Fair Play at FIFA?

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The following post comes about as a result of the research and work put in by Auldheid.

He has drafted the submission to FIFA detailed below after closely looking at their rules, and taking on board the points contained in the Glasnost “Golden Rule” blog. TSFM has attached the blog’s name to the report since the overwhelming – but not unanimous – view of our readership is that the SFA and the SPL have again gotten themselves into an almighty and embarrassingly amateur fankle over this issue.

We believe that tens of thousands of football fans will be lost to the game if the outcome of the LNS enquiry is not perceived to be commensurate with the scope and extent of the rule breaking that LNS found had taken place. In view of this, we believe that we have to do what we can to explore all possibilities for justice for those who love the game so much and yet are utterly disillusioned by recent events.

LNS is not being questioned here. He has found that RFC were guilty as charged by the SPL.

What is being questioned is the SFA’s crucial – and seemingly conflicted  – role in the LNS enquiry, as is the effectiveness of LNS’s recommended sanction as either a deterrent or an upholder of sporting integrity.

It came to our notice last week that FIFA have created a web site at

https://www.bkms-system.net/bkwebanon/report/clientInfo?cin=6fifa61&language=eng

that tells us that FIFA have implemented a regulatory framework which is intended to ensure that all statutory rules, rules of conduct and internal guidelines of FIFA are respected and complied with.

In support of that regulatory framework FIFA have set up the above site as a reporting mechanism by means of which inappropriate behaviour and infringements of the pertinent regulations may be reported.

FIFA say that their jurisdiction encompasses misconduct that (1) relates to match manipulation; (2) occurs in or affects more than one confederation, so that it cannot adequately be addressed by a single confederation; or (3) would ordinarily be addressed by a confederation or association, but, under the particular facts at issue, has not been or is unlikely to be dealt with appropriately at that level.

Discussions arising from the previous blog on TSFM, “Gilt Edged Justice”, which was published after Lord Nimmo Smith (LNS) ruled on the registration of Rangers players who had contractual side letters that were not disclosed to the SFA as part of their registration, suggest that there may be possible unfortunate consequences for football arising from the evidence presented by the SFA to the LNS enquiry that informed its findings on registration and consequent eligibility. There is also a question of the propriety of the SFA providing evidence on an issue which could have had a negative impact on them had it been found that they had failed to carrying out their registration duties with due rigour over a period of ten years when the existence of EBTs was known to officials within the SFA.

On the basis that the LNS findings require that registration rules be clarified by FIFA and rewritten globally if necessary to remove any ambiguity and under clause 3 above, this appears to be an issue that the FIFA should examine and that the SFA cannot address.

The following report has therefore been submitted by TSFM on behalf of its readers to FIFA drawing on the content and debate following the “Gilt Edged Justice” blog in respect of the possible footballing consequences of the LNS enquiry.

The hope is that by speaking for so many supporters, FIFA will give the TSFM submission some weight, but individuals are free of course to make their own points in their own way.  We await acknowledgement of the submission.

The report Submitted to FIFA is as follows;

This report was prepared on behalf of the 10,000-strong readership of The Scottish Football Monitor at http://scottishfootballmonitor.wordpress.com/
It is our belief that FIFA general rules of conduct were breached by the SFA and their employees in both creating and then advising The Lord Nimmo Smith (LNS) enquiry into the non disclosure of full payment information to the Scottish Football Association (SFA) by Rangers F.C during a period of player registration over 10 years from 2000.

We believe that although the issue has been addressed by the SFA the particular facts at issue suggest that it has not been dealt with appropriately and we therefore ask FIFA to investigate. The facts at issue are that the process and advice given failed to uphold sporting integrity, and that a conflict of interest was at play.

We believe the advice provided and the enquiry set up, where SFA both advised and is the appellant body, breaches not only the integrity the registration rules were intended to uphold, but also totally undermines the integrity of the SFA in breach of General Conduct rules 1, 2 and 4. (See below.)

1.  Firstly we believe that the advice supplied to LNS that an incorrectly registered player was eligible to play as long as the registration was accepted by the SFA however unwittingly, undermines the intent of the SPL/SFA rules on player registration and so undermines the integrity of football in three ways.

• It incentivises clubs to apply for a player to be registered even if they know that the conditions of registration are not satisfied, in the hope that the application will somehow ‘slip through the net’ and be granted anyway (in which case it will be valid until revoked).

• A club which discovers that it has made an error in its application is incentivized to say nothing and to ‘let sleeping dogs lie’ – because it would be in a better position by not confessing its mistake.

• And most importantly, it incentivises fraud.  By deliberately concealing relevant information, a club can ensure that a player who does not satisfy the registration conditions is treated as being eligible – and therefore allowed to play – for as long as a period as possible (potentially his entire spell with the club). Then, if the club is no longer around when the deception is finally discovered, imposing meaningful sanctions may be impossible.

