Lowland League clubs have sensationally u-turned on a decision not to allow Rangers, Celtic and Hearts to enter B teams in next season’s fifth tier.
A vote of the member clubs had initially rejected allowing all three to join the division as guest clubs - preferring only two in keeping with last season.
But when faced with an ultimatum that it was all three or nothing, and having received assurances from the SFA, the 16 Lowland League clubs held a revote on Monday evening.
That has resulted in the door being opened to all three B teams making for a 19-club division next season, a decision set to be confirmed by the SFA imminently.
Like last year, the guest clubs will not be permitted to enter the play-off for promotion should they win the league.
Entry fees have risen from £25,000 to £40,000 per club. And assurances were given over the tightening of rules on fixture rescheduling and player eligibility.
But their participation has still caused a split among Lowland League clubs with one furious board member of a prominent club telling Record Sport: “We were a firm no from the beginning. And that even with a hit of £20,000 to our club - £7500 from the league and the rest from three match sponsorships and hospitality.
“It’s a lot of money but for us it’s more about the principle.”
The Old Firm entered B teams in the league last season - both finishing on 73 points with Rangers edging Celtic into second place on goal difference.
But their inclusion was initially agreed to be for one season only.
Member clubs then voted for two guest spots to be made available again this season. But when Hearts also applies it left the fifth tier clubs with a headache.
An initial vote on the additional guest club was rejected.
But the trio of Premiership clubs returned with an ultimatum declaring it would be all or nothing, while the entry fee would rise to £40,000 per club.
Hearts boss Robbie Neilson, speaking earlier in the year, explained his backing for having a young side in the league.
He said: “I support a platform for the young players to go and play. We have not had a reserve league for a number of years and it’s really hindered the development of these players.
“We have had to find loan deals to put them out but we have no control over what happens there - how they play, how they train, the environment they are in.
“If we can get that (Lowland League) I would be delighted. I’d be all for it.”
