Dundee United have turned the pressure on the SFA to take action against Hearts and Partick Thistle with suspensions or expulsion an option.
On Wednesday United were served with papers from the Court of Session warning that their promotion- voted for by more than 80% of SPFL clubs- could be blocked.
SFA rules state that members can’t take court action against fellow members, any dispute has to go through the sporting route of the SFA or the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The SFA have kept a distance away from the various disputes at the SPFL but will have to be drawn into action with a threat over an injunction preventing the 2020/21 season from getting underway.
Ian Maxwell was chief executive of Partick Thistle before switching to the SFA where any sign of leadership or taking responsibility has been sadly lacking in his two years in the post.
Today, in a joint statement with Raith Rovers and Cove Rangers, Dundee United announced:
On Wednesday Dundee United, Raith Rovers and Cove Rangers were served with a petition lodged in the Court of Session by fellow SPFL member clubs, Heart of Midlothian and Partick Thistle, which, if successful, could prevent our clubs’ promotions, and potentially have catastrophic financial implications for every SPFL member club as well.
Whilst we are extremely unhappy that we have been drawn into this legal action, we can confirm that we immediately instructed external lawyers to act on our behalf and to protect our clubs’ interests. Since the SPFL resolution was passed by 81% of member clubs on 15th April 2020, which confirmed us all as title winners who were to be promoted, we have undertaken extensive and costly preparations for a new season in new leagues, including obtaining major financial commitments from our supporters, business partners and stakeholders. Our removal from those leagues would be ruinous on and off the field.
We have each had a highly successful season, brought to a premature end by something bigger than our clubs and bigger than our sport. Our status as champions of our respective leagues is not being contested, and nor should the promotion which has always, and should always, come with it.
The legal action that has been raised by Heart of Midlothian and Partick Thistle not only threatens the financial stability of the SPFL, but also its individual member clubs.
For all of these reasons, we must and will robustly defend our position. As legal proceedings are now underway, we intend to make no further comment on the matter at this time.
Hearts have made a claim for £8m in lost earning which is more than double Celtic’s prize money for winning the Premiership title.
If legal action is being taken in Scotland the national team could be on the end of UEFA sanctions including suspension.
