Hibs given training return date - Hearts and Edinburgh City must wait

Football in Scotland has been suspended since March 13

Hibs have been given the green light to return to training later this month.

The Scottish FA and SPFL’s joint response group have confirmed Premiership clubs are able to train from June 11.

Scottish football entered a shutdown on March 13, the day before games were due to take place. The Scottish Government suspended football at all levels for an indefinite period before specifying June 10.

Hibs can return to training next week. Picture: SNS

Top-flight clubs can now return to training next week, but teams in the Championship, League One and League Two face a wait.

Hearts are still seeking clarity on the structure of the Premiership and Championship for the 2020/21 campaign, while there is still uncertainty regarding the lower leagues.

The SFA and SPFL Joint Response Group said: "The suspension of football will be lifted to enable training from June 11, specifically for SPFL Premiership first-team squads only."Any other competitions wishing to return to training must be able to confirm their ability to meet the testing regime and other safeguarding measures agreed between the Scottish FA and the Scottish Government."

The SPFL are keen for the Premiership to begin in August when the new Sky Sports broadcasting deal commences.

Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA Chief Executive, said: “Firstly, I would stress that the conditional lifting of suspension for Scottish Premiership clubs is predicated on observing the measures outlined by Scottish Government in their route map out of lockdown.

“I would like to thank the Joint Response Group sub groups for their work in helping to produce the robust Return to Training protocol which has given the government the necessary comfort to provisionally plan for an August 1 restart for the Premiership.

“In particular I would like to recognise the efforts of Dr John MacLean, our Medical Consultant, and his medical sub group in providing clear and unambiguous guidance to clubs on the testing procedures required.

“I am also aware that other parts of the game will seek further clarity on when they may be able to resume. The testing criteria required at this stage is prohibitive but as the governing body for football we are determined to restore the national game at all levels as soon as it is safe and practical to do so.

“I am aware of the need to provide an achievable route map for the women’s game and we are engaged with Scottish Women’s Football to discuss the practicalities for the Scottish Women’s Premier League, especially given Glasgow City’s involvement in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.”