The SFA have awarded themselves a pat on the back for their farcical licence procedures.
The summer of 2012 proved once and for all that the Scottish game is far from a level playing field with Stewart Regan trying every move possible to get a team from Ibrox in the top tier.
With the secretive five way agreement still carefully guarded, the on going financial shambles at Sevco ought to have underlined the need for stronger financial management before a club is given SFA membership.
Despite the spectre of administration hanging over Sevco, whose finances were described as fragile by Sandy Easdale in April, Regan and his cronies have labelled new licencing criteria as the big development from today’s AGM.
A statement on the SFA website reads: “The members of the Scottish FA today agreed that any clubs seeking full membership are required to satisfy at least entry level Club Licensing criteria. In addition, from the start of season 2016/17, all existing members are required to maintain their Club License in order to retain their full membership of the Scottish FA.
“This reflects the work that the Scottish FA has undertaken in recent years through the Club Licensing system to improve standards across the game.
“National Club Licensing operates a Gold, Silver, Bronze and Entry level system. Clubs are granted an overall award reflecting the lowest level that the club achieves in the four sections of criteria (Ground, First Team Football, Youth Team Football, Legal, Admin, Finance and Codes of Practice).”
Regan added: “It’s significant that Scottish FA members have recognised the importance of Club Licensing criteria, and the need to grow and subsequently maintain standards, which will benefit all stakeholders in the game, including supporters, broadcasters and sponsors.
“We recognise the role that the professional game plays in generating revenue for Scottish football and it is understandable that more influence is sought on the Scottish FA Executive Board. We look forward to welcoming a new board director at the start of next season.”
The key phrase there seems to be ‘generating revenue’ with principles and fair play up for negotiation if the price is right.
Campbell Ogilvie, a former director of Rangers (IL) and Hearts, remains president of the SFA despite receiving an EBT from Rangers (IL) and being the architect of the wee tax case which the SFA have failed to investigate. In 2011 the SFA gave Rangers (IL) a licence to play European football despite having an unpaid £6m liability due to the wee tax case.