Since Stewart Regan’s letter to the 93 SFA member clubs was uncovered by STV yesterday evening I’ve read what feels to me like unfounded concern at the news. Regan asked clubs to declare “any written agreement(s) falling within the scope of Article 12.3 which has/have not previously been lodged with the Scottish FA in the previous ten years, in respect of any current or former players of your club.”
The most pleasing point is that the letter was dated 9 March. A look at the chronology of events is perhaps useful.
Rangers troubles with HMRC have been public knowledge since 2010 but it was only on 22 February this year that questions were first raised (here, of course) as to whether the club registered the Employee Benefit Trust (EBT) payments with the SFA. Everyone knew Rangers players had EBTs, we knew HMRC were contesting that these should be taxed, but there was no reason to believe Rangers did not to declare them to the SFA (unless you count the “sniff test” on Sir David…).
The EBTs were noted in Rangers audited accounts so it appears clear that Rangers at least notionally believed they were both legal (which they were) and legally executed (which we will soon find out). When we took a shot in the dark on 22 February and posed the registration question, there was no reason to assume the SFA board had even considered the issue. I’m sure they hadn’t and like the rest of us, were caught cold by the question.
Earlier that day the SFA announced an inquiry into Rangers headed by Lord Nimmo Smith. His report was considered by the board on 8 March, when they presumably decided to send letters out to the member clubs the next day. In short, this issue has been active at the SFA every day since it was first raised.
Had we known this at the time I suspect our view of the (apparent) SFA inactivity would have been different. Maybe a PR lesson there.
Several friends and one brother have suggested that Stewart Regan’s letter is a prelude to an amnesty. I doubt this. The SFA chief exec does not have the authority to offer an amnesty and in his letter Regan says, “the Scottish FA reserves the right to refer any Club to the Compliance Officer, which might result in proceedings before the Judicial Panel”.
The letter is an attempt to establish if the problem is prevalent in one, or more than one club, a perfectly reasonable step at this stage. I’m guessing around 90 clubs will be able to respond within minutes.
As a result of this letter, the phoney war is over. Comments like “there were no double contracts” can no longer be reported as though they have some validity to questions over unregistered payments to players. Even those reporting from the back of the class will now have to recognise the validity of the questions we have been asking for weeks.
More on the nature of these questions later, specifically, is it cheating?
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RWE,
In denial. But also they love that symbolism. Pyramid schemes and egyptian deities.
I see the onionesque layers in that one :)
Auld Neil Lennon heid on 22 March, 2012 at 00:54 said:
Not sure that is helpful at all.
Stick to facts, evidence and inescapable logic. They are working ok so far.
FFM
But who do they walk like?
Egyptian or someone going to the rally.
Seriously, absolution would have to called forgiveness.
An amnesty would have to apply.
Just because Group A folks will confess to a priest in a wee dark room or wherever in private, doesn’t mean that they are going to be well disposed towards admitting things they’ve done wrong in a public and recorded forum.
Essentially, there has got to be an overwhelming demand from the ground up for such a programme. It can’t be imposed from the top down, which is what would likely happen in Scotland.
HH and Night all, I had a steroid injection my knee today and together with the antihistimines I am goosed.
weeron on 22 March, 2012 at 01:58 said:
Auld Neil Lennon heid on 22 March, 2012 at 00:54 said:
Not sure that is helpful at all.
Stick to facts, evidence and inescapable logic. They are working ok so far.
—————————–
Not at ending sectarian thinking they aint.
RWE,
well said bud.
Where’s the contrition in all this???
Jock Stein took football forward by 30 yrs for its time in this country…and indeed Europe.
The effects lasted a further 20 yrs in Scotland.
Since Minty’s domination, now look where it’s at.
Look forward to Ned Flanders discussing this with Jim WhataC@~t in their wee radio programme that has proved so important in these “football related matters”.
No 20 yrs of tax dodging and SFA collusion.
In fact, no financial empowerment whatsoever.
One of the most legendary football managers in European history,
Any chance we can acknowledge this a bit better Scotland?
He did die for his country after all, while the rest of us sing about it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfhMHI2Q-dI
Auldheid:
Before you can admit a wrong and maybe seek forgiveness (if that is your thing) then must have prerequisites would be the ability to define moral right and wrong married to an inner courage in support of integrity and the will to stand apart from a dominating demographic.
