When you have a potential loss to the tax payer of £75m, allegations of tax irregularities, political interference, alleged sporting malfeasance and stand of the brink of the largest corporate failure in Scottish history (discounting the bailed-out RBS) the profile of the story rises above the blogs and regular Scottish media.
Alex Thomson, chief correspondent for Channel 4 News, a man who reports from war zones, interviews prime ministers and presidents, decided to look into how the SFA were handling the current crisis in Scottish football. Yesterday he blogged on the subject, raising many of the questions we have asked in recent months.
On Twitter this morning he reported his experience in trying to get some sense out of the SFA, this is what he said:
“SFA say President Campbell Ogilvie is ‘distancing himself from the current Rangers investigation’ but did not explain how.
“Campbell Ogilvie ‘did not know’ about EBT contract when he was Rangers FC secretary?
“When we asked why not – that was his job – SFA said they didn’t know.
“SFA say their President and fmr Ranger secretary Campbell Ogilvie will not be interviewed by c4news about what he knew…
“SFA say their President Campbell Ogilvie ‘has no plans to stand aside from his job pending current Rangers probes…
“Interesting SFA have just accused me of ‘lying’, ‘pig-headedness’ and then put the phone down mid-conversation….
“all because I put their own statement back to them that Campbell Ogilvie denied knowing about EBTs at Rangers…
“And suggested there might be a perceived conflict of interest in his current position until the investigations are complete”
Three weeks ago we suggested that Ogilvie’s position as SFA president was untenable, saying “The association cannot have a president embroiled in a tax evasion scam which, even before a verdict has been decided, has already caused untold harm to his former club and the reputation Scottish football.”
The SFA have been able to dismiss pleas for sporting integrity and ethical standards from the blogsphere while the mainstream media have either chased the hapless fall-guy, Craig Whyte, or refused to take the Improper Registration of Rangers players seriously.
SFA chief executive, Stewart Regan, was flushed out his slumber by Mr Thomson’s comments this morning, Tweeting to the reporter, “Please could you confirm who you have spoken to. thank you.”
Stewart, if you really need to ask that question, you’re in more trouble than I thought. There are several thousand CQN’ers who could help answer that one.
Campbell Ogilvie and the SFA cannot hide from the facts of this crisis. He is president of the SFA and both he and the association must acknowledge there is work to do. We can only hope Uefa finally decide to take a look.
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Bhoys,
Under 19s 5-0 up at half time against Motherwell and Motherwell can’t even get a hold of the ball to create a single chance. Bet365 currently going 2/5 Celtic U19s to score next goal – fill yer boots!
TBGATB
Hampden – urgent phone call for Mr Regan
http://i.imgur.com/EZMwy.jpg
Vmhan – Maybe they meant to call themselves after their favourite premium white wine, Blue Nun. (thumbsup)
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS – Poor lad obviously doesn’t yet know how things work up here
It’s quite telling, is it not?
You might expect someone to call you a liar and put the phone down on you if you phoned up the local chip shop and casually insulted people of Italian descent.
You don’t expect it from the country’s Football Association – a national institution, after all – when being asked some simple questions by a journalist.
The SFA doesn’t “do” professionalism or integrity. (thumbsup)
‘Rangers Fans Fighting Fund’?
Are they going back to Manchester?
ASonOfDan on 13 March, 2012 at 13:51 said:
Rangers have launched a ‘Rangers Fans Fighting Fund’ to raise money towards the club’s running costs.
Manager Ally McCoist and his predecessor Walter Smith were joined by former defender Sandy Jardine in endorsing the move to urge supporters to make donations to help the club during administration.
Smith, Jardine, supporters liaison manager Jim Hannah and Rangers Supporters Assembly president Andy Kerr will control the bank account and pass on donations to administrators Duff and Phelps as and when the money is required.
RangersMedia announced they have donated a whopping £1872.00
How many hours of Duff&Phelps does that pay?
EVERY SINGLE FAN of a club who has entered administration tell you to donate NOTHING whilst there is an administrator as is it is just p1ssing money away. You keep your money for when they come out of administration, so the club has funds to help it recover.
