Alex Thompson of Channel 4 has interviewed SFA Chief Executive Stewart Regan on what he claims ‘could be one of the biggest sporting scandals the UK has ever seen.’
The SFA have been caught in the storm surrounding Rangers with the position of President Campbell Ogilvie under scrutiny.
Ogilvie was a Rangers director while the club operated an Employee Benefit Trust scheme that could see the club hit with a bill for £49m.
Rangers are facing various charges from the SFA and SPL with Regan appearing very uncomfortable as he was grilled by Thompson.
CLICK HERE for Channel 4 interview
At one stage Thompson told Regan: “You keep quoting the rule book back to me but that’s not what I’m asking.
“I’m asking did the SFA conduct any due diligence on this individual (Craig Whyte)?”
Regan replied that the SFA asked for a self declaration from the club which amazed Thompson who replied: “Forgive me that sounds absolutely incredible. This was the biggest club in Scotland, which had been brought to it’s knees by a whole range of fiscal mismanagement which is all on the record and proven.
“A new man comes in claiming all sort of things, just like the previous man and the SFA didn’t check or do any due diligence whatsoever?”
After another run through the rule book Thomson comes back at Regan asking: “This is extraordinary, a new man comes in to Rangers and you are telling me that no one from the SFA as much as went on to Google to check the background of the man?”
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Reagan genuinely thinks he can worm out of it by saying the SFA didn’t have the financial resources to investigate Whyte. What a joke, everyone knows Google really is free to use. Pathetic.
PS. Did Reagan borrow Craig Whyes eyes for this interview?
If the SFA/no one knew there was anything wrong with EBT’s why did Celtic cancel their one with Junhino clear up the tax due HMRC and inform the SFA as to their action. Why did the SFA not take note of this and look into the matter.
BhoyLondon – nah he got them from a rabbit in headlights. Regan was probably unprepared – after all no journalists in scotland would have the temeriuty to question ‘establishment’ actions…
Reagan is quick to say the SFA “GOVERN” football in Scotland….yet says no action is being taken as nothing has been proven. Well why not investigate properly instead of waiting for HMRC to take action first, wanting someone else to do the dirty work or hope they clear the matter beforehand.
They should DEMAND precise details from Rangers FC of ANY payments to players which have NOT been declared to the SFA – If there are ANY such payments…then they are guilty, no need to wait for HMRC to discuss tax payments. If tax if payable or not is completely immaterial, additional payments made without the knowledge of the SFA (Well except for Mr. Ogilvie who knew they were being paid and not declared yet said nothing).
The SFA better get into gear double quick, or they will leave themselves open to accusations of doing nothing.
Regards Whyte, I think that IS a matter for Rangers to resolve. It was in THEIR interests alone to ensure he was fit & proper….but clearly they were desperate and didn’t care. Having accepted him, they should now face sanctions for THEIR failure to carry out due diligence.
I’m glad they never carried out due diligence,I wouldn’t swap Craig Whyte’s time in charge for anything!
Comedy gold!
What about all the ineligible players rangers have competed with this last decade. If a player is deemed to be ineligible, doesn’t that mean the guilty team must forfeit the match 0-3? That’s a lot of matches Rangers lose out on including most matches this season which would surely relegate them.