Inquiry into Gers payments to go ahead, confirms SPL

Published on 13/09/2012 12:12

AN SPL-appointed commission is set to proceed with its inquiry into alleged undisclosed payments by Rangers.

A hearing will commence on November 13 and will continue if required until November 16, with additional dates of November 20 and 21 also allocated if needed.

The news came on the same day the SPL confirmed no action would be taken against Celtic in relation to Employee Benefit Trusts (EBTs).

The decision to proceed with the inquiry into Oldco Rangers was made after all the preliminary issues were considered over two days of meetings.

The commission was appointed following initial assessment of EBT transactions to Rangers players from 2000 to 2011 under the previous Ibrox regime, which could breach SPL rules over declaring payments in contracts.

Newco Rangers have already refused to co-operate and did not attend the initial hearings on Tuesday and Wednesday.

A statement released by the SPL read: “The commission has considered all the preliminary issues raised in the list submitted by Newco and points raised in letters from solicitors acting for Newco and for Oldco.

“It has decided the commission will proceed with its inquiry.

“Oldco and Rangers FC, who are named in the Issues contained in the Notice of Commission and alleged to have been in breach of SPL rules, will continue to have the right to appear and be represented at all hearings of the commission and to make such submissions as they think fit.

“Newco, as the current owner and operator of Rangers FC, although not alleged by the SPL to have committed any breach of SPL Rules, will also have the right to appear.”