SPL turn down Gers request

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The Scottish Premier League has ruled out extending the SPL season beyond 22nd May, with the Scottish Cup final also set to go ahead as scheduled on 24th May.

Rangers had requested the postponement of Saturday's encounter with Dundee United in order to provide them with a week to prepare for the Uefa Cup final against Zenit St Petersburg.

Walter Smith's Gers face a hectic fixture schedule, with seven games in 18 days, as they chase an unprecedented quadruple.

A meeting between the Scottish Football Association and the SPL took place on Tuesday morning, where avenues were explored in a bid to resolve the fixture congestion.

However, a viable way to alter the fixture programme was not found, meaning the original arrangements will go ahead as planned.

Reviewing options

SPL executive chairman Lex Gold said: "The SFA indicated late yesterday that they wished to discuss whether there was any help they could provide.

"We met this morning to explore the available options, including a review of the Scottish Cup final date.

"The meeting took place in a constructive atmosphere. But no viable alternatives to the fixture list issued on 22nd April emerged that did not place the integrity of the SPL competition at risk.

"Given the stage we have now reached in our competition, both in terms of the title chase and in relation to the European places, it is not possible to modify the closing date of the season without placing at serious risk the fairness to all of our competition.

"The season will end on Thursday, 22nd May."