2.   Secondly we believe the process followed was inappropriate due to a Conflict of Interest. Had the LNS enquiry not ruled on the basis of advice supplied by The SFA, they and those persons advising the LNS enquiry, could have been subjected to censure and the SFA to potential compensation claims had LNS found that the players were indeed ineligible to play and results then been annulled as was SFA practice when an ineligible player played.

3.  Finally we contend that a law should not be applied according to its literal meaning if to do so would lead to an absurdity or a manifest injustice or in this case loss of football integrity.
See http://glasnostandapairofstrikers.wordpress.com/2013/03/07/gilt-edged-justice/

4. We therefore ask FIFA to investigate both the process used and advice given to Lord Nimmo Smith to satisfy themselves that FIFA’s intentions with regard to upholding the integrity of football under FIFA rules have not been seriously damaged by the LNS findings and also to reassure Scottish football supporters that the integrity of our game has not been sacrificed by the very authority in whose care it has been placed to promote the short term cause of commercialism to the games long term detriment.

General Rules of Conduct (These are taken from the FIFA web site itself and can be found as part of completing the submission process)

1. Persons bound by this Code are expected to be aware of the importance of their duties and concomitant obligations and responsibilities.

2. Persons bound by this Code are obliged to respect all applicable laws and regulations as well as FIFA’s regulatory framework to the extent applicable to them.

3. N/A

4. Persons bound by this Code may not abuse their position in any way, especially to take advantage of their position for private aims or gains.

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About Trisidium

Trisidium is a Dunblane businessman with a keen interest in Scottish Football. He is a Celtic fan, although the demands of modern-day parenting have seen him less at games and more as a taxi service for his kids.

4,057 thoughts on “Fair Play at FIFA?”


  1. yourhavingalaugh – believe it or not The Rangers haven’t had many penalties this season. They didn’t get their first one until 17th November at East Stirlingshire. How many have Celtic had, not stirring, genuinely curious?


  2. Bob, it was orderings off this year, they had to mix it up a bit. Would have been too obvious to continue with the spot kicks after all that has went on. I remember the season before BF went to BRFC they had something mental like 6 more than any other team in UK, MUFC second average was half the ammount they got. Or was that orderings off that year, put it this way, theres a few world records set in those two topics over the moonbeam years. HONEST.


  3. Bobferris 1242.
    This taps in to some thought that I have had on the subject of ‘penalties’. There has been a lot of counting done and some seem to think that this statistic alone means that referees are for or against certain teams. I am sure that bias does feature but not as much as is claimed. Referring only to the numbers is unreliable.
    When a very fast and skillful forward is playing against a less qualified defender, a penalty is always likely. This can be due to the defender deliberately fouling or accidentally fouling – the forward is too fleet of foot, the defender too clumsy (that is why he is in a lesser league).That Rangers, by whatever name you want to call them, have had fewer penalties may simply reflect their lower quality of forwards.


  5. http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/football/financial-fair-play-lured-brian-quinn-back-into-football.20637754

    The above article from yesterday’s Herald implies much will depend on the SFA to ensure Financial Fair Play is properly implemented and regulated. What possible confidence can we have in an organisation that awarded a European Licence to a club that owed an undisputed amount to a tax authority (wee tax case) on a date that should have meant no licence being awarded?

    FFP is not in the SFA’s interests at all. If it happens it will have more impact on one club than any other, and they’ve already shown they will try and protect that club at any cost.


  6. Brian McHugh (@pbmchugh) says:
    Friday, March 29, 2013 at 13:23

    Rather interesting photo of Jon Daly after Dundee United won the Scottish Cup 2010.
    ——

    The bears will love that one.

    So will the CFC fans.

    Everyone else will simply see a bloke with his own national flag.

    No – really. 🙂


  7. Bob, it was orderings off this year, they had to mix it up a bit. Would have been too obvious to continue with the spot kicks after all that has went on. I remember the season before BF went to BRFC they had something mental like 6 more than any other team in UK, MUFC second average was half the ammount they got. Or was that orderings off that year, put it this way, theres a few world records set in those two topics over the moonbeam years. HONEST.
    ———————————————————————————————————————

    Sorry, didn’t follow that. BRFC? Berwick Rangers? Who is BF?


  8. 2002/03 check the stats, its penalty, man off or both, week after week at times, in all comps. Barry Ferguson, went on to Blackburn. Stats usually only show scored penalties, and it was about double the average on both counts that year, man utd were second on both counts if I remeber correctly.


  10. angus1983 says:

    Everyone else will simply see a bloke with his own national flag.

