Scottish Premiership clubs seek to phase out artificial pitches from top flight

Premiership clubs have brought forward a resolution seeking to phase out artificial pitches from the top-flight.

With Livingston being relegated, Kilmarnock are now the only club with a plastic playing surface in the division.

And they have already announced plans to return to a grass pitch at the end of next season.

Clubs are now hoping to bring an end to artificial surfaces in the Premiership from the start of the 2026/27 season.

The SPFL Board has approved plans for a project with a pitch consultancy firm to raise standards of grass pitches.

On Monday a resolution was brought forward which aims to phase out the use of artificial pitches in the top flight.

The SPFL will now issue the resolution to all Premiership clubs, and the outcome of that vote will be announced in due course.

The resolution requires nine of the 12 votes to be in favour for it to be passed.

A spokesperson said: “The SPFL Board has confirmed at a meeting today that if the resolution is approved, it will grant a two-year period to allow clubs with an artificial pitch to plan accordingly, with artificial pitches not permitted in the top division from season 2026/27.

“This period of grace is in line with recommendations of the SPFL Competitions Working Group, which represents member clubs across the SPFL.

“Separately, the SPFL Board has approved plans for a Premiership-wide project to work with a leading pitch consultancy firm, which is regularly used by UEFA, to improve the standards of grass pitches in the cinch Premiership.”