EXCLUSIVE: Lower league clubs threaten legal battle over Premiership ban on plastic pitches

A group of seven lower league clubs are challenging a ban on artificial surfaces in the Premiership.

Top-flight clubs voted in May to outlaw the use of plastic pitches in their league by season 2026-27.

Concerned by the cost of replacing their existing surfaces, Airdrie, Cove Rangers, Falkirk, Hamilton, Livingston, Queen of the South and Raith Rovers held talks with SFA president Mike Mulraney this week.

And the clubs are prepared to ask an independent arbitration tribunal to review the decision under Article 99 of the SFA rules if their complaints are ignored.

Keen to avoid a costly legal battle and to find a solution to which all 42 SPFL clubs can sign up, Mulraney is now working on a plan to help clubs promoted to the Premiership meet the substantial cost of reverting to grass.

Kilmarnock are currently the only club in the top flight currently using a plastic pitch after Livingston’s relegation in the summer, but Falkirk, Raith, Livingston and Hamilton are all vying for promotion to the Premiership this season.

The seven clubs have held talks with SFA president Mike Mulraney

Kilmarnock are currently the only Premiership club who play on an artificial surface

Hamilton are another former top flight club who still play on plastic pitch

A potential solution to the impasse could lie with a change to the distribution of UEFA solidarity payments. These soften the financial blow for clubs who miss out on UEFA club competitions, with Aberdeen, Hearts, Dundee, Dundee United, Hibs, Kilmarnock, Livingston, Motherwell, Ross County, St Johnstone and St Mirren all standing to earn substantial sums of up to £1.6million before the end of the season.

Chief executives of Championship clubs argue that the cash should trickle down the pyramid to help cash-strapped lower-league sides.

A meeting of Premiership clubs discussed the matter earlier this week. A vote is due to be held before the end of the season, with any change requiring the support of 75 per cent of top-flight clubs.

Despite a reluctance from some clubs to give up the money, solidarity cash is likely to form part of a package of measures to help promoted teams with artificial surfaces meet the cost of laying down grass.