2 BE OR NOT 2 BE; SPL sweat over breakaway.

Byline: By Gary Ralston

SPL 2 finally got the green light last night after a three-year legal battle.

But the controversial plan to introduce a top flight of 22 split into two divisions could still be dead in the water.

The SPL will call a meeting next month to ask their 12 members if they still want a second tier after a three-man independent panel decided the proposal for breakaway SFL clubs to join the SPL did not break any rules.

Now SPL bosses face a battle to convince their members the idea - first mooted back in 2006 - is a sound one in the current financial climate.

The SFL also have sponsor commitments with firms such as Irn-Bru until the end of next season.

SPL clubs may be reluctant to sanction the costs of a new set-up and unwilling to spread the wealth from their lucrative new TV deal, which kicks in next year, when their own cupboards are bare.

They are also paying around pounds 1.7million a year in perpetuity to the SFL for being given permission to quit to form their new league ahead of their two-year notice period.

Canny clubs in the lower half of the SPL will also be aware that a 22-club set-up could see a return to a 10-team SPL and a 12-team SPL 2 as the current top-flight split is notoriously unpopular.

Clubs such as Inverness Caley Thistle, St Mirren, Hamilton or Falkirk could drop to the league below and see their revenues suffer.

Many SFL clubs may also be reluctant to move for change as they have worked hard under chief executive David Longmuir to attract new sponsors.

In addition to Irn-Bru, BBC Alba will pilot live First Division football on Sunday when Airdrie take on Clyde.

Four other matches will be shown before the end of the season with a view to a longer term deal - and clubs whose games are broadcast share 85 per cent of the TV revenue.

The SFL are relieved that the arbitration process is over, if not with its verdict.

SFL president Brown McMaster said: "We are pleased to have closure on this arbitration process.

"The way is now clear for us to review this outcome with our clubs, after which we'll have discussions with our colleagues in the SPL."

SPL executive chairman Lex Gold said: "We welcome this outcome. It has taken quite some time to arrive at this conclusion.

"But the way is now clear for us to review this outcome with our clubs, after which we will have discussions with our colleagues in the SFL."

The SFL would ultimately be powerless to prevent a club accepting an invitation to become part of an SPL 2 but they insist teams are required to give two years' notice before quitting their organisation.

Dunfermline chairman John Yorkston believes money will be the deciding factor.

He said: "If any of the First Division clubs can enhance their income then they're going to look at that.

"Maybe it will be the first step on the way to a pyramid system similar to England."