The “Lawwell Letter” is trending everywhere this week. To elucidate, it is email sent to (among others) Peter Lawwell and Eric Riley of Celtic on 26 July 2012 by SPL CEO Neil Doncaster.
The email came with an attached copy of the Five Way Agreement (hereafter “5WA”, the deal between Sevco, Rangers, the SFA, the SPL and the SFL). Now that it has been made public, it seems safe to speak openly about what it all means for us as folk who believe in sporting integrity.
I would preface my comments with a caveat though. On the face of it, the Celtic Chief Executive appears to have misled the gathering at the recent Celtic AGM. He was asked by a shareholder if Celtic were involved in the Five Way Agreement. Lawwell replied, “No”, and gave same “No” response to the follow up question, “have you seen it?”
Given that a copy of that email was in the possession of a few folk before that AGM, I have to admit to being surprised by that answer – although even more surprised at the apparent lack of due diligence implied by the lack of knowledge of its content.
We have attempted to contact Mr Lawwell to ask him if he would like to comment on the apparent discrepancy between the evidence and his answer (and I am sure we are not the only ones to have done so). To date, we have received no response. Given the complete lack of acknowledgement of the existence of this anomaly in the MSM, we should perhaps assume that none will be forthcoming.
Perhaps there is an explanation (yes I know), but Celtic should know, like Rangers old and new have come to realise, that silence on these matters breeds deep suspicion and distrust.
Assuming for the minute that Occam’s Razor applies here, there may be an uncomfortable truth emerging for Celtic fans – that Rangers (old and new) do not have a monopoly on dishonesty. There is also an uncomfortable truth that should emerge for Rangers fans too – that as we have said all along, this has never been about just Rangers, but about the governance of the game.
If the Celtic CEO did lie to the AGM a few weeks ago what are the consequences? He broke no laws as far as I can see. One insider I spoke to said simply this,
“So he lied. So what? What happens now? It’s irrelevant”
That is of course absolutely true. As long as controlling shareholders are happy that Resolution 12 is buried, and that no deep inquiry into governance is held into the workings of the game in Scotland, the lie is nonpunishable, though it would be a mistake to believe that accountability is confined only to the corporate rules governing Boards and shareholders; the corporate veil of “I was only following company policy” can be readily challenged in the court of public opinion, which has no statute of limitations.
What all this demonstrates of course is that Celtic have been saying one thing to their fans and shareholders, nodding agreement in private meetings about how appalling Rangers behaviour was, tut-tutting over how amateurish the authorities were, and wringing their hands in frustration at what a sham the LNS inquiry turned out to be.
At the same time, they have done nothing, allowed small shareholders to spend not inconsiderable suns progressing the matter, and quietly hoped that the “appetite” for justice would diminish so they could get back to whatever it is they and the rest do when subject to little or no scrutiny.
Whilst ten in a row is on the table of course, they can get away with it. To Celtic fans right now, understandably, nothing else matters. But what if TIAR is derailed? Not a stretch to imagine that the Parkhead kitchen could get uncontrollably hot in that circumstance. And when the TIAR squirrel finally ends its scurry, in either success or failure, where will the fans attention be diverted?
Perhaps the arrogance that permits making (allegedly) false statements to a general meeting, and (allegedly) misleading shareholders over Res 12 is borne of the knowledge that the parachutes are ready to be deployed when either of the above scenarios come to pass? If TIAR is achieved or goes south, are they already prepared for an emergency exit?
Celtic have two major shareholders whose combined holding is over 50% of the club’s shares. Dermot Desmond and Nick Train. Desmond is now in his eighth decade and Train is reportedly having some business difficulties. Both may well be moved to get out anyway, but fan unrest would make their decision a whole lot easier.
And Lawwell himself is – if you believe the MSM – on the wanted list of nearly as many top clubs as Alfredo Morelos.
The foregoing of course is extremely “Old Firm” centric, and as the two biggest clubs in the country they certainly have the biggest impact on the game, culturally, socially and financially. However there is no get-out clause here for others.
We KNOW there is evidence of fraud surrounding the licencing issue in 2012. We KNOW there is evidence of a cover up over that, and the EBT-related registration issues for Old Rangers. We KNOW that the Five Way Agreement was signed by football authorities in the knowledge that it would rob their own rules of judicial authority with regard to compliance by RFC prior to 2012.
We also know that NOT ONE club has taken a meaningful stand against any of it.
Clubs are saying one thing to supporters and doing their best to derail those supporters’ efforts on the other. We can also infer (not unreasonably) that the folk who run the clubs think that we as fans have no right to interfere in how they run their operations.
As I said earlier, Celtic can do what they like whilst TIAR is live, but afterwards, however it ends, the fans and shareholders involved in Res 12 will still be asking questions. Celtic in particular know how fatal it can be to alienate their own fan base – a fan base that has flexed its muscles with devastating effect for the boardroom in the past. And it is the wrath of the fans of all clubs that will eventually see the charlatans get their just desserts.
