League One and Two clubs have been hit with a devastating blow in their bid to return to league action next month.
The SFA have announced, after comprehensive discussions with the Scottish Government, that those clubs will not be permitted to return to action.
The news is a hammer blow to those 20 clubs after they committed to the costs of testing their players for the remainder of the season.
Clubs were extremely hopeful that they'd be allowed to return next month with case numbers dropping but those plans have been shattered by the government's decision.
It's now highly unlikely that clubs will complete their remaining fixtures this season and there is uncertainty over the completion of this season's Scottish Cup.
An SFA statement read: " In recent weeks, the Scottish FA has engaged extensively with clubs and leagues affected by the suspension of professional football across the men’s and women’s game to discuss tailored return to playing plans for implementation when it is considered safe and appropriate to resume.
"We have also remained in regular dialogue with Scottish Government to ensure their input into and ultimately approval of those proposed plans.
"Regrettably, the government has today confirmed that - in cognisance of the current restrictions in place across the country - they cannot currently commit to return dates for those affected leagues in the coming weeks.
"We will continue to speak with all parties in the meantime and will provide a further update by 1 March.
"This date should not be seen as a proposed restart date, however it should help provide some clarity to affected clubs to aid their planning over the short term.
"Whilst this is disappointing news, Scottish football will continue to play its part in assisting the Scottish Government’s efforts to reduce the prevalence of COVID-19 across the country."
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