THE SFA and SPFL have told SunSport they will now take what UEFA has said under advisement and plot out the best way forward after Thursday’s meeting.

UEFA have given the green light for leagues to come to a premature conclusion if the countries government guidelines prevents them from hitting UEFA’s deadline or if major financial harm could fall upon the association as a result of the delay.

The SPFL voted through measures last week which would crown Celtic champions and allow The Rangers to claim second place in the SPFL. Crucially, as it stands, Hearts would be relegated to the Championship.

Here is a statement from the SPFL:

“The coronavirus outbreak is affecting leagues across Europe in many different ways depending, amongst other things, on their financial position, their broadcasting deals and the percentage of their clubs’ income derived from gate receipts.

“In addition, the approach from individual governments varies according to the severity and timing of the lockdown and their success in dealing with the outbreak.

“As a result, there can be no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution to the challenges facing the 55 countries under the Uefa banner.

“Today’s Uefa announcement acknowledges that different leagues will have to carefully consider their own unique circumstances before deciding how best to progress.”

Nothing about this is ideal but Celtic were well on their way to another title before the shutdown. Thirteen points clear with eight games to go. Celtic only dropped ten points in their first 30 games and some are trying to argue they’d drop more in the last eight games. It’s a pretty flimsy argument – sporting merit will win out.