Our job as fans is to continue to hold those who care little for the honour and beauty of football to account, to continue to press them on their refusal to deal with arguably the biggest sporting scandal in Scottish history.
The bottom line (which is of course what the folk in boardrooms care about) is this. They need us far more than we need them. As fans of different clubs, the sensibility of those of us at SFM recognises that the real battle, the real war, is not between rival fans or rival clubs, but between the arrogant, self-entitled clique who run our game; who lie for fun, who cheat and belittle the sport; and the good folk who make it possible for the game to prosper.
Resolution 12 is not just about Rangers – nor is it just about Celtic. It deserves to be embraced by every true football fan in the country. The Res 12 franchise needs to widened
Sooner or later the fans will demonstrate their unhappiness with the money men. They did it in 2012, and they will inevitably do so again.
Just had a thought. Celtic have reasonable reserves and a true billionaire behind them.
Could they be tempted to make a life-saving loan to Rangers* (or a new ThirdRangers) to preserve the "Old Firm" (I know!)?
Say a £10M loan secured on Ibrokes and the famous car park but contingent on Rangers* acknowledging that they are a new club and that tainted titles should be removed from the record of the previous Rangers? And an undertaking that they will live within their means in future, supporting Scottish FFP?
A kind of Scottish 'Truth & Reconciliation' in these difficult times?
Scottish Football needs a strong Arbroath
Apologies if with so many posts over recent times if I am repeating comments already made.
In the event of the season being declared null and void prize money cannot be awarded taking into account league placings as they no longer exist.
If there is any money to be shared financial integrity surely would point to each club within each division getting an equal share of the prize pool for that division as all would be on zero points?
This would not necessarily make every team happy but would surely help ensure that the majority of teams survive to play in post armageddon leagues.
redlichtie
Assuming your suggestion is not linked to the 1st April I suspect Rangers and their supporters would rather hand over everything to Mike Ashley and Sports Direct than be beholden to Celtic!
adam812 – there may have been a slight tongue in cheek element! 🙂 Perhaps MA could also chip in and get security over the logos again… a kind of debt (or damages thanks to DCK/Courts) to equity type swap.
Scottish Football needs a strong Arbroath.
The DK 90 days.
From what i remember, DK was restricted to 90 days per year visitation rights as a non-domiciled British citizen, To exceed 90 days would bring him into the tax system in the country. That is why he did jet in and out so not to use up his days unnecessarily so that he could have time to catch the odd Liverpool game;-)
restrictions may have changed, so happy to be corrected.
sannoffymesssoitizz,
in relation to how we proceed, there are two rules that the SPFL board needs to concern itself with.
and…
If you take these together (and in relation to the circumstances that we find ourselves in) it can be read as:
If, for any reason during any Season, Clubs cease to participate in the League the Board may determine the deemed score in the remainder of the Official Matches and/or the Board may take such steps and make such determinations as to League and Divisional positions and/or promotion and/or relegation and any and all such further or other steps or measures as the Board shall consider appropriate in the circumstances.
In my view, Rule C50 has been written with the current circumstances in mind.
When it is deemed that the clubs have formally ‘ceased to participate’ in the league – that it will not be possible to play any further games this season – it will be up to the board to determine the deemed score in the games that cannot be played or decide on final positions by some other means.
I’d think that final positions won’t simply be based on current positions as I think they will want to account for all of the 38 scheduled games.
Assuming that the board decide on 0-0 or 1-1 draws for all of the outstanding fixtures, TRFC would end up 12 points behind Celtic in the premiership.
adam812
There is no rule that would allow the board to declare the league competition null and void.
They have the power (via rule C50) to make a determination as to the final league positions.
I'm sure they will follow their own rules.
CO you are right, and I'm probably many years out of date.
It's 91 days a year, averaged over 4 years, with a maximum of 183 days in the UK in any one tax year.
(Think my lower number was from my first stint overseas back in the '90's, so I'm now updated.)
UEFA "postpone" June deadline date.
https://twitter.com/UEFA/status/1245354616654618626
The Dutch approach – I can’t see it happening in the Netherlands or elsewhere in the countries most affected.
Dutch Football@FootballOranje_
UEFA has now decided that all domestic leagues must now be finished by August 3rd instead of June 30th. That means the Eredivisie season could be finished!
Netherlands had two friendlies in June against Wales and Greece but they have now been postponed.
KNVB is aiming to resume the Eredivisie season in mid-June.
Eredivisie resuming in Mid-June and ending by August third. That means some clubs would need to play nine games over 6 week period. Then their is relegation playoffs, European playoffs and the KNVB Cup final too.
Hearts: PFA Scotland assisting players in wage deferral talks
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52123918
PFA Scotland is helping “the majority” of Hearts players in negotiations over “substantial wage deferrals”.
