Two important issues to discuss today, Exploiting Hillsborough and Tax Justice Network. Do you think newspapers are above exploiting the Hillsborough tragedy? Think again.
Exploiting Hillsborough
Last year Celtic announced they received permission for safe standing at Celtic Park from the start of next season. The club hasn’t spoken about the matter since then, but season ticket renewal information was published yesterday, including details for those in what will become safe standing areas.
Some sharp-eyed operator spotted an opportunity. A bereaved Hillsborough mother was called, information put to her which led her to believe Celtic HAD made an announcement this week, before commenting “It’s insensitive to announce that right at this time, a week just after the verdicts”.
Readers were then treated to comments from Peter Lawwell to hammer home the point, “Celtic has worked tirelessly on this issue and we are delighted this permission has finally been granted”.
That comment was made in 2015, but was printed in the context of being made a week after the Hillsborough inquest. If you want a Celtic comment contemporaneous with the Hillsborough inquest, you’re out of luck, none was made. A comment was taken from the past, dressed up as new – and insensitive to the Hillsborough tragedy – then put to a bereaved mother.
This beggars belief. This coverage did not happened by accident, it was planned and executed with a clear objective to undermine Celtic, and the chief executive in particular. It was a vile act.
Tax Justice Network
Tax Justice Network (TJN) are an international activist think-tank who push to “‘change the weather’ on a wide range of issues related to tax, tax havens and financial globalisation”. They train journalists on how to cover illicit finance and tax havens, and last year launched The Offshore Game, a look into football ownership and transparency. Their testimonials are impressive:
“TJN has done more than any other organisation to put fiscal justice at the center of the policy agenda. Tax issues should not be left to those who want to escape taxes! Changes will come when more and more citizens of the world take ownership of these matters. TJN is a powerful force acting in this direction.”
Thomas Piketty, author, Capital in the Twenty-First Century
“Founded at a time when tax was a Cinderella subject, the Tax Justice Network was one of few voices challenging the status quo. Since then, its energy and international reach have greatly magnified its influence as the issues it championed moved up the political agenda.”
Vanessa Houlder, The Financial Times
“In some ways I feel responsible for TJN’s creation since I suggested in a 2000 OECD Observer report that civil society needed to have a stronger voice in the international tax debate. Well, over these 12 years it certainly has achieved this, moving tax issues up the political agenda.”
Jeffrey Owens, former head of tax, OECD
“The Queen has asked me to thank you for your letter of 4th November from which Her Majesty has taken careful note of your comments and concerns about taxation and offshore financial secrecy.”
Queen Elizabeth II (cough)
So that’s the OECD, The Financial Times, the Queen and Tam Piketty. When a body with a list of testimonials as authoritative as the TJN turn their focus on Scottish football, we should all take note. Yesterday evening the TJN released their report into the SFA, Rangers and governance in Scottish football, entitled ‘Doing SFA for Fair Play?‘
Their extensive report’s conclusions are:
Issue 1 – The SPL inquiry into rule breaking at Rangers
The first concerns the judge-led Commission set up by the SPL into alleged rule breaking by Rangers in the run up to their collapse.
The Commission considered whether Rangers should be stripped of a series of league and cup titles. The documents reveal that the then President of the SFA, Campbell Ogilvie, misled the public and the judge presiding over the inquiry, which led them to make a material error of fact in their judgement.
The fact that Mr Ogilvie (former Rangers director and SFA president) had previously been one of the longest serving officials in the history of Rangers Football Club clearly raises questions as to the motive behind his statements – since the inquiry’s own findings imply that, in full possession of the facts, they would have to have reached a different decision and possibly have stripped titles from Rangers.
Issue 2 – Rangers’ licence to play in Europe 2011/2012
The second issue concerns the grant and retention of a licence to play in Europe to Rangers in the 2011/12 season, when the finances of the club suggested it was on the verge of imminent collapse.
