• SPL

SPL clubs to vote over Rangers

ESPN staff
June 18, 2012
Storm clouds have been hanging over Ibrox since the club went into administration in February © PA Photos
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The Scottish Premier League has announced that a vote on whether to allow a re-formed "newco" Rangers to play in the top flight will be held on July 4.

The SPL also revealed that disciplinary charges will be brought against Rangers once the future of the club is decided and before the new season kicks off in early August. The move follows an investigation by the SPL into player payments outside of contract.

An SPL statement said: "At its meeting, the SPL board considered a number of issues relating to Rangers FC.

"The board heard a report from its solicitors following the investigation into payments to, or for the benefit of, players allegedly made by Rangers FC outside of contract.

"The delay in concluding the investigation was caused by an initial lack of co-operation from Rangers FC.

"The investigation has now been completed and, in the view of the SPL, there is a prima facie case to answer in respect of its rules. Disciplinary charges will be brought when the future status of Rangers FC is clarified and prior to the start of [the] season."

The SPL said an application "for registration of transfer of Rangers' SPL share has been received. Consideration of the application will depend on receipt by the SPL board of all required documentation and verification."

It added: "A general meeting of all 12 member clubs has been convened for 10am on Wednesday July 4 2012 for members to decide whether to approve the transfer."

Rangers were omitted from the SPL fixture list announced on Monday, with their name being replaced by "Club 12". If the vote allows a "newco" to take a place in the top flight, the club would start the season away to Kilmarnock on August 4.

Uncertainty over the future of Rangers increased last week when former Ibrox manager Walter Smith confirmed he was heading a bid to buy the new company.

Smith led Rangers to ten Scottish league titles, five Scottish Cups and six Scottish League Cups during his two stints in charge. He handed the reins to current boss Ally McCoist at the end of the 2010-11 season.

Rangers are in dire financial straits after a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) proposal was formally rejected at a meeting of creditors on Tuesday, with prospective owner Charles Green trying to push a deal for Rangers' assets.

But Smith has asked Green to step aside to allow the consortium he is fronting to complete a deal.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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