Furious Scottish Premiership clubs are considering bringing forward the winter break amid new Scottish Government attendance rules.
The SPFL was dealt a hammer blow as Nicola Sturgeon revealed the number of supporters allowed at outdoor events would be capped at 500.
The First Minister announced the changes that would be put in force from Boxing Day for three weeks to limit the spread of the Omicron Covid variant.
The changes mean that just 500 supporters would be allowed to attend blockbuster games including Celtic and Rangers top of the table derby on January 2, and the Edinburgh derby between Hearts and Hibs on January 2.
It's claimed that an "informal chat" is being held by the top flight clubs over bringing the winter break forward by a week. But it’s believed by some at the SPFL such a move would only delay matters.
The three-week rest period is currently scheduled to take place following derby day in the capital.
It is noted that broadcaster Sky Sports will also have an input on the potential shake-up with both New Year derby clashes currently set to be aired.
The First Minister told Holyrood on Tuesday: "I know how disappointing this will be for those looking forward to these events, and for the organisers of them.
"But I want to underline why we think this difficult decision is necessary.
"Firstly, we know that the much higher transmissibility of Omicron means large gatherings have the potential to become very rapid super-spreader events, putting large numbers at risk of getting infected very quickly.
"Limiting these events helps reduce the risk of widespread transmission."