UEFA rules are clear that in order to get a licence to play European football a club must prove that it has no overdue payables to tax authorities. Our analysis of the evidence shows that Rangers clearly had an overdue payable as defined in the UEFA rules and could not have met that test.
However, regardless of this, the SFA did grant Rangers a licence. Although the SFA were informed by Rangers of an on-going issue concerning a large tax bill, they accepted Ranger’s erroneous argument that this did not break any UEFA rules.
It appears that the SFA did little to test the explanation regarding the status of the bill given by Rangers, and subsequent correspondence reveals an unhealthy degree of co-ordination between Rangers and the SFA over the PR around the decision.
As history unfolded, Rangers were knocked out before reaching the group stages of the Champion’s League. Had they managed to achieve victory in the qualifying rounds, they might well have gained the resources they needed to keep the company afloat and pay the overdue tax bill based on Champions League income, thwarting the very purpose of UEFA FFP Articles in respect of overdue tax.
Instead, Rangers went into administration and other Scottish clubs were denied a chance to play European football. That was not only unfair, it came at a cost to those clubs. Also, had Malmo and Maribor, not won their qualifying games against Rangers, for them, the consequences of this breach in the fair play rules would have been far more serious.
On the SFA
Regulators also have a duty to ensure fair play, over and above the usual rules that govern competition between companies. To ensure that competition stays on the pitch and doesn’t retreat behind the closed doors of the boardroom, regulators must make rules to ensure clubs do not gain unfair and unsporting advantages over others.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, in order to execute these functions, a regulator must itself be fair. To preserve the integrity of the system, the regulator must be beyond reproach, and behave in a way which does not produce any suspicion that that they might be exercising their power unfairly, in favour of one team over another.
It is on this last point, that The Offshore Game team have serious concerns about the behaviour and conduct of the Scottish Football Regulator, the Scottish Football Association (SFA).
In conclusion
The two cases that are dealt with in this report, which have nothing to do with the matter under consideration by the criminal court, call into question whether the SFA can be considered a fair and impartial regulator of Scottish football.
This is a question that the SFA has, thus far, flatly refused to answer. And that itself points to a much bigger question: is the SFA an organisation capable of fixing itself and adopting the required standards of transparency, accountability and fairness that fans of Scottish football deserve?
The evidence presented in this report does not amount to proof of corruption, and we do not allege corruption at the SFA. But the evidence does strongly suggest that the SFA is unable, if not actively unwilling, to ensure fair play. Major changes in personnel and governance structures will be necessary if the SFA is to show itself fit for purpose.
The first step to restoring confidence would be for the SFA to engage with UEFA over the clearly misleading returns Rangers’ submitted to them in order to get a licence to play European football in 2011.
Secondly there needs to be a fully independent inquiry, including substantial fan representation, to assess the role of the SFA and the actions of key, senior staff in respect of each issue outlined in this report; and with a mandate to learn from more accountable sports authorities in other fields and to recommend sweeping governance changes to the SFA if deemed necessary.”
No attempt was made by the SFA to tidy up their reputation, they refused to engage with TJN. They are not the first sports body to recently avoid examining issues of financial probity, but in the current climate, this line is becoming increasingly difficult to hold.
On a related matter, more work has taken place on the Resolution 12 issue than anyone will be able to quantify. Unable to go into any detail, I marked your card on this last month and can do so again now. The process does not have long to go.
My expectation is that the TJN report will reach Uefa today, irrespective of whether the Scottish media collude to suppress such a story. The ducks are aligning.
Thank you to everyone who donated to our Mary’s Meals appeal yesterday. “Gerry”, who won the Magners tickets, hasn’t checked his email yet!
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Jmccormick
Levis jeans?
If so Elaine is my younger sister yes
WINNING CAPTAINS on 6TH MAY 2016 8:50 PM
Thanks for that insight, very interesting.
Popped off a letter to The SFA this morning…
https://youtu.be/0PcrBFCNFIU
BT
I was a Boys Guild Scout. Always prepared.
