Rangers and 5 Clubs in Premiership Launch Blistering SPFL Attack
Rangers and five other Premiership clubs have expressed their concerns in a letter to the SPFL and Murdoch MacLennan. This comes despite the league body chairman recently stating that an independent review had approved of the way Hampden chiefs were handling affairs.
The clubs, which include Aberdeen, St Johnstone, St Mirren, Motherwell, and Livingston, publicly voiced their concerns after the SPFL announced in the summer that an independent review would take place into its governance. This came after the league apologized and compensated Rangers for the long-running Premiership cinch sponsorship row.
Auditors Henderson Loggie were hired to analyze the game’s governance. The SPFL claimed that the three-month review showed that the commercial expertise and knowledge on the sixth floor were “strong” and possessed “a diverse range of skills.”
However, six clubs expressed deep concern about the report’s independence, claiming that only one club outside of current or previous SPFL Board members had the opportunity to contribute to the report’s investigation, with Aberdeen believed to be that club. The joint statement from the six clubs reads: “On behalf of SPFL Premiership clubs Aberdeen, Motherwell, Livingston, Rangers, St Johnstone and St. Mirren, a letter was today issued to the SPFL executive in response to the handling of the recent Independent Governance report.
The clubs hold serious concerns regarding the report’s independence, transparency, and the overall governance of the SPFL.” The clubs also called out SPFL chairman McLennan, seeking full clarity on numerous issues in order to determine if further action is necessary.
They criticized McLennan for hastily releasing a statement that did not reflect the full findings of the report and expressed concern about the SPFL Executive making changes to the report prior to sending it to SPFL Board members. The clubs have requested the release of the report to member clubs and emphasized the importance of providing clarity urgently, considering it crucial for trust in those running the game.
MacLennan stated last month that he was reassured but not complacent after reviewing the draft report in detail. Henderson Loggie recommended several measures to further strengthen SPFL governance, and the board and the wider organization are considering these suggestions before bringing changes back to the 42 SPFL member clubs for their consideration.
