The SPL have responded to accusations that they are not helping the national side in their World Cup campaign.

The SPL are right behind the national side and have rejected claims they are hampering Scotland's hopes of qualifying for the World Cup finals. National team boss George Burley was not best pleased when he heard of the SPL's plans to start the new league season just four days before a crucial World Cup qualifier in Norway on August 12. But the SPL claim the SFA never asked for a free weekend ahead of the trip to Oslo and say they will discuss the new developments at a board meeting on Thursday.

SPL secretary Iain Blair said : "The SPL have a track record of assisting the national side where possible. Last season, two matches were postponed ahead of the Italy game following the SFA's request. This season, no Old Firm derbies were scheduled immediately after Scotland's qualification matches, again in line with the SFA's wishes. The SFA initially wanted the season to kick off on August 1, giving the players based in Scotland two competitive matches ahead of the Norway game. They now appear to have changed their minds. Now it seems the SFA want a free weekend ahead of the Norway match. They have not approached us on that point. We need clarity on this. We also need to understand what the position is with the players plying their trade outwith Scotland. The SPL board meet on Thursday and will be discussing what appears to be a new request from the SFA then."

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