So what do we know?
Need for clarification
Rangers’ potential new owner has asked for clarification on what he is buying, a franchise with a place in the SPL or the middle of a doughnut, with the ability to apply for membership to the Scottish Football League.
That clarification has not been delivered, which must undermine Rangers sale.
Rangers want an extension
Despite needing clarification, Rangers administrators, Duff and Phelps, failed to attend the meeting and asked for a further extension (it’s like the 2007-08 league season all over again). Curious, to say the least. Clearly they were not in a position to offer the SPL information that would assist their case.
To be revealed before 30 May
The next meeting is on 30 May, by then the First Tier Tribunal on Rangers Employee Benefit Trust will have reported. There will also be a considerable amount of information in the public domain on how Rangers operated under Sir David Murray. With all this information available, it will be impossible for the SPL to further delay publishing the findings of their inquiry into Improper Registration of Players by Rangers. In disciplinary terms, this is the big one.
What about Craig Whyte?
Bill Miller was appointed preferred bidder on Thursday but, as floating charge holder, Craig Whyte can ask the court to block stop Duff and Phelps disposing of Ibrox. We don’t know Craig Whyte’s mind, or if he has a deal with Miller, but if they are not working in partnership, you can expect a late and effective legal block put in place to stop the disposal of Ibrox.
So what does it mean?
The chance of a Newco being in place, in the SPL or SFL, for the start of next season has never been more remote. On 7 May they don’t have a buyer, after 10 weeks they don’t have the stadium and the moral outrage over what looked likely to be voted through today is beginning to gain traction.
Today was the best chance Rangers had to cut a quick deal with the SPL. Further delay only means more time for the other clubs to work on contingency plans and to be lobbied by their own supporters.
We are six days away from the end of the season and Duff and Phelps have to put enough of a confirmed deal in place to convince someone to part with £11.2m. They don’t have passage into the league and they don’t have a stadium to sell.
If Bill Miller stays in the game until the end of the week and submits a formal offer for the stadium and other assets, we can expect Craig Whyte to go to court to halt the process. I cannot see how or why Miller, who doesn’t even have a passport and has made no moved to come over and negotiate in person, would put £11.2m on the table when he doesn’t know what he is buying, or what sporting and financial penalties are coming his way.
Rangers will have to overcome all these obstacles long before 30 May if they are to stay in the game long enough for Newco to inherit their place in the SPL but their chances of surviving that long is dependent on a positive outcome from the meeting that has now been postponed.
They look marooned; I don’t think they are going to make it.
You can buy a hard copy of the new issue of CQN Magazine via Magcloud here.
The graphic below is just for a flick through, to read the magazine go here to it’s dedicated site.
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I’m a bit confused as to why yesterday’s meeting was adjourned (even though it went on for 6 hours).
Doncaster said the reason was that the admins thought it would be a good idea for Rangers’ new owner to be present and everyone agreed. Well, why did the request to adjourn just come through at the last minute?
Didn’t they all know last week, for instance, that the new owner couldn’t possibly be there?
It’s all very smelly if you ask me.
Big Cup Winners
Thanks but I found one. CelticFCTickets@celticfc.co.uk
JJ
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on 8 May, 2012 at 10:19 said:
I remember a while back,when KOJO was being attacked for one of his posts-for a change,not by me!-and being labelled a bigot for the opinion which he had put down for posterity on the blog.
His reply was to point out that by definition,a bigot was someone who was intolerant of other opinions. Which kinda turned the argument on it’s head…….
I’m not his greatest fan,BUT enjoy a verbal joust with him now and then. That’s good enough in my eyes,so haste ye back,ya objectionable auld git,haha!
Im the same i love his racist comments,,,oh and the way he says that Lenny brought all the death threats and physical attacks upon himself,,,aye Kojois a real gem and an asset to the Blog!!!
Gie us peace FFS!!!
Hail hail
Quick Reminder:
Glasgow Celtic Champions!
Bill Miller meets coisty:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11AIVdSsP_A&feature=related
HEADTHEBALL 1026
The prospective new owner has until 30 May to:
BUY RANGERS
TIE UP THE LOOSE ENDS OF THE DEAL
PROCURE A PASSPORT
CLEAR IMMIGRATION AT THIS END
I think the last-mentioned will be the stumbling block…….
IBLEEDGREENANDWHITE 1027
Oh,I dunno.
Catching him out now and again-leading him on usually works-is one of life’s less expensive pleasures…….
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on 8 May, 2012 at 10:30 said
BM better make sure he’s not wearing exploding underpants!
IBLEEDGREENANDWHITE 1027
You wish the guy ill ? I hope not.
Bill Miller, the bumfluff moustache on a trembling virgin Newco..
Not a chance Bill Baby..
Liquify Liquidate Liquidation…
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on 8 May, 2012 at 10:19 said:
I remember a while back,when KOJO was being attacked for one of his posts-for a change,not by me!-and being labelled a bigot for the opinion which he had put down for posterity on the blog.
His reply was to point out that by definition,a bigot was someone who was intolerant of other opinions. Which kinda turned the argument on it’s head…….
