Buckie Thistle booted out of SPFL pyramid playoff over licence rules

Buckie Thistle have been booted out of the planned pyramid playoff clash with East Kilbride after failing to obtain the necessary licence.

The Highland League champions were scheduled to face off against East Kilbride in the semi-final of the playoffs. However the SFA this evening confirmed that Thistle are ineligible to compete as they do not hold the prerequisite Bronze-level club licence from the governing body.

According to the rules of the pyramid platform, clubs must comply with SPFL membership criteria to participate in these fixtures and, in this case, hold the minimum level of licence. The SFA confirmed that Buckie do not have the necessary licence and therefore cannot be granted the opportunity to compete.

That means East Kilbride will advance to the League Two playoff final.

A Scottish FA spokesperson said of the decision: “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 licence.

“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.”

An SPFL 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.”