Yesterday the Scottish Football Association announced an independent inquiry into Rangers FC which will report to the SFA board within two weeks.
While it is welcome that the enquiry is independent, it is gravely concerning that the SFA refused to state the scope of the inquiry or indicate if the final report will be made public. An inquiry into the Fit and Proper status of Craig Whyte is moot. An inquiry into last year’s takeover of the club, or how it has conducted its tax business before and after the takeover surely cannot report within three weeks of Rangers going into administration and before the outcome of the tax tribunal is known. So what are the objectives of the report?
The important question the SFA must address is whether Rangers FC improperly registered football players. Rules on the legal registration of football players are clear and well established. All financial compensation offered to players must be part of their contracts, copies of which must be lodged with the club’s national association.
This audio file contains information from Player’s Union representative, Fraser Wishart, who correctly tells Radio Clyde listeners that “in football you’re only allowed one contract, all your earnings from football have to be on that contract”.
The same audio file has excerpts of football journalist, Darrell King, repeatedly telling Radio Clyde listeners that Rangers players involved with EBTs “had two contracts”. This assertion has not been subject to challenge by Rangers.
The major question for the SFA is whether, as alleged by Mr King, Rangers FC played improperly registered players from around 2000 until the expiry of those contracts, some of which are likely to still be active. While they are doing so, it would be useful to extend the inquiry to examine recent contracts.
My primary concern regarding the inquiry is the role of the SFA president, Campbell Ogilvie, in framing the scope of the inquiry. As we reported yesterday, Ogilvie was general secretary and director of Rangers until 2005. He will be able to answer many of the key questions and, as president, will not only have been able to influence the scope of the inquiry, but will be one of the few who receives the report.
Any SFA inquiry into Rangers FC must report on the key matter in this whole business, the proper registration of football players. Any attempt to exclude matters which could involve Mr Ogilvie must be resisted and would show the entire activity up as nothing more than a sham.
The sporting penalty for playing improperly registered players is a 3-0 defeat in each game. Sion have already tested national and international authorities on this matter and are paying a heavy price for trying to gain an unfair advantage.
The stakes are high for Scottish football. The SFA must demonstrate transparency and the highest possible ethical standards when an inquiry into a member club involves past activities of its president. It also has a responsibility to fans and member clubs to establish and report any improper conduct at the earliest opportunity.
My Ogilvie should step aside as a matter of urgency in order to provide evidence to the inquiry.
In a gesture which tests the boundaries of the word magnificent, the Celtic fan who paid £5000 towards the Vanessa Riddle Appeal for the signed Celtic jersey we auctioned last week asked us to put it back up for auction again.
Auctions are a magnificent way to help get Vanessa the lifesaving treatment she needs but the cost of participating at the business end soon gets out of the reach of many fans. With this in mind, we have started an eBay raffle; you can win the jersey for the cost of a £1, or the entire purchase price of Rangers FC PLC.
There are no excuses to sit this one out, Vanessa needs your help, you would like to own a signed Celtic jersey, and you too can afford the kind of money Craig Whyte used to buy Rangers. Click here to participate.
Thank you for the dozens of response to the request for writers for CQN Magazine. I’m still working through them, will be in touch soon. Issue six, our Fit and Proper edition, is set to become a landmark collectors item. You can browse the magazine online here but you can buy your own hard copy by clicking on the link below. Fill your boots…..
You can support the online edition by making a discretionary donation here.
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KevJungle at 12:18
Would still be a good gesture from ‘our’ hierarchy who, aren’t short of a billionaire or two.
And how do you know they haven’t. Most wouldn’t publicise their generosity, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.
Mort
RFC adminstrators optimism melts away under the searing heat of Hector’s gaze:
From HMRC statement: “Any business that regards paying tax as an optional extra after other expenses are met, or that uses tax collected from employees or customers as working capital, is potentially heading for trouble.
“There is little HMRC can do for a business – be it a football club or not – whose viability is dependent either on not paying the UK taxes to which they are liable, or on special treatment not available to other customers with similar tax affairs.”
New poster here guys and gals,although i have been a lurker for a while now.
Just like to say thanks to Paul and everybody connected to CQN for a a first rate forum and informative articles and debate.
Thats the pleasantries done with,as regards the SFA enquiry,i think this all too little too late from an organisation thats been turning a blind eye to the shenanigans of the Huns for years.I don’t hold out much hope for the findings.
HH,WJP
Paul67
Your energy levels have no apparent bounds….keep it up.
I have an awful feelin’ that we are going to be reading a sentence soon containing the words “Ogilvie” and “shredder”.
