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Rangers to be re-formed as liquidation nears

Rangers have been in existence since 1872 © Getty Images

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Rangers appear set to be liquidated and re-formed as a newco after Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs decided to vote against a Company Voluntary Arrangement put forward by the prospective new owners.

Buyer Charles Green has been informed that HMRC - the most significant of the club's creditors, owed more than £21 million - will not accept a CVA, which would see a small percentage of the money repaid as a compromise arrangement.

As a result of HMRC's decision, Green - who leads the Sevco consortium hoping to buy the club - will press ahead with his plans to purchase the club's assets and form a new company.

Green said in a statement: "I am hugely disappointed by the decision of HMRC not to support the CVA proposal and that disappointment will be felt acutely by Rangers fans across the world."

HMRC has said it believes that it will pursue individuals for the money owed in the belief that it stands a greater chance of receiving the funds it is due.

A statement from the tax authority read: "A liquidation provides the best opportunity to protect taxpayers, by allowing the potential investigation and pursuit of possible claims against those responsible for the company's financial affairs in recent years.

"A CVA would restrict the scope of such action. Moreover, the liquidation route does not prejudice the proposed sale of the club. This sale can take place either through a CVA or a liquidation, so the sale is not being undermined, it simply takes a different route.

"Liquidation will enable a sale of the football assets to be made to a new company, thereby ensuring that football will continue at Ibrox. It also means that the new company will be free from claims or litigation in a way which would not be achievable with a CVA.

"Rangers can make a fresh start."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.