Where transparency exists accountability inevitably follows.
This is an extract from a post on SFM from 2015. The subject was Transparency and Slow Glass
The message then was that football governance has to catch up in realising that football has to become more transparent in its dealing with supporters and so more accountable to them.
That transparency is already here via social media because of the ability to share, but the light of truth is constrained by Slow Glass.
Slow Glass from a short story by Bob Shaw slows down the light passing through it.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_of_Other_Days
In the story and others, you have Slow Glass of different thickness in terms of the time it takes for the light to emerge.
You have Glass a day thick/long to Glass ten years thick/long and more.
Resolution 12, if measured from the Celtic AGM in 2013 when it was tabled and adjourned, has taken 6 years for the light of truth to emerge, although it could have happened sooner had main stream media removed the dust of PR that slows the light, but light is inexorable and it is emerging at an archive of events since 2011 that can be read at
https://www.res12.uk/
It is in two parts.
Part One relates to events in 2011/12 including a very interesting link between UEFA Licence 2011 and the commissioning of Lord Nimmo Smith to investigate use of EBTs with side letters by Rangers FC where non-disclosure benefited Rangers FC in 2011 AND 2012.
Part Two concentrates SFA activity (or lack of it) from 2014 to date as result of the adjournment of Resolution 12 in November 2013 that provided shareholders with the authority to seek answers.
The archive has been constructed in chronological sequence to help readers understand better the detail and separate what took place in 2011/12 which is in the past, from the SFA handling of shareholders legitimate enquiries from 2014/15 to date, which remains current and is a mirror of SFA performance in respect of the national football team.
Many narratives will emerge as a result of the transparency, some Celtic related, but a system of governance, that is accountable in some way to supporters as stakeholders in the game, can only benefit the supporters of all clubs and they are encouraged to read through the archive.
As Phil Mac Giolla Bhain has written here in respect of Celtic and the SFA
accountability has to be the outcome of transparency to wipe the face and soul of Scottish football clean.
How that is achieved will be up to Scottish football supporters everywhere to take forward via their Associations and Trusts, in collaboration with the clubs they support, but it does seem to me, and I know others with more legal experience, that the SFA would find it difficult to resist a challenge to their refusal to engage with people (in this case minority shareholders of member clubs) who are affected by decisions that they make.
Scotsman have decided to move to a subscription model. Five articles a week or pay £8 a month. Looks to have started 12 June
I will give the subscription a miss. But how long have the Scotsman got left?
sannoffymesssoitizz 12th June 2019 at 06:54
Livingston, along with Hamilton and St Mirren were refused a Uefa Licence award.
——————–
Why were St. Mirren refused a UEFA Licence, when their ratings were the same as , for example, St. Johnstone, and better than Dundee?
https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/media/5112/club-licensing-current-update-april-2019.pdf
macfurgly 12th June 2019 at 13:43
Appreciate there are still ongoing works behind the scenes at Tynecastle (main thing now is getting the new changing rooms ready for August) but given the new stand became operational for fans last season, a TV studio was provided instead of being under canvas and there was significant investment in the pitch (which looked as good on the last day of the season as it did on the first) I'm struggling where the silver rating comes from when compared to those in the same category and indeed some of those given gold.
PS noted at last night's game v Belgium the ends must be further away from the pitch than Hampden.
As least at Tynie you can see the players (although some you would rather not grace the park in the first place!!
)
Remember Martin Bell, he of the white suits on the BBC news? He was on last night and was not best pleased about the change in over 75s licencing charge. His proposal was that the BBC lowered the fees paid to so called stars who in his opinion were grossly overpaid. I don't think many would disagree with him.
wottpi 12th June 2019 at 14:43
I'm struggling where the silver rating comes from when compared to those in the same category and indeed some of those given gold.
=================================
I think it is impossible for Hearts to achieve a Gold standard for the ground, as the pitch size is too small. The Gold standard is 105m x 68m, Silver a minimum of 100m x 64m, Bronze a minimum of 95m x 60m and Entry at 90m x 56m
To the best of my knowledge, Tynecastle is 100m x 64m. It was previously 98m x 68m, but was extended in length, although narrowed, in the wake of Chris Robinson's proposed moved to Murrayfield in 2004. The 100m length was also the minimum required by UEFA for EL games. The pitch was narrowed due to the proximity of the floodlight towers when the pitch was lengthened.
easyJambo 12th June 2019 at 16:41
I had wondered if that had something to do with it but had assumed that as the pitch was now UEFA compliant that was all that was required. Thanks for the explanation.
So if pitch size is an issue we can have a shitty stadium for watching football like Hamdpen (also hard to get to) , last night in Belgium and plastic pitches all getting Gold but a stadium with a 1st class pitch and Tynie (when it is rocking) having one of the best atmospheres in the country is rated 2nd best!!!!
Madness, but what else do you expect from the footballing authorities!!
dom16 12th June 2019 at 12:17
'..Scotsman have decided to move to a subscription model…'
++++++++++++++++++++++++
A little earlier today I heard a guy from the New York Times discussing that paper's 'Daily', which is a daily 20 minute podcast , 5 days a week. Each podcast focuses on one particular 'newspoint', at home or abroad, in a kind of in-depth look , talking to people involved.
Apparently, it already pulls in something like $10 million dollars a year from advertising.
I tuned into today's podcast , which was about the Far Right political swell in Italy. It did some 'vox pop' on the migrant issue, which seems to lie at the root of the Far Right's political gain.
It did not cost me anything to listen to it : I think I heard the chap today say that a lot of people who listen to the podcasts sooner or later become subscribers to the print editions (both the US and World editions).
I must explore further.
I doubt, though, if the 'Scotsman' or any other Scottish or even UK national paper could do something similar.
Just been reading that " the worldwide extension of the suspension of Mino Raiola [ on 7th June]is stayed pending the outcome of the CAS proceedings. However, the [3-month]suspension imposed by the FIGC in Italy is not affected by the CAS decision."
Raiola is the agent for the likes of Pogba and Lukaku.
