Dundee FC clarify stance but yet to cast deciding vote

Dundee say it was their intention to vote ‘no’ on the SPFL’s proposed resolution on bringing the current season to an end but they have yet to cast their deciding ballot.

The SPFL’s resolution to halt the lower league campaign because of the coronavirus outbreak rests on the Scottish Championship club.

Their ballot was initially submitted electronically but it did not reach the league body and the club only realised when the league announced the results on Friday.

They are the only one of Scotland’s 42 senior clubs who have not registered their vote and effectively have the casting one.

The Dens Park side released a statement on Wednesday, criticising the league body’s proposal and calling for the start of reconstruction talks.

“There are several things that have to be in place in order to deliver a proper opportunity of achieving a better foundation for Scottish Football’s future,” the statement said.

“First, a working group should be assembled and must have members from the highest levels of Scottish Football with long-term interest in the future success of the game.

“We need to agree a set of goals that will be the basis of reconstruction which takes into account current and future wants and needs of media; member clubs’ financial benefits; and sporting integrity as a basis.

“It is our belief that after speaking to numerous clubs that the appetite for reconstruction is there and the intention is to set up an immediate and focused working group to take on this task.

“We do believe the centre has made mistakes in this process, namely not taking into consideration any financial fallout to their member clubs and publishing of the incomplete ballot results, which has put Dundee FC in a position to receive criticism and undue torment.

“If what we achieved in our pause was presented by the SPFL in the first instance we would have voted in favour of the proposal,” the statement added.

All 42 clubs were advised to submit votes on the SPFL resolution to the league by 5pm on Friday.

For the resolution to be passed, the vote required 75% of Premiership clubs to be in favour, 75% of the Championship sides, and 75% of League 1 and 2 combined.

But the voting has been shrouded in controversy.

While the resolution was overwhelmingly backed by Premiership clubs and clubs in League 1 and 2, one crucial vote remains outstanding in the Championship.

It emerged Dundee voted against the proposal, but then asked for the vote to be withdrawn after it was claimed by the SPFL the vote had not been registered.

After consulting legal advice, Partick Thistle – who would be relegated from the Championship if Dundee changed their vote from no to yes – claimed the Dens Park club’s original vote must stand.

Meanwhile, STV exclusively revealed earlier on Wednesday the SPFL told member clubs this season’s outstanding fixtures could not take place ahead of the new campaign because there are not enough dates in the calendar to complete both.

In the SPFL’s resolution, clubs were advised the new season, which includes league matches and the Betfred Cup, would not begin until mid-September at the earliest if this season’s current fixtures – including play-off matches – were to be played.

The football authorities have been advised by the Scottish government that the restrictions currently in place as a result of the coronavirus pandemic may not be lifted until at least June 10.