Turriff United manager Kris Hunter does not believe a solution has yet been found to allow the Highland League to start.
Although the Scottish Premiership has resumed without fans this month, down the divisions things are more challenging.
Championship, League One and Two clubs are set to get their campaigns under way in the League Cup on October 6 with league seasons starting 11 days later. However, breaches of coronavirus protocol by Aberdeen and Celtic players have led to concerns that the lower leagues, predominantly made up of part-time clubs, may be delayed.
The Highland League does not have a start date, but with clubs unable to operate in a bio-secure bubble like full-time sides and supporters being allowed through the turnstiles a financial necessity, Hunter believes the league is in a tricky spot.
The Haughs boss said: “It is impossible for part-time clubs to have bubbles like full-time clubs. It’s something like £50 per person per test, so we can’t go down that path. But if we do see the rate of infection continue to decrease then maybe we could start without tests.
“There are things we could do when it comes to distancing and sanitising, but it’s a highly contagious virus and it’s difficult to be able to plan to get back. Nobody saw this coming and I don’t think anybody has the answers.
“I hope we can get football back, but my worry is the longer it goes on the harder it will be. We can’t start without fans or hospitality as clubs wouldn’t survive.”
