The report prepared for the SPFL General Meeting alleges its chief executive, Neil Doncaster, breached his duties as a company director. His “guiding hand”, apparently, did not provide material information to clubs ahead of their vote last month, misrepresented the situation through non-disclosure, did not exercise care, skill and diligence. It concludes there is “reasonable grounds for suspecting” he breached his fiduciary duty as a director of the SPFL.
Let’s be clear on the allegation, it is weak “suspecting” he was in breach, and was qualified by the adjective, “reasonable”. Not overwhelming, indisputable or even good, just reasonably good. It is not a good start.
It is alleged the SPFL could be on the hook for £10m in refunds to broadcasters and sponsors as a result of the lower leagues being curtailed and the possibility that the Premiership is also cut short. As the latter is yet to take place, this point is not credible. Broadcasts are overwhelmingly of the top flight, which will only be cancelled when all details are correct.
It is contended that future SPFL revenues could be restricted if, in future, the SPFL parts with other marketable properties e.g. league sponsorship rights. It is clear that none of this may happen and even if it does, it is not clear what, if any, alternatives would potentially be available, as these events have not happened.
Clubs may suffer financial loss if the SPFL is subject to future financial claims, which it subsequently loses, “Why was this not disclosed?” Again, any number of future events may or may not happen. But they have not happened!!
The report then alleges clubs were erroneously told they could only receive cash by voting for the SPFL resolution. Neil Doncaster examined this point in detail on BBC Sportsound on Saturday. It was the board’s view that loans to 42 clubs were not practical and limited scope existed to provide advances to the 30 lower league clubs, as money due to those finishing bottom of each table have almost been reached with the payment made in March.
The report asserts that there will be “significant difficulty” in getting the required agreement of SKY TV to league reconstruction and that this was not disclosed to clubs. I have seen no evidence of this significant difficulty and would be astonished if Doncaster had not received positive correspondence from SKY on the matter.
On corporate governance, it is claimed that Aberdeen got an assurance from the board that the Premiership would not be called without the board consulting with Premiership clubs, that this assurance was not disclosed to all 42 clubs and this, therefore, becomes a failure of corporate governance.
Agreeing to consult before taking a decision is not often regarded as a corporate governance failure. Dare I say this is a bit of a stretch?
There is a semantic point, “Clubs were given the misleading impression that they had to vote by 5.00pm on Friday.” The SPFL email asked them to vote by that time “if possible”. Frankly, despite the lack of weight thus far, I am amazed this point reached the final report.
Not relating to these issues, the minutes of 15 SPFL meetings were “unapproved”, the board took less than 24 hours to review 118 pages of detailed notes and an update on the vote status was given on Friday 10 April, before it was complete. The latter point was definitely a Hobsons’ Choice matter, but none of this amounts to misconduct.
The SPFL’s QC’s opinion on the “Rangers [sic.], Hearts and Inverness” requisition was “leaked” to SPFL board member Ross McArthur (yes, really) and the SFA vice president Mike Mulraney. Honestly, we’re not in smoking gun territory here, are we?
Dundee’s vote gets a bit of attention. “Why was Dundee’s email address not whitelisted?” No assertion was made that this suggestion was put to the board, even by board member Stewart Robertson. And “Why was the quarantine not checked until 8.30?” I know this one! Because the vote was still open and it was only after Dundee got in touch to cancel their vote that someone realised it had already been sent.
They also challenge Dundee’s process for cancelling their vote, although not their right to cancel it. Yes, actually.
Dundee chairman, John Nelms, comes in for the heaviest treatment, although he is not in the firing line. It is alleged that in a conversation with the Partick Thistle CEO he offered to negotiate with Dundee United and Raith Rovers to forgo some of their fee payments in order to offer Partick and Stranraer a higher fee – and to try to arrange friendlies with “big-hitters”
No claim is made that Nelms was empowered by the SPFL to act in this way. He will no doubt answer for himself soon enough.
Threats were apparently made by SPFL solicitor Rod McKenzie to the CEOs of Dundee and Inverness that if they did not agree to the proposal, Championship payments would be split in 10 equal ways. This possibility was also made by Neil Doncaster on Sportsound, who made it clear that demand had been made on them, so it is not as though McKenzie was acting alone or either acted frivolously or off the record.
Douglas Park’s allegation of bullying centres on Rod McKenzie’s email to him, stating “Can we not simply resolve this by a confirmation that such an allegation will not be repeated in connection with these events and that the suggested course of action will not be proceeded with?”
I honestly put my head in my hand at this point. “Can we not simply resolve this….?” is not how bullying works. ‘Snowflake’ does not being to address this level of sensitivity. Mr Park, have some self-respect.
Uefa were approached with a joint letter from the SPFL and SFA on 4 April, when they stated “the vast majority” of clubs wanted the season curtailed. This was before the vote, so they were working on other feedback from clubs, or not at all. The former option is supported by the SPFL vote on 10 April. The report does not cite the SFA as co-conspirator, which is nice.
