Coronavirus: Raith Rovers' Challenge Cup final against Inverness Caledonian Thistle postponed

Raith Rovers captain Kyle Benedictus celebrates scoring the opener in the Challenge Cup semi-final win over Partick Thistle. Pic: Walter Neilson

Confirmation of the cancellation came this afternoon in a statement from the Scottish FA/SPFL Joint Response Group.

Rovers had been expected to take thousands of fans to McDiarmid Park, Perth on Saturday, March 28 for the match against the Highlanders.

It remains unclear at this stage whether the match will be rescheduled for a later date.

The statement read: "The SPFL Board has today postponed the playing of Ladbrokes League fixtures pending any Government order and/or further direction from the Scottish FA.

"The Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Cup final, scheduled for 28 March, is also postponed on the same basis."

A decision on the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-finals and UEFA Nations League play-off against Israel will be made by the Scottish FA Board after a conference call with UEFA tomorrow.

Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA Chief Executive, said: “The focus of the Scottish FA remains the public health, the emergency services and the health and safety of players, match officials, and staff across the game.

“Many thousands of fans are looking forward to the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-finals and the UEFA Nations League play-off against Israel. We understand that they, and all fans of Scottish football, will want urgent clarity about those games. We expect to be in a position after tomorrow’s UEFA conference call, to make a further announcement.”

Neil Doncaster, SPFL chief executive, said: “The significant challenges being faced by people all over the country have put sport firmly in perspective. However, we have a responsibility to deal with the many difficult issues caused by this outbreak and are working hard with the Scottish FA, with our clubs, and with Government departments to arrive at the best possible outcome for our game.

“We are very conscious of the desire of all 42 Ladbrokes SPFL clubs and their fans to know, as soon as possible, of our plans for the league, but everyone recognises we are facing what is arguably the most challenging time in our sport’s history.

“There are undoubtedly going to be further challenges ahead, but everyone involved is pulling together as one and we will continue to make decisions in the very best interests of the game as a whole.”