All Hearts staff have until 17:00 GMT on Wednesday to respond to the club’s request that they accept a 50% pay cut.
Should they refuse, Hearts can invoke contract clause 12 – an option available to all Scottish Premership clubs – and suspend salaries.
“The players recognise the club’s cash flow problems as a result of COVID-19,” said a players’ union statement.
“They wish to assist the club through these difficult times by offering to negotiate substantial wage deferrals.
“Player contracts cannot be terminated, or altered unilaterally, but the union is more than willing to assist in negotiating agreements between clubs and players.
“In addition, our position is should clubs reduce the wages of existing players on valid agreed contracts, and then use the sums saved to sign new players in August, that would be wholly unfair.”
Hearts captain Steven Naismith has said publicly he will accept the 50% pay cut, while manager Daniel Stendel has wavied his salary and defender Clevid Dikamona has exercised the right to cancel his contract.
The Tynecastle club have also confirmed that “the majority of non-football employees” have been placed on furlough.
PFA Scotland also says clubs “across the country” have begun negotiations with players over wage deferrals alongside participation in the government’s job retention scheme, which pays 80% of wages up to £2,500 per month.
HirsutePursuit 1st April 2020 at 14:52
sannoffymesssoitizz,
in relation to how we proceed, there are two rules that the SPFL board needs to concern itself with…..
—————————————————————
Thanks for that enlightening reply.
I wonder why the SFA "consultant" Daryl Broadfoot's never mentioned those rules?
easyJambo 1st April 2020 at 12:13
Cluster One 1st April 2020 at 12:42
Remember that Mr Park does not have total control over his business. As of April last year The Bank of Scotland’s man, Robert Hare, joined the group/holding company board and most subsidiary boards. Basically Lloyds are now running Park’s of Hamilton.
sannoffymesssoitizz1st April 2020 at 18:04
…
I wonder why the SFA "consultant" Daryl Broadfoot's never mentioned those rules?
……………..
IMO TV contracts mean that the SPFL can't yet say that the season is over.
Perhaps for contractual and/or insurance purposes, they are looking for (need?) someone to take that decision out of their hands.
If I am correct, the board are unlikely to set out how their league competition will be resolved until they are forced to do so. That would be seen as accepting no further games will be played and bring to a head those discussions with the TV companies.
As far as the media are concerned, why present the perfectly straightforward answer when sowing confusion helps keep the sport hacks relevent during this footballing hiatus.
redlichtie 1st April 2020 at 14:02
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Just had a thought. Celtic have reasonable reserves and a true billionaire behind them.
Could they be tempted to make a life-saving loan to Rangers* (or a new ThirdRangers) to preserve the "Old Firm" (I know!)?
Say a £10M loan secured on Ibrokes and the famous car park but contingent on Rangers* acknowledging that they are a new club and that tainted titles should be removed from the record of the previous Rangers? And an undertaking that they will live within their means in future, supporting Scottish FFP?
A kind of Scottish 'Truth & Reconciliation' in these difficult times?
Scottish Football needs a strong Arbroath
================================================
The latest by phil kinda hints that kings 5 million loan might be secured on something that may not be moveable.
HirsutePursuit 1st April 2020 at 19:24
'..Perhaps for contractual and/or insurance purposes, they are looking for (need?) someone to take that decision out of their hands.'
%%%%%%%%%
I've just been reading an interesting article about coronavirus/'force majeure' on this link
https://www.pinsentmasons.com/out-law/guides/covid-19-force-majeure-clause
I wonder how the wording of the SPFL's contract with the TV companies reads in its reference to 'force majeure'?
Bonanza days for the lawyers, perhaps.
shug
Morelos?
@ JC isn't every day a bonanza day for the lawyers?
@shug I've just read P McG's teaser about King's security and can only conclude that it can only be the stadium . King has sunk in approx 18.5m in shares and loans , the stadium was valued by Duff and Phelps at less than 5m when Green secured it but its true value as a brown field site to a developer is around 20m . King would have a choice in the event of another phoenix club arising by being able to sell the stadium at a profit or leasing it for a hefty rental . To realise the maximum value , he could turn the main stand into a museum where one could pay to view the St Etienne bike , the loving ceramics and the Petrofac Cup before buying 1 sq ft of turf and a blue plastic seat. There is of course the possibility that King isn't that smart and has secured his loan on the future transfer fee for Senor Alfredo.
shug 1st April 2020 at 19:30
The latest by phil kinda hints that kings 5 million loan might be secured on something that may not be moveable.
………………….
That world famous marble staircase must be worth a few quid. King never ever reached the dizzy heights of it,if it could be moved i think he would take great satisfaction in showing it off in his SA home. After all he is fond of showig off expensive pieces of artwork
This was an expensive piece of artwork
Giovanni 1st April 2020 at 19:03
'.As of April last year The Bank of Scotland’s man, Robert Hare, joined the group/holding company board and most subsidiary boards. '
%%%%%%%%%%%
According to Companies House, Park's of Hamilton (Holdings) Ltd have between 13th and 26th March hve borrowed money on the strength of alterations to the terms of two of the existing 'charges' and added another 13 charges! Just how much have they borrowed?
