Rangers’ outspoken criticisms of the SPFL came to the fore in a major meeting this week amid claims TV revenues could be significantly higher.
The Gers’ open dispute with the professional members’ body is well documented by now and the Ibrox club’s directors have been clear they believe the game is being undersold by the SPFL.
However, despite Rangers’ very open protestations it has taken a group of non-Old Firm clubs commissioning a report to confirm what the Gers have been claiming for years.
Aberdeen, Dundee, Dundee United, Hearts and Hibs have commissioned a Deloitte report into the governance of Scottish football and as suspected, the early findings don’t show the SPFL in a good light.
Deloitte’s review of the game suggests that TV revenue could be closer to £50m, £18m higher than the £32m per annum it is currently, as clubs get proactive for change in stagnant Scottish football.
According to BBC Scotland, his claim has been discussed by the SPFL Board this week with the five clubs above being joined by Rangers, Celtic, Ross County and lower league representatives Hamilton Academical, Dunfermline Athletic and Forfar Athletic.
Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack discussed the situation surrounding the potential for a better TV deal at the Pittodrie club’s AGM last week.
“We believe we can get to £50m in the next five-to-10 years,” said Cormack.
“We believe there’s an immediate 20-30 per cent increase and we’re working on that with Deloitte.
“We think there is an opportunity, broadcasting wise, to potentially put another package together of other games. Some of the analysis against other leagues has shown that we don’t give very many games compared to other leagues.
“That’s one aspect domestically. Internationally as well, I think there’s a strong feeling from this that we could be doing better internationally with selling the Scottish game as an authentic game.
“I don’t have the specific data. But what I can tell you is that it’s our understanding that the viewing of Scottish football with Sky has gone up by at least 30 per cent.”
Rangers’ issues with the SPFL don’t just begin and end with TV revenues either as the club continues to butt heads with Hampden bosses.
The much-publicised dispute between Rangers and cinch hasn’t gone anywhere as a £30m WSL deal down south puts some of the Ibrox club’s issues into focus.
