Falkirk chief executive Jamie Swinney has refused to rule out a challenge to the decision to ban artificial surfaces from the SPFL Premiership.
Top-flight clubs voted last year to outlaw the use of astroturf in their league by season 2026-27.
Newly promoted Falkirk are one of seven clubs speaking to the SFA over a package of interest free loans and grants to help with cost of laying down a grass pitch. Airdrie, Cove Rangers, Falkirk, Hamilton, Livingston, Queen of the South and Raith Rovers are also seeking financial aid to make the change.
With the two sides yet to reach agreement Swinney says the clubs could still ask an independent arbitration tribunal to review the decision under Article 99 of the SFA rules.
"Arbitration is not off the table,” Swinney told Herald Sport.
“We had a good chat with the Scottish FA about the issue. Mike (Mulraney) and Ian (Maxwell) were very honest, as they would be and the SPFL know that we are still considering arbitration.
“We raised concerns with the SPFL over the vote itself, the lack of due diligence and the lack of process. And whether it was the right thing to do when some of the grass pitches are not great.”
Read more:
Falkirk will join Kilmarnock as the only other Premiership club to utilise an artificial surface after victory over Hamilton on Friday night sealed back to back promotions for John McGlynn’s side. Second in the Championship, Livingston could still join them if David Martindale’s team progress through the promotion play-offs.
“If we had 12 pristine grass pitches in the Premiership you would understand the ban,’ adds Swinney
“But we live in a wet country with not much sunlight and not a lot of resource.
“We can’t afford grow lights and can’t afford to be ripping up a pitch and replacing it every year for £1.5million.
“So when you put all of that into context you have to ask, ‘is it actually the right decision?’
“Taking all of that aside we have tried to obtain some kind of softer landing.
“This club was almost in administration, we were on the verge of part-time football.
“We spent £350,000 on a pitch a couple of years ago and it’s the top level artificial pitch which is fine for the Champions League. We maintain it well, we look after it well.
“It’s not just as easy for us to say, ‘right, let’s spend £1.2million on this pitch.’ We don’t have that money.
“So we are looking for a bit of support, be that an extra year to allow us to build up enough cash reserves. Can we get an interest free loan or a grant? Can we get these things?
“We hope we can come to a reasonable agreement to avoid arbitration.”
Despite clubs in other leagues, including the German Bundesliga, passing the cash down the pyramid Premiership clubs voted against doing likewise in March.
“It’s not right that 12 clubs not only share 84% of the distribution pot, but also take all the solidarity money,’ adds Swinney.
“That’s not fundamentally not right. We have spent 15 years outside of the Premiership so, for us to go there and forget how difficult it was just to keep the lights on, would not be right.
“So, if there is a vote next year, we will be voting to distribute the cash.”
