SPL could learn from Irish FA. SFA could learn from everyone

Before the SPL launch headlong into the process of ensuring Financial Fair Play they would do well to look over the water at the Irish Football Association (we’ll leave aside the fact that it’s the Irish FA who are on top of this situation there, but the league who are looking to tighten things up here, as the SFA await the next Any Other Business moment on a scheduled meeting).

Each month, every IFA club are required to complete a form which details information on whether wages, PAYE, NI and VAT have been paid.  It also asks if historic HMRC repayment plans have been maintained, whether lenders have indicated they will remove or not renew borrowing facilities and several other questions designed to flush out future problems.  Clubs, which are largely part-time with volunteer administrators, are also required to submit audited accounts.

Importantly, clubs must also authorise the IFA to inquire directly to HMRC to confirm details on the form are submitted accurately.

This single form, with authority to speak to HMRC, would have prevented Craig Whyte’s ‘business model’ from getting off the ground.

While the SPL should be applauded for tackling this issue their action must embarrass the moribund SFA.  Embarrassment might reach further heights when the SPL call SFA president, Campbell Ogilvie, to give evidence into their inquiry into Rangers’ alleged double contract practice.

Issue six of CQN Magazine, the 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.  Read with 20-20 vision…..

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