The purpose of The Scottish Football Monitor is to pay homage to, and carry on the work of the groundbreaking RangersTaxCase blog (RTC). The aim of the Scottish Football Monitor is to cast a questioning and watchful eye on Scottish Football officialdom and the compliant mainstream media (MSM).
Scottish football, in the immediate wake of the Rangers FC liquidation, faces great challenges. The MSM have provided no sensible checks or balances on the actions of the authorities. The Scottish Football Monitor aims to provide those checks and balance.
The cosy relationship that has existed between the media and people at the top of Scottish Football has dissuaded those who may otherwise be moved to blow the whistle on wrongdoing. The Scottish Football Monitor aims, through time, and by winning the trust of ordinary fans, to fill a gap in the football media in Scotland that has been up to now filled only by RTC.
The Rangers FC saga, its consequences, and consequences of the accompanying stream of untruths and misdirection fed to us by the MSM is far from over. RTC was successful in getting the previously buried truth of the Rangers tax case into the mainstream despite a hostile MSM reaction. The Scottish Football Monitor hopes to use the skills and expertise of those in our community to a cast light on matters that those in authority would have concealed, or at least present alternative arguments to those being presented as having none.
Scottish Football Monitor asks contributors to remember only a few things;
1. The site is not the domain of any one club and is open to fans of all clubs.
2. Absolutely no discussion with regard to religion should take place.
3. Posters should refrain from using foul or abusive language.
Welcome to The Scottish Football Monitor
Nice one TSFM, thanks for getting the new blog up and running 🙂
Well done PL. I fancy we will soon be discussing league reconstruction with its stadium criteria to ensure the quick promotion of Sevco FC.
The SPL are meeting tomorrow and we might get some further news or statement afterwards abut the EBT/Dual-Contracts enquiry although I doubt it would surprise anybody if Doncaster announces this is delayed and kicked into the long grass until after the FTT(T) finally publishes it’s findings.
Did Alex Thomson ever get closer to finding out when the FTT might return a result or what the latest estimate of a timescale might be?
TSFM sounds good. best of luck
Testing
Well done PL. Here we go again!
Keep sporting Integrity uppermost.
And watch out for “sporting merit” as the next perfidious excuse to gerrymander the leagues. assuming their is a team to gerrymander on behalf of!
Come on SFA, SPl and MSM. We’re waiting. Do you feel lucky punks?
Test
Lets go get them ,shug keevins, Jabba and company will be really happy .
Dont know if its been posted but the chat at the match last night was that, 2 Grade 1 referees have got EBT’s.
The guy who was telling the tale, was saying the English press have a hold of it but cant publish for the moment.
Well,Good Evening SFM!
test
As RTC wraps it up, SFM takes off.
We are still here, still vigilant and still ready to defend the integrity of the sport.
‘Mon the bampots!!
Laughing Tim,
Details please? We are all chomping at the proverbial bit 🙂
Good luck to the Scottish Football Monitor, carrying on the baton that has been handed on by RTC. If it can be half as successful in shining a light on the murky dealings in the darkest recesses of the MSM and the establishment clubs in Scotland then we can only be grateful.
Go get ’em!
Does anybody know why Sevco-Rangers had to postpone their big League Cup tie with East Fife at Ibrox from Sunday until next Tuesday?
Best of luck PL, credit to you for continuing what has become an important counter to the partiality practiced by the majority of the MSM.
Just checking all is well in monitor land. I voted succulent lamb. But happy with the veggie option. Here’s to a successful site and to improving the vaues and quality of Scottish football.
Good luck with the new blog.
Don’t know about everyone else, but as a voracious consumer of and infrequent poster on RTC, it feels good to still be a part of something that can make a difference to ‘this thing of ours’. Scottish football fans deserve better than the cabal who have promoted their own agenda for too long.
I have resolved this season to continue to support my team and also to visit as many senior grounds as possible as a ‘neutral’. Having already been to Fir Park for Motherwell’s Euro adventure, my appetite has been whetted. For too many years my own outlook on Scottish football has been a ‘with us or against us’ mentality and I was not even aware of it!
There remains much to be done to save our game and I expect SFM to be in the vanguard.
MD
The entire game is governed by a bunch of cancelled until next tuesdays. 😉
Good Luck PL,to the good ship SFM & all who post on her…
Release the dogs !!!
