15 Jan 2008SFA moves to prevent late postponement of cup ties

New guidelines concerning the scheduling of pitch inspections for Scottish Cup ties have been issued by the SFA.

Under the new plans, match-day inspections will now be carried out no later than four hours prior to kick-off.

The move comes after a number of cup matches were called off at short notice last Saturday (January 12th).

"The Scottish Cup is nothing without the supporters," Scottish FA president George Peat said.

"And we have to ensure that they aren't inconvenienced by setting off on journeys to ties that can't be played. We want the fans and the clubs to have ample time to change their plans should the bad weather dictate a postponement."

Albion Rovers had been particularly upset that their game at Elgin City was called off at such short notice.

As the pitch inspection was only carried out at midday, the Albion Rovers team bus had already arrived by the time it was announced that the game was to be postponed.

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