The feeble howl with the wolves, bray with the asses, and bleat with the sheep. In a comfort zone rocked by fifty thousand bouncing fools a statue is the most animated.
Fortunes Favour Mibbes:
From what I am hearing they are going to invoke the name of Jock Stein – and desecrate it with malice – just so as to spoil any joy we might have at the game.
And they believe themselves a master race….
I hope the world is watching and is taught the meaning of their depravity.
Kitalba,
Bit harsh imo. Is it not worth giving the monkeys the option of choosing common sense, knowing they won’t take it…?
kitalba @ 02:55
Yep, They’ll stoop to even worse levels than ever this week.
You would hope the pundits would draw a line, but I did hear Keevins give an oscar winning lecture before the Dundee Utd game last week, pleading for peace and that we will only bring it on ourselves when the hoardes turn violent on Sunday.
Which is a given.
Auld Neil Lennon heid on 22 March, 2012 at 00:54 said:
Have forgotten the Catechiz?
Absolution is dependent on a ” firm purpose of amendment.”
Non Catholics used to think it depended on payment.
Maybe they still do .
Anyway,
Feck the huns.
This moves me everytime :)))
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=–hNg4_WuZY&feature=related
Fortunes Favour Mibbes –
I was in an Edinburgh pub in Buckstone for the Hugh Dallas game when Rangers won the league, thanks to said referee’s putting the boot into the “Irish club” as he put it to a neighbour of my brother’s at the time.
I was in the company of a friend who was a Rangers man and a great friend he was too. At the end I shook him by the hand and I adjourned to the bar to buy him a drink. There were a couple of morons singing the “Billy Boys” and then “Let’s all laugh at Celtic”. The barman told them to shut it and said, “As Hearts supporters I thought you would know better.”
I spoke up and told them they were typical Jambos – Rangers supporters who can’t afford the bus fare. They started to abuse me and my mate Dougie, the Rangers man, was instantly on the scene. He was a big guy and he stood them down and told them if they have a problem with his mate, they go through him first. They drank up and left.
You’re right. There are potential problems in Edinburgh bars and it isn’t always Rangers men.
Tom @ 03:14
Point I was making was the mini huns are more to be reckoned with now in their visciousness.
That’s a fact.
But I’d also say be wary of hun heroes drinking in Hibs pubs.
Friends of mines from abroad witness an ex-hun player of no significant stature or reputation glass an inncocent Celtic supporter in a friendly wee Hibs pub they’d both been drinking in for years.
The young lad spent months in hosptial. The culprit sent him txts offering money which were ignored as the victim just wanted justice – nothing more, nothing less. The DR joined the campaign. The lies that followed were despicable.
Even if it had went to court, the good auld DR and Jabba and co stepped in to make sure it all went according to plan.
There is not one person ever associated with that club I would trust with anything.
Sorry for the angry sounding reply, but them’s the facts I know from first hand witnesses :((
Fortunes Favour Mibbes –
Absolutely no need to apologise mate. That is horrific.
My father always used to say, “At least you know where you are with the Gers fans. You never know where you are with those Edinburgh bastards.”
My dad was also in the habit of, when Celtic were at Easter Road or Tynecastle, shouting, “Ya shower o Tories that yeez are.”
Just noticed the beaming smile on Ally McCoist’s face as he led one of the prospective Rangers buyers on a guided tour of Ibrox. Recently McCoist went public with his fears that any new owner might dump him.
One thing I’d like to know. What is he going to do once the present owner moves forward, either post-Administration or post-Liquidation?
Is Craig whyte going to be happy in the knowledge that his manager stabbed him in the back?
I think not.
HeHeHeHe.
Tom
:)
Never a truer word spoken.
Edinburgh neds and mini huns are particularly evil.
But fair play to the Hibees.
Had great nights there, even up to end of last year.
Any Tim can watch us on Leith Walk and will be not only more than welcome, but often in good company.
The evil ones are not as successfully promiscuous as the media whores will tell us.
KTF is what I say :))
HH, and hope you’re keeping well amigo. Always good to talk !
Fortunes Favour Mibbes –
I am doing well mate. Good to speak to you again and even as I read back, always enjoy your stuff my friend.
Hail Hail.
Thanks Tom,
Kind words are always appreciated.
HH
Thanks again mate –
Sitting here listening to JS Bach’s passion. Wonderful music.
My wife cannot get her head round how I adore Bach and his sacred works, because I am an Atheist.
