IBROX CHIEFS ON HUNT OVER HUGHES

RANGERS will seek answers from the SFA as to whether Gary Hughes had any influence on the Notice of Complaint levelled at the club over their 2011 UEFA licence. It was announced on Monday that Hughes would not stand for re-election as an independent non-executive director of the governing body at today’s annual general meeting. His decision to step down came 11 days after Rangers chairman Dave King called for his suspension, pending an investigation into a 2006 magazine article in which Hughes referred to Ibrox supporters as ‘the great unwashed’. King was also keen to know whether other ‘SFA individuals’ were aware of the article when Hughes was appointed in 2015 — and his exit from the Hampden post will not mark the end of their demands. Last month, Rangers were hit with two SFA charges over their UEFA licence application seven years ago, following evidence made public during the Craig Whyte trial. The club reacted furiously, claiming ‘it seems that Scottish football is, once again, being directed by individuals intent on harming the Scottish game, Rangers Football Club and its supporters by pursuing a course that has no sensible purpose or reasonable prospect of success’. The Ibrox club now want a review of Hughes’ actions at the SFA and how independent directors are appointed. ‘Rangers notes that Gary Hughes will not be standing again for the Scottish FA’s Board,’ said an Ibrox spokesman. ‘Hopefully, this decision augurs well for the SFA under the stewardship of its new chief executive officer. ‘However, Rangers will be seeking a review of the SFA’s procedures for such appointments because it is vitally important that those who do stand for election to independent posts in particular are indeed truly independent. ‘Rangers shall also be asking the SFA to review whether Mr Hughes was party to any discussions regarding the ridiculous Notice of Complaint brought against the club. Rangers must be assured no actions taken by him during the period of his appointment could have impacted negatively on our club.’