The SPFL has today announced that , following consultation with all 12 top -flight clubs, the Board of
the SPFL has determined that the 2019/20 Ladbrokes Premiership has been concluded with
immediate effect.
As with the Ladbrokes Championship, Ladbrokes League One and Ladbrokes League Two
Competitions, final season placings have been determined by points per game in league matches
played to 13 March 2020 by each club.
The decision means that Celtic are crowned 2019/20 champions and Hearts have been relegated to
the Ladbrokes Championship.
SPFL chairman Murdoch MacLennan said: “Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to officially
congratulate Celtic on their achievement of winning the Ladbrokes Premiership this season, and also
to sincerely commiserate with Hearts on their relegation.
“We would all have rather seen the league season played out on pitches, in stadiums and in front of
Supporters. This is not the way anybody involved with Scottish football would have wanted to conclude the league season but, given the grave and unprecedented circumstances that we are facing, the Board has agreed that it is the only practical way forward.
“Covid -19 has wreaked havoc on sporting competitions around the world and the repercussions will
be felt for a long time. Scottish Government restrictions and deep concerns for both player and
spectator safety left the SPFL with no realistic option but to call the Ladbrokes Premiership now
and we thank the Premiership clubs for their support on this decision.”
SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: “On Friday, Ladbrokes Premiership clubs expressed their
clear and unanimous view that there was no realistic prospect of completing the outstanding fixtures from Season 2019/20. The SPFL Board met this morning and in line with the express
agreement of member clubs in April, the Board determined that League Season 2019/20 and the
Ladbrokes Premiership be brought to an end.
“This decision now enables us to pay out around £7 million in fees to help clubs stay afloat during
this incredibly difficult time. We will begin processing these payments immediately.
“The focus of all those involved in the game will now turn to how we get football up and running
Again safely as soon as possible. Next season’s Betfred Cup first round group stage is scheduled to
begin in mid-July, with coverage from Premier Sports The 2020/21 League Season in all four of our
Divisions is due to commence on 1 August, which coincides with the start of our new and exclusive
five-year broadcasting deal with Sky Sports.
“Nobody should be under any illusion as to how complicated and difficult a challenge it will be to return Scottish football to normality. We will be liaising with Government on the best way forward and working to ensure that all of our 42 clubs are playing football again as soon as humanly possible.”