No wonder the Bank wanted their man on the Board!
And what greedy pigs faither and sons must be, taking massive dividends personally while borrowing significantly.
But I suppose that's the whole point of the game-make sure you're all right first, and f.ck the business and its employees if it comes to the bit.
We have heard that even knights of the realm do that kind of thing, as well as little turds.Oops, that was clumsily expressed: I don't mean that the sh.te of knights of the realm are little turds, but that little turds like MBMBs do that kind of thing.
Cluster One 1st April 2020 at 21:51
'.. After all he is fond of showig off expensive pieces of artwork.'
%%%%%%%%%%%
And his exhibitionism alerted the doggedly determined and persistent Charles Chipps, of the South Africa Revenue Service ( and I raise my wee dram to his memory as I write!) nailed him good and proper!
Here's to Charlie Chipps , God rest him, and all public officials who take their duties seriously, and with integrity!
shug 1st April 2020 at 19:30
The latest by phil kinda hints that kings 5 million loan might be secured on something that may not be moveable.
======================
It's not something that can be hidden for long. If King has been granted security for his loan then the paperwork will have to be lodged with Companies House within the next couple of weeks.
If a charge is not registered within 21 days, it may be difficult to recover the debt if the company becomes insolvent. The 21 days start the day after the charge is created (according to Companies House).
All this talk about security of loans but on Companies House I see Close Bros and the Sports Council as registered charges but nothing else. Is it not mandatory to file such matters with C.H. ?
Edit: I see EJ has answered already, which begs the question when exactly did the loan erhhm.. crystalise.
@EJ I was going to ask why it wasn't listed as a charge at Companies House , now you have said it's 21 days it makes me wonder if he has any security at all as I'm sure he handed over the 5m a lot longer than 21 days ago , unless of course the security has only come recently and maybe as a condition of him standing down . I was of the thought that the stadium had never been used as security as the ownership "whurz ra deeds" was shrouded in mystery and Whyte had a claim on it which he later sold off to a 3rd party. Looks like the smoke and mirrors are back , have they ever gone away?
redlichtie 1st April 2020 at 14:02
'..Could they be tempted to make a life-saving loan to Rangers* (or a new ThirdRangers) to preserve the "Old Firm" (I know!)?'
$$$$$$$$$$$
April 1st and all that aside, redlichtie, there is an underlying 'potential truth' in your question.
I personally am convinced that the 'Res12' issue clearly demonstrates that the Celtic Board do not in the least mind losing a couple of million quid rather than insist on full, thorough and independent investigation into the granting of a UEFA licence to an ( allegedly) un-entitled club to help it survive.
If, and until investigation proves otherwise, it is an 'if', they were happy to accommodate a struggling RFC of 1872 then, who's to say they might not do the same again-not for the sake of TRFC, but for their own sake, as being the other cheek of the revenue-generating 'Old Firm' arse?
Truth is indivisible. And the Celtic Board should know that, and exemplify it.
Giovanni 1st April 2020 at 19:03
Remember that Mr Park does not have total control over his business. As of April last year The Bank of Scotland’s man, Robert Hare, joined the group/holding company board and most subsidiary boards. Basically Lloyds are now running Park’s of Hamilton.
=================================
Well there’s a familiar motif.
Timtim 1st April 2020 at 23:17
@EJ I was going to ask why it wasn't listed as a charge at Companies House , now you have said it's 21 days it makes me wonder if he has any security at all as I'm sure he handed over the 5m a lot longer than 21 days ago , unless of course the security has only come recently and maybe as a condition of him standing down . I was of the thought that the stadium had never been used as security as the ownership "whurz ra deeds" was shrouded in mystery and Whyte had a claim on it which he later sold off to a 3rd party. Looks like the smoke and mirrors are back , have they ever gone away?
===============================
In King's parting statement, he made reference to the last Board meeting on 14 March. I guess that it is possible that he asked for security on his loan, at that meeting, prior to him stepping down as chairman.
If the Board was inclined not to grant him security, then King might have offered the alternative of calling in his loan. The Board, not unreasonably, might then have asked, "ok what would you like as your security".
The Board's response to King's departure was rather cold, so the above could be a plausible scenario, although all it is at this point is flying a kite.
Timtim 1st April 2020 at 23:17
'..as the ownership "whurz ra deeds" was shrouded in mystery .'
$$$$$$$$$$$
But, as I understand things, there should be no mystery.
Ownership of property is a matter of public record. If you are prepared to pay the fee, you can find out who, as a matter of law, owns the title to any land or property in Scotland.
have a read at this link
https://www.ros.gov.uk/services/order-documents
According to that
"You can buy digital copies of title documents from the land register. These include a property's title sheet and title plan.