Hope BV is prepared for us tomorrow. ;)
BRTH
Sylvester’s was my first pint in Glasgow, yon spikeysauldman took me there before I discovered maxwell plums .;-)
GM
A Guinness skid is the worst.
In a Big Country.
HH
Paul 67
I tried to get you something for your birthday today, but Jose and wee Lionel said NAW!
Happy birthday Paul67.
All the best big fhella.hh
BT.
Spot on, I wondered if I was right! I worked there for a wee while. Had a good wee rebel gang amongst the staff there. All good Lanarkshire bhoys with a common purpose all round the Centenary year and that time.
BRTH the good young you became an ever better older version.
Hoping to make the BV tomorrow.
FFS, some people are really up themselves
Paul67 : Hope you are having a great day.
Hope all the drinkers have a great day out tomorrow.
Jmccormick
She is still the boss, 4 big brothers and she has us wrapped around her finger, not to be messed with.
Hail Hail
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AMBROSE::::::::::::SVAITCHENKO
LUSTIG::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::TIERNEY
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ROBERTS::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::JOHANNSEN
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:::::::::::::::::::::GRIFFITHS OFFSIDE:::::::::::::::::::
☘ ☘ ☘ ☘
☘
☘
☘ ☘ ☘ ☘
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☘ ☘ ☘ ☘
IN A ROW CSC
BT
Cheery, as we say out in Wishy.
BSR
think Mulgrew might be injured. Good shout though.
Glendaly’s
Drat,……………McGregor then
BSR
…..even better shout.
You know as you get a bit older, you can get a bit cynical…
But sometimes, certain events lead you to believe the values you once held dear might prevail…
Like Democracy furinstance…
“ Sajid Javid
✔@sajidjavid
.@SadiqKhan from one son of a Pakistani bus driver to another, congratulations”
Hail Hail
BSR
Don’t like Mulgrew in midfield, needs the game in front of him, too slow in the turnover in possession. Wouldn’t play Johansen either, completely out of sorts this season. Would prefer McGregor and Rogic instead of those two.
Good evening friends.
Firstly, Paul67 – many happy returns and sincere thanks for changing my life!!
Now, as some of you may possibly know, I do the occasional weather REPORT but never put my name to a forecast. Others do, however, and some of them crazy folk are predicting the mid-20’s for Sunday afternoon.
Shorts and Cellic taps at CQN Corner then. 11.30 onwards. Be there or whatever…
Watching this election guff on tv.
The mentalists who lead the LibDems and the Conversatives will soon be found out. The incredibly credible RD will soon find out that playing the Unionist card will be a bad play, her Thatcher Lite approach will not wash. The Rennie fellow is a good man, poorly served. He is going to have a few good years of income before he wanders off to enjoy a life elsewhere.
SNP leadership is here to stay: What we need is a better quality of candidate across the spectrum. At the moment I see no possible leaders of an independent Scotland. That is the challenge I would set to any aspiring political leader.
See you there Jobo.
EDB
You will say any oul rubbish in return for a hug!
BRTH & Auldheid,
It seems that progress is being made on Res 12 and CFC is behind the plan….now.
I am not privy to the detail but it seems CFC had to be convinced to participate and perhaps the negative publicity was a factor.
Rather than shareholders and fans taking the lead Lawwell should have lead from the front—-but it’s not his style. Fergus would have went after them in a skilful manner from day 1. Lawwell wants an easy ride and is not a leader for CFC.
The biggest mistake Lawwell made was attending the OF game shame summit. He crossed the rubicon on that day and showed he did not possess a set. It was the catalyst for the OBB. Lawwell has no moral compass and like many CEOs can recite the company’s core values but his altar is covered in sterling.
Lawwell is also very good at using people to do his work as he sits in the shadows and joins in when timing suits ( one of the smartest guys in Scotland was played by him ).
So good luck with Res 12 —-it’s just a pity Fergus was not at your side. That would have scared the SFA shitless compared to our joke of a CEO who laughs at their wisecracks.
