No SPL red carpet for newco
At the third time of asking the top 12 clubs finally agreed on new financial fair play rules but made no provision to allow a newco direct entry into the top flight.
The decision will come as a major blow to Charlie Green’s Rangers plans with his CVA almost certain to be rejected by HMRC and Ticketus.
If the SPL had laid down rules for a newco Green would have known the exact steps to take in the event of failing to get his CVA agreed.
The new regulations will provide stiffer punishments for clubs going into administration and also for any member that falls behind with player wages or payments to HMRC.
A statement from the SPL read: “It was agreed that, in future, any decision on the transfer of a share to a newco from any club will be considered by all member clubs, rather than the SPL board, with the felxibility to impose sanctions appropriate to each individual circumstance.”
Despite giving lots of public support to the idea of transferring a share to a newco SPL chief Neil Doncaster put a brave face on today’s announcement ignoring his wish to see a newco escape sanctions.
He said: “The new rules will impose more onerous sanctions on clubs which go into administration in the future. By making any failure to pay players on time a disciplinary issue, the SPL has sent a clear signal of the vital importance of clubs living within their means.
“Equally clubs which fail to live within their means will be punished proportionately. And, if clubs do not keep up to date with their PAYE and NIC, they will be made subject to a player registration embargo until they are up to date.
“This is a progressive and bold package of changes, for which clubs should be congratulated.”
The SFA are also meeting today to review yesterday’s Court of Session judgement on the 12 month transfer embargo put on Rangers.
FIFA have stated their concern at the issue being dealt with in the civil courts which could effect the Scotland national team as well as clubs competing in UEFA competitions.
Unless a clear punishment is decided on by the SFA they could find themselves facing sanctions of their own from UEFA and FIFA.
CLICK HERE for SFA and FIFA respond to Rangers court appeal
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