TAL
twists n turns – I think Rangers have what it takes to dominate the West/SouthWest 15s Girls League. (thumbsup)
22 February 2012 Last updated at 12:11
Rangers administration: HMRC says club was ‘treated fairly’ over tax debts
Craig Whyte had claimed the tax authorities were targeting Rangers
Continue reading the main story
Rangers in administration
Ticketus cash in Rangers takeover
In full: Craig Whyte statement
In full: Administrators’ statement
SFA appoints Rangers probe chief
The tax authorities have denied claims that Rangers Football Club is being treated unfairly over its tax debts.
Craig Whyte, who took over the club last year, had suggested that officials seemed to be determined to “make an example” of Rangers.
The Ibrox club was forced into administration last week over an unpaid tax bill of £9m.
HMRC said its action against Rangers was a last resort and that it did not do deals on tax with companies.
A spokesman for HMRC said: “We can’t discuss specific cases for legal reasons, but tax that has been deducted at source from the wages of players and support staff, such as ground keepers and physios, must be paid over to HMRC.
“Any business that fails to meet that basic legal requirement puts the survival of the business at risk.”
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Mr Whyte said: “Given that HMRC had seen fit to reach agreements with huge corporations owing far more than Rangers – Vodafone, for example – it was difficult to understand why they were being so inflexible unless, of course, they were simply determined to make an example of Rangers.”
But that suggestion was flatly rejected by the HMRC spokesman.
He added: “Any business that regards paying tax as an optional extra after other expenses are met, or that uses tax collected from employees or customers as working capital, is potentially heading for trouble.
“There is little HMRC can do for a business – be it a football club or not – whose viability is dependent either on not paying the UK taxes to which they are liable, or on special treatment not available to other customers with similar tax affairs.”
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-17127983
Why are there so many songs about rainbows.
And what’s on the other side? (thumbsup)
Paul67
So what you are saying is, the cover up has started already within the SFA regarding rangers activities over the years and the granting them a European License this season.
One Nation…
TAL 1225
You heard it here first……..
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://www.superpages.com/yellowpages/C-Paper+Shredding/S-MN/T-Ogilvie/
THE TAXMAN
HAS PAID
THANKS HMRC
Scamming the huns out of £24m is one thing, scamming innocent CQNers out of £4.06 postage and package for a raffle ticket is quite another!
TAAAAAGGGGSSSYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
An Independant inquiry into Rangers FC PLC (in administration) and how it happened?
Taking 2 weeks to conclude that it was all Craig Whytes fault.
That since it was Craig Whytes fault then Rangers cannot legitimately be held reasonably responsible.
Since it cannot reasonably be Rangers FC PLC (in administrations) fault then HMRC should accept down payment of £16.90 as a goodwill gesture on their part and a further £16.90 per annum for 3 years. The SPL will reinstate 10pt deduction + a 30pt point advantage for distress caused. Celtic will be deducted 1888 pts for their IRA referencing offensive Jelly & Ice Cream jokes. SFA will install Mark Dingwall as Chairman and David Legatt as CEO. SNP will ban CELTIC related goods, companies from transacting business within European borders. Sectarian singing will be welcome within Ibrox in relation to bigotry agains Irish Catholics. All Scottish clubs who attempt to win a football match against Rangers FC PLC will be liquidated.
MWD
Great post Paul67, Ogilvie too much history with Rangers to be considered impartial. SFA needs to be *seen* to be acting wholly impartially right now, or any inquiry is pointless.
Has everyone seen THIS
The Daily Record is now calling the owner of Rangers FC a liar.
Oh, Happy Day. (thumbsup)
Hi Paul67,any info on postage costs for raffle?
Hail Hail
Mort ***** says:
22 February, 2012 at 12:24
################################################
I new i would hit your, raw-nerve where the, hierarchy is concerned. I’m afraid, with the afore mentioned gents, for me….seeing is believing!
Hail! Hail!
Philvis
Enda Kenny ????
You disappoint me
Enda is merely a twit out to line his pockets
I was hoping for someone along the lines of Franco or Mussolini
and you give me Enda Kenny
Now I know how Rangers fans felt during the transfer window
good morning cqn
watching T C M channel,Titanic the old black and white film.I Know Im sad,sinks at the end i believe,just like Rankers.
Relegate them………..then kill them off.
Oh, and take Ogilvie away with them.
Come on you bhoys in green…….
Paul et al
How long before the rANGERs fans start to try and save their club ?
How long before their famous fans and rich investors save their club ?