Cannae make up my mind whether it would be nice to see Janko get a few games in before the season ends to give him a little bit more of a feel for Paradise or whether he would be better sitting it out now after such a long injury……..maybe getting a good pre-season in before he stakes his claim for a place in our team…..new manager and all that going on as well.
THETIMREAPER
Ronny likes Calum, and Mulgrew would be a stop gap middy, for Broony.
Who knows with ole Ronny, looking forward to it anyway.
This is interesting if true.
http://www.thecanary.co/2016/05/06/breaking-police-launch-investigations-tory-electoral-fraud-across-country/
Hi BRTH – hope that you’re well mate ?
re you’re earlier enquiry –
Charlie McK
A thought occurs. Are you a McKinlay by chance? If so, any relation to Colum and the late Rose?
Close but no cigar……more of a hypnotic surname and ironically, I guess my long term relationship with the “Babe” of the Ferns family was always doomed to failure in the long term as once the “coort’n” process got under way in those heady days of ’82, I soon found out that I wasn’t the only guy with my exact name ( Christian + Surname ) “rosemantically” involved with one of the Ferns gals……!!
Whit are the odds on that happin’n ?
Got to be more chance of Leicester City winning the EPL – as if…………..
2 guys wi exact same names ( bit of a small age difference ) trying to hook up wi 2 different sisters from one family ?
I played a great game fur a few years but wiz subbed before my moment of glory – the other CMCK – noo in tow – managed to stay the course and graduated with full honours – no hard feelings he wiz a good guy and a Celtic man also….think that he came from Bishopbriggs or Kirkie ?
So I share same exact ID credentials as Raymond’s Bro in Law…..at least the association “with the babe” continues in my physical absence………..
Re the McKinlay clan from Dumbarton, I knew of Big Colum ( Ex Footballer with the Sons of the Rock I think ) but there was a different McKinlay clan from Brucehill that I knew better from school days – Derek & Cha – their “old man” was called Charlie I think.
If you’re planning to be in Dublin for the Barca match on 30th July let me know – secured tickets yesterday and planning to make a weekend of it………..need to establish CQN corner in some local establishment and get proper introductions going
Hail…..Hail……5 in a row
Charlie McK
I’m heading to Celtic Park on Sunday with my sister for 10am. Saturday vigil mass, obligation sorted (for those remaining few Celts like us).
We’ll park and walk to the North-East corner of our ground, as directed, for the plaque ceremony at 10.30am commemorating the original Celtic Park.
No prayers, no ministers, no reason to not be there.
Lurking huns, GIRUY.
Guyfawkesaforeveahero –
…..and then round to CQN corner for a Huddle……….
BRTH going to try to be a respectful and considerate poster in the coming months. Tempted to go out hopefully some time from now with all guns blazing but be assured that some rockets will be getting it.
Including some posting tonight.
BT…
Now maxwell Plums was a pub…hoaching :))
BRTH Channel 4 and Michael Crick broke and have been on that story for a few week now, could be interesting. Maybe see you ra morrow. PS I think that young lad who hung about listening to lawyers tales “done good”. Hail Hail Hebcelt
BROGAN ROGAN TREVINO AND HOGAN SUPPORTS OSCAR KNOX, MACKENZIE FURNISS AND ANYONE ELSE WHO FIGHTS NEUROBLASTOMA on 6TH MAY 2016 10:50 PM
This is interesting if true.
http://www.thecanary.co/2016/05/06/breaking-police-launch-investigations-tory-electoral-fraud-across-country/
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Been all over Channel 4 News for weeks.
BRTH@10 50.
Worth a year in pokey and a by election in every seat.
Happy birthday Paul, hope you had a good dsy and thanks for keeping on keeping on with this site! Now away to crawl bavk under the big post erlection stone i’ve been hiding under all day…
Louie, ya oul puddin – you’re another flatter merchant! Hopefully I will see you tomorrow.
For those who have pointed out that this election stuff is all over the news, forgive me — I don’t get to see the telly much these days.