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Meltdown: Rangers crisis deepens as SPL champions edge closer to dreaded administration
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 5:51 PM on 13th February 2012
SPL giants Rangers have lodged administration notice at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.
It is believed the Ibrox club now has five days in which to declare formally that administrators have taken over the running of the club.
The firm prospect of administration, which would bring a 10-point penalty from the Scottish Premier League, will come as no surprise to Rangers fans or the rest of Scottish football.
Troubled times: Rangers have had a miserable start to 2012
The Ibrox club are awaiting the verdict of a tax tribunal which could cost club around £49million.
The HMRC case centres around the use of employee benefits trusts (EBTs) which were in place before Craig Whyte took over from Sir David Murray last May.
The tribunal verdict is imminent but it looks like the Ibrox club have pre-empted any decision.
Whyte, who bought Murray's shares for £1 and pledged to pay off £18million of debt to Lloyds Banking Group, has seen his short tenure shrouded in controversy.
Last week former Rangers chairman Alastair Johnston revealed he had asked the Government's Insolvency Service to clarify 'certain financial arrangements' relating to the takeover of the club.
Whyte had earlier admitted securing funds from loan company Ticketus in lieu of future season ticket sales.
Johnston told the BBC: 'Rangers' stakeholders are now demanding full transparency.
'I have had numerous approaches following the recent revelations in the press about the acquisition of Rangers Football Club and the use of future season ticket money.
Up against it: Gers boss Ally McCoist has watched Celtic take over in the title race
'I am not in a position to answer all the questions put to me, but I do recognise the issue is causing much concern.
'I believe this is a prevalent view amongst Rangers' stakeholders who are now demanding full transparency about the funding of the acquisition of the club, its current financial status, and most importantly, the way forward.'
A Scottish Premier League spokesman confirmed that a 10-point deduction and a transfer embargo would only be put in place when administration was confirmed.
The spokesman said: 'At this point in time Rangers are not in administration and we await developments.
'The instant that they are technically in administration there will be an automatic 10-point deduction and, perhaps of less relevance, an embargo on player registrations.
At the helm: Rangers chairman Craig Whyte took over from David Murray in May last year
'If administration is confirmed, as we have done previously, we would be looking to work with the administrators and would be looking for a very early meeting.'
Rangers announced they had agreed a deal to sign Gabon striker Daniel Cousin just as news emerged from the court.
The court confirmed that solicitors lodged the papers on behalf of the club's directors today.
The paperwork officially confirms the club's 'intention to appoint an administrator'.
Rangers last month saw trading in their shares suspended by the PLUS Stock Exchange over their failure to submit independently audited accounts by the end of last year.
The club have also yet to hold an AGM as required by the end of December.
Whyte told fans the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the tax case was the reason for the delay.
The stock exchange and Scottish Football Association also asked for clarity over Whyte's admission that he had been disqualified as a director for seven years from 2000.
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell claims the rest of Scottish football could also survive without the Ibrox club.
Fighting talk: Celtic chief has said the SPL would survive without Rangers
'The way we would look at is we don't need Rangers,' he said. 'We have a strategy that we have embarked on, that's independent of Rangers or any other club in Scotland.
'We have a vision, horizons and aspirations which are in Scotland and beyond that, in terms of European progression. So that's what we are focusing on.
'In terms of Rangers' situation at the moment, nobody really knows what the facts are. I think it is inappropriate for us to comment on it. We are getting on with it, we are independent in terms of where we want to take the club and that's what we will continue to do.
'These are challenging times at the moment and we have to face them. There is a lot of big thinking to go on. In term of ourselves, we have set out a strategy which is now beginning to produce for us.
'Five years ago we said that we could no longer compete at the highest level, we could no longer attract the Premier League players that we had done, so we invested a lot of money in our recruitment and academy and creating, hopefully, a centre of excellence with the tentacles going far and wide.
'Identifying uncut diamonds, bringing them here, developing them and putting them in the team. We are beginning to see that with the strength and the value of the squad and the academy kids who are pushing to come through. So that is satisfying.'
