Retiring SPFL chairman Ralf Topping addressed the issue of Rangers EBTs in the light of the recent Supreme Court ruling in an interview today with The Scotsman. It is clear he is well-briefed on what is ‘in the post’ for the football authorities in Scotland from “fans groups”:
“There are a lot of wealthy people who support football clubs who will fund certain activities around challenges. The authorities just have to accept it and be measured in their response.”
Topping told The Scotsman, their solicitor, “the finest in the land”, made sure they were “ready for any challenges subsequently”.
The SPFL would save themselves and everyone else a lot of time and money if, instead of briefing friendly journalists who would refrain from asking the pertinent questions, they would address the matter in hand.
Why did the SPL (now the SPFL) set the parameters for what became the Lord Nimmo Smith (LNS) Commission to examine from 1998, then, when it became clear Rangers would admit guilt for offenses between 1998 and 2000, change that date to run from 2000?
Why did the SPL not lead evidence to the LNS Commission on the five players Rangers admitted guilt to the First Tier Tribunal, for offenses committed during the period in question (after 2000)?
Why did the SPL not reserve the right to appeal the LNS decision, which was predicated on EBTs being executed legally, pending the HMRS appeal?
Other questions, like who made the above decisions and why, can be addressed later.
If only the SPFL would “be measured in their response”, if only they would respond at all! There has been no response to these questions, only prevarication, misdirection and evasion.
The more those at the top of Scottish football speak, the more they sound like Sepp Blatter, who for years set inquiries and boasted about his robust legal advice on the running of Fifa.
Frankly, Topping and his cronies are not in Blatter’s league. They are not career criminals, but their briefing of selected journalists while studiously avoiding the question every fan would like to see answered, increasingly looks like a cover-up.
Celtic’s call for action will be ignored by the SPFL and SFA, but that must not be the end of it. Just do the right thing, Ralph; answer the questions.
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Canny believe i got my first deletion for using the term “five carder”.
Anyway regarding the JF article about a share issue by the huns,
when does the lying king face punishment for not making an offer for all the shares
GFTB- going to the fitba with my dad is magic,he turned 77 in march
Bed time this time,love my wife ,and my life, in that order:-))
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-transfer-news/transfer-news-live-rangers-celtic-10807895
According to this story Virgil wants to go to Liverpool.
Bada Catch up for a beer soon big mhan whenever Travis Bickle has a day off. Hh
Just before I go,Gordybhoy64,-five carder???
G64
YOU TALKIN TO ME???
Fairhill Bhoy,
a five card trick
VP You are more Judd Hirsch than De Niro mi amigo Hh.
G64
ZAT GOOD ? night night hh
AULDHEID @ 7:29 PM,
What should happen imo is that as a matter of procedure the current SPL Board, still under Toppings Chairmanship, should look at the minutes of the meetings at which they decided to put aside misgivings and not appeal and reconsider the whole matter from there.
Well that sounds like very good advice. When we look at the Rangers situation in the round there is a tendency to look for someone to be pulling up trees.
A more measured approach is exactly what’s needed. The SPL Commission’s scope and conclusions are so flawed that it leaves a vast opportunity for a review.
Not just because of the points you made about the conduct of the Commission itself where Topping appears to share some of your concerns about lack of challenge, but also to take account of the circumstances that led to the Decision (lawful ebts no longer so, dishonesty demonstrated in court backed by documentation provided to Harper MacLeod) , non disclosure in April 2012 of that same documentation as provided to SPFL Board in 2014.
Yes, the only points the Commision dealt with was, non-disclosure of side letters, the consequent player registration issues and the resultant sporting advantage issue.
Therefore any Review could have its scope widened to investigate the items Paul67 highlights in his lead.
The illegal DOS Payments, The then known illegal EBT payments and the now known EBT payments.