    —————————–

    Fair enough and true enough Angus.
    Point being the amount of symbolism that’s involved. I noticed this tweet from G.Spiers earlier on this afternoon.
    Graham Spiers ‏@GrahamSpiers
    “Interesting piece by Andrew Smith in The Scotsman. I’m told Jon Daly is pretty keen to sign for Rangers. http://bit.ly/10frdgM

    I’m fairly sure the Daly story is being manufactured before our very eyes and for a particular reason. The journalist (of the article) appears to have spent a remarkable amount of time (for a member of SM) researching this story to prove a point. (The first Irish Catholic to play for Rangers. The first player to have been capped by the Republic of Ireland at any level to play for Rangers etc.) To what end? Surely it’s not:
    Fourth Tier Team Signs New Player – Shock Horror!
    Do you honestly think the same press coverage would be given had he been from any other country? And more importantly do you think it’s a serious attempt to land Daly or is it yet another ‘lets keep Rangers in the news” campaign from whoever is running their PR these days.

    Just a thought


  11. Derek Johnstone Glasgow Evening Times Friday March 29th 2013
    Quote “Ibrox great[Matthew Lindsay’s words]. Derek Johnstone reckons the gers will need to land the SPL again before they can claim title no 55,if they win the 3rd division they will have won 54 league titles plus a 3rd divison title” unquote.
    Young Matthew must be out of the Chick Young mould as he sat google eyed as Derek mouthed the words and he copied them down ,where this puts his editor is for another day but really,does Matthews Mummy know where he goes during the day,and this was marked Exclusive ,it certainly is Matthew,your dad wherever he is will not be happy at you being taken in and repeating these whoppers ,as for you Derek we know you like a laugh but like Sandaza you could get young Matthew into trouble winding him up like this,stop it,now.


  12. Sorry chaps for the whatabootery in my latest ramblings. What was your point again Bob? you got me there.


  15. regarding the possibility of big jon daly frolicking around the national disgrace which is hampden park with an irish tricolour draped over his sevco shirted shoulders…
    first of all he has to sign for sevco
    secondly they need to reach a cup final and win it
    and thirdly it will need to be celtic that are the defeated finalists as i don’t see big jon getting much joy procuring said national flag from his own supporters…


  16. so a bit of a long shot then…
    i think i’ll just head out and buy a couple of euromillions tickets…
    you never know…

    stop that sniggering at the back!


  17. Les Gray of Hamilton seems to be suggesting that an SPL 2 will be looked at again after yesterday’s SFL meeting. Any spare invites going?

    http://acciesfc.co.uk/

    Chairman Les Gray has issued the following statement on Friday evening following the meeting of SFL clubs yesterday.

    “After a near 7 hour meeting at Hampden yesterday I would like to summarise the club’s position as follows –

    The club are deeply disappointed with the outcome of yesterday’s meeting. We met around a month ago when the indication was that some 27 clubs were broadly in favour of the structural changes and principles on the table. It now appears that only 14 clubs are in favour of the package of changes. These include a new set up of 12 12 18, one governing body, a much fairer distribution model, more promotion and relegation places and, in my opinion, many more exciting games.

    The SPL clubs have moved considerably from the position they held a few seasons ago when we were part of the reconstruction debate, and my feeling is that if we do not embrace the changes now they may never happen. It has always been my intention to try and find a 42 club solution.

    However it appears that lower league clubs, either through self interest or indeed for other reasons, feel they cannot support the structural changes on offer. With this in mind I am compelled to investigate all the other options available to the First Division clubs and as a result I lead a party of 9 clubs to a meeting with Neil Doncaster after yesterday’s meeting.

    I am still hopeful that after the SPL clubs vote on 15th April that the SFL vote may be different but I have to be honest and say I cannot see that happening. We hope that common sense will prevail but in the interim we cannot sit back and let other clubs determine our business model and finances in a fashion which will be a huge disadvantage to the club. As a simple example we finished 4th last season with a distribution from SFL of £50k, and under the new model that figure would be £300k with 4 positions up for grabs for promotion.

    I hope that this short summary goes some way to communicating to our fans that we are doing all we can to protect the financial future of the Accies and at the same time ensure that full time football is sustainable in the second tier.

    Les Gray, Chairman


  18. So thats it sorted then
    SPL 12 as now along with a 10 team SPL 2 made up of the rebel 9 and Sevco


  19. I just see a farcical set up if it is to be 12-12-18. The act of awarding titles after 22 games (is this not the case?) then awarding further titles after another 14. Four promotion places up for grabs? Yes, but what is more likely is that the four clubs dropping down will finish in the top four places, unless there is a real duffer in there, so the First clubs will have shot themselves in the foot. The fans don’t want it and won’t be fooled by it. They will need that extra money to make up for the drop in attendances.

    What First Division fans want is for second pace to be meaningful. What SPL fans want is a bigger league and the end to the boredom of playing three/four/five even six times a season. All fans in all the leagues would rather it was just two league meetings. The SPL split is just about workable but has it’s obvious flaws. This monstrosity I don’t believe is workable in Scotland and has almost nothing going for it save for extra dosh for clubs that, in the main, should be part time anyway if they have to charge £16/£17 to stay solvent.


