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Hearts, along with fellow petitioners Partick Thistle hope to find out today whether or not they’ve been successful in their attempt to have their relegation overturned.
An arbitration panel officially convened on Monday and have been hearing evidence since then with a judgement expected at some point today, although there is a chance we may have to wait until Monday.
The three-person panel, which had one member selected by Hearts and Partick and another by the SPFL before those two selections picked the third, has been pouring over documents and hearing from witnesses in a bid to establish whether the two clubs have grounds.
SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster reportedly appeared to give testimony on Monday, but the bulk of evidence has been in the form of documents, which Lord Clark ordered be recovered as part of the initial Court of Session hearing.
But what are the possible outcomes for the Jambos and the Jags?
Relegation overturned
This was the main aim from the start of the whole process, but unfortunately for them seems the most unlikely.
The Scottish Premiership season kicks off in eight days time and the logistics of reinstating Hearts, and the resulting consequences for Dundee United, who would find themselves back in the Championship unless a lightning fast reconstruction proposal was pushed through, would be a logistical nightmare.
There is also precedent from down south, where Leagues One and Two were ended early and teams relegated on a points per game basis.
Relegation stands but compensation due
This is probably the most likely outcome. Being financially compensated as a result of relegation was an early stated back up by Hearts and Thistle, who are seeking £10million between them.
Regardless of how much is awarded, the SPFL do not hold cash reserves so the other 40 member clubs will have to foot the bill some way or another.
If compensation is awarded, then it’s thought that any amount set will be undisclosed, at least initially.
Relegation stands and no compensation
This would be the nightmare scenario for Hearts and Partick, and isn’t impossible.
The tribunal may take into account the financial strain already on Scottish clubs due to the current circumstances, and view the claim for compensation as unreasonable based on the difficulty clubs could have paying.
However, given that the case has been heard in the first place suggests there is an acceptance that there is a degree of unfairness in the way Hearts and Partick have been treated.
Evidence surrounding the resolution to end the season may also play in their favour even the controversial circumstances under which the result was reached.
https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/spor...ision-18654340
Originally Posted by arab777