That’s all, folks! As a friend said earlier, go easy on them, they are a new club learning the ropes. The SPFL will enjoy a landslide win on Tuesday’s vote.
Message from HamiltonTim then Lennybhoy in memory of Helen Dunese Stewart, Minx1888:
“After the sad passing of my wife Helen (Minx 1888) on Saturday 2/05/20 the family have been inundated with offers from people wishing to send flowers or make donations to a cause. Consequently, we’re asking that donations be made to Strathcarron Hospice.”
JustGiving account for Strathcarron in memory of Helen
“Ghuys as you will know from reading CQN we recently launched the WalkwithShay Legacy Fund and set out our purpose. However, given the news of Helen’s death and on Chris launching his just giving page we would like to invite any of you that have not already donated a chance to either do so through the above just giving page or if you are unable to do so then send a donation to the WWS Legacy Fund account:
Account Name: Walk with Shay
Sort Code: 80-22-60
Account No.: 15326765
Please put your moniker as the reference. If you are unable to do either email us at walkwithshay@yahoo.com
We have already ordered flowers, done so before Chris launched the just giving page. The flowers are from you, ‘CQN’.
Helen was a massive part of the CQN family, many more worthy contributors to this blog have listed causes that she was instrumental in helping.The CQN family are second to none and always rise to the challenge, I as always have faith in you all. Helen had faith in you, please please donate via the just giving page or the WWS Legacy Fund account.
Chris’s target was £1,000 at time of this post the amount donated stands at £3,091.00
Thank you in advance CQN…
Until we meet again…
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!”
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Jjinky
Still biased..but apparently SPFL are goin to show Motherhuns v Sevco in playoff second leg when they got fkd
DeniaBhoy, Southampton have posted interim accounts showing a £40m (!!!) loss. Might just be the time to ask politely if they would like us to remove La Gran Muralla from their wage bill?
up the broomie
—————————-
PictureThis Scotland
@74frankfurt
Broomhill Tavern, Drumfrochar Road, Greenock. Ann Street tower block in background. (2011) Pic: Thomas Nugent.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EXeozPYWoAArj-0?format=jpg&name=small
If anyone is listening to SSB, are the panel supporting/defending sevco or are they being ridiculed? Is anyone taking the piss out of Rae? Can’t imagine Keevins being impressed by the huns behaviour.
Off for my dinner and to wrestle the remote control from my 7-year-old. Have a great evening.
Guy on RC …we need to move to Norther Ireland …..full on DUP League.
HAHAHAHAHA
ADI, that was ridiculous of you spoiling the BBC fitba history look-back for the rest of us. I could have watched that with clenched sphincter, wondering if the Hun might be BACK at the end of the game!
oh my days –
Bill the daftest hun ever on clyde now
rangers need to start their own break away league
rangers and hearts and stranraer and linfield and other teams from norn iron, and some from wales and some from lower england
fffsss,
he is comedy gold
call the league “the scottish sporting integrity league”
keevins just called him a dimwitt
hahahahahha
it really is funny.
‘SPFL reconstruction talks break down after Premiership meeting’ BBC
in other words, gtf, who died and made you pope budgie!
WizardofbawsFour leaf clover
@delbhoyy007
· 11h
Happy Friday to the fenians Green heart
3 stunning strikes from Callum McGregor at Hampden.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1258658605458509824
ffs just turned BBC on,
is it the cardigan and wiggy in the studio
Saint Stivs,
that boy McGregor does not bad for a hun,
hides his tattoo well.
St Stivs – love your old pics – especially of my old stomping grounds in Inverclyde – had a couple of nights in the Broomy A few years ago
https://twitter.com/stateaidloon/status/1258456354051829760?s=12
The statement they never did….
Friday night country offering
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IppSS_-PFGM
Saint Stivs
Bill from Dumbarton easily wins the funniest call I have ever heard on Clyde.
It was a masterstroke by Gordon Duncan to ask him what his league would be called. I haven’t exploded with laughter like that for many years.
That call will be long remembered on Celtic sites
They could call it Celtic Nations Cup
Celtic Nations League
Grandad, where were you when we won the Ramsdens Cup?
Evening CQN,
Some of you may be aware that we are running a number of fund-raising initiatives shortly, one of which will be a very special Last Man Standing competition.
We have finalised all details now and a mail will be sent out this weekend to all those who have been kind enough to indicate an interest in participating. We plan to kick the competition off next weekend, with a round of games on Saturday 16 May.
If you would like to participate, or want to find out more, drop us a mail to cqnpredictor@gmail.com
Our main beneficiary from this competition will be Strathcarron Hospice, in Support of our Friend HamiltonTim’s ‘Just Giving’ page.