A title sheet provides details of:
But I imagine, if it was that simple, somebody would by now have been prepared to pay the cost to find out who owns Ibrox stadium, if it is not TRFC Ltd or RIFC plc.
Sadly, I huvnae got 30 quid or whatever to spend on a speculation!
easyJambo 1st April 2020 at 23:01
shug 1st April 2020 at 19:30
The latest by phil kinda hints that kings 5 million loan might be secured on something that may not be moveable.
======================
It's not something that can be hidden for long. If King has been granted security for his loan then the paperwork will have to be lodged with Companies House within the next couple of weeks.
If a charge is not registered within 21 days, it may be difficult to recover the debt if the company becomes insolvent. The 21 days start the day after the charge is created (according to Companies House).
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
King has been part of this from the begining.
Why don't Close Bros as lenders of last resort have security over the Stadium? Operating at the level they do that would be their first port of call.
Everyone elses money has been burned in the usual bonfire of vanity at this club. Except Honest Dave.
There are still things we don't know.
@ easyjambo ,The 21 days start the day after the charge is created (according to Companies House). the 4th/5th is D-DAY lol,the truth will out
Could it be the badges that are the security? Would these be subject to a charge.
The original signed 5-way agreement documents, 4 secret tape recordings, the puncture repair kit for the bike. the ludge membership subs, and the club ba'
.
John Clark 1st April 2020 at 22:59 …………… Always ahead of the game there JC.
I got excited for a moment when I received an email alert from Companies House for RIFC just a few minutes ago.
Sadly, it was only confirmation of the "Termination of appointment of David Cunningham King as a director on 27 March 2020"
(It might just be me, but I find that some of the GOV.uk information pages are not very clearly written)
That made me laugh JC,
same as its ever been .
Brass neck and blow torch come to mind.
Former Rangers player and manager Ally McCoist has called for Britain's footballers to follow the example of Ibrox stars when they were in administration and to take wage cuts to save the jobs of regular staff members. (Daily Record)
Slight deviation…
McCoist makes my skin crawl, but generally, IMO, there should be some sort of ‘expiry date’ for ex-footballers as pundits.
To have current pundits who last kicked a ball for a top team, say 20 or 30 years ago is just lazy, IMO. They are – typically – not connected to the modern game or modern training and tactical methods.
(With a few exceptions, of course.)
By not actively replacing pundits, the media is just reinforcing old stereotypical viewpoints, repetition of same observations, and tired, old cliches etc. Fewer new insights to add, or for viewers to learn about the game.
The worst culprit, IMO, has been Match of the Day, with e.g. Shearer still talking mince. But at least Hansen and Lawrensen did eventually slope off – about 10 years past their ‘best’.
Not a fan of Lineker either, or his ridiculous salary, but to be fair he does have additional presenting skills etc.
And with falling paper circulations and TV ratings you would think there would be regular replacements of the talking heads to keep things fresh and relevant?
For balance though: I have been impressed with Sportscene Scoreboard on a Saturday afternoon, where they have two pundits – and one is typically a female, (long black hair, can’t remember her name).
She certainly knows her stuff, and I was pleasantly surprised / impressed: a female pundit on Sportscene?!
Bogs Dollox 2nd April 2020 at 00:52
——
King has been part of this from the beginning.
—-
Remember this folks from an earlier blog:-
——
corsica says:
20/07/2012 at 11:07 pm
Well that’s that, I have now officially retired and all thanks to this blog! Right, enough moping…
Wee question for you all: what do Charles Green, Craig Whyte, Dave King and Andrew Ellis all have in common?
That’s right they all own property and have investments in the Republic of South Africa. What a coincidence, eh?
What’s that I hear? You would like another coincidence? Well, okay, how about they have all at various times threatened to sue each other and other players in this farce but curiously not a single writ has been delivered.
Ask your uncle Max (Clifford) about that little deflection trick…
Another coincidence? How about they were all in Switzerland this week?
As my grandson’s favourite comedian would say “what are the chances of that?”
——–
belgium just announced brugge as league winners with gent 2nd for champions league spot
Giovanni 2nd April 2020 at 12:38
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Bogs Dollox 2nd April 2020 at 00:52
——
King has been part of this from the beginning.
………………
https://twitter.com/ClusterOne2/status/1245703164441083905/photo/1
…
He has beem hanging about a long time.
I'm surprised the media aren't doorstepping Stevie G(whilst observing social distancing ) asking for his thoughts on how the season should be ended .Title for Liverpool ? Null and void ? And hasn't it gone all quiet over Ibrox way ? I was expecting a statement of reassurance from the recently installed acting chairman , especially as there are season tickets to sell .
Giovanni 2nd April 2020 at 12:38
‘..King has been part of this from the beginning.’
