Rangers have called for the suspension of SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster and legal advisor Rod McKenzie as evidence supplied by a whistle-blower raises concerns over the game’s corporate governance.
According to the Gers, the evidence presents “serious concerns surrounding the SPFL’s processes relating to its stewardship of the voting on the resolution presented to member Clubs.”
Scottish clubs were asked to vote on an SPFL proposal on finishing the season with Rangers previously making claims about bullying and coercion with regards the vote [Rangers].
“We have been presented with evidence via a whistleblower that raises serious concerns surrounding the SPFL’s processes relating to its stewardship of the voting on the resolution presented to member Clubs.
“Rangers’ Interim Chairman, Douglas Park, attempted to discuss this evidence with SPFL chief executive, Neil Doncaster, who initially refused to do so.
“The SPFL followed up that call with an e-mail, which we believe was a thinly disguised attempt to silence legitimate concerns.
“Rangers will not be bullied into silence. We believe it is in the interests of all Scottish clubs and supporters that the evidence, which is alarming, be addressed as quickly as possible.
“The voting debacle and the evidence we possess raise serious questions concerning the corporate governance of the SPFL.”
Interim Ibrox chairman Douglas Park then challenged the situation saying he is “shocked” about the lack of leadership at the SPFL, describing the situation as “farcical”.
“The lack of leadership and responsibility from the SPFL as a members’ organisation has shocked me. If ever there was a time for complete openness and transparency, it is now,” said Park.
“Crucial decisions are being made on the issues of promotion and relegation behind closed doors and without proper time for consideration or debate.
“The farcical conduct of this affair seems to me to bring the corporate governance and business operations of the SPFL into sharp focus.
“It is an example of an undemocratic culture, which has existed within the SPFL for far too long.
“As a member club, we are disturbed by the evidence that has been presented and feel there is no choice but to call for an independent investigation into this entire matter.
“Each member of the SPFL board has a duty to its members to ensure that such an investigation is instructed without delay.
“All we ask for is equality and respect. In the past few days, we have become alarmed at a seeming lack of even-handedness and fair play from the SPFL.
“This is surely unacceptable and, if substantiated, must be remedied.
“Other member clubs, who have seen the evidence we hold, share our concerns.
“We call for the suspension of the SPFL’s Chief Executive, Neil Doncaster and its legal adviser, Rod McKenzie while an independent investigation is conducted.”
Rangers’ demands highlight the scale of the situation at SPFL
The statement comes after questions were been raised over the handling of league-ending proposal vote which took place yesterday.
With the vote hanging in the balance, the SPFL released a table of how each division had voted, heaping massive pressure on one Championship club.
Should this club vote against the proposals it will cause the SPFL’s desired resolution to fail. This club is believed to be Dundee, who had made it clear they were going to vote no earlier in the day.
The BBC are reporting they have seen Dundee’s voting slip – which was no – but the SPFL are claiming they never received it or are not recognising it.
The SPFL also revealed after the vote that clubs can take 28 days to vote on the proposals, with their original 5pm deadline only advisory.
This has led to accusations that the body is moving the goalposts to manipulate the vote and get the decision they want.
Rangers were also left frustrated that their attempts to design a suitable Members Resolution were impeded by the organisation.
This Resolution would be designed in order to pay out prize money to clubs without cancelling the season or deciding winners and losers.
The SPFL were also accused of lying about timelines of correspondence with Rangers [Heart & Hand] after the Ibrox club complained about a lack of support for the resolution.
The fact Rangers are now calling for Doncaster’s head shows the scale of the situation facing the SPFL as they stand accused of stinking out the nation’s game.