SPFL Slam Door on Premiership Expansion

The Scottish Premiership will continue with its 12-team structure and post-split fixture system following the latest meeting of the SPFL Competitions Working Group. The decision ends ongoing speculation about potential structural changes, with proposals for both shrinking the league to ten clubs and expanding it to 14 or 16 firmly ruled out. [Scottish Sun]

The ten-team idea, which would have introduced a 36-game schedule without a split, was dismissed as offering little added excitement or financial value. Similarly, expanding the league was deemed unviable due to the likely reduction in gate receipts and the dilution of existing TV money.

While controversial, the current 38-game season with a top-six/bottom-six split remains the most sustainable solution. Clubs agreed that the system, though imperfect, strikes the best balance for competitiveness and revenue.

Celtic put any questions of competitive integrity to bed with a ruthless 5–0 dismantling of Dundee United on Saturday to clinch the Premiership title. The scoring opened on 30 minutes when Liam Scales met an Arne Engels corner, with United’s Ryan Strain diverting the ball into his own net under pressure.

Nicolas Kühn then bagged a quickfire double either side of half-time. His first came in the 38th minute, rifling in from Daizen Maeda’s cross after a sweeping Celtic move. The German winger added his second just before the break, latching onto another Maeda delivery after Adam Idah misjudged at the near post.

Idah made up for that moments into the second half. Alistair Johnston burst to the byline and picked out the Irish striker, who powered in a close-range header to make it 4–0. The fifth came just after the hour mark, as captain Callum McGregor threaded a through ball for Idah to run onto and slot home at the near post for his second of the match.

Celtic dominated throughout, with the midfield pairing of McGregor and Hatate controlling the game and Kuhn and Maeda rampant out wide. Defensive stability was again key, with Liam Scales and Cameron Carter-Vickers composed at the back.

While the top flight remains unchanged, the SPFL confirmed that further discussions will take place regarding possible restructuring of the Championship, League 1 and League 2. A full consultation process with clubs and stakeholders is expected in the coming months.

For now, Celtic can celebrate a dominant title win under the existing structure, with their emphatic display at Tannadice a fitting end to the league campaign.