Brechin City chairman Ken Ferguson has resigned from the SPFL board - just 10 days before a controversial decision which could ultimately save his club from losing their league status.
Now SPFL chiefs are facing another chaotic end to the season after admitting Kelty Hearts’ and Brora Rangers’ pathway to the pro set-up could be blocked for a second year running.
League chiefs revealed they are looking into “several issues” that could prevent the League 2 play-off from going ahead next month.
Record Sport understands SPFL chiefs are looking at the number of games fulfilled by both clubs to be named champions of their leagues. It's also believed they are studying issues relating to the ownership of Brora's ground.
Kelty and Brora - declared Lowland and Highland League champions last week after fulfilling 13 games and three games respectively - are due to contest the pyramid play-off in two weeks’ time.
The winner is then due to face the bottom side in League 2, currently Brechin, for a place in the SPFL.
The same three clubs were involved when last season’s play-offs were scrapped due to the covid crisis.
And now the two-legged tie is in doubt again after the SPFL statement said Kelty and Brora’s ability to meet league membership criteria would be decided at the April 19 meeting.
Officials from both clubs were keeping their powder dry last night while Highland League bosses were taking stock of the situation.
Record Sport understands Lowland League chiefs are surprised by the SPFL stance and intend to fight to ensure the play-off does go ahead.
The SPFL statement said: "The SPFL is considering several issues relating to the Pyramid Play-Offs and that, as a result, it is not in a position to announce dates for Pyramid Play-Off ties this season."
A spokesman for the SPFL added: “Given that there are a number of uncertainties, including whether League 2 clubs will play 22 or 18 games this season, we are not in a position to announce dates for Pyramid play-off ties this season.
“Whilst we understand that this lack of certainty will be disappointing to supporters of Brora Rangers and Kelty Hearts, it is important that we are entirely fair to all clubs, including the SPFL club that finishes bottom of League 2 this season.
“Our approach has always been to apply the rules that have been agreed by all member clubs, as well as the Pyramid play-off rules agreed between the SPFL, the SFA, the Lowland League and the Highland League, and we will do so again this season.”
Ferguson, above, position as League 1 & League 2 director on the SPFL Board will be taken in the interim by Gordon Thomson of Clyde.
The Brechin chairman said: “In view of the fact that Brechin City are currently 42nd in the league it is appropriate for me to step aside at this time and to devote all my time and energy into ensuring that Brechin City do not finish bottom of League 2 this season.”
