Buckie Thistle's pyramid playoffs cancelled
SFA say it's due to club license rules
Last updated 25th Apr 2024
Buckie Thistle have been kicked out of the Pyramid playoffs.
It's because the Highland League champions failed to qualify for a bronze-level club license award from the SFA.
They were set to face East Kilbride this weekend.
An SFA spokesperson said: “The Licensing Committee considered a range of eligibility criteria in respect of Buckie Thistle’s application. Unfortunately, the submission did not meet the requirements for the award of a Bronze license.
“All SHFL and SLFL clubs were written to in December last year to advise that the audit process would be accelerated for those clubs with a chance of promotion, in light of the SPFL’s updated membership criteria requirements.
"The Scottish FA’s club licensing department has been in regular dialogue with Buckie Thistle since then to notify the club of, and provide ample time to address, issues highlighted in their Club Licensing Report.
“Unfortunately, these issues were not addressed by the club prior to yesterday’s licensing committee decision.”
The spokesperson added: “Every club was made aware in summer last year of the need to have a Scottish FA Bronze Licence to participate in the SPFL.
"Regrettably, Buckie Thistle failed to respond to any of the three subsequent follow-up letters sent in October, February and March.
“They are not compliant with SPFL Rules and failed to apply for a period of grace by the 31 March 2024 deadline.
"The SPFL Board has huge sympathy for Buckie and their fans, but has no option but to enforce our Rules.”