Rangers insist EGM result is not endorsement of SPFL executive
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widely expected, fell well short of the 75 per cent threshold required across the four divisions of the SPFL.
Only one Championship club – Inverness Caledonian Thistle – voted for it, while the eight clubs supporting it from Leagues 1 and 2 included Partick Thistle, who have also not ruled out the possibility of court action against the SPFL. Falkirk, East Fife, Stranraer and Stenhousemuir were among the others to vote for the requisition.
Rangers had circulated a lengthy dossier, detailing their complaints against the SPFL executive, to all clubs ahead of the EGM during which their managing director Stewart Robertson – who has been a dissenting voice on the SPFL board – spoke in favour of the resolution along with Hearts owner Ann Budge, pictured, and
Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack.
“We note the result of the vote taken at this morning’s General Meeting and wish to thank all clubs for listening to our concerns, giving up their time to read our report and for voting,” said a Rangers statement.
“We also wish to place on record our thanks to our fellow requisitioners, who showed courage and acted with dignity throughout. Furthermore, to those clubs who voted in favour of the resolution, we appreciate your support and recognise your desire for increased accountability at the top of our national sport.
“Today’s vote has erased the false narrative of this issue simply being a conflict between one club and the SPFL. Significantly, support for the Hearts, Stranraer and Rangers requisition spanned the four professional divisions. Member
clubs, recognising the need for Scottish football to improve its governance and professionalism,havemoved beyond sporting rivalries and it would be unwise to regard this result as any kind of endorsement of the SPFL executive.
“A light has been shone on the SPFL’S governance and regardless of the attempts to debunk our report, there is widespread acknowledgement that it highlighted serious issues and failings which remain to be addressed.
“A management culture which not only fears accountability and scrutiny, but which actively campaigns against it, is unhealthy and breeds continued mistrust. This culture, so deeply embedded, must be addressed if Scottish football is to flourish.
“It is clear that many members have lost confidence in the SPFL leadership and the need for change will not diminish. The status quo cannot hold.”