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
The mention of the name ‘Clifford’ ( in that post of ‘corsica’s you cite,Giovanni) in connection with ‘men of business’ made me think of Clifford Evans who played the part of Caswell Bligh in that brilliant 1960’s TV series “The Power Game”.
In that series, the really ugly ‘drowning rats in a sack’ face of corporate board life was made plain, as Board members lied to each other as matter of course and mutual dislike and distrust underlay and coloured every board meeting.
I thought in those days that it was only television drama, as far removed from real life as any spaghetti Western is from the ‘real West’
Now I can see that the Ibrox saga has shown that the TV dramatists underplayed the depth of internal fighting and personal corner-fighting that goes on in what really is a tuppence ha’penny company compared to ‘Bligh Industries’!
Rats drowning in a sack are made to look like self-sacrificing heroes!
From today's Guardian . I'm sure somebody can find an equivalent on Scottish clubs . And isn't it nice that the journalists have put their names to their input .
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/apr/02/pay-cuts-furlough-or-deferrals-what-are-the-premier-league-clubs-doing
With 30 games played – or c.75% of the league competition – the vast majority of reasonable people or neutrals would agree that the top team should get the title. A significant points gap, and much superior goal difference makes that decision even easier.
The main rationale could even be: to not award the title – is to deny resolution to ALL the paying customers of ALL clubs who have supported the league throughout the season, to this point.
And for full transparency the title awarded to CFC could have an '*' asterisk next to it: to denote that the full league card was unable to be completed in full that year.
But, for consistency, each and every one of the SPL titles won by Rangers during the EBT Years should also carry an asterisk: to denote that these titles were 'won' with ineligible players.
Sorted!
StevieBC
if people like alex rae want the season null and void then surely his club(sevco)can't complain if they recieve no second place prize money,only fair,i would imagine if that happened they would say give title to celtic so they could recieve much needed cash
Club Bruges to be named champions as Belgian Pro League cancelled
By John Bennett of BBC World Service Sport
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52138270
The Belgian Pro League is set to become the first major European league to be cancelled because of coronavirus.
Club Bruges will be declared champions with the current league table set to stand.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019–20_Belgian_First_Division_A#League_table
There was one match of the regular season remaining when the league was suspended, with play-offs due to decide the top positions.
The league’s board of directors made the decision and have made a recommendation to the general assembly.
It will be made official on 15 April with a working group to decide relegation and promotion issues.
Club Brugge are 15 points clear of second-placed Gent at the top of the table.
In a statement, the league said: “The board of directors unanimously decided that it was not desirable, whatever the scenario envisaged, to continue the competition after 30 June.”
For comparison.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/belgian-pro-league/table
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/scottish-premiership/table
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019–20_Scottish_Professional_Football_League
https://spfl.co.uk/admin/filemanager/images/shares/pdfs/SPFL%20Rules%20and%20Regulations%2022-Jul-19.pdf
I actually think the Belgian league is tighter than the Ladbrokes Premiership.
From what I’ve read, after 30 games, the top 6 play off, but the points that are gained in the first 30 games are halved to ensure an exciting (but manufactured) finish to the season.
So Bruges could have had 35 or 37 points at the commencement of (as John James would write) the Meisterrunde depending on the result of matchday 30. Ghent could have had 28 or 29 points. (Half points are rounded up until the end of the season & any half points affecting placings are then deducted.) A possible eight-point swing in the 10 matches is eminently do-able (it’s two losses & a draw).
If any of the above is wrong, I’m happy to be corrected…
On hearing the news regarding Belgium football calling an end to the season I wondered how the broadcast rights holder would react. It seems a company known as M&P silva currently hold the rights and although not a tv company they disseminate and sell to broadcasters as they see fit.One of the people involved in the company is Andrea Radrizzani who is currently the owner of Leeds United afc of the English championship.It will be interesting to see how this developes in terms of his company reaction to a curtailed season and that of Sky who own the English championship rights.
Now that Dave King has resigned as a Director of RIFC PLC, confirmed by Companies House, it is worth bearing in mind that he never held a position on the board of Rangers, the club.
He was a Director of the PLC, the holding company. Not the subsidiary, the club.
It is also worth mentioning that he was on the board of the previous club, and sat there whilst it was destroyed.
A Rangers Legend indeed.
Companies House has just notified me that the annual accounts for TRFCG (Wavetower) have been lodged.
https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/07380537/filing-history
Unfortunately, they are only for the period up to 30 April 2019 while it was still a dormant company.
There is no mention of the settlement agreed with BDO around August last year, even as a post balance sheet event.