  20. bill1903 says:
    Friday, March 29, 2013 at 19:38
    1 2 Rate This
    So thats it sorted then
    SPL 12 as now along with a 10 team SPL 2 made up of the rebel 9 and Sevco
    ======

    That’s the plan exactly, and if it goes through, may the rebel 9 forever hang their heads in shame. Together with the SPL 12, of course. Let’s not forget them.


  21. Brian – aye, you’re quite right.

    I’ll put in a good word for Andrew Smith, though, who invariably has a deep dig at TRFC in his SoS column. 🙂


  22. Never mind the rebel nine, what about the seven clubs that changed their votes between the last two SFL meetings? I hope nobody with a vested interest has been offering inducements to third division clubs.


  23. There is an element of desperation attached to the restructuring which as usual revolves around money.

    Not saying a fairer distribution isn’t essential to keep as many clubs full time as possible but the odour I detect is one where TRFC get invited in to SPL2 to shower their new found spirit of camraderie and Blu money on the blighted souls of the new SPL2. After all they are apart from QoS the only full time clubs in Div 2 or 3.


  24. neepheid says:
    Friday, March 29, 2013 at 20:02

    bill1903 says:
    Friday, March 29, 2013 at 19:38
    1 2 Rate This
    So thats it sorted then
    SPL 12 as now along with a 10 team SPL 2 made up of the rebel 9 and Sevco
    ======

    That’s the plan exactly, and if it goes through, may the rebel 9 forever hang their heads in shame. Together with the SPL 12, of course. Let’s not forget them.

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    Guys Guys what are you talking about?

    “While I’m Chief Executive, Rangers will not play in the Scottish Premier League.”

    Of course, as he intimated, he could always ask the fans what they wanted and if they say yes to SPL 1 or 2 he could always cash in his 5m shares to keep his promise.

    That’s exit strategy No 1 of 10 🙂

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2224771/Rangers-wont-play-SPL-watch-says-Charles-Green.html


  25. wottpi says:
    Friday, March 29, 2013 at 21:02

    Guys Guys what are you talking about?

    “While I’m Chief Executive, Rangers will not play in the Scottish Premier League.”
    =====
    Well, yes, he did say that, but SPL2 is different, isn’t it? And do you think the bears will complain? Or the MSM refer to Green’s previous statements? This is a complete shoe-in. Just watch.


  26. neepheid says:
    Friday, March 29, 2013 at 21:10
    ——————————————————————————————————————-

    I make you right but the recession is deeper than we think and crowds are down. We need the Blu Pound? Don’t we?


  27. The Doncasters,Longmuirs never learn.
    Although the fans rebelled last close season they don’t think we’re smart enough to do it again.
    Here’s a plan,starting right now:
    All the Fans online,TFSM.SPLFANSUTD,all fans united tell every club that any attempt to restructure the league just to promote TRFC will be met with the biggest backlash ever seen in scottish football and accordingly,we ask all fans not to renew their STs until the league situation for next season is agreed.
    Any attempt to break the basic principle of a fair and honest league should lead to the sacking(not resigned by mutual consent)of any administrator trying to bend the rules and any club member who backed same.
    The rules are made by the clubs.Surely they can stick to them.


  28. Jon Daly is exactly the type of signing tRFC need next season. He would run riot in the lower leagues, excellent target man, link play outstanding and his scoring record speaks for itself. As for any ‘cultural’ issues…..well Big Jon is an intelligent and articulate young man who would walking into this with his eyes wide open, knowing full well an element in the stands do not approve of his signing. As for the said element, they will just have to take a big whiff of another new reality in their lives. (they accepted a new club quick enough;)) The ongoing disgrace of the football apartheid practiced a Ibrox for decades is history the club/company should jettison asap, and whatever your position on tRFC this must be considered a step forward for Scottish football.

    Of course I hope more than anything he signs on at Tannadice and tRFC can continue with jig the elbow as a poor man’s JD. 😉


  29. bogsdollox says:
    Friday, March 29, 2013 at 21:15

    I make you right but the recession is deeper than we think and crowds are down. We need the Blu Pound? Don’t we?

    ======
    We don’t, but Charles does, he needs it badly. First of all, just to stay afloat, second to get enough so he can kiss Rangers goodbye and get back to Yorkshire with a big bag of cash.

    Scottish football needs the blu pound like it needs a hole in the head. That is surely the lesson of the last 20 years. The blu pound is a poisoned chalice.


  30. wottpi says:
    Friday, March 29, 2013 at 21:02

    Guys Guys what are you talking about?
    “While I’m Chief Executive, Rangers will not play in the Scottish Premier League.”
    —————————————————————
    If CG is still around if and when TRFC make it to the top league, I predict that, due to the demands of sponsors / to relaunch the league away from the baggage of the past / something else, the SPL will announce that the SPL is to be renamed the Scottish Premiership. Bingo.


  31. I’ve been assured by one of the 14 SFL clubs voting against reconstruction for next season that Doncaster has already been in contact with the majority of those SFL clubs ‘for’ rapid implementation.

