It is clear now that the SPFL are not going to take Rangers’ accusations lying down as they were embarrassed in public by the SPFL chairman’s call out.
SPFL Chairman Murdoch MacLennan joined Neil Doncaster in making the SPFL’s irritation and incredulity about Rangers calls for investigations very clear today as he released more information covering the recent, controversial for some, board resolution.
A very comprehensive set of Questions and Answers was released by Mr MacLennan today about the recent board resolution outlining the end of the season for the championship and leagues below. They give answers to the question of whether loans could have been provided, which seem very pointed in Rangers direction.
In response to Rangers repeated statements and allegations the SPFL chairman reiterated that he has been provided with no evidence whatsoever that any club has been bullied or coerced. He repeated that Rangers have a duty to report details of that to him as Chairman of the Board of the SPFL to be investigated fully and thoroughly.
In the absence of any such report, those alleging “bullying and coercion” risk bringing the game into disrepute and sowing further unnecessary division. He didn’t at this stage indicate whether any charges might be brought against clubs seen to bringing the game into disrepute.
Rangers had previously demanded loans be made available to clubs. Mr MacLennan explained the huge risk to the SPFL and member clubs that such loans might never be repaid especially with the current financial pressures being seen. When a club defaulted previously on a loan and the debt was unpaid, all of the other clubs lost fee payments as a result.
If the loans route was pursued applicant clubs would need to undergo due diligence checks, covering ability to repay, financial information and details of security available. That sort of information from Ibrox may well not be forthcoming and is very questionable if it could prove a loan could be secure and repaid. It’s more likely to show how desperately a loan is needed.
The Q&As provided thorough details of the whole resolution voting process and what happened afterwards. The document reminded that the SPFL Board exists to enact the will of the clubs – and since 81% voted in favour of the directors written resolution, it’s a clear endorsement of the Board’s position.
Once more as reported by the BBC, and again rather pointedly in Rangers direction Mr MacLennan stated:
"“The silent majority have overwhelmingly carried the day. Other people may be more vocal, but care should be taken to consider their motives.”“This was an impossible situation not of our making and it is extremely disappointing to witness clubs with a very specific agenda criticising us for acting in the best interests of the game as a whole.”"
At some point maybe Rangers will provide details to support their points rather than just point fingers and shout loudly like a spoilt child.