The SFA have confirmed that Linlithgow Rose FC will not be eligible to participate in the Pyramid Play-Off tie between the champions of the Scottish Highland and Scottish Lowland Football Leagues.
Rose won the Lowland League and, ordinarily, would face Highland League winners Brora in the two-legged play-off semi-final.
However, the West Lothian club, did not obtain the requisite Bronze-level club licence owing to six variances in the criteria confirmed by the Scottish FA Licensing Committee on March 31.
Rose applied to the SPFL Board for a period of grace until June however this was rejected, as it would have meant Brora Rangers and/or Edinburgh City potentially losing their opportunity to participate in next season’s SPFL to a club that was not compliant with SPFL Membership Criteria.
Consequently, Brora Rangers will proceed to the Pyramid Play-Off Final where they will play Edinburgh City for the right to participate in next season’s William Hill League Two.
Linlithgow said on social media: “Unfortunately, our application for a period of grace to fulfil the required criteria for our SFA bronze licence was declined by the SPFL board.
“On this basis we are not eligible to participate in the pyramid play-off competition.”
Rose won the Lowland League by two points, with Clydebank finishing as runners-up.
“We are taking the necessary steps to enable the club to be considered for an SFA bronze licence at its next annual assessment.”
Brora won this season’s Highland League by a single point, finishing above Brechin City.
Edinburgh City are 14 points adrift at the bottom of League 2.
The play-off final legs are scheduled for 9 and 16 May, with Brora to host the first leg.