They are all looking at the same media reports that rtc,phil and paul67
Have told us about for months.And still no reaction as they wait for some rich
Investor to save their history.
A tainted one at that.
That’s because there is no one ?
God bless fergus McCann
Hope him and Brian Quinn can return and get a big welcome
For their fit and proper administration of Celtic stewardship
YNWA
Here’s how they diagnose anti-social personality disorder, i.e. sociopaths. You need to exhibit at least three of the following.
Try to guess which ones apply to a certain unravelling institution, its custodians and its customers?
* failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest;
* deception, as indicated by repeatedly lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure;
* impulsiveness or failure to plan ahead;
* irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults;
* reckless disregard for safety of self or others;
* consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor financial obligations;
* lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another;
(thumbsup)
Whoever won and put back up the jersey. Brilliant, I tip my hat to you sir.
What is the Stars – Would it make you feel better if I said Dana? (thumbsup)
31003 says:
22 February, 2012 at 12:30
Thanks,cleared it up for me :O)
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP, will do.
voguepunter , ha!
St Martin’s Bhoy, indeed.
tomtheleedstim, I’m on it, thanks.
KevJungle, lovin’ those wee lines, less keen on the big ones :-)
Gene’s a Bhoys name, indeed.
Tá ár lá anois, thanks.
Sheik Yerbouti, cheers.
wim jansens perm, welcome and thank you.
Teuchter ár lá, ha!
ASonOfDan, this is a time for vigilance.
Fassreifen, cheers.
thecat, I’m on it. Stay tuned.
jungle jam67, indeed.
I think it’s great that the Daily Record are now calling Whyte a liar.
Especially that the man casting that name is none other than Keith ‘off the radar’ Jackson.
You really couldn’t make it up. Although, you really could.
Paul
‘With this in mind, we have started an eBay raffle; you can win the jersey for the cost of a £1, or the entire purchase price of Rangers FC PLC.’
Paul, you are a rascal :-)
HMRC not willing to negotiate:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-17127983
This is over the £9m.
This blocks the CVA so there is no CVA to be had, it can’t be broken up.
So shove yer CVA up yer administrative jacksies!
How do Duff and Phelps deal with this? Pay HMRC their £9m then revisit the CVA? I think not.
I feel the need for jelly and ice cream, which as it’s meat free is perfectly fine for Ash Wednesday in moderation.
Aaaaand naaaaowwwww, the end is neeeeeeeaaaar
It’s time to face
The final curtain………….
Here’s my preferred XI for tonight:
::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Forster :::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cha ::::::::::::: Rogne ::::::::: Wilson :::::::: Mulgrew
:::::::: Brown :::::::: Wanyama :::::::: Ledley :::::::::
:::::::: Forrest ::::::::: Hooper :::::::: Samaras :::::::
7 hrs to go.
philvis
” And what’s on the other side? (thumbsup”
People singing rainbow songs and asking , “..and what`s on the other side ?”
JJ
up_over_goal at 12:41
I think that will be the team but with Matthews at RB rather than Cha.
Wonder how close to fitness Lustig and Ibrahim are as would be good to see them.
Mort
Paul 67
I’m trying my bestest!
Cheers m8!
Hail! Hail!
BlantyreKev – Parcel=> says:
22 February, 2012 at 12:28
Scamming the huns out of £24m is one thing, scamming innocent CQNers out of £4.06 postage and package for a raffle ticket is quite another!
TAAAAAGGGGSSSYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The bold Tagsy Bhoy advocates ‘How to run an eBay account’ by Craig Whyte :-)
Kevin
No doubt if one of Celtic’s “billionaires” did make a donation and publicisied it, there would be loads complaining at the amount they donated and the fact that they did publicise it.
No win situation.
Mort
Phil…
When THAT paper rubbishes the Club and its horrible history itself and not the boggled-eyed ‘Mr Patsy Smokescreen’ I will eat my leather stetson.
HH
Really, who could have done a better job than Craig Whyte?
The only other wealthy huns in the frame to buy Rangers were:
* Lord Humungus (Pro’s: member of the aristocracy. Con’s: does walking away)
* Count Dracula (Pro’s: rich. Con’s: Catholic)
* He Who Must Not Be Named (Pro’s: exclusive private education. Con’s: Easily defeated by a bespectacled child)
Craig the Thousandaire and Irrepressible Fabulist must stay. (thumbsup)
Team for tonight.
The same as Sunday, no need to change for changes sake.
Keep Hooper and Stokes up front.
LET THE PEOPLE SEE THE SAME TEAM!!