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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Colin Paterson

Kilmarnock will kick-off new season on August 1 after Scottish Government green light

Kilmarnock's opening-day trip to Hibernian will go ahead after the Scottish Government gave SPFL Premiership clubs permission to start the new season on time.

Alex Dyer's side will travel to the capital on Saturday, August 1 to face the Hibees with matches to be played behind closed doors.

Today's decision is a huge relief for the SPFL and its clubs as a new £160 million TV deal with Sky Sports kicks in next month.

Premiership sides will also be able to step up pre-season preparations as friendlies behind closed doors are able to be staged from today.

Clubs are aiming to have a live streaming operation in place so season-ticket holders can watch games until fans are allowed back into stadiums.

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: “Today’s approvals are a significant step forward for Scottish Premiership clubs and provide the necessary clarity to prepare for the new season.

“The ability for clubs to arrange and participate in friendly matches is important on and off the field as momentum builds towards what will be a welcome and exciting return to Scottish football starting August 1.”

Interim SFA president Mike Mulraney said: “Scottish football, and the millions of fans for whom the national game is a fabric of their daily lives, are now starting to see light at the end of the tunnel.

“We welcome the Scottish Government’s approval of the August 1 start date for the Scottish Premiership and the ability for Premiership clubs to prepare for that kick-off immediately.”

Clubs outside the top-flight are waiting for permission to resume training with the Championship, League One and League Two campaigns pencilled in for a Saturday, October 17 kick-off.

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