Could Hearts v Hibs Scottish Cup semi be set for 2021?

The Scottish FA want to the 2019/20 Scottish Cup played to a conclusion

Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell has confirmed that the organisation would “look at” playing the remainder of the Scottish Cup in 2021.

Hearts and Hibs, as well as Aberdeen and Celtic, were due to face off at Hampden Park last month for a place in the showpiece final which was scheduled for 9 May.

With the SPFL having terminated the 2019/20 season there were question marks over the future of this campaign’s Scottish Cup which has been postponed indefinitely.

Hearts and Hibs could meet in 2021. Picture: SNS

Maxwell revealed the SFA want the games played in front of supporters but there is a reluctance to put any date in the calendar as a target.

The Scottish Government released their pathway out of lockdown but it is highly unlikely matches being played in front of upwards of 40,000 fans will happen any time soon.

“We want to play them in front of supporters, there's a big financial imperative,” he told Scotland Tonight.

"Depending on what the numbers of supporters are, we want to try and give it a bit of time to see how that unfolds over the next few months before we make a decision.

"We would look at it [playing matches next year]. You then start to get fixture challenges, depending on how the season plays out and how the fixture calendar looks at that point.

"We would need to make a decision at some point but we're committed to playing the competition to its completion."

Maxwell understood that all four squads could be different to the ones they have now, especially Hearts who could be playing in the Championship come the Edinbrugh derby showdown at Mount Florida.

But he reckons that all those involved will understand the “circumstances”.

He said: "In an ideal world we wouldn't be restarting the Scottish Cup, we would've played it to completion this season.

"But, given the circumstances that's not been possible and the world will be a different place coming out the coronavirus crisis, never mind the squads playing in Scottish Cup competitions.

"The board have stated that we absolutely want to play the games. It's our flagship tournament, it means an awful lot to the players, the clubs and the supporters of the teams that are still involved.

"I'm sure when the Final comes and the winning captain is up lifting the trophy all he'll worry about is being a Scottish Cup winner.

"It's not ideal circumstances but we're making the best of it."