Falkirk chief could mount legal challenge against SPFL as he opens up on Rangers hero Scott Arfield's future

Scottish Sun

07-05-2025

LEGAL BATTLE Falkirk chief could mount legal challenge against SPFL as he opens up on Rangers hero Scott Arfield's future
FALKIRK are considering challenging the decision to ban artificial pitches from the Scottish Premiership as they prepare to return to the top flight next season.
Premiership clubs voted in May to ditch synthetic surfaces by the 2026/27 campaign.
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Falkirk currently have an artificial surface
Credit: SNS
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They will be back in the top flight next season after back-to-back title wins
Credit: PA
That allows Falkirk to play on their current plastic surface next season but they will need to scrap the turf and lay down a grass pitch in the next year under the current ruling.
However, Bairns chief executive Jamie Swinney has refused to rule out a challenge to the ban which will soon be in place.
John McGlynn's side are one of seven clubs in talks with the SFA over a package of interest free loans and grants to assist with the cost of transforming the surface when the time comes.
Airdrie, Cove Rangers, Hamilton, Livingston, Queen of the South and Raith Rovers are also seeking financial aid.
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But Swinney says there's a possibility clubs could ask independent arbitration tribunal to review the decision under Article 99 of the SFA rules.
"Arbitration is not off the table,' Swinney told the Herald.
'We had a good chat with the Scottish FA about the issue. Mike (Mulraney) and Ian (Maxwell) were very honest, as they would be and the SPFL know that we are still considering arbitration."
He continued: 'If we had 12 pristine grass pitches in the Premiership you would understand the ban,' adds Swinney
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'But we live in a wet country with not much sunlight and not a lot of resource.
'We can't afford grow lights and can't afford to be ripping up a pitch and replacing it every year for £1.5million.
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'So when you put all of that into context you have to ask, 'is it actually the right decision?'
'Taking all of that aside we have tried to obtain some kind of softer landing.
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'This club was almost in administration, we were on the verge of part-time football.
'We spent £350,000 on a pitch a couple of years ago and it's the top level artificial pitch which is fine for the Champions League. We maintain it well, we look after it well.
'It's not just as easy for us to say, 'right, let's spend £1.2million on this pitch.' We don't have that money.
'So we are looking for a bit of support, be that an extra year to allow us to build up enough cash reserves. Can we get an interest free loan or a grant? Can we get these things?
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'We hope we can come to a reasonable agreement to avoid arbitration.'
Swinney also revealed the club are weighing up a stunning contract extension for fan favourite Scott Arfield.
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The Rangers hero returned to his boyhood club in February on a six-month deal, with an option for a further year.
The veteran helped the Bairns over the line in the title race with nine goals in 13 appearances and Swinner insists the club would be "crazy" not to keep him.
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He said: 'He was 38 seconds into his second debut and he hadn't touched the ball and when the ball rolls to him in the 18-yard box he did what he has done his whole career.
"Composure, quality and his first goal before he goes on to score a hat-trick. It was Roy of the Rovers stuff.
'He is a hero to fans, what he has brought in terms of goals speaks for itself.
'And what he added off the park is probably more valuable still.
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'We have an option on Scott and I think we would be absolutely crazy to not do everything we can to keep him here next season.
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