Further, you may not like to jump the gun by detailing the scope, but from my prospective the review…
Could examine the illegal payments made to over 50 players, other Rangets employees and mediaries
Could re-exam Player Registrations in light of the above and review the Commission’s Player Registration, eligibility “construct”
Could in the light of the above and the omission from the SPL Commission, properly investigate Sporting Advantage
Could look at the situation regarding the Commission’s findings, in terms of the wrongdoing and Sanctions that were explicitly Oldco’s – looking at the unsatifactory definition of “Club” -“Owner Operator” in terms of Responsibility for Rule Compliance, Continuity and Sanctions.
If that was undertaken without fear or favour I, believe it would go some way to addressing the “misgivings”.
AULDHEID @ 7:49 PM,
It would be great if a thorough review was later expanded and I would say a further Inquiry looking at the short comings of the processes during this time…
Obviously there are structural faults in the organisations – the one that comes to mind, the people who decide on a Disciplinary processes are also the people who make the Commercial Decisions, there is a clear conflict of interest.
Another is looking at the standing of individuals. Sure Craig Whyte got the book thrown at him but when the evidence was tested in Court a different picture emerged.
The LNS Commission found fault with the Oldco Board, but rather than censure or admonish these individuals, we now see several on the Board of Newco.
The SFA President – “Campbell won’t play any part in any meeting, discussion or conclusion on any activities surrounding Rangers,” said Regan on Friday [02 March 12]. “I think it’s pretty obvious that he’s heavily conflicted.
Not only was he allowed to continue in his Senior Role, he was, despite what was said, an integral witness in the SPL Inquiry.
I’m not looking for a tree puller upper but A root and branch review and a restructuring of the Footballing Authorities looks to be needed – Where our top Office holders were charged with up holding those UEFA Values you mention, above and beyond their “commercial” remits.
Hail Hail
John James has been on the money from the outset. An outstanding piece journalism that will stand as a testament to this incredible period in Scottish history. Hh
I remember watching an interview with Alex Ferguson a few years back, it was when Rooney rejected a new contract and told him he wanted to leave. Fergie said that at a big club there are always contract issues at any given time and that is just the way it is. Eventually Rooney signed up but the point he made is something that we will have to get used to. Re the Armstrong situation, from what I’m led to believe we have offered to double his wages at least. We have a structure in place and that’s the way it is and should be. In January Craig Gordon was linked with a move away and ended up with a bumper new deal. Tierney, Forrest, Lustig and Rogic signed on again last year as did Griffiths the year before. From what we are hearing Stuart’s demands are unrealistic. Maybe he is asking for the same or more than Brown, Dembele and Sinclair. That’s all speculation but the thing is somewhere along the line you have to draw a line in the sand. It may be that Stuart is the unlucky one but you cant give into every players demands, it’s just not sustainable. If you give Stuart what he wants it wont be long before you have others at the door asking for more. So I’m afraid Stuart will get an offer that’s on a par with the others, he either takes it or we move him on. There are plenty before him who have gone down there and done nothing and there will be many more. Stuart will be another one on the list if he goes, mark my words. He isn’t in the same class as he guys who have made it, like VVD or Wanyama. But who am I to judge him if he is being offered £40k a week and a £1m signing on fee? I will be sorry to see him go all the same but we will go on regardless.
teeeheehee gene!
hahaha forgot about those – c5 storming up the wing!
VP- G64- good stuff catch up soon bhoys
The Tim Reaper
Are you driving SA to the airport yourself?:)
HH
Been some great stuff on here all weekend regarding title stripping etc. Let’s all stay together and get it done , we can do it ; SFA /SPFL are a total farce !!
https://twitter.com/celticrab19671/status/886580640610693121
Banner not flame retardent…….the stewards at Ayr must be well trained and very vigilant……aye right.
Judith looking splendid tonight in her burgundy outfit. Hh
GORDON64
Gutted i missed big Judith tonight ! My kinda weather ghirl !!!
To compare what Stuart Armstrong gets paid at the moment with what’s on offer from clubs in England is pointless.
