Next month, at the SPFL general meeting on April 24, Premiership clubs will vote on a ban, which will put the argument over artificial pitch use in the Scottish Premiership at a critical point.
The two Premiership teams using artificial turf right now are Kilmarnock and Livingston. Kilmarnock has previously said that, should certain conditions meet, they intend to return to natural grass by the 2025–2026 season.
Synthetic pitches have been criticized for their negative effects on player safety and the quality of the game, despite their financial advantages. The impending decision confirms the widespread belief in Scottish football that it is “increasingly likely” that artificial surfaces will be banned from the Premiership.
The majority required for the motion to pass has not yet been specified by the SPFL board, therefore it is unclear if an 11-1 majority or a 9-3 vote will be sufficient.
Concerns regarding the possible ban have been voiced by Raith Rovers, Livingston, Falkirk, Airdrieonians, Montrose, Cove Rangers, and other lower-league teams that depend on plastic pitches. It has been suggested that these clubs are looking for a middle ground that would allow them to balance the benefits of synthetic pitches financially with the wishes of individuals who support natural grass.
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