BORDERS football will remain suspended until at least February 14.

On January 11, SFA chiefs said lower league matches across Scotland would be halted for three weeks.

But today (Friday, January 29), bosses have confirmed the shutdown of divisions beneath the Championship has been extended.

The suspension affects Gala Fairydean Rovers and Vale of Leithen who play in the Lowland League; as well as Peebles Rovers, Coldstream, Hawick Royal Albert United and Eyemouth, who compete in East of Scotland conferences.

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Rod Petrie, the Scottish FA president, said: “The conversations we have had with representatives from the clubs and leagues affected by the temporary suspension have been hugely beneficial.

"We have been able to further communicate the rationale behind the decision in the midst of an ongoing pandemic whilst also hearing at first hand the most important issues facing clubs and leagues at each level of the game.

"We have also been greatly encouraged by the sense of togetherness shown by the clubs and the robustness with which protocols and measures have been implemented in the interests of player and staff safety within football.

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"A number of initiatives have been suggested which may help to make the eventual return to playing efficient without compromising safety.

"The decision to extend the suspension is necessary given the Scottish Government’s own extension of existing lockdown measures.

"Football will play its part to support the collective effort to reduce the spread of the new variants of the COVID-19 virus.

"We are grateful for the input of all groups involved in our online discussions this week and we will continue to liaise ahead of our next public update on February 10."