A 'fast track' hearing of his appeal against the extension of the ban is being arranged for early July.
https://twitter.com/the_nfc/status/1138844766068715520?s=21
Wee trip down memory lane featuring English football clubs from a bygone age.
macfurgly 12th June 2019 at 13:43
Why were St. Mirren refused a UEFA Licence, when their ratings were the same as , for example, St. Johnstone, and better than Dundee?
https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/media/5112/club-licensing-current-update-april-2019.pdf
…………………………………..
The fans/Buddies, paid for the building/installation of a new platform for wheelchair users and other disabled people, which was under shelter.
This took out a shedload of seats, reducing capacity to under the specified 8000 which UEFA seem to require.
capacity now currently 7937, IIRC.
Could be simply amended, I would think.
fishnish 12th June 2019 at 23:37
———-
Cheers, I thought someone would know.
Re: Rod Petrie's – unopposed – coronation as SFA President.
Yes, the guy at the very pinnacle of the Scottish game.
We might now have a decent national team manager to generate some hope, on the field.
But, off the field – Petrie's appointment is a big, huge, loud, unapologetic, GIRUY! to all Scottish football supporters.
The SFA simply doesn't give a monkey's about the paying punters.
…sorry, that's not entirely correct.
The SFA cares very much about the paying punters' money spent on the Scottish game.
But, the SFA cares not a jot about what the paying punters' think.
Feedback is neither sought nor wanted by the SFA.
May as well rewind the clocks at Hampden back to 2012… as this appointment confirms that the blazers have learned bugger all from the RFC/TRFC shambles.
IMO.
StevieBC 13th June 2019 at 00:18
'..Petrie's appointment is a big, huge, loud, unapologetic, GIRUY! to all Scottish football supporters.'
++++++++++++++++
I agree.
A GIRUY from the boards of all our SPFL clubs.
Turnbull Hutton, where is your like today in Scottish Football? God rest you, man of truth.
Every goddamned one of the Boards of businesses whose business is 'competitive Sport!' have put money before principle, and lies and deceit before truth.
Even clubs that suffered financial loss on account of the cheating by SDM's Rangers of 1872 (now dead) have gone along with the absolutely unbelievable deceit and betrayal of Sporting Integrity exhibited by the SFA and the then SPL and SFL.
And our SMSM people bought into the lies and deceit.
Their guilt is even greater.
Now what if , although TRFC have a distribution contract with SDI , Hummel don't , and that's why the Superstore is closed but other outlets can sell it . If so , that's a beauty .
You might want to grab a sick bag before reading this one
‘Rod Petrie one of the most misunderstood men in Scottish football’
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/hibernian/rod-petrie-one-of-the-most-misunderstood-men-in-scottish-football-1-4946462
Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell has defended the appointment of Rod Petrie as the governing body’s new president and outlined his intention to “humanise” the public image of the Hibs chairman.
Petrie was elected unopposed at the SFA’s annual general meeting at Hampden, succeeding Alan McRae, and will serve a four-year term in the role. He is replaced as vice-president by Alloa chairman Mike Mulraney, whose promotion was also uncontested.
Petrie did not put himself forward for any media interviews afterwards, instead releasing a statement through the SFA’s communications department. It was left to Maxwell to speak to reporters and he mounted a passionate defence of the 63-year-old.
“He’s one of the most misunderstood men in Scottish football,” insisted Maxwell. “Rod has a real personality and we need to work to get that out there over the next while.
“We’ve had a few conversations about trying to humanise him. That will really help. You’re never in a room with Rod and he’s not the smartest guy in it.
“He’s also got a sense of humour, he’s got real humility about him, he’s really good company. He just keeps it fairly well hidden, I suppose. So it’s about drawing that out over the period.
“A lot of the clubs will know him and will have dealt with him. They’ll have an opinion and will know him better. But it’s about drawing that out into the public domain.
“The whole ‘unopposed thing’ is interesting. That’s not Rod’s fault. There are ample opportunities for anybody else who wants to stand to do so. No-one did. Just because Rod is elected unopposed, that shouldn’t be a negative. It was the same with Mike. It used to be that you just went through a process of being second vice-president, first vice-president and then president. But we changed that a while ago to give others the opportunity to stand. Because somebody doesn’t, that shouldn’t be levelled at Rod as a criticism.
“He got a bit emotional when he was elected. He made a farewell speech to Alan and they both got emotional, because it means a lot to them.
“I absolutely feel I can work with Rod. He’s been brilliant, absolutely brilliant, since I started at the Scottish FA. He’s somebody I really bounce things off, he will be a trusted president. As a chief exec, you need that relationship with a chairman or president – and we’re definitely going to have that going forward.
“Both Rod and Mike will be good. They’re big beasts in the boardroom, they’re opinionated, they both want the association to do well. Someone said to me that we’ve now got a boardroom with a raging bull and a charging rhino in it. I’ll let others work out which one is which.”
Maxwell announced record distribution of £11 million to be shared among member clubs, although he had to address a discrepancy in the official annual review publication which stated both revenue of £37.5m and turnover of £31.6m.
“The £37.5m is the figure in the accounts in terms of turnover for last year,” said Maxwell. “I haven’t seen the £31.6m. I don’t know if that is a misprint.
Rod Petrie as SFA president:
“We showed an accounting loss, but that was due to fluctuations in the pension fund, deficits that aren’t serious, it’s not business performance related, it’s investment related.
“When you think of us as a business, we turn over £37m, £11m cash goes straight out of the door to the membership. We are one of the best in Europe in terms of the cash we distribute to our members and that is something we are very keen to continue.”
Those sums will become increasingly challenging if the SFA are unable to secure a replacement sponsor for the national team after Vauxhall ended their association last year.
“We are working hard on it but it’s a challenge,” admitted Maxwell. “A lot of things hinge on success on the pitch.”
Rod Petrie as SFA president: All you need to know about the Hibs chairman's new role
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/hibernian/rod-petrie-as-sfa-president-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-hibs-chairman-s-new-role-1-4945914
Rod Petrie is expected to be named the new president of the Scottish Football Association today at the organisation's annual general meeting.
Here's all you need to know…
What's his background?
