THIS IS NOT A BLUFF

Mulraney insists SFA threat to quit Hampden is real EXCLUSIVE

SFA boArd member Mike Mulraney last night warned that the governing body are not bluffing over proposals to quit Hampden.

The Alloa Athletic chairman will be one of the eight men and women charged with deciding the fate of Scottish football’s home next month.

The SFA, whose current lease runs out after the Euro 2020 finals, are fearful that committing to another 20 years at the ageing national stadium could cost tens of millions of pounds in future maintenance.

Glasgow City Council have opened talks with the SFA over saving a venue which has served as home to Scotland’s national football team and showpiece finals for 115 years.

Addressing a widespread suspicion that the governing body have utilised threats to take major games to

From Back Page Parkhead, Ibrox and Murrayfield as a negotiating ploy to drive down the price of using Hampden, Mulraney told Sportsmail: ‘I cannot be more straight than to tell you that I am not bluffing when I say I will act in what I deem to be the best interests of the SFA. ‘Everyone has to understand that the SFA board must act in the best interests of its member clubs. ‘My fiduciary duty will come first before everything else. And I believe the other six men and one woman around the table will do exactly the same.’ Concerned that the closure of Hampden could damage the local economy and leave the city with an empty, derelict eyesore on its hands, Glasgow council leader Susan Aitken claims the economic, historic and social case for saving the stadium is ‘compelling.’ As a debate rages over the pros and cons of Hampden, however, Mulraney says emotion will be secondary to the best economic interests of the game when a vote is taken by the SFA board. ‘We have a responsibility. And anyone who thinks the decision will be based on emotion is mistaken,’ he added. ‘Of course, we will consider the views of fans, ex-players, the council, politicians and everyone else. ‘People can have an opinion and many people do. But the member clubs are ultimately responsible for any mistake we might make and, therefore, we have to act in their best interests first and foremost. And we will do so. ‘We will make a decision based on the facts presented to us and that could incorporate any of the options under discussion right now. ‘What it can’t be is a decision based on emotion. ‘On a personal level, of course, you are impacted by opinions from outside. But it’s important to me that nobody thinks I have pre-judged the issue. I have no bias. ‘I might have an emotional feeling, but I cannot allow that to override what I think is right.’ An SFA board consisting of chief executive Stewart Regan, president Alan McRae, Rod Petrie, Ian Maxwell, Mulraney (SPFL), Thomas McKeown and independent nonexecutive directors Ana Stewart and Gary Hughes are currently awaiting a detailed report on the costs and benefits of leaving Hampden and could reach a decision as early as next month. Council chiefs hope to buy more time to work on a rescue plan, but told the SFA in a meeting last week there would be no more public money to maintain the home of Scottish football unless they see a detailed plan to develop a sustainable community asset. ‘If councils or government bodies want to impact or influence the decision, then so be it,’ added Mulraney. ‘But if anyone is minded to influence the decision that the small group of people around that table have to make in any way or shape, then they need to do so now.’