Ross County have been forced to pull out of their game against Forfar following a Covid outbreak.
A statement from the Staggies earlier this week announced the club had suspended football operations in a bid to prevent further spread of the virus.
That left the Premier Sports Cup opener away on Saturday in limbo, but the game has now been axed.
The game has been awarded as a 3-0 win for the League Two side leaving Malky Mackay 's side with a mountain to clim to escape the group.
They are next set to face Dundee on July 18.
A club statement read: "It is with regret that Saturday’s away fixture in the Premier Sports Cup to Forfar Athletic has been cancelled due to some COVID infection within our football department.
"We are working hard with all authorities to re-open our Football Department later next week. It is business as usual for administration, ticketing and club shop.
"The club will continue to keep supporters updated in the coming days."
An SPFL spokesman added: “Consistent with the announcements in respect of similar issues in the group stage of last year’s competition, any team unable or unwilling to field a team in a Premier Sports Cup Round 1 group stage tie, will forfeit the match on the basis of a 3-0 defeat. Accordingly, Forfar Athletic have been awarded a 3-0 win in the tie.
“This announcement demonstrates the continuing threat of disruption to SPFL competitions by Covid-19, particularly given the current levels of transmission of the virus throughout the country.
“We wish the affected players and staff the very best in their recovery and will continue to liaise with Ross County in the coming days.”
It remains unconfirmed how many have tested positive for the virus but the enforced action comes as a real blow to County 's pre-season plans.