Good to have a new blog to visit. RTC draws to a close SFM opens a new chapter. Goodluck.
Bangor Dub, I am only saying what the guy was telling us. The debate was then about who had them. The general consenses was the most likely candidates were Dallas and Mc Curry and the fact that the suppresson of the story was to do with waiting for the BTC decision. (Subjudicy ?)
Not really got a clue wether its pucker or not but I really hope it is. Then we are talking match fixing.
laughing Tim says:
could this possibly be the “nuclear” event info…?
Good Luck PL
Let’s continue to live up to the high standards that were set on RTC
Tim,
Thanks, didn’t mean to put you on the spot but I really think this blog has potential to whistleblow a few things.
Laughing Tim
Is there any reason to believe the people who were discussing this rumour have any connections to the sorts of places that would have such information.
Best wishes to you and all the excellent contributors. Let the fun begin!!
lets keep the fight going guys…i dont post much but i try and read all of it…cmon the sfm…
Hi PL,
Well done getting the site up and running. Good luck with it. Looking forward to the same type of investigative research that made RTC such a success.
I like the new office.
Good work PL.
Rab73, I know the guy and yes if it makes a difference holds a high position in his field of business. ( not legal or anything but an articulate guy).
I think it does not matter where or what the source is as long its good info. Theres many a low paid worker with a grudge against the high earners we all have 2 ears and 1 mouth for a reason.
The Scottish Football Monitor, I’m liking the name, if this blog is even half as successful as RTC then we’re onto a winner. I wish you the best of lucky guys.
Checking in – very good PL!!
Popcorns still fresh – wonder what`s first up? Lord Hodge, Police & Fraud Squad? Think BDOs still a fortnight away
Hello all, good luck to SFM.
It would be good to have a blog postıng put up over the next week to help focus the dıscussıon and analysıs.
Laughing Tim
I think good info only comes from good sources. I wasn’t trying to rubbish your story, just trying to put some meat on the bones. I dont think anyone would be too surprised if it was true.
Best of luck with this venture. Certain powers that be – who will have breathed a sigh of relief that RTC was closing down – will not be happy that there will be a successor to his work…
A hearty welcome to the son of RTC!
The SFA/SPL/SFL and MSM have been remarkably quiet regarding the issue of SFA membership. At this time last week, a couple of whispers were posted to the (RTC) blog, which were later confirmed as correct. There has been nothing whispered this week … does this mean that Sevco will simply slide in, no questions asked?
With regard to the possible scenario that if Sevco was to go belly-up during the season (breaching commercial contracts that require the presence of a Govan-based team), would the SFL clubs be able to sue the SFA for moneys lost as it was the SFA who scrutinised & accepted Mr. Green’s business plan? Or are the only clubs who have shown any integrity be the ones who would suffer for the connivance of Messrs. Regan, Doncaster & Longmuir?
Well done on getting this up and running PL, and I commend everyone on the naming. RTC became a big part of my daily routine and I expect this site to do so as well. looking forward to asking and seeing answered the hard questions. There are still many ongoing issues regarding the actions of the SFA and SPL with respect to Sevco/The Rangers, and many awaited events to come such as the FTT etc. We must keep up the pressure on the clubs, the governing bodies and the MSM to ensure tha tought questions are not ignored.
Currently being ignored by our stalwart Scottish media are questions regarding the bizarre licencing actions in respect of Sevco, who players were/are registered to, what happened to the requirement for annual accounts, what information was provided to the SFA regarding the business plans and investors of Sevco, and many more besides.
The MSM are wilfully not asking these.
Good Luck PL, and I hope that some of big hitters can maybe do some guest blogs?
I hope all goes well and the debate can continue
Brilliant that someone is to provide the platform to keep up the pressure on TFOD (ie sfa,spl,msm et al) to clean house and leave the last centuries attitudes behind. Onwards with determination and optimism I say……a little humour and mild leg pulling would not go amiss.
Well done, PL. Wishing the new blog success.
Good Luck PL.
As I, and others have said, this corrupt saga is far from over and the site will be much needed to keep a check on the gratuitous rule bending and evasion, ably aided and abetted by the MSM.
Haven’t kept up much over past few days but is there any fall out expected over the team or teams or non teams which turned up at Brechin at the week-end?