Asked if Scottish football could survive and thrive without Rangers, Lawwell replied: 'If people take some clues from what we are doing, then why not? Again, I think it needs big thinkers. It needs people to think outside the box.
Rangers later released a lengthy statement revealing it could be 10 working days before a decision is made whether to proceed with the appointment of administrators.
RANGERS STATEMENT:
The Rangers Football Club plc has today announced it has filed a notice of intention to the Court of Session in Edinburgh to appoint administrators.
The Club will conduct its business as usual and will not be in administration until it decides whether to formally proceed with an application to appoint administrators.
Until such time, the Club will not face any sanction from the football authorities in terms of points deduction within the Scottish Premier League.
Sanctions such as a 10-point deduction will only apply if the Club proceeds with the appointment of administrators. It is expected to be 10 working days before a decision is made whether to appoint administrators.
Suppliers to Rangers Football Club and the Club's business partners and sponsors are currently being informed of today's announcement and arrangements between the Club, suppliers and creditors will continue as normal.
There will be no impact on season ticket holders and shareholders. Season tickets will continue to be valid for this season and any commitment to a season ticket for next season is secure.
The Club is continuing to have dialogue with HMRC in the hope that a formal insolvency procedure can be averted and has put forward pragmatic proposals.
The Club's owners believe there is no 'realistic or practical' alternative to this course of action in order to secure the long-term future of the Club.
Should administration take effect, the Club is proposing a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA). The Club wishes to seek the protection of a moratorium from HMRC action whilst a CVA proposal is made to creditors. The Club has put forward a CVA proposal to HMRC in which creditors would be paid and provision made for the legacy HMRC case, commonly known as the 'big tax' case.
This, if approved by creditors within a month, would minimise any points deduction and enable the club to participate in European football next season.
The Club has engaged Duff and Phelps, a specialist restructuring practice, to assist in finding a solution to the present position.
Should the Club proceed into administration, the appointed administrators will in all likelihood implement a cost-cutting programme and staffing levels will be reviewed across all departments of the Club's business.
Rangers chairman Craig Whyte said there is no 'realistic or practical' alternative to this course of action due to a combination of the Club's ongoing financial situation and the impending result of the HMRC first tier tax tribunal. The tribunal relates to a claim by HMRC for unpaid taxes over a period of several years dating back to 2001, which, if decided in favour of HMRC, could result in liabilities and penalties substantially more than the £50 million reported which the Club would be unable to pay.
Further investment in the Club from any source would be impossible as the threat of winding up by HMRC cannot be removed. The Rangers FC Group, the majority shareholder in the Club, is prepared to provide further funding for the Club on the basis the funding is ring-fenced from the legacy HMRC issue.
Mr Whyte said: 'It is extremely disappointing the Club's finds itself in this position but decisions have to be taken to safeguard the long-term survival and prosperity of the Club both on and off the field. The harsh reality is that this moment has been a long time coming for Rangers and its roots lie in decisions taken many years ago. If we do not take action now the consequences and the risks to the Club are too great.
'In addition to the HMRC issues, it has been abundantly clear to me the Club faces serious structural and financial issues which will continue unless they are addressed.
'There is no realistic or practical alternative to our approach as HMRC has made it plain to the Club that should we be successful in the forthcoming tax tribunal decision, they will 'appeal, appeal and appeal again' the decision. This would leave the Club facing years of uncertainty and also having to pay immediately a range of liabilities to HMRC. Even if the Club were to succeed in the tax tribunal, it would still face substantial liabilities. Zero liability will not happen.
'Whilst it appears that a consensual restructuring looks unlikely outside of a formal insolvency procedure, the above steps, if agreement cannot be reached with HMRC, will bring an end to the legacy threat of closure and will provide stability required to enable the required investment to be made into the future of the Club.
'I can, however, reassure Rangers supporters that the Club will continue and can emerge as a stronger and financially fitter organisation that will compete at the levels of competition our fans have come to expect.
