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Forced PCR testing could threaten future of Highland League clubs


By Staff Reporter

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THE Highland League fears for the future of its clubs if it is forced to carry out Covid-19 testing for players to allow the season to restart.

Buckie Thistle's Callum Murray tussles with Brora Rangers' Colin Williamson...Brora Rangers FC (2) vs Buckie Thistle FC (2) - Buckie win 4-3 on penalties - Highland League Cup Semi Final - Dudgeon Park, Brora 18/10/2020...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
Buckie Thistle's Callum Murray tussles with Brora Rangers' Colin Williamson...Brora Rangers FC (2) vs Buckie Thistle FC (2) - Buckie win 4-3 on penalties - Highland League Cup Semi Final - Dudgeon Park, Brora 18/10/2020...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

The Scottish Football Association are set to carry out a review tomorrow to decide if suspensions on competitions below Championship level can be lifted.

But SHFL chiefs worry if one of the conditions to restart the season is carrying out PCR testing for coronavirus, it could be an expense too far for some.

All 16 active Highland League clubs this season were given a grant of £33,000 to help them play during the 2020/21 campaign.

Forres Mechanics, who opted not to play this season, were given a lesser amount.

SHFL secretary Rod Houston said clubs hadwelcomed the support they had received. But he said if they were forced to test players, it could be too costly for clubs and could impact on restarting the season.

“It depends on the terms and conditions,” he said.

“If it involves PCR testing, which is £50 to £60 per person, that could prove challenging for Highland League clubs.

“Clubs are delighted and grateful for the grants they have received so far.

“It has made a huge difference to the viability of the clubs and their ability to be resilient long enough to allow them to last into next season. But if PCR testing became mandatory and if they were to use that grant money towards that, that could run the risk of eroding that sustainability.

“There is a difficult balance to be struck and a difficult question to be debated.

“We’ve got to be clear any decisions that are made don’t erode the financial sustainability of the clubs.”

Houston says there were fears the pandemic could have forced clubs out of business when it arrived at the start of last year.

He is relieved the league still has 17 clubs and says whenever they decide to restart the division, it has to be in the best interests of all teams.

“One of the great things we have achieved is that every club is still alive and kicking,” he said.

“At the outset we were keen to see at the end of the pandemic we still have 17 members. It’s a worry and it has been discussed at league level, but we wait for the circumstances. Our principle guidance will come from the SFA.”


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