___________________________
Sorry, but that argument is absolute NONSENSE.
If people call the KKK or any other supremacist grouping ‘BIGOTS’. then that is a perfectly valid judgement. It does not make the accuser a bigot.
Kojo has posted opinions on this forum which show him to be an attention- seeking BIGOT. That is beyond dispute.
I am sorry that he is unwell & wish him a full & speedy recovery.
BIG-CUP-WINNERS on 8 May, 2012 at 10:35 said:
IBLEEDGREENANDWHITE 1027
You wish the guy ill ? I hope not.
Read back m8!!!!
Hail hail
Kilbowie Kelt on 8 May, 2012 at 10:37 said:
Agree 100% m8!!
Hail hail
CRUSHED NUTS 1034
Nah,that’ll be for when he sees the accounts!
Tuesday, 8 May 2012
UEFA’s licensing system & the Role of the SFA
It has been stated in previous posts that all the latest developments regarding Rangers FC, have the potential of giving rise to different sports law issues. In the last few days, there has been a rather complicated discussion as to whether Rangers FC could potentially play in Europe, next season, either with their current status or under a new status.
Firstly, I wish to point out [as my disclaimer also states] that the content of this post does not, in any way, give rise to any kind of legal advice, nor should it be interpreted as such. My personal views relate to the analysis of the regulatory framework currently in place and to my experience in licensing matters before the Court of Arbitration for Sport [CAS] in the last two years.
Having said that, it would also be prudent to point out that the Rangers FC situation is more complicated than other matters, simply because of the legal position of the club at the moment. In terms of sporting analysis, the club has won the right to participate in the qualifying rounds of UEFA’s Champions League competition. Such sporting right, however, is conditional upon the club satisfying a series of different and stringest requirements, in relation to UEFA’s licensing and fair play system.
In terms of the legal position of the club, it could be argued that any legal advice would depend on the business decision making of those who are currently in charge. Given that the club may be acquired by a potential investor, its future legal position would very much depend on what the investor has in mind. He may require an immediate participation in Europe and the SPL, or a period of time for putting the club’s finances in order, or perhaps, both.
If the investor decides to transfer, or even sell the club’s assets to a newly formed company, he would have to use his powers of negotiation to persuade the SFA and the SPL as to why the new corporate entity deserves to participate in Scotland’s top flight of football. This would be the first hurdle. The second hurdle would require Rangers FC’s new investor to persuade the SFA, who in turn, would have to persuade UEFA to make an exception and allow the new Rangers FC into the qualifying rounds of the Champions League competition.
Here, most of you would argue that such participation is not allowed given the existence of the ‘three-year’ rule for new entities. This, however, is not an absolute rule. A persuasive legal approach towards interpretation would be not to examine what is written, BUT, instead, what IS NOT written [and could, therefore, be argued in favour of the omission]. A careful consideration of the rules currently in place [along with the several documents and circulars regarding licensing] could indicate the several ‘open’ windows that may allow Rangers FC its participation in European competitions. Could it be done? The answer is yes. Whether UEFA would consent to such interpretation that would allow a new Rangers FC into its competitions, could give rise to a different matter altogether. UEFA would have to consider the integrity of the competition and whether a decision to allow Rangers FC to participate in European competitions, could, potentially, jeopardise the legal interests of other clubs [in this instance I am thinking out loud and pointing towards Motherwell].
All this, of course, could also depend on the support a new Rangers entity could receive from the SFA and the SPL. If the two regulatory entities welcome a new Rangers FC into the SPL competition, they would, automatically, ‘recognise’ the club’s legal right to sporting competition. Even if the new Rangers FC does not participate in Europe in 2012-2013 season, its presence in the SPL and its acceptance of the terms, conditions and regulations regarding participation, would give the club a legal right to safeguard any sporting rights won in the SPL, towards European qualification for the 2013-2014 season. Given the potential satisfaction of the ‘break-even’ licensing principle by the new Rangers FC entity, UEFA may find itself at odds with its ‘three-year’ rule prohibition. Whether such rule could be determined as being anti-competitive and against the established decisions of the European Court of Justice, could be the subject-mater of a different analysis.
Finally, my personal view is that a new Rangers FC entity would probably fail to gain European participation this season. But this is an academic forum which respects an open discussion with critical and constructive analysis and it does not preclude the submission of different ideas. I am not suggesting that Rangers FC will play in Europe next season. Instead, I am saying, without a doubt, that the club could put a persuasive and comprehensive case forward, simply because of the potential interpretation the current rules allow.
It is, therefore, not all about the law, but also about how far politics could determine the literal application of the current regulatory framework.
Dr. Gregory Ioannidis
8 May 2012.
ibleedgreenandwhite1
I did, maybe I got it wrong but seemed to me his faults were being underlined at a time when saying nowt may be the tact to employ ?
Just my opinion.
Hail Hail
I think when it comes to renewing ST or not renewing everyone should go with their gut feeling. Don’t be pressurised one or the other by other people’s opinions. It’s your money after all and your choice, do what you feel happy with.
