Football clubs have been told they can arrange early kick off times in the Scottish Cup to tackle the cost of living crisis
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Football clubs have been told they can arrange early kick off times in the Scottish Cup to tackle the cost of living crisis.
The Scottish FA have written to clubs participating in the Scottish Cup to reiterate that they have the option.
The Scottish FA Board is keen to helps clubs guard against some of the impact from the current cost-of-living crisis, with earlier kick-off times – to which both competing clubs must agree – potentially leading to reduced match day costs such as floodlighting and heating.
Clubs participating in the first round would also have the option of streaming any non-televised Scottish Cup matches scheduled to kick off prior to the traditional blocked hours period of Saturday between 2.45pm-5.15pm, with discussions ongoing with broadcast partners about clubs streaming matches in later rounds.
Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA Chief Executive: “We are cognisant that the effects of the current cost-of-living crisis are being felt by Scottish football clubs and we are committed to exploring methods that could help mitigate the effects of the crisis within Scottish football.
“This logical step to help reduce match day costs is just one avenue in which the Scottish FA will look to support clubs throughout this challenging period and we welcome further discussion on ways to help alleviate the increase in costs that could be incurred over the coming months.”
