Re-structuring Scottish Football: To Vote or Not To Vote?

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This blog has, extensively, been analysing, over the last few months, all developments in relation to Scottish football. I have written several posts as to the dangers of avoiding an effective change in the structure of all Scottish leagues and, most importantly, I have contacted the Scottish Football Association, with specific proposals regarding such changes.

It became evident today that the changes proposed by the football authorities have not satisfied all of their stakeholders. The lack of unanimity in the voting process, demonstrates not only the plethora of different  and uncompromising ideas of all parties involved, but also the different interests that they wish to apply in the game. The lack of consensus now threatens to jeopardise the healthy existence of several clubs and to make the dire financial situation of many others worse. 

In conclusion, I have two observations to make. The first one concerns the role of the football authorities in Scotland. The lack of consensus in the voting process is, with respect, the result of insufficient and inadequate prior consultation with all stakeholders. In addition, when the initial plan fails, a 'Plan B' must be in place and an independent observer, under the present circumstances, would question the existence of such plan. Scottish football fans, in particular, would be hard pressed to accept that their money would buy a product that may no longer be competitive and viable.

The second observation relates to the fans. Once again, I regret to state, that Scottish fans have been ignored, or in the best possible scenario, they have been marginalised like unimportant irrelevancies. This cannot be right. It would be a cliche to repeat the wise words of Jock Stein to describe the present situation. However, I fear, all too often, his words have direct applicability in Scottish football. 

Dr. Gregory Ioannidis
15 April 2013

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