Rangers Reiterate Calls for SPFL Enquiry

Rangers issued a statement on Sunday re-asserting their call for an independent enquiry into the SPFL’s ballot on ending the lower league season early.

Last Friday, the Glasgow giants called for the enquiry after stating that the SPFL’s investigation into Dundee’s belated and decisive yes vote on the proposed measures failed to examine all of the key issues.

The Ibrox club also claimed to have a “dossier of evidence” regarding the matter that they were ready and willing to produce.

The statement issued on Sunday reads: “It has always been Rangers’ intention to produce our evidence at the appropriate time. The evidence will be provided to all member clubs well in advance of a general meeting to approve an independent investigation.”

The initial SPFL enquiry into Dundee’s vote on the way of resolving the lower league competitions early found no wrongdoing.

But Rangers insist that they have evidence that clubs were “bullied” by the SPFL into accepting the measures.

Initial probe too narrow

The initial probe into Dundee’s email vote was carried out by Deilotte and it has attracted criticism for being too narrow in its focus.

Rangers now want there to be an SPFL general meeting where a vote can be held on there being a further enquiry into matters.

The Gers have set out a list of seven issues that they feel warrant greater scrutiny.

These are:

• The decision to confirm and announce the result of an incomplete vote before all the votes from clubs had been received.
• The content and preparation of the briefing note and papers that were sent to each club with the resolution.
• Whether appropriate communication between the executive of the SPFL and other football governing bodies occurred in relation to completing the 2019/20 season.
• How SPFL executives interacted with clubs during the voting process. This includes the disclosure to clubs of how other member clubs had voted.
• Why Dundee’s initial vote was disregarded and why they were allowed to vote for second time.
• Whether SPFL directors complied with the statutory and common law duties owed by them that related to the resolution.
• Any other matters which the independent expert deems relevant.

The SPFL resolution on curtailing the lower leagues’ season was backed by 81% of the clubs.

That decision gives the SPFL the power to resolve the Premiership as it stands, as well as the lower leagues.

Celtic to win nine in a row again

The decision would give Celtic a record-equalling ninth consecutive league title, and would also see Heart of Midlothian relegated.

In addition to these issues, Rangers also want SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster and legal adviser Rod MacKenzie to be suspended.

Hearts and Aberdeen have already backed the Govan club’s call.

The controversy surrounding Dundee’s vote is that the club originally voted ‘no’ to the resolution, but their vote was not received until hours after the requested deadline.

By that time, Dundee had reversed their vote.