A DECISION over whether Dunfermline's Betfred Cup tie at Kilmarnock will be played is still to be made.

The Pars, who begin their Group E campaign at League One Dumbarton tonight, are scheduled to travel to Rugby Park next Tuesday evening.

However, as reported on Friday, Killie's entire first-team squad were advised to self-isolate after six positive Covid-19 tests were confirmed at the club.

Their Premiership clash with Motherwell on Friday evening was postponed, while their Betfred Cup opener with Falkirk tonight is also off.

In relation to the tournament and current Covid-19 protocols, the SPFL said previously: "If a club is unable or unwilling to field a team in a Betfred Cup Round 1 group stage tie, or fails to provide sufficient negative test results, the club concerned will forfeit the match (on the basis of a 3-0 defeat)."

Although the Ayrshire side offered alternative dates to the SPFL to play their game with the Bairns, that request has been rejected, and they have forfeited the tie.

Their 14-day isolation will still be ongoing when Dunfermline are due to visit but Kilmarnock say "no decision" has been made as to whether the game will go ahead.

In a statement released yesterday, they said: "Kilmarnock FC can confirm that our Betfred Cup clash with Falkirk will not go ahead as scheduled. 

"The club’s entire first-team squad was advised to self-isolate by a Problem Assessment Group led by NHS Ayrshire and Arran following six positive COVID-19 tests recorded last week.

"We approached the SPFL Board suggesting a series of alternative dates to play the match but this request was rejected.

"The SPFL Board have confirmed that the punishment for not fulfilling this fixture is the award of a 3-0 win to Falkirk FC.

"No decision has yet been taken over our next scheduled match against Dunfermline on Tuesday, October 13 and we will update supporters as soon as possible."

The SPFL stated: "In anticipation of the enormous pressure on fixtures this season, the Board made clear last month that teams unable or unwilling to field a team in a Betfred Cup Round 1 group stage tie, will forfeit the match on the basis of a 3-0 defeat.

"We have enormous sympathy for players and clubs which are unable to fulfil the fixtures on the scheduled date, but, given the unprecedented challenges facing the game this year, we must maintain the clear position outlined last month in relation to the Betfred Cup first round group stage. Accordingly, Falkirk have been awarded a 3-0 win in the tie."

Following their game at Dumbarton, the Pars will host Falkirk on Friday night at East End Park, in a game that is live on Premier Sports.

Kelty Hearts, who are in Group C, are also in action this week when they host St Johnstone on Wednesday evening.