Celtic's Boli Bolingoli faces SFA charge as SPFL outline new coronavirus rules

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Boli Bolingoli is set to be punished for his bubble breach under the new rules set out by the SFA and SPFL.

The Celtic left-back broke government guidlines by travelling to Spain last week and playing against Kilmarnock the following Sunday.

Nicola Sturgeon warned the continuation of Scottish football was in jeopardy after Bolingoli's actions and the eight Aberdeen players who went to a pub in Granite City on the opening weekend of the Premiership.

The joint reponse group has therefore outlined a new set of guidelines after discussions with the government and players can now be charged by the SFA for breaching Covid-19 rules.

Training for clubs outwith the Premiership will also be delayed until August 24 as they try to implement the new changes before the lower leagues start in October.

Hearts will have to stop training with immediate effect as they returned last week.

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New measures in full:

Enforcement

The JRG has worked to ensure that existing rules will be strengthened to include the provision of sanctions for players who do not adhere to COVID-specific football protocols or government public health guidelines. This will encompass recent breaches and further details will be provided tomorrow.  

Evaluation

In order to provide government health officials with the necessary confidence that Scottish football can return safely and in accordance with relevant government guidelines and football protocols, the Scottish FA has agreed that the return to training for clubs outwith the SPFL Premiership – which includes all organised adult football over-18 - will be delayed until at least 24 August, pending updated government guidance on the 20th.

This is to ensure that:

1. All club facilities comply with the current JRG Protocols, social distancing and hygiene measures.

2. All club policies and procedures comply with the current protocols and government guidance.

3. Club testing regimes in the professional game comply with the protocols.

4. Players and staff at all levels of the game have been reminded of the latest government guidance.

Education

Professor Jason Leitch, the National Clinical Director for Scotland, has produced a video message outlining, in the clearest terms, what professional footballers can and cannot do within the existing government guidelines. This message with be reinforced on a regular basis via digital communication.  

Engagament

The SPFL and Scottish FA have gifted Scottish Government advertising space to promote public health messaging on matchdays in-stadia, using LED advertising and via other owned assets for all SPFL competitions and the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-finals and final.