Stupid huns…
+++++
Assuming they’ve been prompted to do so, there’s only one real explanation for asking for money (to be passed on) during the administration process:
They are still racking up massive losses.
3 hours, btw.
RogueLeader
I know but if the scandal emerges as I think it could (if we ever get a proper investigation) it may show the SFA playing a lead or at least supporting role as villain in the whole shambles.
They must have known about Rangers for years if not decades and chose not to do a thing. They chose not to do a thing about their racist hatred and bile either. If UEFA rule that they as the national organisation are at fault then there might be punishments dished out to the nation.
Auldheid
Interesting that you use the expression ‘the right thing’. I’ve begun to wonder when ‘Rangers’ (in inverted comma’s because I don’t know who or what they are now) will just do the decent thing. Did Juve not ultimately take their medicine with a degree of dignity? That is, they fessed up and I’m pretty sure proactively accepted relegation and penalties. It was the right thing to do and it allowed everyone to move on, to a degree at least.
Rangers are at that point, and tactically I think it would allow them draw a line under previous regimes, possibly shift attitudes and win some friends back – rightly or wrongly.
It is extremely undignified to hear people talking about ‘deals’ being done to reduce the burden, in a hope that this might save them. At this stage it seems strange that one of the dignified denizens on the south side hasn’t done the decent thing and owned up, said how sorry they are, and acknowledged that to win back the trust of the league, the members and the supporters they will accede to all demands and expectations. Such an approach might well begin to soften attitudes, even amongst Celtic fans and crucially our board.
Perhaps the failure to apologise and seek forgiveness reflects the attitude so many revile, perhaps it reflects the arrogance and stupidity so blatantly displayed and perhaps it’s because there is no leader.
Whatever, someone needs to say sorry at some stage. Even if it hurts to apologise to Celtic fans, we are due, and so is everyone who has an interest or investment in Scottish football.
ROGUE LEADER 1346
Living in London in the early 90s when Sky really hit the football scene,I took a bunch of English mates to the boozah to watch the first Celtic-Rangers game to be shown live on their channel in a pub.
They were astonished at the refereeing display,but I pointed out that with the increasing scrutiny of the cameras,this would stop.
I still canny believe how naive that comment was.
Criminal charges is the only thing that will stop this,and I live in hope.
Awe_Naw_
A wider audience indeed, an audience upon reading his piece would assume that Celtic are part of a cabal also consisting of rangers and the SFA and we have stitched up Scottish Football for years.
Not really the case, considering what we have had to endure in recent years from the SFA.
bamboo,
both regan and doncaster can now only be considered complicit in this whole affair, both have attempted to cover up and put obsticles in the way of proper investigation.
Just finished watching star wars – return of the Jedi
The Death star (ibrox) blows up, the rebels have won! Cuts to all the cities of the galaxy (aberdeen, edinburgh, glasgow, dundee, falkirk, Kilwinning?) all celebrating, fireworks etc. cuts back to the rebels who have since been joined by Anakin, obi wan kenobi and yoda, also known as Jock Stein, Tommy Burns and Wee jinky!
May the force be with you all
VOGUEPUNTER 1351
You might be safe,HT might not have one of those free periods that only pupils got when I were a lad.
Personally,I would suggest starting that post with a few….. and let him argue the semantics of it!
ASonOfDan
agreed entirely but he is asking questions and seeking answers.
ONce he gets them then we can educate him on the Old Firm stuff
Hail Hail
I live in Central London. There is a huge awareness of the issues emerging out of the RFC ( IA ) case amongst friends and colleagues. Last night’s London Evening Standard carried the pension pot story complete with photo of Whyte.
On the other hand Scottish football does not register although people are aware that Celtic have improved.
The most difficult part of my explanation of events is the compliant media bit. It sounds like Watergate and then some. Why would they be so timid etc. ? It takes time but these people are generally aware of the misdeeds at HBOS so they listen. They understand corporate hubris so linking the Sir Fred story to Sir DM story makes sense.
Today’s development of an honest journalist shining a torch is a hugely welcome event.
Looking forward to my trip to Glasgow at the weekend. Interesting that we will probably win the treble if we can win 3 games all at Hampden.
