Campbell Ogilvie: I was a member of the EBT scheme

SFA President Campbell Ogilvie has denied being involved in secondary contracts despite serving as a Rangers director until 2005.

Ogilvie did admit to benefiting from the controversial Employment Benefit Trust scheme which has landed Rangers with a potential tax bill of £49m.

The Ibrox side are currently in the dock over the use of an EBT scheme which HMRC are arguing was part of player contracts between 2000 and 2010.

Both the SPL and SFA launched investigations into claims that secondary contracts have been used by Rangers down the years with the SFA stepping down from the task due to the involvement of Ogilvie.

Channel 4 have taken up the issue with specific reference to the role of Ogilvie forcing the SFA into finally commenting on the issue tonight.

Ogilvie built his reputation in football on his administrative skills but claims to have known nothing about secondary contracts that accompanied EBT’s at Ibrox.

Tonight’s statement read: “In light of today’s comments by Sir David Murray, and the ongoing speculation surrounding my role as President of the Scottish FA and my previous employment as a director of Rangers FC, I would like to take this opportunity to clarify the following points.

“I was aware of the EBT scheme in operation at Rangers during my time at the club and, indeed, was a member. The existence of the scheme was published in Rangers’ annual accounts.

“My role at Rangers, until the mid-90s, included finalising the paperwork for player registrations. As confirmed by Sir David Murray today, it was never my role to negotiate contracts during my time at Rangers.  It is also worth noting that, since the mid-90s, I was not responsible for the drafting or administering of player contracts.

“I ceased being Company Secretary in 2002 and became General Secretary responsible for football strategy, in effect becoming the main point of contact between the club and the respective league and governing bodies.

“In relation to the recent investigation, I can confirm that I asked to be excluded from the Scottish FA’s Independent Inquiry into Rangers. In the interests of good governance it was absolutely right that this was the case.

“I am proud and privileged to be President of the Scottish FA during an exciting period in its history. I have an excellent relationship with our chief executive, Stewart Regan, and the Board of Directors. I would like to thank them for their support throughout this process and look forward to new and exciting challenges ahead at the Scottish FA.”

Don’t be fooled by a fake @officialmcstay twitter account, I was in touch with the maestro who has registered @paulmcstay for possible future use.

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