The 10am Zoom call which will determine Hearts' fate as Championship looms

Hearts’ demotion to the Championship is set to be confirmed at an SPFL board meeting this morning.

The SPFL board will meet on a Zoom conference call with the likelihood they will confirm the end of the 2019/2020 Scottish Premiership season.

In doing so Celtic will be crowned champions for the ninth season in a row, while the Tynecastle club will be relegated to the second tier.

In addition, it will pave the way for Hearts and Hibs to receive six-figure sums with the SPFL able to distribute the final payments for league placings.

A meeting was held on Friday between the top-flight clubs where it was accepted that the current season would not be played to a conclusion due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Last week it appeared the Tynecastle club would be facing at least a season in the Championship as league reconstruction was scrapped. Yet, over the weekend, it emerged that it could be back on the table.

It is understood that it was discussed at Friday’s meeting with some clubs more open to a revamp.

Hearts chief Ann Budge is charged with finding a solution. She admitted that the club would likely challenge any relegation.

Earlier this month Budge said: “Please also be reassured that while the Premiership has not yet been called, should it be so, with Hearts expelled as a result, we will be taking further advice on what options are open to us and to other clubs in the same position, to formally challenge this outcome.

No option has yet been presented but possible solutions are likely three leagues of 14 which would keep the SPFL at 42 clubs, or 14-10-10-10 which would allow for the promotion of Brora Rangers and Kelty Hearts.

The Lowland League and Highland League champions were both angered by the league body’s decision to scrap play-offs, preventing them from trying to make the step up.