‘It wasn’t my role to negotiate contracts during time at Rangers’ says Ogilvie

SFA president Campbell Ogilvie has moved to distance himself from the ongoing SPL investigation into alleged improper player registration at Rangers during periods when he was a director of the club.

Ogilvie has confirmed he was a member of the Employee Benefit Trust scheme operated by Rangers and which is the subject of the First Tier Tax tribunal which could land the Ibrox club an HMRC bill of £49 million.

The SPL board are currently examining claims of non-disclosed ‘side contracts’ given to players by or on behalf of Rangers, as part of the EBT scheme, since July 1998. The scheme was operated by the Murray Group. Former Rangers chairman and owner Sir David Murray said this week there were “categorically no dual contracts” for players.

The SFA have set aside their own inquiry into possible breach of their own articles on player registration by Rangers while they await the outcome of the SPL’s investigation. Ogilvie, who has been an office bearer at the SFA since 2003 and president since last June, played no part in Lord William Nimmo Smith’s recent Independent Inquiry into Craig Whyte’s takeover of Rangers and the wider crisis at the club.

“In light of today’s comments by Sir David Murray, and the ongoing speculation surrounding my role as President of the Scottish FA and my previous employment as a director of Rangers FC, I would like to take this opportunity to clarify the following points,” said Ogilvie in a statement last night.

“I was aware of the EBT scheme in operation at Rangers during my time at the club and, indeed, was a member. The existence of the scheme was published in Rangers’ annual accounts.

“My role at Rangers, until the mid-90s, included finalising the paperwork for player registrations. As confirmed by Sir David Murray today, it was never my role to negotiate contracts during my time at Rangers.

“It is also worth noting that, since the mid-90s, I was not responsible for the drafting or administering of player contracts.

“I ceased being Company Secretary in 2002 and became General Secretary responsible for football strategy, in effect becoming the main point of contact between the club and the respective league and governing bodies.

“In relation to the recent investigation, I can confirm that I asked to be excluded from the Scottish FA’s Independent Inquiry into Rangers.

“In the interests of good governance, it was absolutely right that this was the case.”

Ogilvie is chairman of the SFA’s executive board, the most powerful administrative body in Scottish football, where he is joined by chief executive Stewart Regan, first vice-president Alan McRae, of Cove Rangers, second vice-president Rod Petrie, of Hibs, SPL chairman Ralph Topping, Scottish Junior FA secretary Tom Johnston and recently appointed non-executive independent director Barrie Jackson.

It is understood the SFA retain full confidence in Ogilvie and are convinced he played no part in any potential breach of their regulations.

In his statement, Ogilvie also made it clear he has no intention of stepping down from his position as president.

“I am proud and privileged to be President of the Scottish FA during an exciting period in its history,” added Ogilvie.

“I have an excellent relationship with our chief executive, Stewart Regan and the Board of Directors.

“I would like to thank them for their support throughout this process and look forward to new and exciting challenges ahead at the Scottish FA.”