Highland League to remain suspended despite League One and League Two allowed to return
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The Highland League is set to remain suspended despite some football competitions being allowed to return.
It was announced today that League One, League Two and the Scottish Women’s Premier League would be allowed to return to action imminently, while the Scottish Cup can also return.
But the Highland League, along with the North Caledonian League, North Junior Super League and women's football at SWPL 2 level and below will remain suspended.
Their return to football activity will be reviewed in line with the Scottish Government's road map out of the Covid-19 crisis.
Scottish FA president Rod Petrie says they are still working towards the return of amateur football knowing how desperate all involved are to get back playing.
“We are pleased that the First Minister has again recognised the importance of football,” Petrie said.
“Given the sharp rise in infection rates caused by new strains of the virus at the start of the year, it was the right thing to do to assist the national effort to reduce its prevalence during lockdown.
“The preparatory work undertaken with representatives of affected leagues and their commitment to the inclusion of weekly PCR testing, has given ministers the confidence to permit the return of SWPL 1 and SPFL League One and Two.
“While we are pleased to see the return of these leagues, there remain significant numbers unable to return to play, including the remaining levels of the professional pyramid, elite youth football, club youth football and our amateur and grassroots clubs across both the male and female game.
“We are acutely aware of the desire within those levels to return to playing football.
“We will continue to work with the Scottish Government to ensure they are able to as soon as it is safe to do so.”