Paul67 et al
Both Regan and Doncaster are new enough in their positions. They are not responsible for the past, but they are responsible for dealing with the consequences of the past. As for Campbell O’Gilvie (it is an interesting name) well the SFA cannot say they were not warned, not least on here. The obvious decision is for the President of the SFA to resign, volontarily, but SFA rules state that the President can only resign if he is insane. And yet, he would be insane to carry on.
http://blogs.channel4.com/alex-thomsons-view/rangers-punished-guilty-fans/884
alex thomsons second blog now up
As manager of Everton walter myth was involved in 143 games, his win % was 29% or 41 games.
The Scottish msm tell us hes a legend.
Brown envelopes and Everton fans say different.
Bring the myth down.
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on 13 March, 2012 at 14:00 said:
re being naive. I thought when Regan was appointed that there may be hope for Scottish Football. Hope for clarity, leadership and transparency. Seems I was being naive in the extreme.
My dear,dear,dear,friend..Obonfanti @ 13.47
Thanks a Heap, Pal.
Nice of ye tae post that Link.. tae Mr.Thompson’s Blog.
Noo, Ah am Fully Appraised o’ whit is goin’ oan in Wonderland.
Mr. Thompson,is a Premier Figure.. a Well Respected Media Pundit.
We Kin use awe awe the Help we kin Get..
Fur..
That his bin oor Problem,in the Past..
Celtic, In their noble quest..in Rootin’ oot the Forces o’ Evil.. Hiv received Nae Help ,whatsoevah, coming frum a Premier Media Figure.
Noo, that Mr. Thompon, has a Score tae Settle.. Still Bristlin’, frum being Called a “Liar”…
Things should Noo start tae Heat Up.
Nice Chatting,pal.
Kojo
yer pal…who likes ye already/
And..
Still . Laughin’
philvisreturns @ 13:48,
Yes, yes and hell yes. Thumbs up!
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on 13 March, 2012 at 14:04
He could argue all he liked ,but like my own teachers at school..
………I’m still not listening .
THICKOSOFTHEWORLDUNITE,C.S.C
canamalar
we need to box a bit clever rather than stick to our easily offended stereotype. That´s why it was created
Doncaster will say their is an official investigation.
Regan will say as they are the body that any appeal will go to that his organisation cannot comment on it.
Nothing will change unto the SPL returns its findings and the FTT
That is why we should IMHO be questioning him openly on the sectarian singing charge levelled at them after Kilmarnock and why the SPL done tehir job with regards Dunfermline debt but the why have the SFA not done theirs with regards Dundee Utd.
HAil Hail
imaginger on 13 March, 2012 at 13:10 said:
Big Joe
I am on Quevega and Hurricane Fly……not long odds, but i think they are very hard to oppose!
WITS suggested “The Package ” in the 3rd race and he tend to be right!!
AND……..
dannysbeard on 13 March, 2012 at 13:10 said:
Big Joe 1302
Delaney’s donkey
Cheers chaps, will post my winning formulae later
BigjoeNormallyShiteatTheHorses
Paul
I take it Alex ‘Tomo’ Thomson isn’t in the lodge?
Wouldn’t surprsie me if he was Catholic educated, too.
Or maybe he just fancied a spot of shooting fish in a barrell …
Whatever: I just can’t get enough.
FF
Of course there are other things more important than seeing Rankers go under……………… just
Puss in Boots says STOP Kone
http://i.imgur.com/I9M3L.gif
Should Be.. “Apprized”
Sorry, aboot that,folks.
“Ready, when you ,Are.. C.B.!”
Kojo
Still , Laughin’
http://blogs.channel4.com/alex-thomsons-view/rangers-punished-guilty-fans/884
… the desire for justice, if there is indeed guilt, was balanced by extreme suspicion that Rangers would somehow escape justice. This is based on the widespread belief that the powers that be, from TV through the SFA to the SPL, desire Rangers in the top-flight league at almost all costs
philvisreturns on 13 March, 2012 at 13:54 said:
Vmhan – Maybe they meant to call themselves after their favourite premium white wine, Blue Nun. (thumbsup)
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS – Poor lad obviously doesn’t yet know how things work up here
It’s quite telling, is it not?
