SFL calls for decision on who replaces Rangers in SPL

The Scottish Football League have called on the SPL to clear up the confusion over which team will replace the defunct Rangers in the top flight.

• SFL chief calls for clarity over empty slot in SPL

• SPL should decide ‘quickly’

• Dundee and Dunfermline both have claims to play in top flight

SFL chief executive David Longmuir has said that he does not understand why the SPL cannot decide more quickly given they already have a vacancy.

SPL clubs will choose who takes the place of Rangers after rejecting the Ibrox newco’s application, but chief executive Neil Doncaster said last night the decision would be taken after the SFL clubs vote on Sevco’s destiny.

However, that meeting does not take place until July 13 leaving Dunfermline chairman John Yorkston pleading for clarity.

But Longmuir said he wants clarity over the vacancy to be given sooner rather than later.

“The work will start as of now to clear up some of these matters that will be concerning fans,” he said.

“The SPL have a role to play in that one and I would hope that they would step up the plate quite quickly and help us with that one.”

SFL clubs start their season in the Ramsden’s Cup on July 28 and the SPL kicks off seven days later.

Relegated Dunfermline believe they should be reinstated but plans put to SFL clubs last week proposed Dundee are promoted.

Yorkston said: “We need to know where we are - which teams we’re playing and we need to get on with it.

“It’s impossible for ourselves and it’s the same for Dundee. Even Rangers don’t know which league they’re going to be in, so their plans must be affected too.

“There are indications that a decision has been made. Dundee have been told not to vote at the SFL meeting.

“Basically, we just want to know which division we’re going to be in next year.

“That way the manager can plan what he’s going to do next year.”

Dundee have been told by SFL office bearers and lawyers that they could not vote on the Rangers issue because of a conflict of interest.

Dundee Chief executive Scott Gardiner said: “We were the only team in Division One told this as no other club was conflicted.

“We do not have to abstain as we cannot vote due to the stated potential conflict of interest which would be against natural justice.

“This is not our choice, it is however a fact that we cannot vote.

“None of this means that we have been notified by the SPL, SFL or the SFA that our status as an SFL club has changed or is due to change, because we have not.

“We do hope however that this situation can be addressed as quickly as possible as it is clearly and obviously a tremendous distraction for all of us at Dundee FC with the season looming larger than ever.”