THE final whistle has been blown on the debate over the home of Scottish football and Hampden Park has scored a historic victory.

The SFA finally announced today its decision to remain at the world famous stadium after the lease runs out in 2020.

The decision comes after lengthy negotiations with Queen’s Park F.C over transferring ownership of the old ground to the SFA.

The deal means the SFA will now buy Hampden from Scotland’s oldest football club for £5m when the lease runs out.

Glasgow businessman Lord Willie Haughey has provided half of the cash to help get the deal done

The SFA said Queens Park will develop Lesser Hampden to use for its matches.

The club will own Lesser Hampden outright.

The SFA kicked a move to Murrayfield into touch after the Scottish Rugby Union made a pitch to snatch the top internationals and cup finals away from Glasgow.

However SFA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell said he would have had no problem moving to Murrayfield had that been the best option.

He said that ownership of the stadium was the game changer and it allows the SFA to develop plans for the future.

The Evening Times kicked off the Save the Hampden Roar campaign as soon as the possibility of losing the stadium became known last year.

It quickly emerged Hampden had the backing of political and business leaders in Glasgow who warned of significant economic challenges if the stadium was lost.

The impact of a derelict stadium in the south side of Glasgow was raised a s a serious possibility if Queens Park were unable to sustain Hampden without the SFA revenue.

All the governing bodies are based at Hampden along with sports science and physiotherapy facilities and the National football Museum.

The SFA said it would now look to the future and seek to make improvements to Hampden.

Ian Maxwell, said: “Today is a big day for Scottish football. Hampden Park has been the spiritual home of Scottish football for over 100 years it has been central to our sport’s identity in this country. But today’s decision is about the future, not the past.

“Our mission is to inspire a nation to love the game and having a home that we can call our own is an important part of that. It will enable us to drive investment into the game and give us the best chance to improve football in Scotland.

“While we are now committed to Hampden Park we also recognise that it needs to change. We have heard the fans’ views throughout the process and agree with them that we need to improve access, transport links and the overall experience. We are committed to doing that.”

He said safe standing was a possibility as was closing the gap between the stands and the pitch behind both goals, which fans have complained about.

Mr Maxwell added: “There is no doubt Hampden needs to be improved. I’m not going to hide from that whether it’s outside or inside the stadium. This is the start of a journey.”

The deal includes the SFA taking over £19m of liabilities for national lottery and SportScotland cash given for the previous redevelopment of Hampden.

The SFA boss said he would now be looking to start speaking to Glasgow City Council, the Scottish Government and others to raise cash for the improvements that are needed including work on transport to Hampden.

He said he had no problems asking for public money to help with costs.

Mr Maxwell added: “It is now on my agenda to sit down with Susan Aitken.”

He said. It is not just a football stadium hosting six matches and cup finals a season. If we can align with the Scottish Government objectives on sport and health and fitness then we can go and make the case to government.”

He said he couldn’t put a figure on the costs of possible improvements only that it would be significant.

He added: “There will be big numbers. It’s up to us to work with Glasgow City Council and others.”