Petrie trained as a chartered accountant with Ernst & Young, and moved onto audit partner in nearly 15 years with the firm. He then took the managing director role with investment bank Quayle Munro, a position he held for more than six years.
He worked as an advisor to Tom Farmer during his takeover of Hibs in 1991, before joining the Easter Road board five years later. He was named the club's managing director in 1997.
He had a hand in the creation of the Scottish Premier League (SPL) and has also fulfilled the role of Hibs chief executive and played a key role in selecting managers. He stayed on as chairman when Leeann Dempster was appointed.
Will he still be employed at Hibs?
Yes. The SFA president has to be attached to a club – Alan McRae's affiliated club was Cove Rangers – so Petrie will still hold onto his role as chairman of the Easter Road side.
Can he leave his role at Hibs?
Yes. The SFA's Articles of Association stipulate that: "An Office-Bearer, for the period of his term of office as an Office-Bearer, shall be entitled, at any time during the period of his term of office as an Office-Bearer, to renounce all connections with the club on whose Official Return he is specified, subject to prior written intimation to the Board."
What will he be doing in the new role?
As vice-president of Scottish football's governing body, Petrie is involved in the selection of managers, as well as sitting on the Non-Professional Game Board and chairing the Professional Game Board.
He will likely maintain his positions on the Game Boards in his new role.
As president he will head up the eight-man board, as well as representing the SFA at UEFA and FIFA meetings. He will also play a key role in the recruitment process if chief executive Ian Maxwell, or national team boss Steve Clarke, leave their posts during his tenure.
Petrie will also chair the organisation's annual general meeting and will hold a casting, as well as deliberative, vote.
Also included among his duties will be participating in Congress meetings three times a season to, among other tasks, provide a debating forum for key issues for the Scottish game and review areas of concern.
Who will be his vice-president?
Mike Mulraney, current chairman of Alloa Athletic, will succeed Petrie as the vice-president. Mulraney is one of the eight board members and currently sits on the Professional Game Board as well.
Have any other people associated with Hibs held the SFA presidency before?
Yes – two. Harry Swann was SFA president from 1952 to 1956, and was viewed as something of a visionary and moderniser. He played a key role in persuading the SFA and Scottish League to embrace European club competitions – with Hibs becoming the first British club to enter continental competition when they participated in the 1955/56 European Cup.
Tommy Younger, who had spells as a goalkeeper with Hibs, Liverpool and Scotland, was appointed to the role in 1983 while serving as an Easter Road director. However, his presidency was cut short when he died in January 1984 after being admnitted to hospital with a virus complaint after returning from a holiday.
It's genuinely hard to see what Rod Petrie can bring to his new roll as SFA President that will bring any meaningful benefit. Perhaps he could move on the still open disciplinary case as to why Rangers were awarded a European license in 2011, although I doubt he would want any old coals raked over as is his mantra.
What an utterly incompetent football association the SFA are. If the media pushed hard and long enough for change it would happen, however it would appear again that a fear of old coals being disturbed prevents that. Change can't be allowed if it means all the decisions made in the past which were against the rules have to be looked at.
What a mess, however their world will be at one if Rangers somehow manage to win the league next season. History shows beyond doubt that is when Scotland’s football media, and the SFA are at their happiest.
Sannoffymesssoitizz@05.39
“We’ve had a few conversations about trying to humanise him.”
That quote from Ian Maxwell is an absolute cracker. Presumably when he’s sorted out the SFA President he will then fix BoJo and the US President?
I know we are all waiting eagerly for Mr Petrie’s first speech as President.
I do feel it appropriate to applaud the SFA at this juncture. Their succession planning is already in evidence. The American summariser heard to comment on her national sides 13-0 thumping of Thailand as “absolutely brilliant entertainment, this is what people want to come and see” surely makes her a stick on for the top job in Scotland next time around.
I had hoped that yesterday's SFA AGM would bring some clarity on the Bonnyrigg situation. Sadly it did not. What I can gather about what was discussed or agreed was as follows:
* Rob Petrie was elected as president, unopposed.
* Mike Mulraney was elected as vice president, unopposed
* The six clubs previously confirmed as meeting the 2019 licence criteria were confirmed as "Full" members of the SFA
* The licence status of Bonnyrigg and Dundonald was not discussed, but may be at the next SFA Board meeting on 20 June.
* A vote was taken and passed 73-13 on future new members only being given "associate member" status (non voting).
* There is no indication of how long "associate" membership lasts, or whether it is dependent on a club's status within the pyramid.
* There was a suggestion that clubs cannot be promoted to tier 5 unless they have held associate membership for at least a year.
* Discussions on future licence criteria are ongoing, e.g. seating requirements
So just six weeks before the start of season 2019/20, Bonnyrigg and Whitehill still don't know what league they will be playing in.
The SFA's website quotes Rod Petrie following his appointment as follows:
Not the most auspicious of starts then.
Res 12
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/rangers/sfa-to-make-decision-on-rangers-uefa-licence-before-end-of-the-year-1-4946541
Re Rod Petrie , no mention of honesty , integrity or transparency . Meet the new boss , etc.
Corrupt official 13th June 2019 at 10:40
" .. Res 12' ( Scotsman link)
++++++++++++++++++++++++
P45 on its way to Ms Kathleen Oates and/or her subeditor for this?
"..The Light Blues maintain that the "Five-Way Agreement" signed in 2012 by the SFA, Scottish Premier League, Scottish Football League, the old Rangers and the new club set up by Charles Green .."
As for the news item itself, what can one say without indulging in profanities!
The Nuremberg trials moved faster to nail the accused war criminals and the fact that some of them were already dead did not inhibit the tracing of records and evidence. No one is sking that the new club should be held responsible for the misdeeds of the dead club, and the reference to CAS is needless and pointless.
Let the SFA get into the records of old Rangers (via the Liquidators who surely must have all the records of the old Rangers?) and their own records of who dealt with the licence application and who told UEFA what.
That is well within the powers of the SFA . CG, King, RIFC plc and TRFC Ltd have bugger all to do with it, since that new club was not the club that applied for or obtained the Licence in question.
