Hughes to depart SFA
THE SFA last night confirmed Gary Hughes would step down as an independent nonexecutive director — just 11 days after Rangers chairman Dave King called for his suspension. Hughes’ position had been in question after the emergence of a 2006 magazine article in which he
was credited as describing rangers fans as ‘the great unwashed’. King demanded an independent investigation and also sought answers on whether any other ‘SFA individuals’ were aware of the article prior to Hughes’ Hampden appointment in 2015. Now the governing body have announced that the former CeO of publishing firm CMPi will not seek re-election at tomorrow’s annual general meeting. Hughes was on holiday when the row broke out but has decided to stand down after returning to Scotland. ‘i would like to thank Gary for his service to Scottish football over the past three years,’ said SFA chief executive ian Maxwell. ‘He brought a wealth of business experience to the game and a passion to drive Scottish football forward at all levels. ‘We wish him the best of luck for the future and thank him for his efforts as a trusted and valued board member.’ in a statement on the SFA website, Hughes added: ‘it has been an honour and a privilege to bring my professional expertise to the game i love. ‘i have been involved in business for 30 years but the commitment of my board colleagues — and indeed everyone involved in Scottish football — to improve the national sport in this country has made it an absolute pleasure. ‘i will remain a passionate supporter of the Scottish FA’s activities but it is time to focus on other business interests at home and abroad.’ King has also called for the suspension of SPFL chairman Murdoch MacLennan, pending an independent investigation into ‘allegations of non-disclosure’ surrounding his appointment as nonexecutive chairman of irish media company iNM. Major Celtic shareholder dermot desmond and denis O’Brien, who owns a smaller shareholding in the Parkhead club, have stakes in iNM. The SPFL have countered by saying MacLennan ‘behaved impeccably’ and that King has not produced evidence, but the ibrox chairman is unwilling to back away from a conflict with the league hierarchy.