You might expect someone to call you a liar and put the phone down on you if you phoned up the local chip shop and casually insulted people of Italian descent.
You don’t expect it from the country’s Football Association – a national institution, after all – when being asked some simple questions by a journalist.
The SFA doesn’t “do” professionalism or integrity. (thumbsup)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Your mention of the local chip shop reminds me of a comment someone-sorry,can’t remember who,but feel free to identify yourself!-about sectarianism in Scotland.
If an Italian opens a chippie and decks his shops in his national colours,he,like any other businesman,survives and prospers by the quality of his product.
If an Irishman does the same,he gets his windaes panned in!
CANAMALAR 1400
I disagree re Regan,but time will tell.
At the moment,one of us is right!
BontyBhoy – The culture of Rangers is such that they don’t feel they’ve done anything wrong in cheating the tax authorities and cheating other Scottish clubs.
As far as they are concerned, they are The People.
Ask yourself how many Rangers fans were embarrassed by the sectarian signing policy, the Billy Boys song, the FTP chants, the vile slurs against Jock Stein, the famine song, the Manchester riots, or any of their violent rampages through Europe?
Damn few, because they are The People. Theirs is a supremacist culture that revels in hatred and anger. They don’t “do” introspection. They don’t “do” contrition.
What did Rangers say to its supporters when UEFA and the SFA belatedly asked them to stop the sectarian chants? Did they say “stop this guys, it’s wrong?”. No, they told their fans to stop it because their club would be punished otherwise.
From the illiterate ned in the stand waving his scarf bearing a slogan slandering the memory of Big Jock, to the shirt-and-tie-wearing ned enjoying his Eggs-Benedict -free coroporate hospitality in the Ibrox Suite, to the Armani-clad wideboys drawing up dodgy deals and crooked contracts in the boardroom, they are united in the feeling that they are above rules, ethics, and even the law of the land.
Rangers are the Daleks of Scottish football.
They are sick.
They need a Doctor. (thumbsup)
Oh dear, we’re in trouble now. From the thread on FF re Alex Thomson and CO, here is the “master plan” to fight back……..
Someone like David Leggat could be key for us to fight back in this area. We need things like the tax evasion under the old Celtic regime, Regan’s appointment and it’s connection to the taigs as well as Liewell’s current sinister hold on Scottish football to be put in the mainstream spotlight.
Sick of them getting away with murder.
More stuff to burst your heed.
http://scotslawthoughts.wordpress.com/
Rangers’ Administrators Have Applied to the Court of Session to be Appointed Administrators of Rangers!
Awe_Naw..,
there are enough clever boxers jabbing away at this, as far as I’m concerned both have responsibilities to ensure fair governance, neithter have.
Doncaster has been in the position long enough to know whats been going on and has chosen to keep his snout in the trough and no make waves.
Regan made the right noises when he started but quickly fell into line, as soon as ogalvies part had been made known, he should have demanded either resign or step aside again he did neither.
A quick review of rangers board members serving on the sfa board during the years under question required him to take action, the sfa is not the fit and proper organisation to be an appealant body they are and have been complicit.
Just reduced office hun to red faced fury,quickly followed by ashen faced silence as his addled wee chimp-like mind processed the following:
The mighty £1892 raised by ‘Ra gers dignified fighting fund’ will pay Duff and Phelps costs for about 30 minutes.
The scale of this is simply beyond their comprehension.
paulsatim is neil lennon on 13 March, 2012 at 14:24 said:
lf Leggo(legless) is your last hope,you really are up sh#t creek.
canamalar
and if they win the FTT ?
Paul67 et al
Now I am no expert but I could not help but notice, (on Alex Thomson’s blog) that the Union Flag being waved outside the Poor Hoose was actually upside down, or in the vernacular used in those parts, “the wrang way up!”
Kojo….
Greetins from the Silk Route, deep inside Central Asia and under cover.
Your pumkin blog, night before last. Did you know that pumkins are the natural remedy for prostate problems? And their derivative Saw Palmetto is even better. Plus…….a decent hair restorer.
Should I pass on this info onto Mark Hately and Super Sally?
Your opinion matters….
DBB