SFA unsure of own rules
Celtic Quick News readers have assumed SFA rules apply to all clubs, including Rangers. It is therefore, a surprise to read the BBC report today that the associations lawyers are “unsure” if Articles of Association rule 10.2, which prohibits someone (in this case, Paul Murray) becoming a director of a club if they have previously been a club director “within the five-year period preceding such club having undergone an insolvency event”, which includes administration and liquidation, should it arise.
The SFA are “unsure”. Heaven help us.
The rules are clear, those who have been directors of Rangers during the past five years are not eligible to be a director of a Scottish club without appeal to the SFA board for discretionary dispensation. It is preposterous for the association to be unsure on this matter.
If they are asked to consider Paul Murray as a Fit and Proper person, his record as director of Rangers should be examined. As we explained on Saturday, Murray was director in the spring of 2010 when Rangers were issued with a £24m tax demand plus £12m interest.
Instead of curtailing budget the following season by selling players to mitigate the threat to the club’s survival, the board Murray served on authorised a £4m spend on Nikica Jelavic in August 2010. If they had taken the responsible long-term view, they could have cut budget, realised significant levels of cash, prepared for the outcome of the tax tribunal and seen off any asset-stripping takeover.
The SFA really need to get a grip of their own rules. They appear intent on pretending Scottish football is not in crisis.
The 8th Annual Celtic Quick News Charity Golf Day is booked for Friday, 3rd August 2012 at Aberdour Golf Course in Fife. The night is always over-subscribed, so get your application in early. Costs are £70 for golf including an evening meal and £40 for evening guests only. You can book by emailing Taggsybhoy at cqnopen2012@gmx.co.uk.
Former Celtic defender and current Livingston manager, John Hughes, will join me in speaking after the meal.