'At this point I would ask all Rangers supporters to continue to show the tremendous support they have shown to the Club, Ally McCoist, his management team and the players.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...#ixzz1mI26gZem
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 5:51 PM on 13th February 2012
SPL giants Rangers have lodged administration notice at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.
It is believed the Ibrox club now has five days in which to declare formally that administrators have taken over the running of the club.
The firm prospect of administration, which would bring a 10-point penalty from the Scottish Premier League, will come as no surprise to Rangers fans or the rest of Scottish football.
Troubled times: Rangers have had a miserable start to 2012 The Ibrox club are awaiting the verdict of a tax tribunal which could cost club around £49million.
The HMRC case centres around the use of employee benefits trusts (EBTs) which were in place before Craig Whyte took over from Sir David Murray last May.
The tribunal verdict is imminent but it looks like the Ibrox club have pre-empted any decision.
Whyte, who bought Murray's shares for £1 and pledged to pay off £18million of debt to Lloyds Banking Group, has seen his short tenure shrouded in controversy.
Last week former Rangers chairman Alastair Johnston revealed he had asked the Government's Insolvency Service to clarify 'certain financial arrangements' relating to the takeover of the club.
Whyte had earlier admitted securing funds from loan company Ticketus in lieu of future season ticket sales.
Johnston told the BBC: 'Rangers' stakeholders are now demanding full transparency.
'I have had numerous approaches following the recent revelations in the press about the acquisition of Rangers Football Club and the use of future season ticket money.
Up against it: Gers boss Ally McCoist has watched Celtic take over in the title race'I am not in a position to answer all the questions put to me, but I do recognise the issue is causing much concern.
'I believe this is a prevalent view amongst Rangers' stakeholders who are now demanding full transparency about the funding of the acquisition of the club, its current financial status, and most importantly, the way forward.'
A Scottish Premier League spokesman confirmed that a 10-point deduction and a transfer embargo would only be put in place when administration was confirmed.
The spokesman said: 'At this point in time Rangers are not in administration and we await developments.
'The instant that they are technically in administration there will be an automatic 10-point deduction and, perhaps of less relevance, an embargo on player registrations.
At the helm: Rangers chairman Craig Whyte took over from David Murray in May last year'If administration is confirmed, as we have done previously, we would be looking to work with the administrators and would be looking for a very early meeting.'
Rangers announced they had agreed a deal to sign Gabon striker Daniel Cousin just as news emerged from the court.
The court confirmed that solicitors lodged the papers on behalf of the club's directors today.
The paperwork officially confirms the club's 'intention to appoint an administrator'.
Rangers last month saw trading in their shares suspended by the PLUS Stock Exchange over their failure to submit independently audited accounts by the end of last year.
The club have also yet to hold an AGM as required by the end of December.
Whyte told fans the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the tax case was the reason for the delay.
The stock exchange and Scottish Football Association also asked for clarity over Whyte's admission that he had been disqualified as a director for seven years from 2000.
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell claims the rest of Scottish football could also survive without the Ibrox club.
Fighting talk: Celtic chief has said the SPL would survive without Rangers'The way we would look at is we don't need Rangers,' he said. 'We have a strategy that we have embarked on, that's independent of Rangers or any other club in Scotland.
'We have a vision, horizons and aspirations which are in Scotland and beyond that, in terms of European progression. So that's what we are focusing on.
'In terms of Rangers' situation at the moment, nobody really knows what the facts are. I think it is inappropriate for us to comment on it. We are getting on with it, we are independent in terms of where we want to take the club and that's what we will continue to do.
'These are challenging times at the moment and we have to face them. There is a lot of big thinking to go on. In term of ourselves, we have set out a strategy which is now beginning to produce for us.
'Five years ago we said that we could no longer compete at the highest level, we could no longer attract the Premier League players that we had done, so we invested a lot of money in our recruitment and academy and creating, hopefully, a centre of excellence with the tentacles going far and wide.
'Identifying uncut diamonds, bringing them here, developing them and putting them in the team. We are beginning to see that with the strength and the value of the squad and the academy kids who are pushing to come through. So that is satisfying.'
