Financial review is doomed at birth

There’s a straightforward reason why five clubs in Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh won’t get far with the review of the SPFL they think will double their revenue over the next five years.

For that to happen, Celtic and Rangers will need to accept a reduction in their income as a consequence.

Neil Lennon and Chris Sutton will get full hospitality in the Ibrox boardroom prior to the unfurling of the league flag this afternoon before that will happen.

The Old Firm don’t allow security risks where their money is concerned.

Celtic and Rangers may not be able to stand the sight of each other but they are stuck in a marriage of convenience.

They account for 80 per cent of the Scottish game’s commercial value and share 30 per cent of that kitty annually.

If Hearts, Hibs, Dundee, Dundee United and Aberdeen want a redistribution of the game’s wealth they will need to take bread from the mouths of the Old Firm.

That’s why the Glasgow clubs are relaxed about letting the five get on with paying financial advisers Deloitte to conduct a six-month review of the governing body’s commercial practices.

They can have my assessment of the situation for free.

It’s unrealistic at a time when commercial deals are reducing in value nationwide due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

There’s also the court case involving Rangers’ chairman Douglas Park and the SPFL over the terms and conditions of the game’s main sponsorship deal, which provides revenue for all 42 senior Scottish clubs.

In a worse-case scenario, the sponsor, cinch, could terminate their £8m deal if they are denied the advertising benefits contained within the original agreement.

The timing of the review is also questionable because the game will have more to worry about at Premiership level if Covid vaccine passports are required for fans.

Aberdeen have already said they fear having to repay £1.5m worth of season- ticket money if supporters can’t get into Pittodrie on medical grounds.

For a league set-up that wants more cash for all, we don’t half work hard at lining the pockets of the legal and financial professions.

Rangers have contested the SPFL’s right to enter into the cinch sponsorship deal – QCs for and against that argument have been lined up and they’re not cheap. The legal meter is running. Good luck with that review, lady and gentlemen. You’ll need it.