SPL & SFL merger to be discussed by Scottish clubs

Scottish clubs will be consulted over merging the Scottish Premier League and Scottish Football League.

Representatives of both bodies had "a positive meeting" with Scottish FA counterparts on Friday.

Clubs will consider introducing a promotion/relegation play-off between the country's top two divisions.

A single financial distribution model and the advent of a pyramid system giving clubs access to the national league set-up will also be discussed.

A joint statement released on behalf of the SFA, SPL and SFL said: "All three parties have been involved in productive discussions for some time on the subject of league reconstruction.

"The two league bodies will now engage in a wider consultation with their member clubs.

"The discussions are based on the key principles for reconstruction outlined in the Henry McLeish Review of Scottish football:

• One league body in the senior game

• Promotion/relegation play-off between SPL and SFL First Division

• Single financial distribution model

• Pyramid system, with the potential for relegation from and promotion to the fourth tier

"Further consultation will take place in the near future, with the aim of reaching a positive outcome on a new model to take Scottish football forward."