    He intends to push through the SPL2 for next season, come hell or high water.


  32. angus1983 says:
    Friday, March 29, 2013 at 20:15
    4 2 i
    Rate This
    Brian – aye, you’re quite right.
    I’ll put in a good word for Andrew Smith, though, who invariably has a deep dig at TRFC in his SoS column.
    ~~~~~~~~~
    His time as editor of The View won’t have influenced him, I’m sure.


  33. http://www.stirlingalbionfc.co.uk/2013/03/28/bishop-banned-for-two-games/

    What a damn disgrace! An innocuous arm across Mackay’s chest, hardly any force behind it, not even worthy of a booking yet Elbows flails around at the end and nothing is done and no condemnation by Johnstone and Smith, quelle surprise! Still, the precedent has been set, anything untoward at Links Park tomorrow by anyone representing TRFC and we all know what to do, call the Hampden Hotline.


  34. bobferris70 says:

    http://www.stirlingalbionfc.co.uk/2013/03/28/bishop-banned-for-two-games/

    What a damn disgrace! An innocuous arm across Mackay’s chest, hardly any force behind it, not even worthy of a booking yet Elbows flails around at the end and nothing is done and no condemnation by Johnstone and Smith, quelle surprise! Still, the precedent has been set, anything untoward at Links Park tomorrow by anyone representing TRFC and we all know what to do, call the Hampden Hotline.
    ___________________________________________________________________________

    That is unbelievable……”….following a complaint from a member of the public….”


  35. neepheid says:
    Friday, March 29, 2013 at 09:55

    Orangeoki as halftime entertainment 🙂 who’s first up for a song ?


  37. I am not so sure that Sevco will be shoehorned into any new SPL 2. This would only benefit Sevco who are losing cash hand over fist, commercial benefits of their inclusion is a myth look at their sponsors. Also would Queen of the South not be more worthy of invite if invites are being given out. Just my thinking………


  38. TSFM what’s with the moderation????????

    [TSFM – No idea. Could be a glitch – or maybe a different email address? (would imply a first post)?]


  39. yourhavingalaugh

    On that very subject ‘easter lunny’ if the boy bishop was banned for 2 games because of a ‘complaint’ from a member of the public? What about the ‘dodgy’ singing by sevco fans a few weeks back?? ESPN and the public were complaining?? Explain that one mr Lunny??


  40. According to Longmuir TRFC were pretty vociferous at the recent SFL meeting. Has [cg] managed to con these chairmen of the lower league clubs. TRFC convinces them to vote down the proposals, likely with the nod from Doncaster and Longmuir, that TRFC will be included in SPL2 once it is voted down.
    How has he managed it though, was the bribe on the menu?


  41. Brenda says: Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 08:19

    yourhavingalaugh

    On that very subject ‘easter lunny’ if the boy bishop was banned for 2 games because of a ‘complaint’ from a member of the public? What about the ‘dodgy’ singing by sevco fans a few weeks back?? ESPN and the public were complaining?? Explain that one mr Lunny??
    ===================================
    It’s obvious Brenda.

    The offence happened in England (Berwick) so will be outwith his jurisdiction. 🙁

    If there is nothing in the SFA articles about it then they will just make up a new rule that such retrospective jurisdiction cannot be applied in this case because such geographical considerations cannot be revoked once granted.


  42. peterjung1 says:
    Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 00:46
    17 0 Rate This
    bobferris70 says:

    http://www.stirlingalbionfc.co.uk/2013/03/28/bishop-banned-for-two-games/

    What a damn disgrace! An innocuous arm across Mackay’s chest, hardly any force behind it, not even worthy of a booking yet Elbows flails around at the end and nothing is done and no condemnation by Johnstone and Smith, quelle surprise! Still, the precedent has been set, anything untoward at Links Park tomorrow by anyone representing TRFC and we all know what to do, call the Hampden Hotline.
    ___________________________________________________________________________

    That is unbelievable……”….following a complaint from a member of the public….”
    =====================================================================

    agreed, considering “elbows” blatant attempt to cheat.
    someone also posted a video of elbow trying to elbow a S.A player near the end of the game

    http://i.minus.com/ib2caEpENwdJnK.gif

    these are more examples of why i won’t be giving anymore cash to scottish football

    …unless something gets done about the LNS travesty.


  43. I think the SPL2 is just an attempt to force the small clubs to accept 12 12 18


  44. neepheid says:
    Friday, March 29, 2013 at 20:02

    34 1
    Rate This

    bill1903 says:
    Friday, March 29, 2013 at 19:38
    1 2 Rate This
    So thats it sorted then
    SPL 12 as now along with a 10 team SPL 2 made up of the rebel 9 and Sevco
    ======

    That’s the plan exactly, and if it goes through, may the rebel 9 forever hang their heads in shame. Together with the SPL 12, of course. Let’s not forget them.

    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    I think it is more likely that it is 9 teams from SFL1 plus Dunfermline, who are currently in administration. I don’t think this is a Rangers conspiracy and they won’t be team number 10, 11 or 12.

