SFSA has knowledge and experience of the structure and organisation of fans’ groups across the UK and in Europe. We have consulted widely with many football clubs, supporters groups, the Scottish Government as well as across the political parties in Scotland on behalf of fans. We have working relationships with both the SFA and the SPFL where SFSA seeks to be a ‘critical friend’. The organisation believes that the success of football as our national game rests with the participation and the contribution of supporters, and that there is a need for them to have an independent collective influence within the game.

Background to the study

Football at all levels in Scotland has been suspended since the 13^thof March 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. This ceasing of any matchday revenue has cut clubs revenue by approximately 50% on average.

For some clubs, there is now light at the end of the tunnel, as plans are firmed up for the return of the Premiership and Championship and League 1 and 2 clubs begin consulting with the SPFL over their return.

However, the return of football throws up some big questions:

• Some clubs have already began selling season tickets, but are fans willing to still buy season tickets even with the uncertainty around what product it is they are actually buying?
• Premiership and Championship supporters can now access their team’s home matches via club tv channels through purchasing season tickets. Are fans willing to pay for this? If so how much are they actually willing to pay?
• When clubs do eventually open up stadia at full capacity, will all supporters return? If so will they attend a similar amount of games or will their attendance be restricted?

At the SFSA, we believe that for Scottish football to flourish, all stakeholders must be consulted in decision making. None more so than the supporters. We aim to be the mechanism that enables positive and constructive dialog between supporters and clubs/governing bodies.

The findings detailed in this report were collected from our Covid-19 survey which was open for all supporters to participate in, regardless of SFSA membership. 9 SPFL clubs were helpful in sharing the survey to supporters (Ross County, Hamilton, Dunfermline, Greenock Morton, Arbroath, Dumbarton, Stirling Albion, Cowdenbeath and Stenhousemuir). The sample size is 1,465.

Click here to see full article and see the findings from the survey