The accounts were signed off by a representative of Henderson & Young who were pursuing the legal claim against the Oldco. They show current liabilities of £36k (legal fees?). The £16m “debtors” figure (original claim) appears to have been dropped since the previous year’s accounts.
tony 2nd April 2020 at 14:10
belgium just announced brugge as league winners with gent 2nd for champions league spot
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However Belgium is unlikely to have had to deal with all the powerful influences within their establishment batting in favour of one team that the SPFL are going to have to deal with when they eventually make a decision.
upthehoops
probably up in the bunker hoping uefa make the decision for them,then it's a big bad boy done it and ran away,useless *****
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/staggering-1billion-premier-league-bill-21796461
Homunculus 2nd April 2020 at 17:31
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Now that Dave King has resigned as a Director of RIFC PLC, confirmed by Companies House, it is worth bearing in mind that he never held a position on the board of Rangers, the club.
He was a Director of the PLC, the holding company. Not the subsidiary, the club.
It is also worth mentioning that he was on the board of the previous club, and sat there whilst it was destroyed.
A Rangers Legend indeed.
……………..
I Believe he is the only Director left at RANGERS RETAIL LIMITED.
https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/08142409/officers
……………..
shug 1st April 2020 at 19:30
The latest by phil kinda hints that kings 5 million loan might be secured on something that may not be moveable.
…………….
Wonder if it has anything to do with the loan in a roundabout way?
………………..
16 officers / 15 resignations not a good look for a company.
Cluster One 2nd April 2020 at 22:20
I Believe he is the only Director left at RANGERS RETAIL LIMITED.
https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/08142409/officers
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Rangers Retail ceased trading when TRFC paid SDI £3m to get out of the old contract (joint venture), only to agree a new one year contract with SDI (which included an ongoing matching agreement).
That all happened about three years ago. There was an automatic(?) strike off notice due to accounts not being lodged with Companies House. That dissolution was cancelled, for reasons and by persons unknown to me.
Latest news from Belgium , serious rioting has broken out in the city of Ghent as irate fans protest against League title being awarded to Club Brugge . They are demanding that results after December should not count and all results before then should finish after the 87th minute as their form dropped off after the winter break and they had a tendency to concede late goals . Former player Alexis Rake insists that nobody will accept this tainted title as genuine as scoring more goals and winning more matches is a poor way to judge who is the bestest team. He also hinted that K.A.A. Gent (nicknamed the Buffalo's) saw El Buffalo of the World's most successful club* as the obvious choice to lead the line next season and Directors were preparing a massive bid to entice him to the Kingdom .
SPFL face Celtic title D-Day as £1billion Premier League bill could bounce bosses into going it alone
This was the editorial headline to the article Tony posted above.
What does it even mean?
No sub- editors at the Record? Barely literate ones (No surprises there).
Twitter can be a real laugh at times. There are actually people out there who believe the fact that Rangers have yet to announce their staff are being furloughed, and other clubs have, is something for them to crow about.
A rather sane contributor pointed out the Furlough rules do not apply to companies who are not up to date with their tax payments.
Upthehoops@07.09
“A rather sane contributor pointed out the Furlough rules do not apply to companies who are not up to date with their tax payments. “
Shurely the Club isn’t withholding PAYE and NI contributions? I’ve heard rumours that it happened once but I thought that it was just a folk tale.
JJ overstepping the mark in his latest piece this morning.
easyJambo 2nd April 2020 at 22:45
…………………
Thanks for clarification.
"Uefa issues Champions League & Europa league warning on early finishes
Leagues across Europe have been told that ending competitions early could result in them forfeiting Champions League and Europa League places.
A letter sent by Uefa states that a plan is being formulated to complete current campaigns across the continent in July and August.
Both Uefa club competitions, currently at the last 16, would also then resume.
The letter was issued after Belgium became the first to declare an end to their 2019-20 campaign.
Also signed by the European Club Association and European Leagues, it concludes: "Since participation in Uefa club competitions is determined by the sporting result achieved at the end of a full domestic competition, a premature termination would cast doubts about the fulfilment of such condition."
Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell is in regular contact with Uefa, while the SPFL are in conversation with the European League Association about the matter.
The letter continues: "We are confident that football can restart in the months to come with conditions that will be dictated by public authorities,
"Their work is now focusing on scenarios encompassing the months of July and August, including the possibility that the Uefa competitions restart after the completion of domestic leagues.
"A joint management of calendars is strictly required as the conclusion of the current season must be coordinated with the start of the new one, which may be partly impacted because of the overstretch.
"Closely following the development of the current situation, the calendar working group will indicate as soon as possible, and ideally by mid-May, which of the plans can be enacted for the completion of the season without leaving anyone behind."
The Scottish Premiership's top three places, currently occupied by Celtic, Rangers and Motherwell, would be due to compete in Europe next season, along with the Scottish Cup winners, while the Ibrox side are still involved in this season's Europa League."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52148695
Scottish Football needs a strong Arbroath.
Hello folks,
I am a long-time follower and admirer of the SFM blog, this is my first post. You are doing a great job in holding Scottish Football to account. More power to your keyboards.