    I do acknowledge the danger of the “Rangers influence” though. Rangers have become an irrelevance in Scottish Football. Scottish Football can and would survive without them. The only have influence in current debate if you allow them to. My opinion is SFL clubs should push through league reconstruction and ensure Rangers start in the bottom 18. To allow Rangers’ self interest to de-rail something that would be universally good for Scottish Football would be shameful.

    It wouldn’t hurt to tell them they are a new club and to watch their manners.


  45. ESPN’s Stubbs and Smith just assuming pre match in an interview with Montrose chairman that TRFC will be part of SPL2. Almost want this to happen now, Sevco will have to spend loads to even be competitive in the second tier which should lead to a second (or first!) administration. I don’t think my sides could stand it!


  46. From the Livingston’s chairmen’s comments the other day, I think it is they who want nothing to do with SPL2. Disappointed in the likes of Dumbarton and Cowdenbeath if they are in bed with Les Gray.


  47. For me the saddest thing is that the ordinary fan has the power to put a halt to all these shenanigans – the problem is, how do you effectively harness that power.
    It’s frighting to see how the largest mammal in the World (Blue Whale) can be bullied by a couple of killer Orcas – sorry spivs!


  48. chipsandblog says:
    Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 11:56

    I think the SPL2 is just an attempt to force the small clubs to accept 12 12 18
    ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

    I think it might be the opposite and the failed Swiss model was something Longmuir, Regan and Doncaster knew would be rejected.

    And allow them righteous indignation to create SPL2 and a berth for the blue club.

    Our clubs (most of them and probably all in the SPL) are complicit because Longmuir, Regan, and Doncaster are empowered by the same clubs we support.

    The only thing these people can’t control is season ticket time is approaching.
    It is the only weapon we have.

    That and Mr Cosgrove who is playing a blinder today on BBC.


  49. Montrose have a perfectly legitimate goal disallowed because of a non-existent foul on The Rangers keeper……and so it continues.


  50. finloch says:
    Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 13:32

    chipsandblog says:
    Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 11:56

    I think the SPL2 is just an attempt to force the small clubs to accept 12 12 18
    …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
    I think it might be the opposite and the failed Swiss model was something Longmuir, Regan and Doncaster knew would be rejected
    ———————————————————————————-
    My suspicion would be that there is a plan A, B and C, with rules to be waived / written only once the eventual outcome is known. (See as evidence last summer’s plan A. SPL, plan B. SFL Diivision 1, plan C. SFL Division 3, with the rules re. need to show accounts, recognition of newclub, etc being cobbled together or waived to suit)


  52. Do you know what ,let Sevco into the spl2 ,when things start to go belly up the bears will start to look at who shoehorned them in and will want blood and guess who they will be looking for ,yep Longmuir ,Doncaster and anyone else they will want to take their anger out on ,as we know there is no warchest to buy any decent players,the ground will shortly have sections closed off due to urgent repairs needing carried out and the youth academy is a certain non starter with Charlie getting rid of the very people you need to run this,can someone come back with any positives for Sevco.


  53. yourhavingalaugh says:
    Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 13:54
    Do you know what ,let Sevco into the spl2 ,when things start to go belly up the bears will start to look at who shoehorned them in and will want blood and guess who they will be looking for ,yep Longmuir ,Doncaster and anyone else they will want to take their anger out on
    ———————————————-
    Somehow I suppose that Peter Lawwell at Celtic will be held responsible by the bears. Quite how I’m not sure, but I’d not bet against it


  54. TW (@tartanwulver) says:
    Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 13:49

    My suspicion would be that there is a plan A, B and C, with rules to be waived / written only once the eventual outcome is known. (See as evidence last summer’s plan A. SPL, plan B. SFL Diivision 1, plan C. SFL Division 3, with the rules re. need to show accounts, recognition of newclub, etc being cobbled together or waived to suit)
    =====================

    Whether it’s plan A, B, C or Z, I am convinced of this- it will be done. Even more convinced than I was 3 months ago, when reconstruction suddenly became a top priority for the ruling bodies, after years of them doing absolutely nothing at a leisurely pace.

    What annoys me most is that these people (Regan, Doncaster and Longmuir) take us for absolute idiots and treat us accordingly. But let’s not forget the clubs that we support and give our money to. They are ALL complicit in this. If this shabby fix goes through, then my club, Celtic, are involved and complicit, and will have lost any call on my affection, my loyalty, my support, or what is clearly the only thing that really matters to them, my money.

    How could Regan, Doncaster and Longmuir (let’s not go to Ogilvie) have survived the events of last summer without the support of the clubs, or at least a large majority of them? Which clubs have called publicly for the resignation of these people? Any of them?

    If TRFC are shoehorned into SPL2 next season, then that’s it for me. I’m not interested in pumping more of my money into a grubby, corrupt setup that would disgrace a third world banana republic.


