THE STATE OF SCOTTISH FOOTBALL

Early day motion 1326, tabled 8 June 2004 by David Marshall (Labour). Signed by 8 members.

That this House notes with amazement and sadness the shambles existing in Scottish football, especially in the Scottish Premier League (SPL) where confusion, muddle and self-interest appear to reign supreme; notes that Falkirk were denied promotion last year and that Inverness Caley Thistle may or may not be promoted this year following the outcome of another ballot of clubs; believes that results on the field should be all that counts; notes that 25 per cent. of SPL clubs have had to go into administration and that the situation smacks of a cosy cartel of clubs only interested in playing Celtic and Rangers four times a year for large sums of money; and believes that there are too many organisations and leagues and that Scotland should copy England's excellent example and have a premier league of 16, 18 or 20 clubs, one, or at most, two other leagues, automatic promotion, relegation and play-offs including non league clubs and that this would be of great benefit to fans, clubs and Scottish football in general.

Signatures by party: Labour 7, Liberal Democrat 1.