PLANS to create a new division at tier five of the Scottish football pyramid have been shelved after a large number of clubs said they would vote against it.

This morning, at the Scottish Football Association's AGM, member clubs were due to vote on a proposal that would see a Conference League created ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

If given the go-ahead, it would have been installed between SPFL League Two and the Lowland League and Highland League, the latter two of which are currently the fifth tier of the pyramid.

The 10-team division, which would have consisted of 10 teams - including four SPFL 'B' sides - was aimed at aiding the development of young players.

READ MORE: Kelty to vote against Conference League plans

However, the proposals were widely criticised by both supporters and clubs across the game, including Kelty Hearts, who said that a league "where you can finish sixth and be relegated, or finish fifth and be promoted, isn't right for sporting integrity".

Under the plan, the top four Lowland League clubs, plus the top two in the Highland League, would have made up the rest of the 10-team division.

With 'B' sides not able to be promoted, or face relegation, the proposed division would have seen the highest placed non-'B' side enter the pyramid play-off with the team finishing bottom of SPFL League Two, whilst the lowest non-'B' team would have been relegated to either the Lowland League or Highland League, to be replaced by the winner of a play-off between the champions of those divisions. The loser of that match would then have entered a promotion / relegation play-off with the second lowest non-'B' team in the Conference League.

However, after a large number of clubs, including Kelty, stated their intention to vote against it, the Conference League idea was withdrawn by the SFA last night (Monday).

In an email sent to member clubs, they said: "I refer to Resolution 7 in the Notice of the Scottish FA's 2023 Annual General Meeting, sent to members on 12 May 2023.

"Resolution seeks approval (in accordance with the Scottish FA Article 18.1) for the formation of The Scottish Conference League as a recognised football body.

"The Scottish FA board has received a variety of feedback in respect of Resolution 7 and has concluded that it would like to carry out further consultation in respect of the player pathway to ensure the best development opportunities for Scottish players within the football pyramid."

The Conference League plan would have seen the 'B' teams sign a minimum five-year commitment, as well as paying participation fees, which would have given the other six clubs an estimated £40,000 each per annum.

In addition, 'B' teams – three of which, Celtic, Heart of Midlothian and Rangers, currently play in the Lowland League – would be required to include a minimum of seven players eligible for Scotland in their starting XI, and no fewer than 11 in their matchday squad.

Kelty, who moved from junior football to the East of Scotland League in 2017, winning it in their first season, were promoted to the SPFL for the first time in their history in 2021, when they defeated Brechin City over two legs in the pyramid play-off final, after winning the Lowland League.

In the current structure, the Lowland League and Highland League winners play-off to determine who faces 'Club 42' - the team that finishes bottom of the SPFL - and, in the season just finished, Spartans defeated Brechin City before going on to get the better of Albion Rovers, and win promotion to League Two.

Kelty invited supporters to New Central Park for a meeting on Saturday to air their views and, following that, their new sporting director, Craig Reynolds, said: "After today's discussions with the board members, committee and fans, Kelty Hearts have decided against the idea aimed at the new Conference League.

"As a club, we have been on a long journey to get to where we are, and we feel putting another league in doesn't seem the right decision to do at this moment in time.

"We are all for player development, but a league where you can finish sixth and be relegated, or finish fifth and be promoted, isn't right for sporting integrity.

"While we understand the case for B teams, we believe that there's other ways to improve Scottish football, such like larger leagues, reserve leagues and more loan players from the so called bigger teams, as well as a more open pyramid system and fairer financial allocation throughout the SPFL."

The Pars Supporters Trust conducted a poll of Dunfermline fans on the matter, with more than 90 per cent of those who responded against the idea, whilst near neighbours, Cowdenbeath, and Raith Rovers, both stated they would have voted against the plans.