The Scottish FA have today confirmed the format for the 2020/21 Scottish Cup, with revised competition rules as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The condensed competition, with fewer rounds than normal, will begin with the Preliminary Round One on 28 November.
Key changes to the format for 2020/21 include:

-- The removal of replays for all matches, with the outcome of any drawn match being determined by extra time and penalties, if required.

-- The entry point of clubs to the competition and the number of ties in each round.

-- The requirement to attempt to re-schedule any postponed match in the Preliminary Rounds, Round One and Round Two, during the first midweek after the original match date.

-- The number of substitutes permitted in a match will revert back to three, with an additional one permitted in any period of extra-time.

From Round Three onwards, clubs drawn to play against SPFL Premiership teams must comply with the relevant COVID testing regime which applies at that time or as directed by the Scottish FA Board.

Compliance with the relevant Match day Protocol(s) which the Scottish FA/Joint Response Group considers appropriate and issues at the relevant time.

PRELIMINARY COMPETITION ROUND ONE – Saturday, 28 November 2020

PRELIMINARY COMPETITIONS ROUND TWO – Saturday 12 December 2020

ROUND ONE – Saturday 26 December 2020

ROUND TWO – Saturday 9 January 2021

ROUND THREE – Saturday 30 January 2021

ROUND FOUR – Saturday 20 February 2021

ROUND FIVE – Saturday 13 March 2021

SEMI-FINAL TIES – Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 April 2021

SCOTTISH CUP FINAL TIE – Saturday 8 May 2021

[ -- link to Scottish FA website ]