Rumour Mill: Rafat Rizvi | Aleksander Tonev

Ally McCoist has revealed he spent what he refers to as a few quid on the share offer to help keep the club afloat. Picture: TSPL

Malaysian businessman Datuk Faizoull Bin Ahmad claims he doesn’t know Rafat Rizvi

Malaysian businessman Datuk Faizoull Bin Ahmad has deepened the intrigue around last week’s controversial visit to Rangers by insisting he doesn’t know convicted fraudster Rafat Rizvi. This contradicts the statement put forward by the Ibrox club, who stated that Rizvi, the man on Interpol’s wanted list, was acting as Bin Ahmad’s adviser when he was pictured meeting with Sandy Easdale. Mr Bin Ahmad said that another businessman in the group WAS trying to buy Rangers but would not reveal names. He said in a statement to the Malaysiakini news: “I have no idea who Rafat Rizvi. He somehow wound up together with me and the media claimed that I know him.” (Mail)

Aleksander Tonev could be in clear over racism claims

Aberdeen’s complaint that Aleksander Tonev racially abused one of their players looks set to collapse over a lack of evidence. The incident was flagged up to referee Bobby Madden during the game and then to SPFL match delegate John Connolly afterwards. Celtic issued a statement that Bulgarian Tonev had denied the allegation. Broadcasters Sky were contacted to see if they had any footage of the incident however their review found nothing. It’s also understood that no one else was in earshot when the incident happened which will make it virtually impossible for the SFA to bring charges against Tonev as it is one player’s word against another. (Various)

Ally McCoist says he bought shares in Rangers

Ally McCoist ploughed his own cash into Rangers last week. The Ibrox boss revealed he spent “a few quid’ on the share offer to keep the club afloat. He said: “I did invest. Without going into too much detail, I just thought it was the right thing to do.” McCoist who previously owned shares worth 2 per cent added: “It depends how you would look on it as substantial. It was a few quid, yes.” (Sun)

Scotland’s Gibraltar tie could be moved to London

Scotland could be set to face Euro 2016 rivals Gibraltar in a London qualifier, apparently the Uefa new boys aren’t happy at the existing arrangement to play home games in Portugal. The team are now looking at exploring options in England with London being the preferred option for the October clash with Scotland. (Various)

Steven Thompson ruled out for 12 weeks

Struggling St Mirren have suffered another setback after striker Steven Thompson was ruled out for up to 12 weeks. The striker who was St Mirren’s top scorer last season will have surgery in London on Saturday. The 35-year-old has been struggling with a groin injury since the summer. (Express)

News in brief:

• Cristiano Ronaldo may be set to quit Real Madrid for a sensational return to Man Untied, after it was claimed he was fed up with the revolving door policy at Madrid. (Record)

• Celtic will pocket just over £1 million from their participation in the Europa League. (Various)

• John Hughes says his team Inverness are the underdogs when they face Rangers tonight. (Express)

• Salzburg could be without seven first-team players when they face Celtic (Sun)

• Alan Stubbs has warned his Hibs players that none of them are safe after he axed skipper Liam Craig for Saturday’s 3-2 win over Cowdenbeath. (Sun)