I will probably renew but I’m in no rush to do it, not by the deadline anyway. If I lose my seat so be it, sure there will be others to choose from when I’m ready.
NO TO NEWCO!!!
KILBOWIE KELT 1037
Agreed,but it was still a very clever way to turn the argument on it’s head.
And for that,which made me laugh,and many other ways he deals with dissent,he has my admiration and respect.
I can disagree with someone,dislike most of which they clearly espouse,and still respect them.
I’m like that sometimes.
Kitalba
you must have spent alot of time with Estadio
Rockhudsoncsc
oh and a happy birthday to the poster fomerly known as Vhman
Clinlk\o/
The rhyme of the poem, the lyrics of the song, the spirit in the photo, the youtube animation, and Estadio, sometimes I just have to say they can tell stories better than I can dream.
BIG-CUP-WINNERS on 8 May, 2012 at 10:44 said:
ibleedgreenandwhite1
I did, maybe I got it wrong but seemed to me his faults were being underlined at a time when saying nowt may be the tact to employ ?
Just my opinion.
Hail Hail
I have already stated i hope he comes through his operation with flying colours,,i wish him no harm!!!
However i cant sit here and listen to people make out that comments he has made in the past are just harmless fun,,they are not!!!
I have made my feelings clear on Kojo,i wish him well but he is an attntion seeker and i i will not comment further on him,,,,back to the Tic!!
Hail hail
You know with all this procrastination I hope we all remember to truly celebrate our title on Sunday.
It’s the least Neil deserves but I fear it’s getting a wee bit diluted with
a) his touchline ban which I still believe we accepted too meekly and
b) All the nonsense going around re the hvns and SPL management
SKY Sports cancellation
I cancelled my sports package today. I also cancelled my uncle’s as I pay for his.
I had a lengthy discussion with the SKY customer account rep. Seems like they are getting plenty of cancellations from Celtic supporters.
I certainly think it will be registered at a senior leve.
If you are even thinking of cancelling- call them on
08442410266
Make sure you cite Rangers remaining in SPL as the reason.
Son Mes
I’ve just penned my own layman’s view in club licencing that I hope CU will publish soon.
First thing is Rangers would fail criteria on 3 count, unaudited accounts, unpaid tax and unpaid football debt and that is not to mention irregular player registration.
Newco only have the 3 yr accounts hurdle but that faces integrity and political problems from UEFA should the SFA make an exception case.
In any case the original point that Rangers qualified on sporting merit is itself wrong. They did’nt. Mothetwell and Dundee Utd would make this point.
Lawyers eh?
new article posted.
I sincerely hope that Neil Lennon’s touchline ban doesn’t extend to the SPL trophy presentation after the match on Sunday. Without Lenny we may not have had the SPL trophy so he, more than anyone, deserves to be in on the celebrations and to take the plaudits of the Celtic support.
when?
Ibleedgreenandwhite.
The one harmed most by his comments is Kojo himself.
I hope he recovers fully in every sense.
Prodigal son n that.
Had a read on Phils blog…some guy has posted and its doing the rounds that Airdrie CHAIRMAN Jim Balantyne was at the hun circus in linfield last nite sporting the…rangers fans fighting fun badge….could this be true after all he is the SFL PRESIDENT…….broomfield thats the stadium with the one solitary flag flies…u jack…thought about buying them a saltire some day
In the past week it has been very clear to all and sundry that certain supposedly neutral folks in the world of Scottish fitba have been “preparing the ground” to accept a newco into the SPL
Financial reality is more important than integrity, being the reasons given.
Neil Doncaster of the SPL is one of the ground preparers
Michael Johnston the Killie chairman is another prominent advocate
There are a few more in positions of power and just about every single pundit and know all in the MSM joined in the clamour.
The Board of Chairmen, of the SPL had a meeting to discuss newco rules
I stress at this time that the newco rules were not special rules for RFC1872 they were to be newco rules for future liquidation events that might affect any club.
However RFC1872 declined to attend and the mighty board of the SPL apparently agreed to delay their vote, for two reasons
1) So that the responsibility for any rule changes could be transferred from a committee to all of the clubs. Since the rules were not specific to RFC1872 and applied to all newco applications RFC1872 were entitled to contribute to that debate.
2) So that RFC1872 could participate, although I cant understand that, since they were already invited to attend and had declined.
It looks to me that in their undue haste to prepare the ground for a hun newco, they have been left quite exposed with their knickers doon and you have got to consider their credibility (as if they ever had any to begin with!) They will all be remembered as the folks who placed cash over integrity, (sounds a bit like MPs expenses) as they chased the orange bigots pound. But the Orange pound didn’t arrive did it……
Did that Russian mob break the blog?
OK here goes
1st
2nd
And the ole Hat – trick fur the Teuchter
Jeeeeez It’s quiet here
I hope the blogs no gonna be like this when the Huns die!
C’mon you Celts
Ach! I’m awa’ tae pit ma wellies oan and go fur a wee run oan ma tractor.
Laters!