Donald Findlay: Cowdenbeath chair questions pyramid play-off 'sporting integrity'

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Donald FindlayImage source, SNS
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Donald Findlay, pictured in 2012, has stressed the need for "fair competition"

Cowdenbeath chairman Donald Findlay has questioned whether pyramid play-offs should take place this season, saying "there has to be sporting integrity".

Brora Rangers and Kelty Hearts have been declared champions of the Highland and Lowland Leagues after playing three and 13 games respectively.

A decision on whether they play-off to meet League 2's bottom team is now expected by midday on Thursday.

"It is all about fair competition," said Findlay.

"It can't be fair that you just nominate somebody after three games. There has to be sporting integrity. The pyramid? Fine - provided it's operated on a fair and equitable basis."

Cowdenbeath are currently second last in the bottom tier, having lost to Brechin City on Tuesday.

Brechin, eight points adrift with three games to play, have written to the SPFL board in an attempt to halt the competition, suggesting instead an expanded fourth tier for next season.

And Findlay, who is a QC, told BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound: "I'm not stopping them playing a game to decide which of the two of them wins that game.

"The question is, is it fair and does it have integrity for that team then to play off against club 42?"

Brora and Kelty were decreed the winners of their respective divisions on points-per-game last season, too, after that campaign was halted in March 2020 but all SPFL play-offs were cancelled.

Both sides resumed training in early April and representatives of the Highland and Lowland Leagues have been informed by the Scottish FA that an outcome will be relayed before Thursday afternoon.