The SPFL are staring at the threat of a £6million compensation claim that may only be averted by reconstruction.
Clubs have until Monday to indicate their support for the league’s executive proposal of a 14-10-10-10 set-up for next season but, as Record Sport revealed, it already looks dead in the water, which will almost certainly trigger legal action by relegated Hearts.
It’s believed claims from the Tynecastle side, Partick Thistle and Stranraer could total more than £6m, with up to £5m from Tynecastle alone, where chairman Ann Budge is determined to act with strong support from the Foundation of Hearts.
The bill would be footed by all 42 SPFL clubs, most likely from future broadcast earnings, as the governing body have previously admitted they have no cash reserves to cover a seven-figure payout.
Hampden sources insist the SPFL always knew the revamp was doomed to failure, but have pushed for reconstruction at the 11th hour to strengthen any potential defence in court.
One said: “If Hearts do take legal action, which is looking increasingly likely, the SPFL executive can now argue they tried everything possible to get reconstruction over the line.”
It’s understood some SPFL board members were left surprised at their last meeting when the topic of reconstruction was only raised by chief executive Neil Doncaster at the very end of the conference call.
It had not been on the agenda - and not all board members were aware of the full contents of the consultation document sent to the 42 clubs by email on Wednesday proposing the new set-up.
It had been dismissed by clubs previously, failing to win sufficient support with 11 of 12 Premiership outfits and 32 out of 42 clubs in total required to bring about a new league set up.
The Hampden source added: “Nothing has changed, but the executive are terrified of the ramifications of a legal defeat - and that’s why they repackaged their 14-10-10-10 proposal. They know Hearts, Partick Thistle and Stranraer have a very good case.”
The SPFL will arrange an EGM and formal vote within seven days if enough teams indicate a willingness for change on Monday.
The SPFL’s reconstruction document said: “Much has been said about the curtailment of league season 2019/20 due to Covid-19, with a number of matches still to be played.
“While it is now clear that there was no realistic workable alternative to that curtailment, the introduction of a 14-10-10-10 League structure for season 2020/21 would address any perceived unfairness and ensure that those teams relegated as a result of that curtailment would regain their previous divisional status.”
Neil Doncaster, the SPFL chief executive, has conceded the proposal will be the final attempt at league reconstruction ahead of the new season.
He added: “I do feel that this is the last realistic prospect of an expanded Premiership being delivered for the season ahead.”
Relegations in France and Belgium have already been blocked after court appeals by clubs and the SPFL have taken notice.
The SPFL will point out that more than 80 per cent of clubs agreed to end the 2019/20 campaign and Premiership clubs later admitted their season could not be completed.
However, that could face scrutiny in any court action, particularly after Dundee were allowed to change their vote after the result of the poll had been published by Hampden bosses.
