SPL clubs to meet in quest to change voting structure

The SPL will host a special general meeting next month as clubs seek major concessions from the Old Firm.

Ten clubs will demand a change to the voting structure of the top flight in a bid to push through league reconstruction and a more equal split of television revenues.

Currently, an 11-1 majority is required to push through change in the SPL. Now the ten non-Old Firm clubs – keen to bring change following Rangers’ move into administration – want to make that 9-3.

Rangers and Celtic have traditionally formed a block vote to protect their mutual interests and are strongly opposed to the move. Celtic, in particular, will vigorously resist any attempts to change the current set-up.

The Glasgow giants will cite studies which show the two biggest clubs bring 85 per cent of the income to the Scottish top flight and, therefore, wish to preserve the status quo.

Dunfermline chairman John Yorkston confirmed the special general meeting will take place on April 12: “There has been a request for a special meeting and a number of issues are up for discussion. We are looking for more democracy and change – and change is not going to happen if we stand still. This is us trying to get the democracy we would all like to see.”

Rangers retain full voting rights at present, even though they are in administration. It was the Ibrox outfit’s financial collapse which provided the impetus for the recent meeting of the ten clubs in their bid for restructuring.

Although divided as recently as last season over whether a ten or 14-team top flight was the way forward, the ten teams still believe they can present a unified force for change.