Just let the Truth be told.
Corrupt Official
From the article;
Boycott o'clock for the Scotsman
Corrupt official 13th June 2019 at 10:40
" .. Res 12' ( Scotsman link)
++++++++++++++++++++++++
P45 on its way to Ms Kathleen Oates and/or her subeditor for this?
"..The Light Blues maintain that the "Five-Way Agreement" signed in 2012 by the SFA, Scottish Premier League, Scottish Football League, the old Rangers and the new club set up by Charles Green .."
As for the news item itself, what can one say without indulging in profanities!
The Nuremberg trials moved faster to nail the accused war criminals and the fact that some of them were already dead did not inhibit the tracing of records and evidence. No one is sking that the new club should be held responsible for the misdeeds of the dead club, and the reference to CAS is needless and pointless.
Let the SFA get into the records of old Rangers (via the Liquidators who surely must have all the records of the old Rangers?) and their own records of who dealt with the licence application and who told UEFA what.
That is well within the powers of the SFA . CG, King, RIFC plc and TRFC Ltd have bugger all to do with it, since that new club was not the club that applied for or obtained the Licence in question.
Just let the Truth be told.
Jeezo!
Just when you think the SFA can't get anymore embarrassing…
I think even Traynor would have a pure riddy today, if he was responsible for the pitiful PR p!sh emanating from Hampden.
The gist of it being;
The SFA continues to treat its customers like idiots.
Just like Ogilvie, no conflict of interest and nothing to see here. Res.12 is about something which happened 8 years ago and Petrie is the last person in Scottish football wanting to review ANYTHING at the SFA.
Yes, Petrie is there to keep the bodies covered up.
John Clark 13th June 2019 at 11:45
I think it would be fair to say the SFA have always had the powers to examine the records regarding Rangers(I.L.), but to date have been stubbornly reluctant to do so John. Thus levering themselves into the unenviable position of "Co-accused", in the alleged fraud…..A conspiracy if you will, from a position of trust.
In legal terms a much more serious crime.
It should be held in mind that CAS are only adjudicating on the SFA's jurisdiction to re-visit and deal with the matter of compliance. (Where no doubt, a guilty conniving conspirator organisation would be looking for an "escape goat",
, to pin the rap on)
Having CAS investigate the matter in entirety, as opposed to handing "control" of an investigation to any potential co-accuseds may be a better option.
The SFA will never convict themselves.
From the DR;
[Maxwell commenting on Petrie.]
“You’re never in a room and Rod’s not the smartest guy in it."
=========== =
Well, Maxwell didn't specify which rooms.
If he is referring to all the rooms at the SFA offices he could very well be correct.
The bar for 'the smartest guy in the room' at Hampden must be rather low…
…if not lying prostrate, asleep on the floor!
StevieBC 13th June 2019 at 12:38
'..Yes, Petrie is there to keep the bodies covered up.'
+++++++++++++
His reported first words as President were, to my mind, the words of a man who having been 'rewarded' for his part in the whole abandonment of Sporting Principle by the very governance body of Scottish Football , seeks to distance himself from that foul deed. '
"My appointment", he says " is not a reward for what I have done". No, it's rather " a recognition of the contribution I can make.."
I suspect that that contribution will principally be to keep the covers on, maintain the fiction that RFC of 1872 is still in the SPFL and block any moves to drag the muck of the 5-Way Agreement and Res12 into the honest day-light.
@John Clark
=======================
the New York Times podcast is brilliant and well worth a listen.
They have a very successful subscription model which I think grew substantially when Trump started baiting them.
Ex Ludo 13th June 2019 at 07:59
I know we are all waiting eagerly for Mr Petrie’s first speech as President.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
So does that mean we can all forget about waiting eagerly for Mr. McRae's?
Bolton Wanderers' administrators identify preferred new owner
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48622014
Bolton Wanderers' administrators have identified a preferred new owner to take over the League One club.
Final offers were received from five parties before Wednesday's 16:00 BST deadline.
The successful bid met the criteria outlined by the administrators, including proof of funds for the next two years and EFL approval.
Paul Appleton of administrators David Rubin & Partners hopes a heads of terms agreement will be signed by Friday.
The preferred bidder, who has been notified of their successful offer, has also agreed to inject £1m into the club in order to rebuild the playing squad.
"I am delighted we have been able to reach a more than satisfactory outcome to this stage of the process and I am confident the preferred bidder has the ability to take Bolton Wanderers forward," said Appleton.
"Until that (heads of terms agreement) has been signed, we are still bound by the confidentiality agreement within the process.
"But I can assure all Bolton Wanderers fans that the preferred bidder has both the financial ability and the determination to turn around the fortunes of this great football club."
Wanderers went into administration at the end of a tumultuous season which saw problems on and off the field, and culminated in relegation from the Championship.
A winding-up petition against the club over an unpaid tax bill was suspended by the High Court after the club went into administration, and an emergency food bank was set up to help out staff who had not been paid.
Bolton, who will start next season in League One with a 12-point deduction, have also released a list of the 14 players that remain contracted to the club, including goalkeeper Ben Alnwick and Northern Ireland striker Josh Magennis.
sannoffymesssoitizz 13th June 2019 at 05:39
In my opinion Maxwell’s tone is that of a weak and sycophantic Quisling, whose observations on Petrie’s character and the need to “humanise” him will be, or should be, deeply embarrassing for the new President as well as counter productive in attempting to improve fans’ perception of him.
The persistent one's haven't gone away
https://philmacgiollabhain.ie/2019/06/13/the-persistent-ones-havent-gone-away-you-know/#more-13693
Corrupt official 13th June 2019 at 10:40
The SFA that will decide whether to "pursue Rangers" over the licence application of 2011 now has a President who sat on the Licensing Committee for part of that process and who was involved in arranging the 5WA. There may be others still in employment at the SFA who are even more conflicted.
Regardless of which "Rangers" they may be considering going in pursuit of, they are so compromised as an organisation that they cannot have any part in any further process.
upthehoops 13th June 2019 at 07:08
It's genuinely hard to see what Rod Petrie can bring to his new roll as SFA President that will bring any meaningful benefit.
