the wall.
"As a passionate Hearts fan, I know that if any club deserves on balance to be relegated this season it is probably Hearts, but there are still eight games to play. This has to be about the wider game, the fans and sporting integrity.
"Those who are supposed to be the custodians of our national game have let everyone down and there needs to be a fundamental change in how our national sport is run.
"We've been talking about it for decades without any real progress. Unfortunately, I won't hold my breath."
It emerged on Wednesday that Hearts would be at the forefront of fresh talks to reconstruct the Scottish leagues – with a 14 team Premiership on the table.