It’s a bit like how I love to visit European cathedrals and am a big fan of Caravaggio. I love art, regardless of my beliefs.
Tom et al.
We are entitled to recollect what Lenny went through when these bastards resorted to every available measure to deflect.
They’re about to do it again.
At least we have good on our side, and each other, for now.
Neil Lennon 2010-11
Morning Celts, perhaps slightly controversial but I’d rather win the league at CP in front of our own supporters, I’m more concerned with coming away from the bigot dome with no injuries to our young players.
I’ve a stinking cold since last week so mibbe it’s just me :>)
Ps I’d ignore the Hun who can’t spell, he’ll move on when ignored.
V
Vhman –
Then all we need is Motherwell to beat Kilmarnock.
I know what you mean, but I would love us to win it at Ibrox. It is easy for ME to say from here of course, but having spoken to my sons, who will be there, thay agree with me.
Vmhan,
The ice cream will be much sweeter against St J, only cos it’s at home where we are all safe, and away from evil eyes, which don’t belong at Paradise. And God willing, will never be there ever again !
Tom, I’m more the clash, stranglers, Dr Hook and Bob Marley :>)
Good music is good music though, enjoy!
V
FFM
Aye v the saints will do for me, its the wifes birthday, I asked her if she wanted to go :>)
V
Tom no doubt if I was going to the game I’d be more up for it, but generally it’s always best to win it in front of our home support.
It’s good to talk Celtic for a while CSC
Ps Tom I hope you’re well.
V
Vhman –
Apart from JS Bach, I’m a big Who fan.
Vmhan @ 05:44
Surely ye told her there will be many more to go to?
Tis just he beginning !!
If you’re going to the St J game, see ye all for a pint :))
Little Angel Dance
.
Greek House Mafia for Moi..ft Summa Dayz..
Summa
Good morning friends from a beautiful totally clear skied morning over East Kilbride.
Was lucky enough to have my car broken into yesterday so it’s a walk and a train for me this morning whilst my car window gets repaired. Nobody hurt (…..yet!) so hey-ho!
Jobo
I’m with you Vmhan.
I want to win league at CP.
I’m also with you Tom as I love JS Bach, art and empty churches and Cathederals.
Don’t understand the good Tims who purport not to understand the reasons for any bhoycott that maybe called for though. Stop acting dumb Bhoys and just admit you’ve no intention of ever bhoycott ing away games rather than make up pretend reasons because you think the tide is flowing against you. Stick you your guns for reasons you refuse to Bhoycott (you just wont ever because its not what you believe to be right no matter who request it of you) and stop the acting stupid. HAMILTON TIM I include you in that. :-)
MWD
Jobo
Sorry to hear that buddy. Good that nobody hurt put still a pain in the kisser.
SCUMBAGS.
MWD
OH! And BTW. Has anyone seen @CelticTaxcase or is he out investigating. I need a seriously good laugh.
MWD
Top of the morning to you all from Fife where the sun is breaking over a glorious, clear, still, and crisp Spring morning.
Having supported Celtic one way and another for over half a century I thought that nothing our neighbours across the city could do would shock me.
I was staggered in 1969 when the Hun hoards wrecked Newcastle city centre and invaded the pitch at St. James’s Park; shocked when similar happened again in Barcelona in 1972, and speechless when I watched the murderous mob of animals supporting the Gers rampage in Manchester, but the latest news has left me shattered and almost speechless.
I refer of course to the reports in the Herald this morning that Sir David Murray may have lied when he said that EBTs were discretionary rather than contractual. This, surely, must be the lowest point for a club that has plumbed the depths on many occasions.
The rioting and rampaging throughout Europe pale into insignificance when compared to the prospect that a knight of the Realm may have misled Her Majesty’s Tax officers.
I admit that I have enjoyed our rivals discomfort recently but this allegation, if true, would cause me to suspend schadenfreude and genuinely sympathise with the many decent Ranger’s fans who would forever have to bear the stigma of tax-dodgers.
Say it ain’t so Sir David, say it ain’t so.
Big Nan
I’m with you.
Free the 52,000.
MWD
Tom McLaughlin
Can I point you in the direction of Gorzecki’s Symphony No.3 “The Symphony of Sorrowful Songs” sends shivers running down your spine. Quite simply a stunning piece of classical music. Our Polish correspondent may be able to provide testimony to it as well.
I put it right up there with Teenage Kicks ;-)
Hail! Hail!