===================================================================================
Scottish FA have money to buy Hampden – Ian Maxwell
By Brian McLauchlin BBC Scotland 12 June 2019
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48614609
The Scottish FA "absolutely" have the money to buy Hampden Park and hope to make an announcement about the deal "within the next week or two", says chief executive Ian Maxwell.
The association agreed last September to buy the national stadium from League Two club Queen's Park for £5m.
But the purchase has not yet been completed with the Scottish FA's lease on Hampden expiring next year. "There is a lot that has happened since then," Maxwell told BBC Scotland.
"It's a fairly complex transaction and a lot of legal work has to be gone through. We are very, very close to the end of that and hope to make an announcement within the next week or two. We have just to finalise the purchase."
Queen's Park – who will move their matches to Lesser Hampden – will receive £5m, with the Scottish FA assuming £19m of liabilities. That will only be payable if matches are no longer played at Hampden. (My Bold)
While Maxwell was unequivocal that the money was there to pay for Hampden, he was less adamant when asked about funds to develop the stadium.
"That's a slightly different question and a will require a bit of support," he said.
So zero chance of Scotland matches being hosted at clubs across the nation.
<
p style=”margin-left:0px; margin-right:0px”>
Big Pink 13th June 2019 at 11:44
Not only The Scotsman!
SFA set to make Rangers UEFA licence decision as Ian Maxwell issues update
By Record Sport Online 10:52, 13 JUN 2019
The governing body could (My bold) pursue the Ibrox club over alleged irregularities in their application to play in Europe in 2011.
Ian Maxwell has revealed a decision over whether to pursue Rangers over "alleged irregularities" in the club's application for a UEFA licence in 2011 could (My bold) be made soon.
The SFA tasked its compliance officer with instigating a probe into the matter two years ago, which involves the Ibrox club's unpaid tax liability at the time they submitted the application.
Had they disclosed the liability, Celtic would have been entered into the Champions League qualifiers the following season.
Rangers maintain the Five Way Agreement signed off by the SFA, SPL, SFL, the old Rangers (My bold)and the Newco (My bold) formed by Charles Green ensured the governing body had no jurisdiction in the case.
The SFA's judicial panel ruled the matter must be heard by the Court of Abitration for Sport if there was intent to dole out punishment (My bold).
And now chief executive Maxwell insists the issue could be looked at again in the near future.
He said: "I would expect that to come back to the board in the not-too-distant future.
"It (going to CAS) is still under consideration.
"We’ll come back on that in due course. I wouldn’t want to put a timescale on it.
"But I don’t think we would let it go for ever.” (My bold)
Court diary for next week
TO BE ALLOCATED
Tuesday 18th June
Proof Before Answer (4 days)
A413/16 David Whitehouse &c v Lord Advocate – A & W M Urquhart – Scottish Government
===============================
LORD BANNATYNE – J Hannah, Clerk
Wednesday 19th June
Preliminary Hearing Between 9.00am and 9.30am
CA132/18 Memorial Walls Ltd v The Rangers Football Club Ltd – MBM Commercial LLP – Anderson Strathern LLP
============================
Friday 21st June
Starred Motion Between 10.30am and 11.00am
CA86/19 David Grier v the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Scotland – Ledingham Chalmers LLP
A march to Hampden being proposed for TRFC fans to complain to SFA about their hounding over the Res 12 , and handling of the alleged child abuse scandal at CFC . Hope it's open .
An SFA tweet appeared this afternoon suggesting a new definition of a club viz “an entity that can command an audience “ The tweet has since been deleted. Anyone had sight of this?
Ex Ludo 13th June 2019 at 17:12
An SFA tweet appeared this afternoon suggesting a new definition of a club viz “an entity that can command an audience “ The tweet has since been deleted. Anyone had sight of this?
===========================
If a resolution to change the Articles of Association re the definition of a club was put to the AGM, then it should be documented in a submission to Companies House in the next couple of weeks.
Last year's AGM was held on 6 June, with the changes to the AoA published by Companies House on 21 June.
The SFA are on completely safe ground if they decide to do no more about Rangers 2011 European Licence. The media certainly won't bother, and despite the huge amount of evidence available, have adopted a stance of ridicule towards Resolution 12 since its inception. Apparently not enough fans care about it, and therefore clubs appear not to care enough either. Even Celtic, who have to answer to Resolution 12, don't seem to want to push too hard.
I think another 'let's move on' moment is on the cards, however that will not stop legal action for fraud if that's the next step. If that is seriously under consideration and the SFA know it is, then that might, just might, be the only chance of getting it to CAS.
easyJambo 13th June 2019 at 16:38
'..Court diary for next week..'
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I hope to attend the Whitehouse case just for the sake of completion, rather from any immediate connection with TRFC Ltd/RIFC plc.
The 'Memorial Walls Ltd' action is of greater interest in so far as TRFC Ltd would be embarrassed if judgment were to go against them, and they had to cough up a sizeable sum in damages and 'expenses'.
If the kick-off time for that remains 9.00 a.m. on the Wednesday I could take that half-hour hearing in ,before I trot along to that day's Whitehouse case activity at 10.00.
Don’t know about anyone else but I’ve watched quite a few of the women’s World Cup games and have been pretty impressed.
My general observations are as follows (and please park any accusations of sexism until the end)
1. Overall skill levels are pretty good.
2. Most teams want to pass and play rather than hoof it up the park.
3. There is a refreshing lack of cynicism compared to the men’s game.
4. A number of teams seem to create very useful attacking situations only to ruin it with poor final passes. (By no means limited to the women’s game).
5. The biggest weakness in the game seems to be (in general) the quality of goalkeeping. This may be a simple consequence of biology as women are usually much smaller than men but the goals remain the same size but I somehow get the impression that the women don’t share the same willingness to throw themselves about the way that blokes do.
6. Having said all of the above the biggest complement I could give is that the games are entertaining to watch and it’s not immediately obvious that it’s not blokes playing.
Shoot me down if you want but that’s how I see it.
