The Scottish FA have confirmed that next season’s Scottish Cup final has been moved to a Sunday.

The decision to hold the competition’s showpiece on May 26, 2013 comes after consultation with the SPL and the Scottish Football League.

Under new rules national associations aren’t allowed to schedule a game for the same day as the UEFA Champions League final on May 25.

European football’s governing granted the SFA one-off dispensation allowing this season’s final to take place as planned on May 19 with a 3pm kick-off.

SFA president Campbell Ogilvie says bringing the fourth round forward to December rather than the traditional early January slot allows the SPL to reconsider re-introducing a winter break.

He added: “After a period of consultation with the Scottish Premier League, the Scottish Football League, our cup sponsors and broadcast rights holders, Sunday, May 26, was agreed as the preferred date for the William Hill Scottish Cup final in 2013.

“Moving the cup final forward would have been prohibitive to an already congested league fixture calendar.

“We have also agreed to bring forward the date for the fourth round fixtures after research showed an attendance downturn in the traditional January slot. The fourth round will now take place on the weekend of December 1 and 2, which will also enable the SPL to consider the reintroduction of a winter break.

“I am sure the supporters will understand the rationale behind the decision and appreciate that our intention is to ensure the cup final is given its due recognition as the showpiece event of the Scottish season.”