The Scottish Premier League will help the Scotland team by delaying the start of next season until 15th August. Scotland boss George Burley had asked for the kick-off of the 2009-10 campaign to be put back by a week to allow him more time to prepare for the 12th August World Cup qualifier in Norway.

The SPL board reached their decision, but the SFA are still undecided on whether to move next season's Homecoming Scottish Cup semi-finals from a weekend to a midweek date.

The SPL said in a statement: "The SPL board today announced that next season will kick off on 15th August, 2009.

"This meets George Burley's request, formally made on Wednesday, for a clear weekend ahead of the Norway v Scotland match on 12th August.

"Facing a late start and an early end to the season because of the World Cup, we asked the SFA for a firm commitment to move the Scottish Cup semi-finals to a midweek.

"This would have provided certainty in giving a clear weekend to play a round of league matches and helped our teams with European commitments.

"The SFA told us yesterday that they would meet our request. But, subsequently, this commitment was withdrawn.

"The SPL board met this morning. They were deeply disappointed at the SFA's unwillingness to provide the commitment sought.

"But, given the board's wish to meet the Scotland team manager's request for a free weekend on August 8, they decided the season would now start on 15th August."