SEVEN SPFL clubs are campaigning against the ban of artificial surfaces in the Scottish top flight, it’s being claimed.
Premiership clubs voted in May to ditch synthetic surfaces in the league by the 2026/27 season.
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Kilmarnock are now the only club in the top division to have artificial turf at their stadium following Livingston’s relegation to the Championship last season.
The Ayrshire club had initially planned to make the change to Rugby Park next summer but a report today suggested their project has hit a snag.
Derek McInnes’ side won’t get rid of their current surface for another year now as the club are plotting to coincide the switch with the opening of their new state-of-the-art training centre, which has been pushed back following a delay in building works.
However, Killie will still make the required change by the deadline as their new surface will be laid for the beginning of the 2026/27 campaign.
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But whilst they have been open in their plans to relay the surface, the same can’t be said for seven other clubs.
The Daily Mail claim a selection of teams in the Scottish lower leagues are threatening a legal battle with the SPFL over the vote which took place earlier this year.
The clubs involved include Airdrie, Cove Rangers, Falkirk, Hamilton, Livingston, Queen of the South and Raith Rovers.
It is said they have held talks with SFA president Mike Mulraney this week and have made their objections heard.
All seven clubs are concerned by the cost of replacing their existing pitches.
And it is suggested the clubs are prepared to ask an independent arbitration tribunal to review the decision under Article 99 of the SFA rules if their complaints aren’t listened to.
Mulraney is believed to be working on a solution to avoid a costly legal battle with the unhappy clubs and is hopeful of finding a plan which would help cover the costs should one of the teams earn promotion to the Premiership.
One potential solution could be a change to the distribution of Uefa solidarity payments.
Clubs in the top flight who miss out the financial benefits of European football all pocket a chunk of cash from Uefa each season, and CEOs of Championship sides believe this should trickle down the lower leagues as well.
There is a reluctance from Premiership clubs to part ways with some of the money, but solidarity cash is likely to form part of the package to help teams make the required change to their surface if they earn promotion.
It’s suggested a meeting was held between Premiership clubs this week and a vote is due to be held before the end of the season.
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