Worrying / confusing times…
as Derek Johnstone, (or rather his ghost writer), has produced a reasonable, sensible column in the ET!
"Derek Johnstone: Rod Petrie has been rewarded for hanging around at Hampden and that isn't good for the SFA going forward.
…
At times, it is a shambles [at the SFA].
Maybe we need people in there that are not involved with clubs, because then they are looking after Scottish football and not each other.
People will always look out for their own club and then people they are aligned with, but that isn’t in the best interests of the game.
If you were to have a poll of supporters and asked them about the SFA, you wouldn’t get many that were happy with the way things are being run right now and Petrie wouldn’t get a high approval rating.
Are Scottish football fans content with the process and the people that are in place right now?
Or would they like to see change, like to see new people and new ideas?
…"
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Common sense at last.
Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic @BonnyriggRose
CLUB ANNOUNCEMENT – Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic granted SFA membership:
http://www.bonnyriggrosefc.co.uk/teams/118321/news/club-announcement-bonnyrigg-rose-athletic-granted–2435339.html
DundonaldBluebelljfc @dbjfc1938
We are delighted to announce after notification this morning, with immediate effect we are full members of the Scottish Football Association. This is testament to the hard working people at this club and the local community who have contributed to make this possible. Thank you
Hopefully, confirmation of Bonnyrigg's promotion to the Lowland League will follow shortly.
justbecauseyoureparanoid 13th June 2019 at 21:31
'…I’ve watched quite a few of the women’s World Cup games and have been pretty impressed.'
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I have to admit that I was blown away by the level of skills of all kinds shown in the only women's match I've ever watched from beginning to end. I simply could not believe my eyes, and on several occasions astonished Mrs C by clapping in applause.
As a man of my generation ['football is a man's game'] I admit to once having had the same attitude to the concept of women's football as Dr Samuel Johnson expressed in relation to women expressing their opinions in public:
"Sir, a woman's preaching is like a dog's walking on his hind legs. It is not done well; but you are surprised to find it done at all."
The Scottish women's national team has demonstrated how wrong I was, and I apologise for having been so wrong.
—
On the goalkeeping point, I suppose that when the height above ground of the crossbar was fixed at 8 feet, it was in relationship to some agreed viewpoint of the average height of players at the time. And that would be the averge height of males!
Are the women's game crossbars at the same height? I would have thought it would be sensible to allow them to be proportionately lower to reflect the lower average height of women?
Please tell me that's the case!
John Clark 14th June 2019 at 12:08
my understanding is that there has been some discussion about a slight reduction in the overall size of the goals but the women’s game has rejected this.
justbecauseyoureparanoid 14th June 2019 at 12:35
'..about a slight reduction in the overall size of the goals but the women’s game has rejected this.'
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That's interesting, jbyp. Any idea why ?
easyJambo 14th June 2019 at 11:55
'..Common sense at last…'
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I would hope that as well as being the application of common sense there had been a realisation that good governance depends on the consistent application of agreed Rules, and that there is no scope for fast and loose unheralded , arbitrarily imposed 'changes'.
John Clark 14th June 2019 at 12:53
I can't say for sure but I believe it was felt that such a move would only serve to play into the hands of those who want to undermine the status of the women's game.
If the height of the crossbar was fixed over 100 years ago to suit the average height of a man then surely the average woman of today is of that same height or nearly so.
Like the modern male athlete today's ladies will be much fitter and more agile than those of 100 years ago. (n.b. 100 years AGO, not of age).
justbecauseyoureparanoid 14th June 2019 at 13:25
John Clark 14th June 2019 at 12:53
I can't say for sure but I believe it was felt that such a move would only serve to play into the hands of those who want to undermine the status of the women's game.
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If the proposed change was made it would only have taken goals out of the game. Who wants that?
And if men are taller now than a 100 years ago when the goal size was set. Is there not a case for making them bigger?
If only there was a tenacious group who were dedicated to questioning authority to improve the game.
John Clark 14th June 2019 at 13:02
easyJambo 14th June 2019 at 11:55
'..Common sense at last…'
++++++++++++++++
I would hope that as well as being the application of common sense there had been a realisation that good governance depends on the consistent application of agreed Rules, and that there is no scope for fast and loose unheralded , arbitrarily imposed 'changes'.
================================
On this occasion, the clubs involved, the Lowland League and the East of Scotland League have all acted with integrity and in the best interests of the game. However, that can't be said of the SFA,
The circle has now been completed with the Lowland League announcing the promotion and relegation of Bonnyrigg and Whitehill respectively.
http://slfl.co.uk/statement-promotion-and-relegation/#more-12227
The Board of the Scottish Lowland Football League can today confirm that Bonnyrigg Rose have been granted membership to the Scottish FA and as a result of this they will be promoted to the Lowland League for season 2019/20.
As a result of Berwick Rangers’ relegation from the SPFL and Bonnyrigg Rose’s promotion, this means that Whitehill Welfare will be relegated to the East of Scotland Football League for next season.
Chairman of the Lowland League George Fraser said: “I would like to thank Whitehill Welfare for their professionalism throughout this difficult process. It’s never easy when we lose a team from the league, let alone one of our founder clubs and I would like to wish Welfare every success in their EoSFL campaign next season.”
easyJambo 14th June 2019 at 14:55
'..Whitehill Welfare will be relegated ..'
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A wee sentimental moment for me reading that!
Long before my younger son went to Australia, his claim to football fame was that while playing for Edinburgh Uni (I think) he had played against a guy who had had the task of marking Pierre Van Hooijdonk when Whitehill Welfare played Celtic in a Scottish Cup tie.
It's wee things like that that stick in the memory! I don't know where Whitehill were in the League at that time, but I'm sorry to hear of their present relegation.
Bogs Dollox 14th June 2019 at 14:08
Fair points.
I also remember a few years someone suggested reducing teams to 10 a side rather than 11.
The thinking behind this was that the immense improvements in athleticism and overall fitness levels had led to teams being able to run further and faster that in the past. As a result an average team could just depend in depth and chase things down for 90 minutes.
