HEARTS and Partick Thistle's case against the SPFL should be decided by the Scottish FA and not in court, according to Garry Borland QC, who is representing Dundee United, Raith Rovers and Cove Rangers at today's meeting at the Court of Session.

The former two clubs are seeking to overturn their relegations from the Premiership and Championship, which would effectively cancel the promotions of the latter trio.

Borland argued that the decision is clearly a football dispute as the clubs are arguing over their demotion, and therefore falls under the SFA's jurisdiction.

He explained that this was his interpretation of the SFA and SPFL articles of association - the rules that the 42 member clubs are bound by.

Proceedings are expected to continue until 4pm today and could spill over to tomorrow and Friday, so that all parties can make their relevant submissions.