BDO announce appeal of Rangers’ Big Tax Case verdict

Oldco Rangers liquidators BDO have announced they will appeal the verdict on the Big Tax Case regarding the club’s use of Employee Benefit Trusts.
Picture: John DevlinPicture: John Devlin
Picture: John Devlin

A Court of Session ruled last month that Rangers, between 2001 and 2010, broke tax rules by using the scheme to pay players and managers through tax-free loans.

BDO have now sought leave to appeal. If successful the case will be heard before the Supreme Court.

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BDO said: “Following discussions with legal advisers and the liquidation committee, the joint liquidators have filed an application seeking leave to appeal the Inner House of the Court of Session decision.

“If the company obtain leave to appeal, the appeal will be heard in the Supreme Court in London.

“The joint liquidators are not in a position at this stage to make any further comment in respect of the appeal.”

It is the latest chapter in a seemingly never ending saga that began back in 2010 when Rangers first confirmed they were being investigated by HMRC.

The latest verdict, which found in favour of HMRC after two previous failed attempts, reignited the subject of whether Rangers gained an unfair advantage on the park through the use of EBTs.

Some Scottish football onlookers, including former Celtic defender Darren O’Dea, called for the club to be stripped of the titles won between 2001 and 2010.

Should BDO fail with this appeal, expect the debate to start up all over again.