Scottish Premiership clubs can officially prepare to kick off behind closed doors from the weekend of August 1.
The Scottish FA's Joint Response Group has received written approval from the Scottish Government, which also confirmed that Premiership clubs can prepare for the kick-off by participating in bounce games played at club training grounds, and friendly matches inside stadia with immediate effect.
These matches will be arranged behind closed doors, in line with current public health guidance, and including once-weekly testing from Monday, July 13.
The Scottish FA board will also discuss an appropriate timeline for the phased lifting of its suspension for other parts of the professional and non-professional game - including the remaining three SPFL divisions, the Scottish football pyramid, women’s football and grassroots – in light of the First Minister’s announcement on phase 3 of the government’s route map out of the COVID-19 crisis.
Details of the phased lifting of suspension will be announced shortly.
Mike Mulraney, interim Scottish FA president: “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.
“The First Minister’s updated guidance also gives great encouragement for boys and girls across the country that grassroots football for under-18s will soon return
“The JRG has been in daily liaison with government advisers to get us to this point. I would urge everyone to continue to adhere to the public health messages to ensure no complacency as the return to football becomes tantalisingly close.
“We will continue to plan for the return of the game at all levels and communicate milestones at the appropriate time.
"I would like to pay tribute to the work of the JRG, its sub groups and everyone involved in the game for the efforts that have gotten us to this point.”
Neil Doncaster, SPFL chief executive: “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."
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