RANGERS may discover their fate today as Scotland's SFL clubs meet to vote on which league the Ibrox team will play in when the new season starts next month.

The 30 clubs will meet at Hampden for the vital vote to decide if the stricken Ibrox club will be accepted into Division One or Three.

SFL clubs, who could land a multi-million pound cash boost if Rangers are admitted into Division One, will first be asked to consider the club's application to join the league at the meeting.

If it is accepted then the clubs will consider whether they – or the SFL board – vote on which division to place Rangers in.

A host of Rangers' fans and supporters' organisations have stated they would prefer the club to be placed in the Third Division, while Ibrox manager Ally McCoist said of the SFL vote: "Whatever decision they reach we will accept."

Earlier this month, the top Scottish clubs voted "overwhelmingly" to reject the new Rangers company's bid to play in the SPL next season.

After five hours of discussions, the SPL clubs carried through their vow to deny new owner Charles Green's application.

That led for calls for Rangers to be placed in the First Division – but the chairmen of several teams in the SFL's three divisions have already stated their objection to allowing the new Rangers to be parachuted into the First Division.

But there are also fears today that there could be another delay in the vote – just 15 days before the new season is due to kick off.

It could be another week before Rangers' fate is decided.

That's because plans have emerged to launch a 16-team top flight in two years – if Rangers go straight into the First Division.

The restructuring will be proposed by SFL chief executive David Longmuir at today's meeting.

It is now up to Mr Longmuir to convince SFL clubs to back the plan – even though most have already stated they will send Rangers down to the Third Division of the current set-up.

But if a majority of clubs say "yes" to the reconstruction plan then newco Rangers could kick off next month in the First Division.

Then SPL clubs will need to give their approval to the rest of the restructuring proposals which, if they go ahead, would see the SPL start in 2013-14 with 14 clubs, rising to 16 the following year.

In a letter to SFL members sent out this week, Mr Longmuir said: "Our duty as clubs and as football people is to ensure our national game has a viable future and fans and clubs are not lost to the game.

"I would like to make it quite clear, and leave you in no doubt, that you have the complete freedom to make whatever choice you see fit on Friday.

"No-one should feel under pressure or threat to make a decision that you feel is not in the best interests of our game.

"Whatever you decide, your board will support it."

The SFL, SPL and the SFA issued a joint statement about today's meeting.

It read: "We are asking clubs to consider a package of reforms which have the potential to rejuvenate Scottish football at senior level and safeguard its future at a time when uncertainty and fear prevail.

"The proposals are based on five principles previously outlined by the Scottish FA as key to streamlining governance, ensuring greater financial distribution and above all, providing better entertainment, enhanced competition and value for money for supporters.

"Upon agreement by the respective boards, the proposals will be placed before the SPL and SFL clubs for approval, to be activated immediately and phased in over a two-year period."

rebecca.gray@ heraldandtimes.co.uk