I noticed John Clark’s post yesterday, regarding how to gain access to title deeds for Ibrox Stadium. They are recorded under title number GLA210958 and are available to download from the Registers of Scotland site for £3.60 at:
https://scotlis.ros.gov.uk/property-summary/GLA210958/1
I downloaded them on 2 April and found that there are no entries recorded under Section C for Securities. I have not posted them here as they are subject to copyright.
Red Lichtie @ 10.41
Well, I guess that should spell the end for the 'null and void movement'.
Redlichtie@10.41
“ a premature termination would cast doubts about the fulfilment of such condition."
Seems a bit harsh from UEFA which in reality is a barely veiled threat to member countries. Almost 1000 deaths in Italy due to the virus since yesterday, France and Spain are in dire straights and London is teetering on the brink. What would UEFA do if all the members said no?
Does the UEFA letter suggest to anyone else that they are more concerned about the finances of the few who gain large amounts from their tournaments rather than football in general?
Their efforts to minimise the financial hit to their tournaments right now seems to make them blinkered to a long term strategy which should be to ensure that The Beautiful Game can return at every level when it is safe to do so.
For example the 10% pay cut that the SFA CEO has taken is reported to be around £30,000, if taken over a year. To be fair he may be contributing large amounts of his remaining income to charity but with the average nurses annual salary is just under £25,000 his sacrifice does not appear that generous!
As we have seen in our own communities the financial greed, particularly of large organisations, is increasingly getting bad press. Unless damage limitation measures are brought in quickly some brands, in my opinion, are likely to pay heavy price.
Ex Ludo
nothing they could do except cancel competitions,to come down heavy would result in backlash,which they don't want
Mr Lucky 3rd April 2020 at 11:26
''..I downloaded them on 2 April and found that there are no entries recorded under Section C for Securities"
$$$$$$$$
I think I had got as far as that, Mr Lucky, but did you not have to pay more to get the details of the Proprietor?
I would tell UEFA to do one.
The SFA's and SPFL's primary responsibility is to the domestic game. If competitions cannot be completed before the end of July and prize money distributed at that point, then some clubs could go into administration.
Additionally, there is the question of ST sales for clubs involved in promotion/relegation battles.
What if next season is curtailed because of the late finish of this season? Does that not cause issues of sporting integrity next season?
UEFA seems desperate to complete all this season's UEFA games for one reason only, so that they avoid being held liable by the TV companies who fund the CL and EL.
You can guess what they will do about next season's CL and EL. Qualifying will be curtailed (fewer teams/rounds?) so that the group stages can start on schedule and they can start coining in the TV money once again.
UEFA shows no recognition of the fact that many people across Europe are dying on a daily basis and that this virus will continue to flare up from time to time for months to come. Spectators seem a secondary consideration to playing the games. Where is the sporting integrity if a player is unable to play because of having to self isolate? Do they just want to treat it as just another illness?
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If the SFA/SPFL accede to UEFA's demands that the leagues must be completed, then there is a way round the financial distribution issue. You hand out the money now based on current positions, but if final league positions change before the "end" of the season, then you correct the over/underpayment by adjusting next season's distributions.
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/spfl-summit-could-crown-celtic-21804117
Ive said it before but EUFA need to wisen up to the huge effect this is having on domestic football all over Europe. Without domestic football EUFA is nothing . IMO it would make sense to cancel the Champs league etc for a season . Give time for all the countries to recover from this . Let the domestic leagues finish even if it takes well into the year , Then after that is sorted start the next campaign . A shorter version if need be, with the aim of finishing the season by May next year. Would be crazy for teams ( and fans ) to be travelling through out Europe this year. THEN EUFA can start as normal and hopefully normality is fully up and running by then. EUFA are only interested in their fat salaries and money in the bank. Peoples lives should be put first and foremost . This is showing up EUFA to be the money , power grabbing scum bags we all knew they were
ooops UEFA
Re: the Belgium FA decision.
If it has been reported correctly in the media, (I know), it seems that the Belgians made their decision unilaterally – and even AFTER receiving a UEFA letter instructing all FA’s to hold fire.
Regardless of whether it’s right or wrong: bravo to the Belgian FA for having the strong leadership to go forward with what they believed is right for their own clubs, players, supporters.
They must have also been painfully aware that they would then get pelters from UEFA – who are allegedly now trying to coerce the Belgians to do a u-turn, (like the Health Secretary did on testing.
)
But let’s face it, UEFA has also made it painfully clear over the years that its purpose is to serve the superclubs and to generate maximum profits. UEFA doesn’t give a monkey’s about diddy leagues like Belgium or Scotland.
…is Maxwell still hiding in the Hampden Bunker then?
John Clark 3rd April 2020 at 12:16
Full details of proprietor are included. The ROS map based title deeds provides the following Section A Property, Section B Proprietorship, Section C Securities, Section D Burdens. It runs to 37 pages plus full site plans all for £3.60. They send it to you by email a few minutes after you pay online. I could try and PM you a copy ?