SPFL Cup Competitions – Update

A reminder to Forfar Athletic supporters that the draw for the group stages of the Premier Sports Cup or the League Cup in ‘old money’ will be made on Wednesday afternoon of this week at 1p.m.

It will be broadcast live on Premier Sports.

As ever we will endeavour to bring you news of the draw as soon as possible on FAFC social media channels.

There will be the normal eight groups comprising five teams.

Thirty-seven SPFL clubs will be involved in the draw along with Buckie Thistle and Brechin City from the Highland League and East Kilbride from the Lowland League.

Of course the five clubs due to represent Scotland in the European club competitions namely Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Kilmarnock and St. Mirren are not scheduled to enter until the straight knock out second round stage.

Prize money etc available to the competing clubs has been increased this time round by fourteen per cent with a minimum payout of £30,000 to the eight clubs who finish in fifth spot in their respective groups, the winners out with televisison fees due to receive £400,000.

The group stage fixtures are due to commence over the weekend of 12th/14th July.

The SPFL have also announced this morning changes to the format of the SPFL Trust Trophy in the season ahead, with prize money in this instance increased by fifty-eight per cent, the winning club receiving a £100,000 windfall.

The major change is that the competition will revert to an all Scottish affair with no invitations due to be made to Irish or Welsh League clubs for the first time in ten years.

Instead the Premiership ‘B’ teams will be joined in the first round in late July by eleven non league clubs, six from the Lowland League and five from the Highland League.

The ‘Loons’ will enter the fray along with Spartans, East Fife, Elgin City, Bonnyrigg Rose, Clyde and Stranraer from League Two at the second round stage which will be regionalised, but not seeded.

The ties in round two will be played on the Tuesday/Wednesday 13th/14th August.

Financially clubs exiting the competition at this stage will receive a £10,000 payment with another £5,000 guaranteed for winning sides.

Thirty two clubs will then contest the third round during the first weekend in September, the final again scheduled for late March.