  55. Humble Pie says:

    Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 13:50

    ….apparently these things even themselves out over the course of a season…..probably.
    ————————————-

    While agree this was a strange one, we cannot claim that every decision that goes for Rangers is simply down to the fact that they “are the people”. There are many stupid and strange decisions given for and against every team, every week.

    They do appear to get the rub of the green more often than not but sadly, in my opinion, that says more about the standard of our referees than it does about the integrity of them.


  56. ally is doing more singlehandedly to stop the invite to SPL2 than anyone.
    the transfer ban is going to have to go early.
    bit like time off for good behaviour.
    its for the good of the game.


  57. TW (@tartanwulver) says:
    Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 14:01
    5 0 Rate This
    yourhavingalaugh says:
    Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 13:54
    Do you know what ,let Sevco into the spl2 ,when things start to go belly up the bears will start to look at who shoehorned them in and will want blood and guess who they will be looking for ,yep Longmuir ,Doncaster and anyone else they will want to take their anger out on
    ———————————————-
    Somehow I suppose that Peter Lawwell at Celtic will be held responsible by the bears. Quite how I’m not sure, but I’d not bet against it
    ================================================================

    yep, probably, and because P.L has done nothing about the LNS travesty of justice, i can’t see why the celtic supporters should not be giving him a very hard time.

    —————————————————————————————————–

    If SEVCO agreed that they are SEVCO, matters would be different.

    but SEVCO keep insisting they are the same club as the one that went bust in 2012,

    that is why people object to the concept of the sevco “franchise”.


  58. madbhoy24941 says:
    Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 14:16

    It was more of an observation than a comment, however you are probably right. I guess I’m just the suspicious type. 😉


  59. Would it actually be possible to set up an SPL2 for the start of next season and for the clubs concerned to resign from the SFL in order to join it.

    A new organisation SFPL would mean new rules, but extending the SPL to two leagues would not change the SFL rules.

    Unless of course the SFL were to waive their own rules, in which case I would agree, the whole thing would just be another carve up.


  60. Humble Pie says:
    Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 13:37
    16 0 Rate This

    Montrose have a perfectly legitimate goal disallowed because of a non-existent foul on The Rangers keeper……and so it continues.
    ———–

    Saw that. It was a stramash where Alexander falls over his own player. Bad decision indeed, especially so as the impressive Gable Endies deserved all three points. Tend to agree with madbhoy though, a mix of poor refereeing and big-team bias … again, again.

    The upside is how well the Montrose team played. A lovely passing game that does the lower leagues no end of credit.


  61. as i had a fiver on boyle to score anytime, can i complain about the officials imaginative officiating to mr lunny??


  62. neepheid says:
    Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 14:08
    10 0 Rate This
    TW (@tartanwulver) says:
    Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 13:49

    My suspicion would be that there is a plan A, B and C, with rules to be waived / written only once the eventual outcome is known. (See as evidence last summer’s plan A. SPL, plan B. SFL Diivision 1, plan C. SFL Division 3, with the rules re. need to show accounts, recognition of newclub, etc being cobbled together or waived to suit)
    =====================

    Whether it’s plan A, B, C or Z, I am convinced of this- it will be done. Even more convinced than I was 3 months ago, when reconstruction suddenly became a top priority for the ruling bodies, after years of them doing absolutely nothing at a leisurely pace.

    What annoys me most is that these people (Regan, Doncaster and Longmuir) take us for absolute idiots and treat us accordingly. But let’s not forget the clubs that we support and give our money to. They are ALL complicit in this. If this shabby fix goes through, then my club, Celtic, are involved and complicit, and will have lost any call on my affection, my loyalty, my support, or what is clearly the only thing that really matters to them, my money.

    How could Regan, Doncaster and Longmuir (let’s not go to Ogilvie) have survived the events of last summer without the support of the clubs, or at least a large majority of them? Which clubs have called publicly for the resignation of these people? Any of them?

    If TRFC are shoehorned into SPL2 next season, then that’s it for me. I’m not interested in pumping more of my money into a grubby, corrupt setup that would disgrace a third world banana republic.

    =======================================================================

    surely you are joking!?

    where have you been the last 12 months?

    you haven’t noticed the other club chairmen being complicit in the last 12 months.

    1 – allowed to jump over spartans to get into sfl
    2 – 5way agreement – which they don’t have to publish !!
    3 – no accounts signed off, but allowed to “use” oldco’s accounts for the “purposes”
    4 – allowed to claim to be oldco/newco when ever it suits (ie,debts to pay)
    5 – charity arm giving money to PLC arm – contrary to OSCR rules
    6 – LNS – guilty of using dual contracts contrary to the rules
    – actively hiding/shredding evidence
    – no sporting advantage gained
    – – – nothing done
    7 – threatening/boycotting other clubs
    8 – playing brechin with apparently no properly registered players
    9 – calling everybody bigots (not being disreputable)
    10 – going to the CoS – contrary to the sfa/uefa/fifa rules – nothing done about it.
    11 – trying to bribe other clubs – (we will pay you th e equivelant of 300 paying fans to agree to…)

    peter lawwell/celtic have done nothing/said nothing apart from
    “being very surprised by the LNS verdict”

    because of all ths, celtic will not be getting another penny from me, either by ticket sales or merchandising. i cancelled my sky subscription and i don’t go to the bookies anymore.

    it is a similar scenario to nationalising the banks

    the government wouldn’t allow the banks to fold because of their size and they will jot allow
    scotlands premier social institution to fail because of the blue pound and the social unrest in the streets and the lodges.