The SFA/SPL have systematically destroyed the rule book to accommodate Rangers(IA)/Sevco, and must be held to account.
Has there been any news from UEFA?
Thanks, PL. Please remember to be safe always 🙂
SPL announce Independent Commission to invesigate EBT payments to Rangers employees (via R. Clyde)
Denny says:
August 2, 2012 at 18:42
—————————–
Im just seeing this on twitter – I suppose we need to know who is on this “independent” commision and what its remit is before we know if they are serious or just trying to tie up loose ends.
Denny, you are bloody quick on the draw! 😉
Chris McLaughlin@BBCchrismclaug
#SPL say commission will have powers to determine what sanctions, if any, are appropriate. #Rangers
Denny says:August 2, 2012 at 18:42
It’s not really EBT payments that are the isssue, it’s dual contracts or more accurately undisclosed payments for footballing activities.
Smell the glove says;
Timing is everything!
Test,
Crossing over from RTC,
Onwards and upwards and all the best to the new blog.
Denny @ 18:42 – If that’s true, its yet another case of passing the buck; the SPL made a statement previously that they had Prima Facie evidence in the EBT case, and that they would apply sanctions once the Sevco position was clarified, and before the start of the new SPL season. Spineless.
easyJambo says:
August 2, 2012 at 18:45
Think we will both agree the issue from a footballing point of view is whether Rangers made payments to players over and above the salaries that were declared in their contracts; if so the most likely source of those payments would be EBTs.
My last post on RTC & 1st on here to say thank you to you all 🙂
KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK, THERE IS STILL MUCH TO DO 🙂
61patrick says:
02/08/2012 at 6:41 pm
Thank you RTC & the many many posters on here who have armed me with the facts and information to didmantle my MSM reading opponent during many many debates over the last year.
This blog among others has changed me and this country for the better,even though there are still many lamb eaters entrenched in the “old days & ways” they are a dying breed (still dangerous & powerful) but dying none the less.
I for one can only repay RTC & you all by keeping up the fight that was started by so few standing up for the many(F***) took that to far:)
Being a CFC fan I would also like to congratulate the fans of the many clubs who have all stood shoulder to shoulder against the corruption that nearly killed our game.A special mention to EJ who was the first to change my views on others for that I thank youEJ:).
I will finish with thanking the trolls whos denial and ———— (Add as applicable) kept me going in the knowledge there were unfortunates out there who were not armed with the facts and knowledge that we were blessed with.
SO trollers yous also know who yous are thank you for inspiring me to keep up the fight to rid football from ill informed denialists:)
GOODBYE ALL MAY YOUR DAYS BE BLESSED
Speak soon
Congratulations on getting this up and running and I look forward to being distracted from work and family, morning noon and night.
Good luck and best wished to the Arabs tonight too
61patrick says:
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
August 2, 2012 at 18:51
My last post on RTC & 1st on here to say thank you to you all
KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK, THERE IS STILL MUCH TO DO
61patrick says:
02/08/2012 at 6:41 pm
Thank you RTC & the many many posters on here who have armed me with the facts and information to didmantle my MSM reading opponent during many many debates over the last year.
This blog among others has changed me and this country for the better,even though there are still many lamb eaters entrenched in the “old days & ways” they are a dying breed (still dangerous & powerful) but dying none the less.
I for one can only repay RTC & you all by keeping up the fight that was started by so few standing up for the many() took that to far. 🙂
Being a CFC fan I would also like to congratulate the fans of the many clubs who have all stood shoulder to shoulder against the corruption that nearly killed our game.A special mention to EJ who was the first to change my views on others for that I thank youEJ:).
I will finish with thanking the trolls whos denial and ———— (Add as applicable) kept me going in the knowledge there were unfortunates out there who were not armed with the facts and knowledge that we were blessed with.
SO trollers yous also know who yous are thank you for inspiring me to keep up the fight to rid football from ill informed denialists:)
GOODBYE ALL MAY YOUR DAYS BE BLESSED
Speak soon
changed a word see if this works if not 1st post was ok
Ps when were trying to speak to the “BOSS ” who do we refer to if anyone.
