The SPFL has announced that Falkirk FC has been granted an extended period of grace to use its current artificial pitch, before the installation of a grass pitch in summer 2027.
Assuming Falkirk FC retains its William Hill Premiership status at the end of this season, the club will (subject to FIFA certification) be permitted to use the current artificial surface at the Falkirk Stadium for Season 2026/27. The SPFL has agreed to advance some of the club’s fees (in respect of subsequent seasons) to help with the installation of a grass pitch for Season 2027/28.
A spokesperson for the SPFL said: "The SPFL Board was sympathetic to the position of Falkirk FC, which had installed a new artificial surface in summer 2023, in full compliance with the SPFL Rules in place at that time, expecting that surface to have a lifespan well beyond three years. The subsequent change to SPFL Rules, following a divisional vote by William Hill Premiership Clubs, has therefore caused a particular issue for Falkirk FC.
"This one-off additional period of grace, in relation to what has proved to be a high-quality and well-maintained artificial pitch, is intended by the SPFL Board to be a proportionate and fair response to a unique situation, whilst also respecting the will of William Hill Premiership Clubs in the vote taken in May 2024.
"We would like to thank the Directors of Falkirk FC for their hard work and their pragmatism in bringing this matter to a positive conclusion."
A Falkirk FC board spokesperson commented: "Falkirk FC welcomes the SPFL’s recognition of the position we found ourselves in, following the earlier pitches decision. As a fan-owned and newly-promoted club, having to find such a significant sum to replace a perfectly good surface could have threatened our club’s future.
"While we still believe there is a place for high quality artificial surfaces at all levels of the game in Scotland, we also had to act responsibly in the here and now — and that meant reaching a compromise that prevented uncertainty for Scottish football and for our club.
"We hope other SPFL member clubs will be treated with similar flexibility, and thank the SPFL for their cooperation and diligence."
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