By Oliver Dickinson
The Scottish Professional Football League will ask member clubs to allow the League Cup to become a voluntary competition next season.
Participation in the Betfred Cup has previously been compulsory, with the 38 SPFL teams not in Europe, plus the Highland and Lowland League champions, drawn into eight groups of five on a regional basis when the competition gets underway in July.
But with only top-flight sides currently allowed back in training due to the coronavirus pandemic, the SPFL now want those groups to take place around the international break in October while accepting “that not all SPFL clubs will be able to play competitive matches” by that date.
In a document sent to all clubs, the SPFL say their intention is “for any SPFL club that is not able to participate in the Betfred Cup this season to receive a ‘solidarity payment’ from that competition.”
Furthermore, the Tunnocks Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup final between Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Raith Rovers has been slated to be played before Christmas.
Next season’s Challenge Cup is now likely to be played later in the 2020/21 campaign and is also expected to be deemed optional for clubs to participate in.
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
