Dave King has backed off from taking legal action against PUMA and Sports Direct for selling the jerseys.
Sevco were informed last Friday that PUMA and Sports Direct would be selling this season’s kit from today with Mr King powerless to stop the sportswear giants from selling directly to fans.
King and Ashley have been in a long running battle since the South African based criminal took control at Ibrox in March 2015.
Getting control of the merchandising contracts has been a priority but rather than negotiate with Ashley the King camp has indulged in a number of stunts to embarrass Sports Direct.
With Ashley stepping up his plans the best that King could muster was to state that he was surprised and disappointed by the move.
Last night a club statement read: “SINCE terminating the IP Licence and Rights Agreement with Rangers Retail Limited, the Club has made its best efforts to engage with PUMA on an agreed way forward without the involvement of Sports Direct for the manufacture of replica kits and other merchandise to supporters.
“During discussions it emerged that PUMA had manufactured some replica kit after receiving purchase orders directly from Sports Direct and without the prior knowledge or agreement of the Club and its directors on the Rangers Retail Limited board, Paul Murray and David King.
“Despite requests to Sports Direct and PUMA we have not been able to ascertain full details of this arrangement or to reconcile it with the commercial contracts that were in place between the Club and Rangers Retail Limited.
“The Club has not been party to discussions on the launch of kit sales by PUMA this week.
“We were first notified of their intentions after close of business on Friday last week. We are surprised and disappointed by the lack of consultation with the Club and/or supporters groups prior to the launch.”
Surprised, disappointed and helpless.
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