Cup replays to remain

Next season's Scottish Cup final is on 4 May

It will be business as usual in the Scottish Cup next season after a proposal from Kilmarnock to abolish replays was rejected at the Scottish Football Association's annual general meeting.

Only 13 of the nation's 40 senior clubs clubs voted in favour of the plan.

Killie had suggested that replays be abolished from the third round onwards, with the use of extra-time and penalties if necessary, to avoid fixture congestion at the end of the season.

With the Champions League final being held at Hampden on 15 May, the Scottish Cup final has been brought forward to 4 May.

The Scottish league season is also scheduled to finish earlier than usual as a result of Scotland's possible participation in the World Cup.

Kilmarnock secretary Kevin Collins said: "The rules say no games can be played 14 days before the final, so Scottish Cup fixture dates have been brought forward.

"If there were any replays then it could be problematic."

However, it appears that smaller clubs have used their votes to maintain the status quo and keep the replays which can often prove lucrative.