The English Football Association have tonight brought an end to any hopes of a move into English football by Celtic and Rangers.
The FA's board have made it publicly clear that they would not sanction the Old Firm clubs joining the Football League either next season or in any other season.
Representatives of Celtic and Rangers have recently held outline talks with the Football League over the possibility of joining the First Division amid an ongoing row over their television deal north of the border.
However, the FA's rules dictate that only English and Welsh clubs can take part in the Premiership and Football League, which are run on a pyramid structure that cannot be circumvented.
Given that European governing body UEFA have stressed they would only consider such a move by Celtic and Rangers if the national associations agreed to it, this has effectively killed off the proposal at least for the time being.
A statement released on the FA's official website said: "The FA today made it clear that it would not sanction either Celtic or Rangers joining the Nationwide Football League.
"This was discussed at a recent board meeting. The FA have re-confirmed that such a move would be contrary to its policy and against the spirit of fair competition."
PA