02/08/2012 18:41:49
SPL Press Release
The Scottish Premier League today announced that it has appointed an independent Commission to inquire into alleged EBT payments and arrangements made by Rangers
======================================================================
Note the use of the alleged payments and arrangements, I thought they had prima facie evidence? I thought the enquiry was completed, the Commision should only be looking at the severity of any punishment? When will they be sitting? Is it an “anonymous” independent commision? When will they return their verdict? What information is actually in the statement?
5StarsorBehindBars says:
August 2, 2012 at 18:48
Think they only said there was a Prima Facie case to answer, which suggests further investigation required. IMHO any investigation/decision that’s removed from the football administrators in this country can only be a good thing.
Are Clyde saying employees and not mentioning players. Walter, Ally, Martin, Souey, Eck,Hughie and the rest, they are coming to get you.
Question. If the SPL appoint an independent commission who are the appellate body? The SPL Board? The SFA? I can envisage a scenario that there could be 3 appellate bodies. First, the SPL, second the SFA and then the Court of Arbitration of Sport. It is also entirely possible that there is a resort to the Courts. But who would launch an appeal? The sanctions would apply to the oldco which could be in the process of liquidation. If it is the decision of the Independent Commission that the normal sanction of a 3-0 result against a club with irregularly registered players is applied, and I stress if, then there is a long way to go before any final decision on titles, etc.
TSFM
Thank you your a star
REHAB CANCELLED PHEEEEEEEW.
PrivateLand should your moniker not change to scottishfootballmonitor (SFM) for short, so we can talk to the boss when required, also this could be a place for moderation. New posters will not recognise PrivateLand as admin.
Just told Mrs Yarmy that I will no longer be spending any time on Rangers Tax Case.
🙂
Denny says:
August 2, 2012 at 18:58
1 0 Rate This
5StarsorBehindBars says:
August 2, 2012 at 18:48
Think they only said there was a Prima Facie case to answer, which suggests further investigation required. IMHO any investigation/decision that’s removed from the football administrators in this country can only be a good thing.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Yes, I do agree that getting the investigation removed from the SPL, given their recent track record, is a good thing.
But that’s not what they said previously; on 18th June. (I’m a bit of a broken record on this, but it just gets to be that they can make these definitive statements and then delay again)
A statement from the SPL read: “The SPL Board heard a report from its solicitors following the investigation into payments to, or for the benefit of, players allegedly made by Rangers FC outside of contract.
“The delay in concluding the investigation was caused by an initial lack of co-operation from Rangers FC.
“The investigation has now been completed and, in the view of the SPL, there is a prima facie case to answer in respect of its rules.
“Disciplinary charges will be brought when the future status of Rangers FC is clarified and prior to the start of season 2012/13”
An application for registration of transfer of Rangers’ SPL share has been received. Consideration of the application will depend on receipt by the SPL Board of all required documentation and verification.
“A general meeting of all 12 member clubs has been convened for 10am on Wednesday 4 July 2012 for members to decide whether to approve the transfer.”
easyJambo says:
August 2, 2012 at 18:45
2 0 Rate This
Denny says:August 2, 2012 at 18:42
It’s not really EBT payments that are the isssue, it’s dual contracts or more accurately undisclosed payments for footballing activities.
absolutely correct. I have a feeling that the remit of the commission will be determined by those with a vested interests in the further non antagonising of newco. personally, i believe there will be minimal sanctions applied as the commissioning officers would rather see this swept under the carpet. the point of the commission is to enable the powers that be to turn to all and state that ” it wisnae us”. again, this stinks of a dereliction of duty and responsibility and yet another attempt for certain parties to squirm their way out of their corporate responsibility.
what’s changed?
I simply have no faith in anything coming either from the sfa or spl. inept and not fit for purpose.
Any “Independent Committee”, working for the SPL , is surely handicapped after the debacle from the previous commitee and the backing received from the SFA.
PrivateLand should your moniker not change to scottishfootballmonitor (SFM) for short, so we can talk to the boss when required, also this could be a place for moderation. New posters will not recognise PrivateLand as admin.
We are all scottishfootballmonitors may I suggest Prvate land gets the ultimate Football title, Gaffer
The SFA defer the dual contracts to the SPL and the SPL defer the enquiry to an Independent Commission, where next Charles Green, MIM, Merchant Capital Ltd, LOL1690
laughing Tim says:
August 2, 2012 at 19:01
Wording of press statement from the SPL site this evening at 18:41;
” SPL Press Release
The Scottish Premier League today announced that it has appointed an independent Commission to inquire into alleged EBT payments and arrangements made by Rangers in relation to players during the period from 2000 until 2011.
