SFA SET FIT AND PROPER DATE

THE SFA board will meet to consider a verdict on Dave King’s ‘fit and proper person’ status early next month. The Rangers chairmanelect has delayed his application for the board until he clears his name with financial and football regulators. King has an issue with the SFA under two breaches of article 10. Those state that any director of a club in the five years preceding insolvency event has a problem. King also has questions to answer over 41 convictions on South African income tax laws. Following today’s general meeting, when King is expected to sweep the current board from power, the new Rangers regime must notify the SFA of a change of directorship on their official return. King has pledged to co-operate fully with the governing body before the Professional Game Board discuss his case in early April. ‘It’s a process that is ongoing,’ said SFA chief executive Stewart Regan yesterday. ‘Rangers are a plc and have processes in place that will play out in the next day or two, I guess. ‘As far as the Scottish FA are concerned, we will get involved as soon as the process allows us to get involved.’ Asked if the Scottish game will welcome a return to something approaching stability at one of the two best supported clubs, Regan added: ‘I think for Rangers fans, in particular, it’s important there is harmony and stability. ‘And that whoever leads Rangers can set about rebuilding to get the club back in good shape again.’ The SFA chief also defended a decision, widely derided, to fine Mike Ashley a paltry £7,500 for breaching a historic agreement over his dual interest in Newcastle and Rangers. Choosing his words carefully during the period when Ashley, the 10th richest man in Britain, could still appeal, Regan explained: ‘Back in 2011, we moved to set up an independent process with a tariff of sanctions for rule breaches. ‘The sanction is the sanction no matter how much money you have. We followed the process.’