  63. Danish Pastry says:
    Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 14:37

    I agree Montrose played well and deserved all three points and I also agree that the standard of refereeing in Scotland is shocking at times.
    Everyone makes mistakes but what I can’t accept is this concept of ‘big team bias’. I know it happens and you know it happens, but really…rules are rules and bias is bias.
    For too long we have been programmed to accept this as a ‘normal’ phenomenon and a convenient excuse for cowardly decision making.
    I am not saying that’s what happened in this particular case but if the football authorities are unable to implement the rules ‘without fear or favour’, what chance the referees ?


  64. The administrator at East End Park has just been on Sportsound. A totally open and candid interview. He bemoaned the lack of saleable assets. Still 50-50 on whether club survives.

    @pau1mart1n
    I believe complaints from members of the public are received and acted upon, pronto 🙂


  65. I still don’t quite understand why 9 rebel teams? We all assume that its SFL1 less Dunfermline who couldn’t attend. Why would the QOTS not rebel, they’ve just had the downright cheek to win a national league thus gaining promotion before sevco. Are you telling me they watched 9 teams march out of the door and didn’t consider getting their jacket too? Same with Airdire. We assume they joined in, but then (failing a monster end of the season turnaround) there must be ‘integrity’ issues there too. Or did QOTS replace Airdrie? In which case if you add Dunfermline assuming they survive that makes 10 again. Two further invites? Maybes aye, maybe’s no


  67. valentinesclown says:

    Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 15:29

    Maybe that is what upset CG?

    Phil MacGiollaBhain‏@Pmacgiollabhain39m
    Why have the SMSM not reported on Charles Green’s rant against Neil Doncaster at Hampden this week? They all know it happened.

    Phil MacGiollaBhain‏@Pmacgiollabhain12m
    Will the fearless SMSM ask Neil Doncaster if he agrees with Mr Charles Green that the SPL is “insolvent and trading illegally”?
    #CharlieSaid


  68. valentinesclown says:
    Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 15:29

    Interesting blog from ND on FFP.

    http://t.co/2VPcsvL5lL
    ===============================

    As one who vividly remembers the media celebration of David Murray and the bankrolling of Rangers success by the former Bank of Scotland I take any such statements from anyone in authority with a pinch of salt. When Rangers arrive in the top league I refuse to believe anyone will attempt to scrutinise their finances in any detail. Everyone (in their mind) needs taught a lesson, and Rangers are going to rule the roost for years. That can’t be achieved without money and I suspect there won’t be anyone in authority who is brave enough to ask too loudly where they are getting it from.


  69. Auldheid (@Auldheid) says:
    Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 15:50
    0 0 Rate This
    valentinesclown says:

    Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 15:29

    Maybe that is what upset CG?

    Phil MacGiollaBhain‏@Pmacgiollabhain39m
    Why have the SMSM not reported on Charles Green’s rant against Neil Doncaster at Hampden this week? They all know it happened.

    Phil MacGiollaBhain‏@Pmacgiollabhain12m
    Will the fearless SMSM ask Neil Doncaster if he agrees with Mr Charles Green that the SPL is “insolvent and trading illegally”?
    ———————————————————————————————————–

    Maybe someone can ask ND tonight as he is on Radio Scotland at 5:30 tonight to answer questions.


  70. Danish Pastry says:
    Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 14:37
    12 1 Rate This
    Humble Pie says:
    Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 13:37
    16 0 Rate This
    Montrose have a perfectly legitimate goal disallowed because of a non-existent foul on The Rangers keeper……and so it continues.
    ———–
    Saw that. It was a stramash where Alexander falls over his own
    player. Bad decision indeed, especially so as the impressive Gable Endies deserved all three points. Tend to agree with madbhoy though, a mix of poor refereeing and big-team bias
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    I watched that game, but now I’m confused. I didn’t see any “big-team”. If there was bias, it must have been for some other reason.


  71. Go on you know you want to:

    Graham Spiers on Twitter: “SPL chief Neil Doncaster joining us on BBC Radio Scotland ‘Sportsound Extra’ at 5.30pm. Send questions please to @bbckennymac


  72. Or

    SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster will be a guest on BBC Radio Scotland’s Sportsound Extra from 17:30. Any questions for him? If so, send them in the direction of host Kenny Macintyre @BBCKennymac or text 80295.

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