The imminent administration of Sevco took a massive step forward with the SFA issueing the crisis club and Micky Ashley with notices of complaint.
Under the highly secretive five way agreement that brought the club to life in 2012 it’s believed that an undertaking was made that Ashley’s stake wouldn’t exceed more than 10% OR have an influence in the boardroom.
The request for an EGM to remove Graham Wallace and Philip Nash, two emergency loans totalling £3m and the arrival of Deek Llambias as a consultant have breached that ruling forcing the SFA into action.
If Ashley is unable to provide further loans the club could be placed in administration this month unable to meet the December payroll.
Over the last week Sevco have been left reeling by a series of events including the departure of city high-flyer Norman Crichton as a non-executive director, the cancellation of the staff Christmas Party, redundancies served on several loyal members of staff, David Somers admitting that less than 20,000 watched the home match against Cowdenbeath, a 2-0 defeat at Queen of the South and a pay rise for Ally McCoist triggered by serving 12 month’s notice.
On top of all that the SFA have served notice for the following:
Disciplinary Rule 1: All members shall:
(b) be subject to and comply with (i) the Articles (ii) this protocol.
(f) behave towards the Scottish FA and other members with the utmost good faith.
Disciplinary Rule 19: Except with the prior written consent of the Board: (a) no club or nominee of a club; and (b) no person, whether absolutely or as a trustee, either alone or in conjunction with one or more associates or solely through an associate or associates (even where such person has no formal interest), who: (i) is a member of a club; or (ii) is involved in any capacity whatsoever in the management or administration of a club, or (iii) has any power whatsoever to influence the management or administration or a club, may at the same time either directly or indirectly:- (a) be a member of another club; or (b) be involved in any capacity whatsoever in the management or administration of another club; or (c) have any power whatsoever to influence the management or administration of another club.
Disciplinary Rule 77: A recognised football body, club, official, Team Official, other member of Team Staff, player, match official or other person under the jurisdiction of the Scottish FA shall, at all times, act in the best interests of Association Football.
Principal Hearing date: Tuesday, 27th January 2015
Alleged Party in Breach: Michael Ashley
Disciplinary Rule(s) allegedly breached:
Disciplinary Rule 19: Except with the prior written consent of the Board: (a) no club or nominee of a club; and (b) no person, whether absolutely or as a trustee, either alone or in conjunction with one or more associates or solely through an associate or associates (even where such person has no formal interest), who: (i) is a member of a club; or (ii) is involved in any capacity whatsoever in the management or administration of a club, or (iii) has any power whatsoever to influence the management or administration or a club, may at the same time either directly or indirectly:- (a) be a member of another club; or (b) be involved in any capacity whatsoever in the management or administration of another club; or (c) have any power whatsoever to influence the management or administration of another club.
Disciplinary Rule 77: A recognised football body, club, official, Team Official, other member of Team Staff, player, match official or other person under the jurisdiction of the Scottish FA shall, at all times, act in the best interests of Association Football.
Principal Hearing date: Tuesday, 27th January 2015
Ashley has the option to call in his loans and walk away from the club, for Sevco the only option seems to be a real administration that could leave the 29 month old club decimated.
It’s believed that a number of leading fans groups are planning a red card protest for Saturday’s home match against Livingston.
