Rangers have sought to reassure worried supporters in the face of reports that the club could wind up owing Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct millions of pounds over botched retail arrangements.
A High Court ruling found in SDI’s favour after it was adjudged Rangers should’ve offered Sports Direct the chance to match a retail deal being offered by Hummel/the Elite Group.
This spawned a raft of stories concerning how much Rangers will be financially liable for in the wake of the ruling.
Whilst Rangers acknowledge and “respect” the decision of the court, and “will meet any financial award made by the court” the club is adamant the situation is being misreported.
“Rangers would like to reassure supporters that matters concerning the litigation currently being brought against it by SDI Retail Services Limited are not as reported,” begins the short statement, posted on the club’s website.
“Rangers was disappointed by the terms of the recent court Judgment but respects the decision of the court and will meet any financial award made by the court.
“No such award has yet been decided and at this stage, Rangers does not even know how much will be sought.
“Contrary to some reports, the Judge has not determined that the contractual cap on damages will not apply.
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“Rangers would also like to reassure supporters that no steps have been taken to stop supporters being able to buy this Season’s Replica Kits.”
The statement suggests the club are unsure how much they will be forced to pay back to Ashley, but they will meet any award in damages.
It also hints that supporters should not seek to boycott the current replica kits.
The main conflicting point in the article concerns comments on whether the contractual cap on damages will apply in the judge’s decision making.
It’s interesting that the club has felt it necessary to highlight that.
Articles, such as this BBC one, claim the judge “threw out Rangers’ request for any payment to Mike Ashley’s company to be limited to £1m”.
But even the most ardent bluenose would struggle to deny this whole thing appears a mess.
Did Rangers foolishly play into the Newcastle owner’s hands by not offering him the chance to match the Elite Group’s contract?
Whatever the case, Sports Direct has not been a positive force as the club’s retail partner.
It’s symbolic of modern football that a company which is so obviously detrimental to the function of the football club can exert so much power over it.
It’s a frustrating situation and one which fans will hope is resolved sooner rather than later.