Celtic offered him an improved contract many months ago that was rejected.
His form improved in the months that followed.
His agent spoke to us and we reported on this on CQN Magazine. Indeed we were the first with the story. We didn’t sensationalise it though as we wanted the Bhoy to stay.
He wants to stay too.
Celtic have had months to close the gap in the money. The player’s good form has strengthened his agent’s hand.
Stuart is a clever guy, he will do what is right for him. Two days ago Brendan said the agent had to come back to the table. Now there’s an apparent leak on the wages he could potentially earn in England.
If that’s where Armstrong wants to play his football.
He’d rather be at Celtic.
TGM
These kind of situations can stink the place out. I’m sure Brendan has it in hand but the player is kidding himself on. 9 months ago he struggled to control the ball before Brendan sorted him out.
Treble Winning Captains,
was it yourself that suggested that Ralph Topping might have more to worry about tomorrow,
if so is there anything you can add to it
TTR- If we want to keep up with Brendan’s idea of a smaller squad with better quality, we need to up the ante.I think SA is on about 8k a week, to up it to 16k a week (i know i know), won’t cut it IMO.We need to offer 6-8 players 25k a week plus, to keep the core of the current team.When you sign guys like Ntcham from Man City, what are we paying him? Armstrong and others will take note, and want similar.HH
THETIMREAPER on 16TH JULY 2017 10:25 PM
Interesting comments.
I tend always to ” blame ” the agent in situations like that of Stuart.
In his case , however , I feel less altruistic.
He can hardly fail to be aware of the absolute transformation in his form since Brendan arrived.
If he refuses to sign a new contract , I would be making him play out the final year of his contract.
Principle or bank account.
That would seem to be the decision for both Celtic and Stuart.
The fact that he played against Linfield was , I thought , significant .
Embdae got a link to big Judith…:)
Gordon64/Park Road 67
Judith,seriously?
give me Gillian Smart or Anne Lundon anyday
Bada
We dont know the in’s and out’s but if he is being offered at least 16 but would settle for 25 it would have been sorted by now I’m sure. If his agent is asking for 30 plus then it’s cheerio I’m afraid.
Macjay
if he doesn’t sign on he will be sold in this window. even with one year left we should get at least £5m which we can reinvest.
I would be delighted if Stuart Armstrong signed a new contract……
But
He is no Paul McStay……..
Celtic are bigger than any player, the matter how good they are
Fellow Celts, good night and God bless
We live in great Celtic times
KieranTierneyCSC
Gordybhoy
Paul will start the ball rolling in that tomorrow.
THETIMREAPER on 16TH JULY 2017 10:49 PM
For 5 mill. , stuff principle .
:-)
TWC,
cheers for the reply,
i look forward to it
The TimReaper
I agree, SA must consider himself a fantastic player.
One season superstar.
Good luck to him.
HH
What if the delay in Stuart signing his new Contract was not about money but about the terms in which he could leave!
I too hear Stuart is keen to stay.
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
Was in Tesco’s this morning waiting to pay for my rolls and Sunday Herald. I looked around as u do and there’s this strange looking character next to me with this weird looking logo ‘Sons of Struth’ on his jacket. The penny drops its that nugget Houston. I pick up my paper to look at the headline in a rather exaggerated fashion to show ‘ Outrage at the the Orange hall’. I turned in and that instant he knew that I knew. Hh
If Stuart does stay, and i hope he does, he has put himself under pressure to perform, due to the delay in signing.IMO
This time last year Armstrong looked like he was heading for Aberdeen or Rotherham. His second touch was a tackle and to be quite honest few would have shed any tears had he moved on. Fast forward 12 months and we have his Manager, who has transfer the boys career asking his agent, via the press, on the eve of a Champions League qualifier to contact the Club. I’m sorry but that is unacceptable. The player should be embarrassed.
THE GREEN MAN SAYS SACK THE BOARD on
Still punting that same tired line, you the night shifts Dev Bungle:))