The 10 a side proponents argued that this would open up some space on the pitch which should be an advantage to more skilful players and maybe more goals.
Naturally nothing happened.
I seem to remember reading somewhere that the height of the average man in Dundee in 1914 was 5 " 1.
justbecauseyoureparanoid 14th June 2019 at 13:25
Ballyargus 14th June 2019 at 13:55
Bogs Dollox 14th June 2019 at 14:08
—
What a brilliant example of civil, casual, friendly discussion was our little conversation relating to the height of the crossbar/women's football/changed bases of decisions/ and whether change in rules had been sought …..
It prompted me to have a look (again) at the supreme arbiter of the Laws of the Game, the International Football Association Board (IFAB).
And again, I am amazed that the rest of the members of FIFA should continue to accept that our 'home' nations have 50% of the vote while they are represented on the eight man board by 4 members nominated by FIFA having between them the other 50%.
There might once have been a time when I would have been proud of the influence that the SFA still had in the entire world of football.
Now, I think it's disgusting that the SFA ,who jettisoned the very concept of Sporting Integrity when they created the Big Lie ,should have the gall to participate in the reviewing of the 'Laws of the Game' and the maintenance of the integrity of the game.
Can anyone remember what reason was given for rangers not taking Rangers place in Europe THAT season?
HS
Higgys Shoes@08.37
I’m pretty sure it was to do with the new club not having 3 years of accounts. Or it may have been the company or even both.
Higgy's Shoes 15th June 2019 at 08:37
Can anyone remember what reason was given for rangers not taking Rangers place in Europe THAT season?
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The official reason for their non participation in season 2012/13 was that the Oldco (in administration) hadn't lodged audited accounts for the financial year to June 2011, by 31 March 2012..
…… and that was before any overdue taxes were explained away.
Judgement published:
http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Comm/2019/1419.html
Just on a quick skim read it seems that all of the arguments put forward by Rangers failed and that, quelle suprise, they are looking to go to the Court of Appeal
easyJambo 15th June 2019 at 10:05
"….the Oldco (in administration) hadn't lodged audited accounts for the financial year to June 2011, by 31 March 2012.."
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Yes.
So, leaving aside the 'Res 12' issue (which hadn't at that point surfaced publicly) the only really reasonable 'charges' that could fairly be brought against the SFA would be charges of carelessness, incompetence, and negligent lack of concern about the state of RFC's finances over some period of time, leading to a finger-crossing hope that the un-investigated MBMB , might turn things around.
Serious enough charges, to be sure, that should have led to resignations/sackings from the Board and perhaps some questioning of the independent Directors!
Even the decision to admit the new club SevcoScotland Ltd into the fourth tier and therefore into admission to the SFA was , I think, within the legitimate powers of the SPFL and the SFA respectively.
It was the utter insanity of capitulating ,for the basest of reasons, to the demands of a loud-mouthed, big-handed chancer of the first water that a brand new club that had not kicked a ball should be allowed to claim to be the famous Rangers of 1872 that marked the SFA as being as corrupt as it is possible for a Sport's governance body to be.
Ordinary, everyday corruption (the backhander, brown-envelope stuff such as the rigging of competition draws, or the suborning of referees or players to ensure the desired result of a match) evil and wicked as it undoubtedly is, is as nothing compared to the attack on the very notion of honest Sport ( i.e where teams actually compete on the pitch over a season for titles and honours ) by the Governance body itself.
How can any rational sports fan think that TRFC Ltd is entitled to any of the many legitimate honours and titles won by the defunct Rangers FC?
It is lunacy, predicated on the need of greedy people to try to bamboozle the business world that the famous 'Rangers' are still in occupation of Ibrox Stadium , rather than a now 6 -and -a -bit -year-old 'simulacrum'!
OttoKaiser 15th June 2019 at 11:17
'"..it seems that all of the arguments put forward by Rangers failed and that, quelle surprise, they are looking to go to the Court of Appeal "
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Good spot that the judgment is available!
First, superficial impression is that King either hasn't a clue how to find good lawyers or is too mean to pay for such!
Or that , if he has engaged good lawyers, he doesn't listen to them, and insists on pursuing a hopeless case ( while they happily rub their hands with glee!)
Lionel Persey QC is himself regarded as at the top in his field, and one can almost read the disbelief that anyone could have thought TRFC Ltd had any kind of arguable case.
But King seems driven by some clinical obsession that he must always, always, always be right, and every judgment against him must always be wrong.
I suppose much more famous/notorious guys like Nero and Adolf and Benito and Saddam thought like that before their miserable lives came to a wretched end.
Nothing new in the world, is there?
OttoKaiser 15th June 2019 at 11:17
'"..it seems that all of the arguments put forward by Rangers failed and that, quelle surprise, they are looking to go to the Court of Appeal "
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I agree with your interpretation of the judgement. Basically Rangers was told to get on with the agreement as asserted by SDI.
I was looking for a finding of breach of contract and the apportionment of an amount of damages, but it doesn't look as if we have got to that point yet. The only reference I see is in Para 10 (6) (a):
easyJambo 15th June 2019 at 15:13
'..I was looking for a finding of breach of contract and the apportionment of an amount of damages, but it doesn't look as if we have got to that point yet. '
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Aye, it's a funny kind of situation, almost as if the matter before the judge was purely academic and not related to any particular dispute; and now that the interpretation of the first 'agreement' has been followed up with an interpretation of the second 'agreement' it's for the parties to decide where they want to go!
I see that following the most recent Sports Direct decision (which seemed to float about for nine days before appearing on the BAILII website) there is much wailing and gnashing of teeth down Govan way. Such is on the basis that following the new, improved, super-duper contract glibly negotiated for a mere £3,000,000.00 they are tied to Big Mike for as long as he wants.
However what seems to have escaped their attention is that this is just one decision in one case (CL-2018-000726).
There is at least one other case hurtling down the track (CL-2018-000631) and as recently as April SD's QC provided the Court with a list of five sets of proceedings which had had to be raised as a result of the staunch approach to contractual obligations taken by The Rangers.
