‘Secretive’ SPFL are barrier to bail-out, says McLeish

EXCLUSIVE

FORMER First Minister Henry McLeish claims a lack of trust is preventing a ‘suspicious’ Scottish Government from offering a bail-out to the country’s professional football clubs during the coronavirus crisis. And McLeish, author of a report recommending a major overhaul of the Scottish game, believes the ‘secretive’ SPFL and SFA are to blame for a breakdown in relationships between Hampden and Holyrood. The former Scottish Labour Party leader was speaking out as politicians and senior footballing figures south of the border publicly petitioned the Westminster Government for financial support, warning that the full English league structure is at risk of ‘collapse’. The SPFL and SFA Joint Response Group are working behind the scenes with Scottish Sports Minister Joe FitzPatrick on a rescue package for the game here. But McLeish warned: ‘I don’t think the relationship between football authorities

in Scotland and the Scottish Government is as good as it should be. And I blame the football authorities for that. The Government are suspicious and they are concerned. ‘In principle, I think there’s a good case to be made for funding. And the footballing authorities can make that case. But there is a bigger question about the very secretive nature of Scottish football. It’s highly regulated within Floor Six at Hampden Park. There are two or three clubs with enormous influence — and the rest of the clubs have no influence. ‘So the Government are looking in on that. And they’re suspicious. When you see an organisation operating like that and then they’re seeking some finance, it is a question of trust. It is a question of respect. And, between the Government and the football authorities, there needs to be more of both. That would reassure people that there’s nothing being hidden.’ McLeish believes the Scottish game is ‘on a cliff edge’ at the moment, with the prospect of no paying fans for six months likely to push some clubs into the abyss. But he said: ‘The SPFL and SFA have to show that there are genuine issues requiring funding. They’ve also got to show Government that they’re willing to distribute money to the lower leagues. ‘They’ve got to show self-help and, after that, it’s important that they make a case to Government. You’ve got to show good faith with the Government. ‘The Government are looking into this and asking: “What is it we’re being asked to finance? What will the cash be used for?”.’