A rule book has been drawn up for the proposed Scottish Professional Football League, and clubs "will be able to see the documents before deciding whether or not to vote in favour of the new set-up," according to Richard Wilson of the HERALD SCOTLAND. The Scottish Premier League and the Scottish Football League members are "expected to hold their respective votes next month, with a single, merged body considered to be possible in time for the beginning of next season." As part of the league reconstruction proposals, "a fairer wealth distribution model will be introduced, along with more play-offs between leagues and, most contentiously, a 12-12-18 structure for Scotland's 42 professional clubs." Many teams are still "uncertain about the latter, but a majority want to see the SPL and the SFL merge." Some involved in the discussions "were sceptical that a rule book could be drawn up in time for the beginning of next season." However, a draft was begun and lawyers involved in writing it "signed off on a final version earlier this week." This will reassure those individuals who are concerned about timescale, but "may also prompt wavering or sceptical clubs into a 'yes' vote" (HERALD SCOTLAND, 2/27).
