Buckie Thistle 'not eligible' to take part in pyramid play-off tie for League Two place

Buckie Thistle will not be able to take part in the pyramid play-off tie between the champions of the Highland League and champions of the Lowland League.

The SFA announced on Thursday that the club did not meet the criteria after failing to obtain a bronze-level club licence.

Buckie were set to meet Lowland League champions East Kilbride this weekend for a potential place in Scotland’s League Two next season.

But they will no longer be able to take part in that fixture meaning they have been denied a chance of promotion to the SPFL.

East Kilbride, who were granted the licence by the committee, will proceed to the League Two play-off final against the bottom side of the fourth tier.

A spokesperson for the SFA said: “The Licensing Committee considered a range of eligibility criteria in respect of Buckie Thistle’s application. Unfortunately, the submission did not meet the requirements for the award of a Bronze licence.

“All SHFL and SLFL clubs were written to in December last year to advise that the audit process would be accelerated for those clubs with a chance of promotion, in light of the SPFL’s updated membership criteria requirements.

“The Scottish FA’s club licensing department has been in regular dialogue with Buckie Thistle since then to notify the club of, and provide ample time to address, issues highlighted in their Club Licensing Report.

“Unfortunately, these issues were not addressed by the club prior to yesterday’s licensing committee decision.”

A SPFL spokesperson said: “Every club was made aware in summer last year of the need to have a Scottish FA Bronze Licence to participate in the SPFL. Regrettably, Buckie Thistle failed to respond to any of the three subsequent follow-up letters sent in October, February and March.

“They are not compliant with SPFL Rules and failed to apply for a period of grace by the 31 March 2024 deadline. The SPFL Board has huge sympathy for Buckie and their fans, but has no option but to enforce our Rules.”