Rangers question SPFL after prize money proposal rejected

Rangers have revealed their proposal to distribute funds among clubs was thrown out by the SPFL and claim attempts are being made to “bully” members into backing the league’s plan.

The SPFL put a plan to member clubs earlier this week that would have seen the Championship, League 1 and 2 called immediately, with a decision on the Premiership on hold until it’s determined if football can be resumed after the coronavirus shutdown.

The league believe this move would allow clarity for clubs in uncertain times and allow prize money to be paid to alleviate financial problems.

Rangers opposed the plan and said they were submitting an alternative, which would see clubs given interest free loans until it was clear if the season could be resumed, with the money paid back when prize money is eventually distributed.

The Ibrox club say their proposal has now been rejected by the league but that they will resubmit it with changes and expect it to be put to the vote. But they also claimed an answer was delayed in an attempt to “slow the progress” of their counter-proposal.

Several clubs have already said they will oppose the SPFL’s plan but Rangers claim many are being “bullied” and “coerced” into backing the resolution.

The vote will require 75% of Premiership clubs to be in favour, 75% of the Championship sides, and 75% of League 1 and 2 combined.

A statement from the Ibrox club read: “Rangers have received confirmation from the SPFL board, that the SPFL’s legal adviser did not deem our Members Resolution as competent.

“We prepared this update in advance of the scheduled SPFL board meeting this morning, in the full anticipation that the SPFL board would rule our proposed resolution was not competent.

“As a member club, we sought assistance from the SPFL Executive on several occasions yesterday, to ensure our resolution was deemed competent. For the avoidance of doubt, no advice was forthcoming prior to the meeting starting.

“Now that the SPFL have belatedly identified the reason why our members resolution was not competent, we will immediately resubmit our resolution, based upon their advice. If this advice had been forthcoming earlier, we would not have lost valuable time in this process. We are confused as to why attempts have been made to slow the progress of Rangers’ resolution.

“Over the last 36 hours, we have received numerous reports from fellow Scottish clubs relating to attempts to coerce and bully them into voting for the SPFL’s own resolution. We are proud that many fellow clubs will stand strong and not be swayed.

“Our resolution was simply intended to urgently address the financial hardship faced by clubs whilst allowing more time to discuss and evaluate all options for completing this season, in line with UEFA advice. This is in the interest of every football club in Scotland and the wider Scottish game.

“We trust that when we resubmit our resolution, no impediments will be placed in the way of clubs voting on this matter in a swift manner.”