I think that when the decisions about breach of contract(s) / damages / expenses / Hummel / Elite / St Enoch Square store / Belfast store / future compliance with contracts come to light the most recent decision will seem like a picnic.
Not a Teddy Bears Picnic; a MASH Picnic.
"the extent to which, if at all, rangers has been in breach of the further agreement is an issue that remains to be determined (if not agreed) by the court."
This latest court decision doesn’t actually look much like a decision at all. The judge seems to be suggesting in the above quote that rangers might not be in breach of the further agreement. We’ve been here before with rangers. Nothing is ever cut and dried.
As a Bampot, I am always quick to criticise the way RIFC/TRFC goes about its business.
So, it would be churlish to avoid criticising Lawwell and his handling of the Turnbull transfer (?) from Motherwell.
The salient point of this saga seems to be that the player's agent is trying to hustle a better deal for his client.
The phrase "No sh!t Sherlock!" springs to mind.
It would also appear that a helpful leak was provided to the SMSM, that Turnbull had been offered "magnificent" personal terms and which were supposedly better than what Virgil Van Dijk was on originally. All very embarrassing and all very irrelevant.
There should have been dignified silence from CFC until the player had actually signed a contract, IMO.
But, if Lawwell loses out on the player I guess he won't be best pleased at, ultimately, having been played by a 19 year old youngster!
As mentioned earlier, The Scotsman has built its pay wall.
So, as with The Herald and other MSM titles, I'll simply never visit this site again.
I do look at the SMSM sites mostly to scan headlines and to then typically skip straight to "Comments" – especially for footy related content.
On those rare occasions I now read a newspaper print copy, I am quickly reminded why I had stopped buying 2 daily papers all those years ago.
And what i just don't understand: if there is no compelling reason for a consumer to choose to pay for a print copy – why would they pay for online access?
I guess advertising revenues for The Scotsman will also decline rapidly – in line with a dramatic drop in views of its website?
Can anyone who knows about such matters explain how a Court can tell Rangers to get on with the agreement with Sports Direct as it stands, but take no action over the period they were in violation of the agreement?
As an aside there are some on social media saying that Ashley is now about to take out an injunction against Elite Sports.
StevieBC 16th June 2019 at 09:04
As a Bampot, I am always quick to criticise the way RIFC/TRFC goes about its business.
So, it would be churlish to avoid criticising Lawwell and his handling of the Turnbull transfer (?) from Motherwell.
The salient point of this saga seems to be that the player's agent is trying to hustle a better deal for his client.
The phrase "No sh!t Sherlock!" springs to mind.
It would also appear that a helpful leak was provided to the SMSM, that Turnbull had been offered "magnificent" personal terms and which were supposedly better than what Virgil Van Dijk was on originally. All very embarrassing and all very irrelevant.
There should have been dignified silence from CFC until the player had actually signed a contract, IMO.
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I'm not sure about a helpful leak stevie Celtic had already posted it on their twitter account. Imo Celtic have played it correctly the guy is a 19yr old kid who to date has had a 6 month career at Motherwell and was offered a 10 fold increase in wages. His agent who is also the agent for stuart armstrong and ryan christie will already know the wage structure at Parkhead so is trying to leverage a higher wage than that of a lot of the established first team players. keeping that in mind how long would it have been before he was whispering in the ear of christie about a pay rise. Celtic have a wage structure and if they are not willing to break that for a kid who has potential nothing more he may go on to be great he could also get a career threatening injury in his next game.So much better to get out in front here by laying the blame for this at the feet of those who are to blame if Celtic had waited and he had signed elsewhere Peter Lawwell would be getting it in the neck. I have noted already this morning that the player and his team are now saying it's not really about money but about who will progress his career better.If it is not the fault of the club then all clubs should be doing the same.Already it is being compared to the mcginn saga of last season however Hibs were never going to sell him to Celtic so long as Petrie had anything to do with it.
Just my opinion.
If the £3m The Big Liar paid the Fat Friar to buy out the retail deal, was not really to buy out the retail deal, then what was it for then?.
It can be so difficult to keep track of the ducking and diving over there. Could it be used as a barometer to evaluate the likely sums involved in the latest dispute.?
Will the availability of fake madey-up taps from market stalls, once again determine the holiday destinations of Sevconians?
…..Will Halloween Houston (AKA Uncle Fester), once again help them out with his used-notes boot-leg pirate routine? 
..
How are the "Fan-zone" negotiations with the Corpy progressing.
Anybody handing out cups o' tea to the season ticket queue, or are they sold-out?
Has the army of tradesmen volunteers stepped up to the plate to build the forgotten "Remembrance" garden wa'?
Is #Goingfor55, still a thing?
Any "2nd in the league" commemorative T-shirts on the market?. (Or should that be IN the market)
Honestly, turn your back for a minute, and ye miss a' the funny bits.
A couple of points.
On Petrie: He chaired the Licencing Committee in 2011 that were either misled by RFC
Or
knew the importance of CL money to RFC's survival via Andrew Dickson a Licensing Committee member and RFC official and so did not use their powers to check the veracity of the proof offered with HMRC.
The current relevance is had a proper investigation taken place by SFA from June 2018 instead of batting the process past this June, then Petrie's role would have to have been considered.
When you add in his role in the 5 Way Agreement that included a reason why JPDT had to consider a referral to CAS that prevented such an enquiry in 2018 then the whole JP process re UEFA licence stinks so much the smell will pervade the next Celtic AGM.
On the Maxwell intervention on UEFA licence: even if Petrie is not going to sit on the Board that will consider what to do about the case, who believes he will not influence it because he is at the heart of the biggest deception in Scottish football. Sepp Blatter would be proud of him.
His elevation to Presidency further compromises the UEFA licence investigation that already has serious doubts about its coverage as it only blames CW submissions in June and Sept 2011 for non compliance and the only decision that should be reached is that UEFA are called in, not CAS who are an appeal court, to pick up from where Res12 efforts have taken matters.
Anything other than a statement to that affect gives Celtic shareholders the right to demand that Celtic demand,not request but demand UEFA independent scrutiny and the next AGM is the place for that in order to close Res12.