Asked if Scottish football could survive and thrive without Rangers, Lawwell replied: 'If people take some clues from what we are doing, then why not? Again, I think it needs big thinkers. It needs people to think outside the box.
Rangers later released a lengthy statement revealing it could be 10 working days before a decision is made whether to proceed with the appointment of administrators.
RANGERS STATEMENT:
The Rangers Football Club plc has today announced it has filed a notice of intention to the Court of Session in Edinburgh to appoint administrators.
The Club will conduct its business as usual and will not be in administration until it decides whether to formally proceed with an application to appoint administrators.
Until such time, the Club will not face any sanction from the football authorities in terms of points deduction within the Scottish Premier League.
Sanctions such as a 10-point deduction will only apply if the Club proceeds with the appointment of administrators. It is expected to be 10 working days before a decision is made whether to appoint administrators.
Suppliers to Rangers Football Club and the Club's business partners and sponsors are currently being informed of today's announcement and arrangements between the Club, suppliers and creditors will continue as normal.
There will be no impact on season ticket holders and shareholders. Season tickets will continue to be valid for this season and any commitment to a season ticket for next season is secure.
The Club is continuing to have dialogue with HMRC in the hope that a formal insolvency procedure can be averted and has put forward pragmatic proposals.
The Club's owners believe there is no 'realistic or practical' alternative to this course of action in order to secure the long-term future of the Club.
Should administration take effect, the Club is proposing a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA). The Club wishes to seek the protection of a moratorium from HMRC action whilst a CVA proposal is made to creditors. The Club has put forward a CVA proposal to HMRC in which creditors would be paid and provision made for the legacy HMRC case, commonly known as the 'big tax' case.
This, if approved by creditors within a month, would minimise any points deduction and enable the club to participate in European football next season.
The Club has engaged Duff and Phelps, a specialist restructuring practice, to assist in finding a solution to the present position.
Should the Club proceed into administration, the appointed administrators will in all likelihood implement a cost-cutting programme and staffing levels will be reviewed across all departments of the Club's business.
Rangers chairman Craig Whyte said there is no 'realistic or practical' alternative to this course of action due to a combination of the Club's ongoing financial situation and the impending result of the HMRC first tier tax tribunal. The tribunal relates to a claim by HMRC for unpaid taxes over a period of several years dating back to 2001, which, if decided in favour of HMRC, could result in liabilities and penalties substantially more than the £50 million reported which the Club would be unable to pay.
Further investment in the Club from any source would be impossible as the threat of winding up by HMRC cannot be removed. The Rangers FC Group, the majority shareholder in the Club, is prepared to provide further funding for the Club on the basis the funding is ring-fenced from the legacy HMRC issue.
Mr Whyte said: 'It is extremely disappointing the Club's finds itself in this position but decisions have to be taken to safeguard the long-term survival and prosperity of the Club both on and off the field. The harsh reality is that this moment has been a long time coming for Rangers and its roots lie in decisions taken many years ago. If we do not take action now the consequences and the risks to the Club are too great.
'In addition to the HMRC issues, it has been abundantly clear to me the Club faces serious structural and financial issues which will continue unless they are addressed.
'There is no realistic or practical alternative to our approach as HMRC has made it plain to the Club that should we be successful in the forthcoming tax tribunal decision, they will 'appeal, appeal and appeal again' the decision. This would leave the Club facing years of uncertainty and also having to pay immediately a range of liabilities to HMRC. Even if the Club were to succeed in the tax tribunal, it would still face substantial liabilities. Zero liability will not happen.
'Whilst it appears that a consensual restructuring looks unlikely outside of a formal insolvency procedure, the above steps, if agreement cannot be reached with HMRC, will bring an end to the legacy threat of closure and will provide stability required to enable the required investment to be made into the future of the Club.
'I can, however, reassure Rangers supporters that the Club will continue and can emerge as a stronger and financially fitter organisation that will compete at the levels of competition our fans have come to expect.
'At this point I would ask all Rangers supporters to continue to show the tremendous support they have shown to the Club, Ally McCoist, his management team and the players.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...#ixzz1mI26gZem
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