SPFL 'sporting integrity' questioned over cup invites

Broadwood Stadium has a capacity of 8,000

Cumbernauld Colts have questioned the "sporting integrity" of the Scottish Professional Football League after the Lowland League club were overlooked for inclusion in next season's SPFL Trust Trophy.

It was announced on Monday that the tournament - which will have record prize money on offer in 2024-25 - will no longer invite Irish and Welsh teams to participate in what was originally called the Challenge Cup.

Instead, 11 Premiership B teams, five from the Highland League and six from the Lowland League will join clubs from the Championship, League 1 and League 2 in the draw.

But Cumbernauld, who finished fourth in the Lowland League and possess the bronze license now required to play in the SPFL, are angered that four former senior clubs who finished below them have been invited to compete in the tournament while they have not.

"The SPFL invites brings into question the sporting integrity for the SPFL and raises concerns with financial fair play with clubs being financially rewarded without any sporting merit," Colts' statement read.

"These issues have been raised with the Scottish FA and we await a more detailed reply."

Albion Rovers, Berwick Rangers, Cowdenbeath and East Stirlingshire, who have all suffered relegation from League 2 since the new pyramid system was adopted, have been invited to play in the new SPFL Trust Trophy.

"In terms of the Lowland League invites, only two clubs (East Kilbride and Bo'ness United) have been chosen based upon sporting merit criteria of where they finished in the final league table for season 2023-24," Colts, who play at the 8,000-capacity Broadwood Stadium, previously used by League 2 club Clyde, add.

"The SPFL has chosen to invite four Lowland League clubs who are ex-SPFL members, none of which have a bronze license and finished in the lower levels of the league, having chosen not to invite our club.

"We call on the Scottish FA to lead and intervene for the good of our game in this country."

The SPFL and SFA have been contacted for comment.