If you’re looking for something to occupy a little time during lockdown, please consider playing. 👍
Thanks,
Bateen Bhoy
Good Evening CQN
Your donations for Helen paid direct to the WWS fund have just been deposited into the justgiving account taking it through the 13k barrier.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/helen-dunese-stewart
Thank you
HH
CRC
ps quiz in 10 mins
BADA BING
I said a week ago is parks the only game in town.
I confidently forecast that as I try for the first time to defend the CQN Quiz title I am almost certain to be facing relegation. Hic ;-)
BOURNESOUPRECIPE on 8TH MAY 2020 3:41 PM
No sympathy here for the SPL or Neil Doncaster, despite the abuse from the animals.
A lawyer who helped mastermind the spare licence transfer, another lawyer who vigorously defended ‘title stripping’ all in all, they made sure, there was a Rainjurz of some sort. They made their bed now they have to lie in it, hostile bigots have to be dealt with in lots of job positions, ND preserved a notion of Rainjurz when he made his continuity statement.
I do hope Celtic are reviewing our business association with Douglas Park.
We don’t care what the animals say.
##############
I have little time for Doncaster who specialises in picking the regulations that help produce the desired result including the LNS Terms of Reference and the 5 Way Agreement, but he is only following orders from the clubs to reach their desired objective.
Celtic are one of those clubs in respect of the 5 Way Agreement which Doncaster e mailed to Peter Lawwell and Eric Riley in July 2012 for acceptance.
That acceptance explains Celtic’s unwillingness to take Res12 to UEFA and questions their real motivation by way of assisting requisitioners when Celtic insisted it all be done domestically under the SFA Judicial process, when they knew that a clause in the 5 Way Agreement, which they denied sight of at the last AGM, required any investigation in respect of RFC to be referred to CAS.
So the appeal by TRFC in July 2018 to take the matter to CAS that has not happened yet should have come as no surprise to Peter Lawwell.
So whilst I find Doncaster untrustworthy he is no more so than those who direct him to do their bidding.
Football governance in Scotland is as bent as a ten bob note , the problem with Res12 for clubs is that unlike “Rangers” dossier it is backed by evidence, so the SFA JPDT investigation that itself omitted charges covering the grant period with no explanation, has been buried.
None of which is down to Doncaster, but a culture of doing what it pleases because there is no transparency and accountability.
Good evening folks
Welcome to another Friday nite fitba quiz with 5 rounds of all things Celtic. Hopefully you have all disabled javascript, obviously temporarily for the duration of the quiz.
Tonight is quite simply for MInx1888 and Wee Oscar
Round 1 follows shortly
Round 1: If you know Your Celtic History
( 1 point for each question answered correctly. If you are the first person to answer a question correctly then you get a bonus point. Only your first guess will count)
1 Which Lisbon Lion played his last game for Celtic in 1972 Scottish Cup final?
2 In which year did Celtic play their first game in the Hoops (1899, 1903 or 1908)?
3 Who did Celtic beat in the final of the Glasgow cup in 1967?
4 Which Celt scored the winner in his old firm debut in April 1980?
5 Who did Davie Hay appoint as his No. 2 in February 1987?
6 Former Celtic goalie, Tony Warner was capped once..for which international team?
7 Roy Aitken won over 50 caps for Scotland. Yes or no?
Tim H- you did mate,a few others on question using Parks HH
SPFL response to Sevco.
Liars. Liars. Pants on Fire.
1. John Clark
2. 1908
3. Clyde
4. Charlie Nicholas
5. Frank Connor
6. Wales
7. Yes
Clark
1903
Clyde
Stark
Frank Connor
Malta
Yes
2 1908
4 McGarvey
5 Frank O’Connor
6 Wales
7 yes
Evening CRC
John Clark
1903
Patrick Thistle.
Frank McGarvie
Frank Conner
Wales
Yes.
That moment on a Friday night where there’s no recent sightings of SFTB leaving the quiz possibilities wide open…..
1 Which Lisbon Lion played his last game for Celtic in 1972 Scottish Cup final?
Jim Craig
2 In which year did Celtic play their first game in the Hoops (1899, 1903 or 1908)?
1903
3 Who did Celtic beat in the final of the Glasgow cup in 1967?
Clyde
4 Which Celt scored the winner in his old firm debut in April 1980?
Chicken George
5 Who did Davie Hay appoint as his No. 2 in February 1987?
Frank Connor
6 Former Celtic goalie, Tony Warner was capped once..for which international team?
Jamaica
7 Roy Aitken won over 50 caps for Scotland. Yes or no?
No
Jobo- are you bullying SFTB? 😆
1. Billy McNeill
2. 1908
3. Clyde
4. Chic Nick
5. Eric Black
6. Wales
7. Yes
SFTB Could join in Round3 & still win. I’m pinning everything on a wild guess in the last round.
I shouldn’t have jinxed it…..
2 more mins