Rangers Big Tax Case verdict: Celtic call for review in statement

Celtic Football Club have released a statement calling for the Scottish football authorities to review the use of Employee Benefit Trusts (EBTs) by Rangers after the final Big Tax Case verdict.

The Celtic Park side released a statement. Picture: John Devlin

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The Supreme Court found in favour of HMRC that oldco Rangers should have paid income tax and national insurance on the trusts which the club used between 2001 and 2009.

BDO, liquidators for oldco Rangers, appealed the ruling from the Court of Session, but this was rejected by the highest court in the land.

The SPFL have since issued a short statement saying they will “consider the implications” this has on the Scottish football league.

In 2013, an independent commission headed by Lord Nimmo Smith found Rangers guilty of failing to disclose the payments, though the club were not stripped of any titles. Instead they were fined £250,000.

This decision came in between the First Tier and Upper Tier Tribunals, which both found in favour of oldco Rangers in the long-running battle with the taxman.

Celtic now hope the football authorities in Scotland will look further into the matter.

A statement on the website read: “We note today’s decision by the Supreme Court. Celtic’s position on this issue has been consistent - that this has always been a matter for the courts of law and also the Scottish football authorities, whose rules are intended to uphold sporting integrity.

“In 2013, we expressed surprise - shared by many observers and supporters of the game - over the findings of the SPL Commission that no competitive or sporting advantage had resulted. Today’s decision only re-affirms that view.

“We are sure now that the footballing authorities in Scotland will wish to review this matter. Celtic awaits the outcome of their review.”