The Commission will determine whether during that period in relation to alleged EBT payments and arrangements for players, Rangers was in breach of the relevant SPL Rules.
In the event that the independent Commission decides that such breach or breaches occurred the independent Commission will have powers to determine what sanctions, if any, are appropriate”.
The news that Rangers Tax Case has scaled down his/her operation significantly, assuming that there will be something following the result of the FTT, will undoubtedly be welcomed by many in positions of power in the Scottish game. By that I, of course, mean the MSM,SFA,SPL,some in the SFL and others with an interest in maintaining or returning to the status quo. They will have breathed an almighty sigh of relief at the cessation of RTC’s regular and well timed forays into the blogosphere which resulted in lucid comment and analysis by the many learned and not so learned followers of the blog.
The total was more than the sum of the parts in my opinion…tax professionals, legal experts, company law gurus etc etc allied to the common man’s ability to smell sh1te from 100 paces meant that each and every strategy of the “enemy” was mulled over, inspected,prodded and had it’s metaphorical tyres kicked until it made some kind of sense to the experts on RTC. it was great and I spent far too long on a daily basis reading the site, being astonished by the analysis and laughing at the wit on show… I shall miss it.
This site has a chance to take over the good work started by RTC in so many areas and I hope it does. I wish everyone connected with the site good luck in their endeavors because we all know that the people involved are doing this for the purest of reasons…to uphold the values and virtues of the game we all profess to love and to ensure as far as is possible that we are watching a game untainted by bias, favouritism or cheating.
My problem is that I feel that the blog needs a definite focus such as that provided by the irregular posts on RTC which prompted the “big hitters” to step in and say their piece as each twist and turn of the dodGERS debacle played out. It was that which was unique about RTC…it had it’s eye on the ball at all times. Without such a focus the blog could descend into an “aye ye did”-“naw ah didny” debate…DO NOT ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN…that is what Jabba,Jangles,Chico,Britney,Spluttering Hugh and Barney McGrew want, indeed I am sure it is what they expect. To be a success this blog needs to be run as tightly as RTC, while welcoming all shades of opinion without fear or favour (see what I did there?) and I hope this can be achieved.
Good luck everyone…”Whit was that…WHO had an EBT?”
Denny says:
August 2, 2012 at 18:58
1 0 Rate This
5StarsorBehindBars says:
August 2, 2012 at 18:48
Take your point fully; the investigation should have been completed by now to allow the outcome to be considered before the start of the season and any sanctions, if appropriate, applied.
first and foremost. keep you and yours safe. we only have to look at incidents over the last year to see the extent that some people will go to in order to kill the truth.
this is only a football blog and to contradict shankly, its not a matter of life or death. at the first sign of any trouble, bail out.
anyone who administers or moderates this new blog carries my heartfelt thanks; we need this.
SPL guidelines to independent Commission on EBTs reads as follows:-
a) Take your time lads, no need to report back this season.
b) Any individual EBT sum in excess of £5K should be ignored as clearly erroneous.
c) Any expenditure incurred, (such as meals,hospitality,any business-class flights abroad to interview possible EBT recipients etc) need not be receipted.
d) The chairman ( Mr J Trayner)’s decision is final.
Hello all,
Just arrived on a free transfer from RTC, to wish Dundee United all the best tonight!
Denny says:
August 2, 2012 at 19:15
0 0 Rate This
laughing Tim says:
August 2, 2012 at 19:01
Wording of press statement from the SPL site this evening at 18:41;
” SPL Press Release
The Scottish Premier League today announced that it has appointed an independent Commission to inquire into alleged EBT payments and arrangements made by Rangers in relation to players during the period from 2000 until 2011.
The Commission will determine whether during that period in relation to alleged EBT payments and arrangements for players, Rangers was in breach of the relevant SPL Rules.
In the event that the independent Commission decides that such breach or breaches occurred the independent Commission will have powers to determine what sanctions, if any, are appropriate”.
——————————————————————————————————————–
Given that there is an admission of a prima facie case regarding the use of ebt’s etc,do the spl still need to state that there is an enquiry into “alleged ebt payments”, why do they still need to use the word alleged?
Please bear with me as I am a life scientist, not an llb!