Row over cinch deal goes legal
The row between Rangers and the SPFL over the league’s new sponsors, cinch, will be settled by the decision of a high-profile legal expert.
The news emerged after both parties agreed to abide by whatever decision is reached.
The Ibrox club claim that the SPFL’S Rule 17 allows them not to comply with the five-year, £8-million deal because it clashes with a pre-existing contract they have with chairman Douglas Park, whose second-hand dealerships form part of his car-selling empire.
The row between Rangers and the SPFL over the Premiership champions’ refusal to comply with the league’s new sponsors will be settled by the decision of a high-profile legal expert.
The news emerged after both parties agreed to abide by whatever decision is reached.
To date, Rangers have refused to provide trackside hoardings, Man of the Match awards or wear branding on their tops for online used car company, cinch.
They claim that the SPFL’S Rule 17 allows them not to comply with the fiveyear, £8-million deal because it clashes with a pre-existing contract they have with Ibrox chairman Douglas Park, whose second-hand dealerships form part of his car-selling empire.
With the two parties at loggerheads – and cash-strapped SPFL clubs fearing that cinch may walk away from the deal – the matter was handed to the SFA to resolve.
They have persuaded both Rangers and the SPFL to use the Arbitration Act Scotland to rule on the matter.
A Hampden insider said: “The two parties have each been instructed to appoint a legal representative – almost certainly a QC – and, between them, they will agree on the person who will have the final say.
“That is likely to be an eminent figure from the legal profession.
“He, or she, will hear the case put by both sides and, because this is a proper legal process, the verdict delivered will be both legal and binding.”
It’s understood that the chair has yet to be chosen. And there is no time limit as to how long the case can last once he, or she, is appointed.
However, the SPFL will be hoping for a swift conclusion – and a positive one at that – in case cinch decide to terminate their agreement.
Rangers believe the governing body’s chief executive, Neil Doncaster, is to blame for signing a contract he knew they would be unable to fulfil.
The Ibrox club say Doncaster was told of the conflict with Douglas Park’s business before the deal was finalised.
In the meantime, under the conditions of the Arbitration Act, neither side is able to speak publicly about the issues involved.