Seven SPFL clubs challenge Scottish Premiership's ban on artificial pitches as SFA prepare contingency plan

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Seven SPFL clubs have lodged a complaint against the ban of artificial pitches in the Premiership.Back in May, top-flight clubs in Scotland voted in favour of plastic surfaces to be outlawed in the league in time for the 2026/27 season.

Kilmarnock are the only club currently in the Premiership who have a artificial pitch but are aiming to revert back to grass at Rugby Park ahead of the 2026/27 season.But the Daily Mail now report that bosses at seven lower league clubs; Airdrieonians, Cove Rangers, Falkirk, Hamilton, Livingston, Queen of the South and Raith Rovers have voiced their concerns about the cost of replacing their plastic pitches to SFA president Mike Mulraney.

They add that the clubs are prepared to go to an independent arbitration hearing under Article 99 of the SFA rulebook if their appeal is dismissed.

The source adds that SFA chief Mulraney is working on a plan that will aid clubs who win promotion to the top-flight in their attempts to meet the financial requirements needed in order to revert back to a grass surface.